Garlo Ward, P.C.

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News Alerts: Meeting Registrations, Submission Clarifications

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The Texas Housing and Health Services Coordination Council (HHSCC) is conducting a survey for residential and community-based services and supports to understand and measure the local capacity of these providers. You may complete the survey at survey monkey and contact HHSCC Coordinator Ashley Schweickart for more information at ashley.schweickart@tdhca.state.tx.us. DADS directed Dallas/Tarrant STAR+PLUS Long-term Services and Supports providers to the web site project link. … [Read more...] about News Alerts: Meeting Registrations, Submission Clarifications

TX Register Updates: Contract Award, Correction

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The following information was obtained from the March 25 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices DADS adopted new rules and repeals under 40 TAC Chapter 45, Community Living Assistance and Support Services, in the March 18, 2011 issue. Because of an error in submission, the text of §45.103(30) was incorrect: the acronym "MR" should have been "ICF/MR." HHSC awarded contract 529-06-0425-00045 to Bailit Health Purchasing, Inc., to assist Medicaid/CHIP Division to implement value-based … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Contract Award, Correction

Information/Provider Letters: Relocation Contractors, STAR+PLUS Expansion

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All NF Administrators: DADS reminded these providers about changes to MDS 3.0, Section Q: Referral to the Community - Responsibilities and Local Contact Agencies. An excerpt from the three-page letter: One of the major changes to the MDS 3.0 is Section Q, the “relocation/referral” section. The original Section Q was minimal and dependent on others to respond to the question. The MDS 3.0 Section Q is more robust and actively engages the NF resident to determine his or her goals in pursuing … [Read more...] about Information/Provider Letters: Relocation Contractors, STAR+PLUS Expansion

The True Impact of the “Never Events” Designation

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Dr. Rich at the Covert Rationing Blog explains: The “never events” initiative – just as the Feds insist to us – is aimed at changing physicians’ behavior. But quite predictably, that behavioral change will not be in the arena of quality improvement (since no amount of quality improvement can stop “never events” that are inevitable). Rather, the behavioral change will be in the arena of risk avoidance. Read the whole thing.  It explains a lot about the nature of the "Central Authority" … [Read more...] about The True Impact of the “Never Events” Designation

Baby Boomers and Home Health Care Providers

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As the generation born between 1946 and 1964 enters retirement and, in some cases, require long term care, the demand for long term care services will increase. Some retired beneficiaries will choose to receive care at home instead of in a nursing facility for independence, privacy, etc. As a result, job prospects for home health care professionals and visiting nursing are good. An excerpt from an article in the Miami Herald: With the U.S. population growing grayer, job prospects for home … [Read more...] about Baby Boomers and Home Health Care Providers

TX Register Updates: Nursing Term Changes, Hurricane Preparedness

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The following information was obtained from the March 18 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC intends to submit amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to modify the reimbursement methodologies in the Texas Medicaid State Plan as a result of Medicaid fee changes for Physicians and Certain Other Practitioners and Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies. See the Texas Register for more information. Proposed Rule HHSC proposed to … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Nursing Term Changes, Hurricane Preparedness

Provider/Information Letters: Revised Forms, Mexico Travel

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ADCs, ALFs, ICFs/MR, and NFs: DADS implemented revised forms 3736, 3720-N, and 3720, which incorporate changes to disclosure items 8, 9, and 10 respectively. See the new forms and instructions on the DADS web site, and download the letter here. DAHS: The U.S. Department of State, HHSC, and the Texas DPS issued warnings for traveling to Mexico. DADS informed DAHS providers it won't issue reimbursements for transporting individuals to Mexico, services provided while in Mexico, or staff … [Read more...] about Provider/Information Letters: Revised Forms, Mexico Travel

House and Senate Bills: Week of 3/7 and 3/11

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The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 13: Relating to the Medicaid program and alternate methods of providing health services to low-income persons in this state. HB 2453: Relating to the release of complaint information by the Texas Medical Board to the legislature. HB 2474: Relating to eligibility for and administration of the child health plan program. HB 2478: Relating to the provision of … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: Week of 3/7 and 3/11