The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued four information letters: Revisions to the Texas Medicaid Hospice Program Standards Handbook The Texas Medicaid Hospice Program Standards Handbook has been revised to reflect Texas Index for Level of Effort to Resource Utilization Group changes. For more information, download the letter. Repeal of the DADS Rule at 40 TAC §49.43 Expedited Payments System DADS notified Community Based Alternatives (CBA), Home and … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Revision, Repeal, Follow-Up
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rates for Hospice Routine Home Care, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the October 3 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on October 21, 2008, to receive public comment on proposed rates for Hospice routine home, continuous home, inpatient respite, and general inpatient care. The hearing will take place at 9 a.m. in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, at … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rates for Hospice Routine Home Care, Etc.
Medicare to Stop Paying for Preventable Errors
In an effort to keep down costs and encourage providers to give better care, Medicare will not pay for "reasonably preventable" medical errors, including second surgeries to remove sponges left in patients, infections that develop after certain surgeries, and bed sores. Medicare has compiled a list of 10 such conditions. (Source) Hospitals also will be prevented from directly billing patients for costs associated with medical errors. Taxpayer-supported and private insurers are following … [Read more...] about Medicare to Stop Paying for Preventable Errors
TAHSA Live Webinar
On Oct. 1, TAHSA offered a live webcast to discuss the latest technology trends in long term care. This presentation examined upcoming Medicare payment mandates that will affect your decisions on how to collect and track resident information in addition to technology trends that will assist you in delivering proactive care, maximizing reimbursements, improving efficiency and reducing operating costs. The presentation provides a great of list of questions to consider when shopping for point … [Read more...] about TAHSA Live Webinar
Information and Survey Letters: Impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three information letters and three federal survey letters: Information Letters License Capacity in Adult Day Care (ADC) Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) Facilities – DADS reminds providers that all licensed ADC facilities participating in the DAHS program must not exceed their licensed capacity. Download the letter for more information. Waiver Survey and Certification (WS&C) Process to Initiate Alternative … [Read more...] about Information and Survey Letters: Impact of Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Census Bureau Temp Worker Income
The following information was obtained from the September 26 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced its intent to submit Amendment 20 to the Texas State Plan for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) under Title XXI of the Social Security Act, effective October 1, 2008. The amendment would exempt people who did temporary work for the Census Bureau from including this income to determine Medicaid and Temporary Assistance to Needy … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Census Bureau Temp Worker Income
TAHSA Hosts First Webinar Training
On Wednesday, October 1, TAHSA is hosting its first webinar training. In the comfort of your office or home, you can learn about coming trends in technology in long term care. You may register by going here. … [Read more...] about TAHSA Hosts First Webinar Training
Economic Stimulus Bills Blocked
Earlier this month, the Kaiser Network reported that House Democrats were considering a bill to add billions more in Medicaid reimbursements as part of a second economic stimulus package they'd hoped to pass before Congress adjourns this month. Kaiser reported late last week that House Democrats proposed a package of $61 billion (some sources report $56 billion), with $13 billion set aside for Medicaid. Their counterparts in the Senate proposed a $56.2 billion package that would provide … [Read more...] about Economic Stimulus Bills Blocked
Texas Register Updates: TANF Changes, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the September 19 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board has proposed amendments to nine sections of the rules, including Medical Records, Authority of Physicians to Buy Drugs, Complaints, and Investigations. Follow this link and scroll down to read each entry. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed to amend §97.3, concerning license fees; §97.17, concerning application procedures for a … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: TANF Changes, Etc.
Provider and Information Letters: Two Surveys, Hurricane Ike, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two provider and three information letters: Survey About Vehicles Used for Transportation of Individuals DADS requested that Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) participate in a survey of providers regarding vehicles used to provide transportation of individuals enrolled in DADS programs. The deadline is October 1, 2008. Here is a direct link to the survey. Download the letter for more information. Regulatory … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Two Surveys, Hurricane Ike, Etc.
