DADS released an information letter and a provider letter: Most providers, including ADC, AL, CMPAS, DBMD, Hospice, NF, and TxHmL: DADS alerted these providers to increased incident rates of the West Nile virus in Texas, its symptoms, and how to avoid it. (Letter) ICF/IID: DADS attached the answers to frequently asked questions from providers and stakeholders. An excerpt: Criminal History Checks Q: I conduct searches and review the criminal history reports of all job applicants. … [Read more...] about IL/PL and News Alerts: West Nile Virus, Upcoming Sessions
TX Register Updates: 8/28 Hearings, ICF/ID Supp. Payments
The following information was obtained in the August 17 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings HHSC will hold a public hearing on August 28, 2012, to receive comments on the proposed amendments to §354.1252 and new §354.1253 under Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Chapter 354, Subchapter A, Division 16 concerning Certified Nurse Midwife Services: Conditions for Participation; and Licensed Midwife: Conditions for Participation. The hearing will take place from 10-11 a.m. On the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 8/28 Hearings, ICF/ID Supp. Payments
Skilled NF Pay-for-Performance, Home Care Growth
In 2009, we blogged about CMS's cash incentive program to improve quality of care in nursing homes. CMS asked Arizona, Mississippi, New York, and Wisconsin to participate. Facilities with the highest scores as well as the greatest performance would receive performance payment. McKnight's reports that after four years, results are mixed (apparently Mississippi chose not to participate). CMS released a report about the program's first-year results. An excerpt: Although the demonstration is … [Read more...] about Skilled NF Pay-for-Performance, Home Care Growth
DADS News Alerts: Upcoming Webinars, Form 2002
A sample of recent DADS news alerts: -- Form 2002, Reporting Reasonable Suspicion of a Crime, is available. -- Registration is open for the DADS Culture Change Initiative: Symposium 2012. You may register here. Lubbock: Wednesday, Aug. 22, Holiday Inn Lubbock - Hotel and Towers Dallas: Friday, Aug. 24, Westin Park Central San Antonio: Tuesday, Nov. 13, Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center Houston: Thursday, Nov. 15, Hilton Houston Southwest -- DADS updated the MDS portion of … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Upcoming Webinars, Form 2002
TX Register Updates: 9/13 Hearing, Board of Nursing Changes
The following information was obtained from the August 10 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 13, 2012, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Licensed Midwife Services in a Birthing Center; and primary care services and vaccine administration services provided by physicians and other practitioners as a result of the Affordable Care Act. The hearing will take place in the Lone Star … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 9/13 Hearing, Board of Nursing Changes
Federal Insurance Exchanges, New CMS Rule
Although Governor Rick Perry said Texas won't expand Medicaid or set up a state insurance exchange to accommodate the Affordable Care Act, the federal government might set up exchanges for states that don't set up their own. From the Associated Press: The law envisioned that states would run the new markets, or exchanges, with federal control as a fallback only. But the fallback now looks as if it will become the standard option in about half the states , at least initially. It would happen … [Read more...] about Federal Insurance Exchanges, New CMS Rule
ILs: FY13 Cutoffs, PASRR Changes
DADS released four information letters: AFC, ALFs, CBA, CMPAS, DBMD, FC, ICF/ID, PACE, and others: • Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Miscellaneous Claims Cutoff: NOON Wednesday, August 8, 2012 • FY12 Claims Processing Cutoff: NOON Thursday, August 23, 2012 (Letter) Community/State (Service Group 5) ICF/IID: • Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Miscellaneous Claims Cutoff: NOON Wednesday, August 8, 2012 • FY12 Claims Processing Cutoff: NOON Thursday, August 23, 2012 (Letter) HSC and TxHmL: • Fiscal Year (FY) … [Read more...] about ILs: FY13 Cutoffs, PASRR Changes
TX Register Updates: 8/20 Hearing, Nurse-Midwives
The following information was obtained from the August 3 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing HHSC will hold a public hearing on Monday, August 20, 2012, at 9 a.m. to receive comment on proposed payment rates for Supported Employment in the CLASS waiver program and Employment Assistance and Supported Employment in the DBMD waiver program. The hearing will be held in the Palo Duro Conference Room of the HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin. See … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 8/20 Hearing, Nurse-Midwives
ILs: FY13 Begins 9/1/12
ALFs, CAS, CBA, DAHS, FC, ICF/ID, PACE, TAS, and others: DADS reminded these providers that the state FY13 begins on September 1, 2012. Any claims for services performed during FY10 received by the TMHP after noon Wednesday, August 8, 2012, will be processed as Miscellaneous, and cannot be paid through the standard payment process. (Letter) Community/State (Service Group 5) ICF/IID: DADS reminds these providers that FY13 begins on September 1, 2012. Any claims for services performed … [Read more...] about ILs: FY13 Begins 9/1/12
More on the Physician Shortage
Most Texas providers are well aware of the shortage of primary care physicians in the state. A majority of those probably are aware that the Affordable Care Act will impact the accessibility of care. Under the law, millions of uninsured will be added to the Medicaid rolls, and many will encounter physicians who don't accept Medicaid patients. In other words, the law will exacerbate the shortage. The New York Times reported on the shortage, focusing on the Inland Empire area of … [Read more...] about More on the Physician Shortage
