DADS is hosting Town Hall Meetings throughout the state this summer to provide an opportunity for DADS consumers and family members, service providers and the public to learn more about the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) service delivery option available in many Texas programs. Currently, only 2% of HCS programs (OHFH) and 4% of TxHmL Programs utilize consumer directed services (CDS). Providers and public welcome. Schedule 7/27: Longview, Texas 7/29: Fort Worth, Texas 8/12: Austin, … [Read more...] about Upcoming CDS Town Hall Meetings
Changes to HCS Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)
HCS providers report to DADS through the CARE system and the required reporting information has changed (SB 325). Providers must begin collecting data in compliance with the new requirements on August 1, 2009. Provider must now report the total number of medication errors, serious injuries, behavior plans authorizing restraint, emergency restraints used (including type of restraint), individuals requiring emergency restraints, and restraint related injuries. For more information please see … [Read more...] about Changes to HCS Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)
Changes to TxHmL Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)
TxHmL providers report to DADS through the CARE system and the required reporting information has changed (SB 325). Providers must begin collecting data in compliance with the new requirements on August 1, 2009. Providers must now report the total number of medication errors, serious injuries, behavior plans authorizing restraint, emergency restraints used (including type of restraint), individuals requiring emergency restraints, and restraint related injuries. For more information please see … [Read more...] about Changes to TxHmL Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)
FIVES system now includes HCS (FIVES: Facility Inventory, Vacancy, & Evacuation Status)
DADS created the FIVES system so providers can work together during emergencies and disasters. Home and Community-based Services Program Providers join the ranks of ICF/MRs, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and in-patient hospice providers that currently use the system to share information regarding vacancies, available space, inventory, evacuation status, etc. For more information please see provider letter 09-42 and access FIVES online. … [Read more...] about FIVES system now includes HCS (FIVES: Facility Inventory, Vacancy, & Evacuation Status)
Information Letters: HSC, TxHml, PACE Providers
DADS released three information letters: Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Providers DADS reminded and encouraged HCS and TxHmL providers to use the Client Abuse and Neglect Reporting System to conduct screenings of potential and current employees and contracted personnel. Download the letter for more information. Community Service Providers DADS reminded Community Service Providers of the 12-month rule that requires providers to bill for … [Read more...] about Information Letters: HSC, TxHml, PACE Providers
Police Pepper Spray, Taze and then Allegedly Laugh at Deaf, Special Needs Man
Then they claim it's justified. How disgusting. Providers taking care of special needs adults should be communicating with and educating local peace officers: MOBILE, Ala. — Officers who used pepper spray and a Taser to remove a man from a store bathroom found out only later he was deaf and mentally disabled and didn't understand they wanted him to open the door, police said Tuesday. A spokesman for the Mobile Police Department said the officers' actions were justified because the … [Read more...] about Police Pepper Spray, Taze and then Allegedly Laugh at Deaf, Special Needs Man
Texas Register Updates: Amended Notice, Contract Award, Etc.
The following was obtained from the July 24 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices and Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which amends the original notice published in the July 3, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 4566) by changing the effective date from September 1, 2009 to August 1, 2009. The proposed amendment would adjust payment rates for the Primary Home Care … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Amended Notice, Contract Award, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: ICF/MR Medicaid Rates, ACD Devices
The following information was obtained from the July 17 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing to receive comment on proposed Medicaid rates for the Nursing Facility program on August 3, 2009, at 9 a.m. At 1:30 p.m. the same day, HHSC will hold a public hearing to receive comment on proposed rate adjustments for the non-state operated Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: ICF/MR Medicaid Rates, ACD Devices
Whether you’re caring for the young or the old the State’s expectations don’t change
Interestingly, the categories of top 10 deficiencies cited against Child Placing Agencies parallel the categories of top 10 deficiencies cited against Nursing Facilities Physical environment/Sanitation— Youth: “safe for children, kept clean, and in good repair†(Rank #2) Seniors: “nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean, and comfortable†“give out food in a safe & clean way†and “housekeeping and maintenance†(Rank #7, 1, and, 10) Staff … [Read more...] about Whether you’re caring for the young or the old the State’s expectations don’t change
New Interpretive Guidance on Quality of Life and Environment
On June 12, 2009, Appendix PP, pertaining to nursing facilities, was revised with regard to F-tags 172, 175, 241, 242, 246, 247, 252, 255, 256, 371, 461 and 463. Here is a copy of the CMS Transmittal detailing the changes: Transmittal 48 James M. Berklan, editor of McKnight's Long-Term Care News says the following about the changes: Uncle Sam has put in his order for a heaping dose of resident choice and flexibility. Here's hoping you have your order pad and pencil at the ready, … [Read more...] about New Interpretive Guidance on Quality of Life and Environment
