DADS released two provider letters. ICFs/IID: DADS re-issued the letter to inform providers that the requirement for data entry into Client Assignment and Registration System Screen 691 has been removed. (Letter) AL: DADS notified providers that it intends to adopt the 2000 edition of the NFPA 101, the LSC, effective October 15, 2013, for assisted living facilities. (Letter) -- HHSC proposed new sections and amendments in Title 40, TAC, Chapter 42, DBMD Program; Chapter 45, … [Read more...] about PLs and News Alerts: Screen 691, 7/11 Webinar
Three Ways to be Prepared for a RUG Review
Your facility will have a RUG review in the near future. Being prepared for a review can be half the battle. Knowing where all your old documentation is and knowing what, exactly, is in that documentation will make a RUG review much easier on the facility. There are three important steps the facility can take to not only mitigate errors found by reviewers, but create a far less stressful review. Organization of old records is the primary key of your preparation. Make sure a minimum … [Read more...] about Three Ways to be Prepared for a RUG Review
TX Register Updates: 7/10 and 7/17 Hearings
The following information was obtained from the June 21 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices, Corrections, and Hearings HHSC issued four corrections concerning the Texas Healthcare Transformation Quality Improvement Program waiver program. See the Texas Register for details, and scroll down for each entry. HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at 8:30 a.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Ambulance Services, Substance Use Disorder … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 7/10 and 7/17 Hearings
Introduced Bill, Resolution, and Provider News
HB 61: Relating to the applicability of adverse licensing, listing, or registration decisions by certain health and human services agencies. SJR 6: Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to expand eligibility for the Medicaid program to certain persons. -- "Despite a shortage of U.S. primary care doctors, less than 25 percent of new doctors go into this field, and fewer still work in rural areas, researchers say...Lead study author Dr. Candice Chen, an assistant research … [Read more...] about Introduced Bill, Resolution, and Provider News
IL and News Alerts: 6/21, 7/23 Meetings
AFC, AL/RC, CBA HCSSA, DAHS, FMS, HDM, MDCP, Out-of-Home Respite ADC and AL/RC, PHC, and TAS: DADS notified contracted providers of changes to contract and fiscal compliance monitoring protocol in relation to negative billing. (Letter) -- (Published on the DADS site today, 6/18) DADS will hold the quarterly HCSSA stakeholder meeting this Friday, June 21, 2013, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Public Hearing Room in the Winters Building, 701 W. 51st Street, Austin. Agenda (PDF) -- DADS will … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: 6/21, 7/23 Meetings
TX Register Updates: Notice Correction, THTQIP Waiver
The following information was obtained from the June 14 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices and Correction HHSC corrected a notice published in the May 31, 2013, issue in reference to the intent to submit a request to amend the CLASS Medicaid waiver. An excerpt: In addition to the changes previously described in the public notice published in the May 31, 2013, issue of the Texas Register, employment assistance is also being added to the waiver as a service. Changes in the waiver … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Notice Correction, THTQIP Waiver
From McKnight’s: CMS Crackdown, NF Management Agreements
-- "A compliance expert cautioned long-term care providers about CMS' new Fraud Prevention System in a recent McKnight's Super Tuesday webcast. While technology can catch bad actors, it's also a crucial way to maintain compliance, advised Alliance Training Center Executive Director Leah Klusch, RN, BSN, FACHCA. She advocated for programs that electronically compare Minimum Data Set and billing data so administrators can catch problems early." – McKnight's -- "[Nursing home management] … [Read more...] about From McKnight’s: CMS Crackdown, NF Management Agreements
CHARTING BY EXCEPTION–THE FAST TRACK TO RUG ERRORS?
Charting by exception is the single most problematic form of nursing charting. Charting by exception is a tool used for residents who require little to no nursing intervention or care. This type of charting, if not done correctly, will leave the facility subject to allegations of RUG review errors. Reviewers scrutinize nurse charting to determine if it supports flow sheets and checklists. Since MDS 3.0 requires clearly documented comments, charting by exception will be a basis for … [Read more...] about CHARTING BY EXCEPTION–THE FAST TRACK TO RUG ERRORS?
TX Register Updates: THTQIP, Hospital Waiver Payments
The following information was obtained from the June 7 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the Texas Healthcare Transformation Quality Improvement Program waiver program. An excerpt: Effective September 1, 2013, the expenditures for STAR+PLUS enrollees for elimination of the 30-day spell of illness limitation will no longer be authorized. Under this policy, after 30 days of inpatient care has been provided, additional inpatient care … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: THTQIP, Hospital Waiver Payments
IL and News Alerts: RN Assessment, Workshop Registration
DADS released one information letter. TxHmL and Local Authority Service Coordinators: DADS informed TxHmL program providers of the requirement to complete a RN nursing assessment for all individuals in their program before a nurse or an unlicensed service provider can perform nursing tasks. (Letter) -- DADS contracted with the NACES Plus Foundation Inc. to collect data for the 2013 Nursing Facility Quality Review. For more information, see the 2012 Nursing Facility Quality … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: RN Assessment, Workshop Registration
