The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released a provider letter and an information letter: Licensure Requirement for Whirlpool Tubs DADS issued a letter to Nursing Facilities to provide guidance and clarification related to DADS rules at Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 19, §19.334(c)(1), requiring every nursing facility provide at least one whirlpool tub unit as one of the required bathing units. Download the letter for more … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Nursing Services FAQs, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Changes to Certified Nurse Midwife Services, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 15 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced its intent to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medicaid services delivered by Physician Assistants, and Advanced Practice Nurses, including Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Certified Nurse Midwives under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The proposed amendment, effective May 16, will modify … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Changes to Certified Nurse Midwife Services, Etc.
State Medicaid News Round-Up
Lawmakers in Texas are trying to extend the State Children's Insurance Program from six months of coverage to 12 months before the legislature ends session on June 1. Democratic representative Sylvester Turner said, "The bottom line is if this bill were to be passed and signed by the governor, approximately 250,000 more kids would have access to insurance." (Source) The Kaiser Network reports that Washington state has removed budget proposals that would have reduced Medicaid payment rates to … [Read more...] about State Medicaid News Round-Up
Publications
News Flashes The Texas Medical Foundation Posted December 6, 2004 Employment Law Update: Job Protection for Returning Military; New DOL Forms Available; and the Flu Shots Shortage Posted November 16, 2004 Don't Forget To Shred, Burn, Smash and Otherwise Pulverize the Trash� Posted June 1, 2005 Paying Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants Hourly? Then Be Ready To Pay Time-and-a-Half Overtime Posted June 1, 2005 News Flashes Archive Articles From the … [Read more...] about Publications
Texas Register Updates: Per Diem Rates, Consulting Contract
The following information was obtained from the May 8 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted the following per diem reimbursement rates: Per Diem Rates for Large, State-Operated ICF/MR Services Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities-Medicaid Only clients Adopted interim daily rate: $409.98 Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities-Dual-eligible Medicaid/Medicare clients Adopted interim daily rate: $392.41 HHSC … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Per Diem Rates, Consulting Contract
Provider and Information Letters: Continuing Education Clock Hours, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released one provider and four information letters: Continuing Education Clock Hours -- Nursing Facility Administrators (NFA) In a letter to Nursing Facilities, DADS provided guidance and clarification about updated rules governing NFA continuing education. From the letter: Effective June 1, 2009, under the amended NFA rule at Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 18, §18.35, DADS will accept no more than … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Continuing Education Clock Hours, Etc.
Medicaid-Related Bills, Part 3
The following Medicaid-related bills may affect certain providers: HB 165 - Relating to a career ladder for interveners who provide services under the deaf-blind with multiple disabilities waiver program. HB 1138 - Relating to information required on pharmacy benefit cards. HB 1240 - Relating to information required to be provided to parents of an infant. HB 1574 - Relating to services for persons with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders and their families. HB 2329 … [Read more...] about Medicaid-Related Bills, Part 3
Provider and Information Letters: Swine Flu Guidance, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two provider and four information letters: Swine Influenza Guidance DADS provided all Adult Day Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities (AL), Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA), Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions (ICF/MR), Nursing Facilities, Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Providers, Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Providers and Mental … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Swine Flu Guidance, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Reviews and Changes
The following information was obtained from the April 24 and May 1 issues of the Texas Register: Public Notices On May 14, 2009, at 1 p.m., the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on proposed payment rates for nursing facilities. The hearing will take place in the Permian Basin Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd., Austin, Texas. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Reviews and Changes
Information Letters: MDS Admission Assessment, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters: Minimum Data Sets (MDS) Admission Assessment In a letter to Nursing Facility (NF) providers, DADS clarified when an MDS admission assessment should be submitted as well as the appropriate reasons for the assessment if the form is dually coded for Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and Medicare. Download the three-page letter for more information. Integrated Care Management (ICM) and … [Read more...] about Information Letters: MDS Admission Assessment, Etc.
