DADS released two provider letters. ALF, Hospice Freestanding Inpatient Units, ICFs/IID, and NF: DADS reminded these providers that their emergency plans must provide for the safe evacuation of all individuals residing in their facilities when the emergency situation requires an evacuation. (Letter) Hospice Agencies with a Freestanding Inpatient Unit: DADS reminded these providers that all HCSSAs must comply with TAC, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 97, §97.256 and have a written emergency … [Read more...] about PLs and News Alerts: Emergency Plans
TX Register Updates: Correction, Base Wage
The following information was obtained from the October 11 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice Correction HHSC published a notice in the September 20 issue about the agency's intent to submit a request to amend the THTQIP. An excerpt: In the prior public notice published in the September 20, 2013 issue of the Texas Register, HHSC discussed the agency's intent to request the addition of cognitive rehabilitation therapy as an available service in the STAR+PLUS home and community … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Correction, Base Wage
LTC News: No Medicaid Payments
-- Medicare Part D, 2014 -- "In a blow to Medicaid-certified long-term care providers in the nation's capital, officials announced the District of Columbia would not make Medicaid payments during the federal government shutdown." – McKnight's -- "In the two years since an 11.1% reimbursement cut for skilled nursing facilities hit, providers have regrouped and have achieved modest successes, the president of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living told … [Read more...] about LTC News: No Medicaid Payments
ILs/PLs: NF Changes, Four-person Residence
DADS released two information letters and three provider letters. HSC: DADS informed these providers about changes to the critical incident reporting requirements. (Letter) DADS also informed these providers that effective October 1, 2013, DADS will allow a service provider of residential support and the service provider's spouse, or person with whom the service provider has a spousal relationship, to live in a four-person residence. (Letter) NF: A recent legislative bill … [Read more...] about ILs/PLs: NF Changes, Four-person Residence
DADS News Alert: New Hospice E-mail, Gov’t Shutdown
-- HHSC adopted rules, effective October 1, 2013, in 40 TAC, Chapter 42, Chapter 44, Chapter 45, Chapter 47, Chapter 48, and Chapter 51. -- DADS' created a new e-mail address for Hospice providers for Texas Medicaid Hospice policy questions: hospice@dads.state.tx.us.The new e-mail address replaces Pam Lovell's name and direct phone number in this letter (PDF). -- DADS statement on government shutdown: The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) wants to reassure … [Read more...] about DADS News Alert: New Hospice E-mail, Gov’t Shutdown
TX Register Updates: 10/22 Hearing, BON Changes
The following information was obtained from the October 4 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed rates for hospice routine home, continuous home, inpatient respite, and general inpatient care. The hearing will be held in the Public Hearing Room, Brown Heatly Building, located at 4900 North Lamar, Austin. HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 10/22 Hearing, BON Changes
LTC News: ACA Discussion, Gov’t Shutdown
-- "Although CMS posted the new manual Tuesday, just one week before it goes into effect, the agency previously had issued guidance to long-term care providers on notable changes regarding therapy and nutritional status." - McKnight's -- "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has decided to ease guidelines concerning auditors' requests for additional documentation. CMS is giving providers a small break by saying auditors should accept additional documentation submissions in a … [Read more...] about LTC News: ACA Discussion, Gov’t Shutdown
DADS News Alerts: 10/29 Meeting, Provider Agreements
-- Transition for Implementation of FY 2014 SNF PPS MDS 3.0 Policy Changes (PDF) - Texas providers with questions can contact Cheryl Shiffer here. -- MDS 3.0 RAI Manual V1.11 Available - A list of significant changes can be found in the document titled "RAI Manual V1.11 October 2013 Changes." Also see McKnight's news story. -- DADS posted a new appendix, List of Excluded Individuals and Entities, designed to explain and clarify the federal requirement that all providers contracting with … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 10/29 Meeting, Provider Agreements
TX Register Updates: Out-of-State Nursing Education
The following information was obtained from the September 27 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board proposed several changes to the code: Licensure Medical Records Physician Registration Reinstatement And Reissuance Pain Management Temporary and Limited Licenses Physician Profiles Business Organizations Surgical Assistants Procedural Rules Compliance Program Office-Based Anesthesia Services Pain Management Clinics Voluntary … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Out-of-State Nursing Education
ILs: LOC, CDS Option
DADS released four information letters. HCS: DADS clarified the rules effective on January 1, 2013, and explained interim Waiver, Survey and Certification survey requirements related to Life Safety Code inspections. (Letter) DADS also informed these providers and local authorities of a new process, effective September 18, 2013, regarding level of care redeterminations. (Letter) DBMD and Financial Management Services Agencies: DADS informed DBMD providers and Financial Management … [Read more...] about ILs: LOC, CDS Option
