And you thought they were abolished for good by the Long Parliment. Think again. (Caution, bad language) … [Read more...] about The New Star Chambers
Information Letter: Medicaid Hospice Rates
HHSC approved rate changes for the Medicaid Hospice Program for FY 2011. You may download the eight-page rate chart here (PDF). DADS encourages providers to bill electronically, and they should continue billing the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership. (Letter) … [Read more...] about Information Letter: Medicaid Hospice Rates
TX Register Updates: Medicaid, Nurses, and Physicians
HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 10-068, Amendment Number 961, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would update the service description to clarify the scope of service and provider qualifications for specialized rehabilitative services provided by Early Childhood Intervention providers. For more information, see the Texas Register. The Texas Board of Nursing approved revisions to the Differentiated Entry Level Competencies of Graduates of Texas Nursing Programs, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medicaid, Nurses, and Physicians
82nd Legislative Session: New House and Senate Bills
The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 329: Relating to a pilot project to establish a comprehensive access point for long-term services and supports provided to older persons and persons with physical disabilities. HB 335: Relating to implementation and requirements of certain health care reform laws. SB 219: Relating to health and mental health services for children in foster care and kinship … [Read more...] about 82nd Legislative Session: New House and Senate Bills
Child “Welfare” Takes Wrong Children from School
And these are the people who judge your parenting skills. … [Read more...] about Child “Welfare” Takes Wrong Children from School
Information Letters and Alerts: HCS, Medicaid Hospice
HCS providers and MR authorities: Section 9.166(b)(3)(A) of HCS Rule directs revision of the HCS Individual Plan of Care (IPC) to be developed by the service planning team (SPT) and the program provider. Effective the date of this letter, DADS will consider the following process to be in compliance with this direction: If the IPC revision is to increase or decrease the hours, units, or dollars for an existing HCS service on a current, authorized HCS IPC and does not require a new … [Read more...] about Information Letters and Alerts: HCS, Medicaid Hospice
Doctors Urge Medicare Cut Delay
Years ago, policymakers created a payment formula for Medicare designed to make small adjustments every year to cut costs. As deadlines for pay cuts loomed, Congress passed short-term fixes to delay the cuts. Now physicians are facing a 23 percent cut in Medicare reimbursement rates starting December 1, and groups like the American Medical Association are urging Congress to delay the cut. The Associated Press features a cancer surgeon who tells her story. Neither Democrats nor newly … [Read more...] about Doctors Urge Medicare Cut Delay
82nd Legislative Session: New House and Senate Bills
The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 297: Relating to certain federal health care legislation; imposing penalties. HB 309: Relating to the establishment of the supportive living facility pilot program. SB 204: Relating to insurance coverage for certain devices used in the treatment of diabetes. SB 190: Relating to the licensing and regulation of physicians, physician assistants, acupuncturists, and … [Read more...] about 82nd Legislative Session: New House and Senate Bills
TX Register Updates: Correction, TANF Hearing
The following information was obtained from the November 12 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC published an intent to submit an amendment that would modify reimbursement for Medicaid State Plan for Case Management for Infants and Toddlers with Development Delays program by ending the Time and Financial Information system used to collect time and financial information. The notice listed the incorrect effective date: October 22, 2010. The correct effective date is October 23, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Correction, TANF Hearing
Information and Provider Letters: HCSSA, CLASS, CBA, ICM, Etc.
DADS issued the following information and provider letters: HCS, CLASS, CBA, HCSSA, ICM, DBMD, CWP, TxHmL, PHC, CAS, and DAHS: DADS will expand utilization management and review activities for its Medicaid community entitlement and waiver programs, effective January 1, 2011. (Letter) HCSSA: DADS issued this letter to notify these providers that using rubber stamps for registered nurse signatures is not accepted. Each entry to the client record must be signed and dated by the … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: HCSSA, CLASS, CBA, ICM, Etc.
