A few of the most recent news updates: -- DADS will hold four webinars on cultural change in nursing facilities. The first is scheduled for Oct. 25, 2011, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is open. Email DADSCultureChange@dads.state.tx.us with questions. -- CMS is hosting a PERM provider (PDF) education webinar/listening sessions for Medicaid and CHIP providers in Cycle 3 states: -- DADS will propose to repeal 40 TAC, Chapter 5, Subchapter I, Behavior Therapy, at the … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Cultural Change, PERM Webinar
ILs and PL: EVV Requirements, Deficiencies Review
DADS released two information letters and one provider letter: CDS: HHSC will pilot an Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) System for your community-based services in DADS Region 2 (Abilene, Wichita Falls and the surrounding area) and DADS Region 4 (Longview, Tyler and the surrounding area) (Letter) Individuals receiving services from DADS: HHSC will pilot an EVV System for your community-based services in DADS Regions 2 and 4. (Letter) HCSSAs: DADS explains the Informal Review … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: EVV Requirements, Deficiencies Review
TX Register Updates: PASRR Changes, TxHmL Renewal
The following information was obtained from the October 14 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would add categorical determinations to the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) program. HHSC intends to submit an amendment that would define the PASRR Level II evaluation and identify specialized services available only to PASRR-eligible individuals. Finally, HHSC intends to … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: PASRR Changes, TxHmL Renewal
Requirements for Informal Review Requests will be Enforced Beginning September 1, 2011
DADS has issued Provider Letter 11-11 outlining changes for requirements to informal review requests for cost reports, effective September 1, 2011. Beginning September 1, if a provider submits an informal review request that does not meet the requirements of 1 TAC §355.110(c)(1)(B) the request will not be accepted. Under 1 TAC §355.110(c)(1)(B), a provider must submit the following with its request for informal review: A concise statement of the specific actions or determinations … [Read more...] about Requirements for Informal Review Requests will be Enforced Beginning September 1, 2011
Recent Reforms to the Texas Medical Board Disciplinary Process
Effective September 1, 2011, House Bill 680 moderately reforms the disciplinary process of the Texas Medical Board (“TMB”). The key points of the reform are listed below. Anonymous complaints: The TMB will no longer accept anonymous complaints. “Anonymous” is defined as a complaint that “lacks sufficient information to identify the source or the name of the person who filed the complaint.” That is, the TMB has to be able to identify the complainant. However, the TMB does not have to inform … [Read more...] about Recent Reforms to the Texas Medical Board Disciplinary Process
Texas Doctors Changing with the Times
The rising costs of health care and lower reimbursement rates are forcing some physicians to change the way they work. From the Texas Tribune: These new models present a culture shift for the state's physicians, who haven't been as quick to shed a kind of "lone ranger" status as some doctors elsewhere in the nation. But it has provided an intriguing benefit for patients, drawn to the convenience and comfort of a system financially motivated to keep them as well as possible. “Doctors in Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Doctors Changing with the Times
DADS News Alerts: Electronic Forms, Region 6 AL Orientation
Since September 28, DADS has issued 10+ news alerts. The most recent alerts appear on the first page. From the second page: -- DADS will implement a pilot project allowing AFC, AL/RC, CAS, CBA, CDSAs, DAHS, ERS, FC, HDM, MDCP, PHC, and TAS providers and CDSAs to transmit and receive forms and documentation electronically, effective December 2011. Please email DADS at PDO@dads.state.tx.us for more information. Houston office - 1332 E. 40th location Harris County CDSAs Waco … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Electronic Forms, Region 6 AL Orientation
TX Register Updates: Oct. Hearings, Nursing & Physician Changes
The following information was obtained from the October 7 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on October 27, 2011, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed rates for Hospice routine home, continuous home, inpatient respite, and general inpatient care, to be held in the Lone Star Conference Room. HHSC intends to submit transmittal number 11-055 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would establish the Recovery … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Oct. Hearings, Nursing & Physician Changes
ILs and PLs: Meds/Unlicensed Person, EVV
DADS released three provider and five information letters: Licensed ICFs: Effective immediately, an unlicensed person may adminster medication to a client without the requirement that an RN delegate or oversee each administration if various conditions are met, including if the meds are administered for a stable or predictable condition. (Letter) ALFs: SB 7, 82nd Legislature, First Called Session, 2011, amended Section 247.002 of the code and revised the definition of an ALF to … [Read more...] about ILs and PLs: Meds/Unlicensed Person, EVV
TX Register Updates: CDS Option Hearing, Corrected Notices
The following information was obtained from the September 30 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notices HHSC intends to renew the consultant contract for Information Technology Negotiation Support Services to continue services to provide information, advice, and assistance in various proposals IT negotiations. HHSC will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 18, 2011, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed CDS option payment rates for employment assistance and … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: CDS Option Hearing, Corrected Notices
