Three Interesting Stories on the Texas Legalization of Hemp
On June 10, Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill legalizing hemp production. "Texas House Republican Charles Perry was the author of House Bill 1325 and has been a huge advocate for the hemp industry in Texas. The bill passed with flying colors. "The hemp industry is rapidly growing and we need to ensure our farmers are able to participate. We hope this agricultural commodity will help boost rural communities now that there is a new viable crop option for our farmers," Perry … [Read more...] about Three Interesting Stories on the Texas Legalization of Hemp
Nursing Home Staffing Levels Lower than Reported?
Modern Healthcare magazine is reporting that the results of a study published in Health Affairs are indicating that staffing levels are "often lower than reported" and "below what CMS expects." One area of special concern is staffing of RN's: "The numbers were most stark for RNs, where 91% of the organizations met expectations less than 60% of the time. Almost all facilities are required to have at least one RN on site for at least eight hours every day. But nearly 4% of … [Read more...] about Nursing Home Staffing Levels Lower than Reported?
Senate Bill 1264 Signed into Law & Surprise Billing Scrutinized by Congress
I discussed SB 1264 passed by the Texas Legislature regarding balance billing(surprise billing) in the first Grand Rounds Legal podcast by Garlo Ward. The bill was signed by the governor on June 16, 2019 and will be effective on September 1, 2019. Congress is also addressing the issue in a bipartisan bill filed by Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Greg Walden (R-OR). Go here to read the details in this blog post by Obsurvus Solutions. … [Read more...] about Senate Bill 1264 Signed into Law & Surprise Billing Scrutinized by Congress
HB 29 Direct Access Legislation for Physical Therapists in Texas
HB 29 has been signed by Gov. Abbott granting increased direct access to patients under certain conditions: Professional liability coverage in the minimum amount required by board Doctoral degree through program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical therapy or agency or association recognized by the US Secretary of Education or completion of 30 hours of continuing competence activities in the area of differential diagnosis. with doctoral degree may treat … [Read more...] about HB 29 Direct Access Legislation for Physical Therapists in Texas
June 2019 Provider Letter from Texas HHS
On June 5, HHS posted Provider Letter No. 19-13 impacting the HCS, LIDDA and TxHmL handbooks. The letter gave notification of additions regarding requirements to "Train Staff, Member, Service Providers, and Volunteers" regarding Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation. On June 7, HHS posted Long-Term Care Regulator Provider letter PL 19-14 affecting Nursing Facilities (NF) regarding Proper Authorization of Applied Income from Resident Trust Fund(s). Remember that NF residents have the right … [Read more...] about June 2019 Provider Letter from Texas HHS
EHR Hack Causes Clinic to Close
The libertarian-leaning Citizen's Council for Health Freedom is reporting on a massive patient data hack at a clinic in Michigan. The doctors refused to pay the ransom demanded by hackers that attacked the clinic's EHR with ransomware. The hackers then wiped the entire system, deleting all patient data. This blow caused the two doctors running the clinic to retire early: “Rather than rebuild their practice from scratch, the doctors retired early, leaving their patients to find … [Read more...] about EHR Hack Causes Clinic to Close
Employers Can Now Reimburse Employees for Individual Insurance Plans
New regulations have been finalized to allow employers to pay into employee accounts: The Trump administration finalized some new regulations late last week for those tax-preferred accounts. In short, employers can pay money into their employees’ health reimbursement accounts, and then the workers can take that money and use it to buy insurance on the individual market. Companies can alternatively pay into a different kind of HRA that their workers can then use to pay directly for … [Read more...] about Employers Can Now Reimburse Employees for Individual Insurance Plans
US Post Office Clarification Regarding Mailing of Hemp and CBD Products
After instances of hemp and CBD companies encountering problems with local post offices regarding the legality of mailing hemp and CBD products, the US Postal Service has clarified and promulgated a new policy with the relevant provision below: 453.37 Hemp-based Products For purposes of this section, “hemp” shall have the meaning provided under federal law, including Section 10113 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L.115-334 (7 U.S.C. § 1639o), or any … [Read more...] about US Post Office Clarification Regarding Mailing of Hemp and CBD Products
Federal HHSC OIG Report Contends Incidents of Potential Abuse and Neglect not being Reported
This month, the HHSC OIG released a report entitled INCIDENTS OF POTENTIAL ABUSE AND NEGLECT AT SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES WERE NOT ALWAYS REPORTED AND INVESTIGATED. According to the Waco Tribune: " Nursing facilities have failed to report thousands of serious cases of potential neglect and abuse of seniors on Medicare even though it's a federal requirement for them to do so, according to a watchdog report released Wednesday that calls for a new focus on protecting frail … [Read more...] about Federal HHSC OIG Report Contends Incidents of Potential Abuse and Neglect not being Reported