As a result HHSC's delay in issuing the proposed rates, the public commet period has been extended through Friday, August 7, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. Take advantage of this opportunity to have your voice heard by emailing Pam McDonald with HHSC at pam.mcdonald@hhsc.state.tx.us by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2009. • The proposed rates are based upon models developed by Deloitte Touche in 1997 and updated using data from the 2007 ICF/MR cost reports inflated to the 2010-11 biennium. … [Read more...] about Proposed 2010-11 ICR/MR Rates – comment through 8/7/09
Documents from HCS & TxHmL External Stakeholder Meeting
On July 23, DADS hosted an HCS and TxHmL External Stakeholder quarterly meeting. Related documents are online and available for downloading, including the Waiver Survey and Certification Meeting Agenda and Waiver Survey and Certification Updates (both in PDF). See the news alert for the entire list. Addendum: DADS will hold an Adult Day Care stakeholder meeting on August 19. DADS has posted the agenda. Download the related Proposed changes to DAHS Rules/Provider Manual and meeting … [Read more...] about Documents from HCS & TxHmL External Stakeholder Meeting
2010 Payment Rate Changes
CMS announced that acute care hospitals will see a 2.1 percent payment rate increase as part of an inflation update. Skilled nursing facilities face a Medicare payment reduction of $360 million as part of a $1.050-billion case-mix adjustment decrease and a $690 million market-basket increase. Alan Rosenbloom of the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care said, "The nursing home community rightly fears the $12-$16 billion in cuts are just the tip of the iceberg. As Congress continues to … [Read more...] about 2010 Payment Rate Changes
Texas Register Updates: Payment Rate Changes, Claims, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the July 31 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) intends to submit the following amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act: An amendment to adjust payment rates for the Day Activity and Health Services program to comply with the new federal minimum wage that will increase by $0.70 from the current $6.55 per hour to $7.25 … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Payment Rate Changes, Claims, Etc.
Can You Spot the Red Flags of Medical Identity Theft? FTC Rule Enforcement Now Begins November 1, 2009
The Red Flags Rule, designed to prevent and detect identity theft, takes effect August 1. Health care providers should carefully review the Rule’s definitions, because you may be surprised at how many health professionals are considered “creditors†who must develop Identity Theft Prevention Programs. The Red Flags Rule, 16 CFR § 681, applies to “financial institutions†and “creditors.†However, if your patients are not paying for services at the time that they are received, then … [Read more...] about Can You Spot the Red Flags of Medical Identity Theft? FTC Rule Enforcement Now Begins November 1, 2009
Annual Residential Visits
With more funding comes more visits...SB 643 requires ananual visits of all 3 and 4 person homes and foster/companion care (FCC) settings. A few Steps to Prepare: * Verify accuracy of address and contact information in CARE * Notify FCC pproviders and resdiential staff to expect visits * Maintain emergency plans, proof of emergency drills and copies of current fire inspections on-site Proposed procedural rules: * inaccurate location information in care may result in … [Read more...] about Annual Residential Visits
TxHmL & HCS — Elimination of the Monthly Admin & Operations Fee
As you probably know by now, the admin/op fee of approx. $935 per consumer is set to be eliminated and tied directly to individual service rates. This rule will be republished in this Friday's Texas Register and implemented October (not September) 1, 2009. Today, July 24, 2010, professional rates (RNs, LVNs, OTs, PTs, etc) will be discussed at a public hearing. 3 stages of implementation 1. 9/1/09: Professional service rate changes begin 2. 10/1/09: Remaining rate changes begin … [Read more...] about TxHmL & HCS — Elimination of the Monthly Admin & Operations Fee
New Review Process for Waiver Programs
The reviewers will be using standardized checklists as part of the new review process. The good news is that these checklists are available for providers and may be printed and used as internal QA. … [Read more...] about New Review Process for Waiver Programs
Moving Case Mgmt from the Provider to MRA
SB 1 Sect. 48 moved HCS case management to Mental Retardation Authorities (MRA). Currently, DADS does not plan on phasing in this shift, instead, DADS intends to ochestrate a mass move in June of 2010. DADS will hold a training for MRAs and providers in the spring before the change. The MRA will conduct enrollment and keep up with the PDP (person directed plan). The requirement for an interdiscplinary team has been removed and now a service team consisting of the individual, LAR, and … [Read more...] about Moving Case Mgmt from the Provider to MRA
Legislative Summary: Bills Affecting HCS & TxHmL Programs
SB 643--Protection and care of individuals with mental retardation • Renames state schools--State supported living centers • Requires annual inspections of HCS group homes • Requires independent mortality reviews • Establishes a single investigative database (DFPS & reg. issues) SB 1--General Appropriations Bill • Funds provider rate increase • Funds attendant wage increase • Funds additional HCS slots (approx 50,000) • Moves HCS case management to Mental … [Read more...] about Legislative Summary: Bills Affecting HCS & TxHmL Programs
