The following information was obtained from the December 21 and December 28 editions of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public rate hearing on January 10, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. in the Palo Duro Canyon Conference Room of the Braker Center, to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Rural Health Clinics and Federally Qualified Health Clinics. For more information, including where to send written comments, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, Grant Program, Etc.
“Alert: New Form I-9 Effective Immediately”
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), which enforces federal employment verification requirements, has issued the first updated Form I-9 since 1991. Devised to help employers verify that every new employee is either a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S., the law requires that the new Form I-9 be used for all individuals hired on or after November 7, 2007. However, CIS also granted a 30-day "transition period" for employers to begin using the new form. That transition … [Read more...] about “Alert: New Form I-9 Effective Immediately”
Provider and Information Letters: Health Care Decisions, Treatment Consent, Etc.
Since December 11, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has issued provider and information letters to the following: Nursing Facilities Authority to Make Health Care Decisions (letter) Rules and Regulations Concerning Provider Continuing In-service Education for Certified Nurse Aides (letter) Home and Community Support Services Agencies Medicare Treatment Consent Requirements (letter) Primary Home Care and Community Attendant Services Providers … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Health Care Decisions, Treatment Consent, Etc.
GAO Releases Reports on Medicare Part D and SCHIP
According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) released last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) may have made $90 million worth of "questionable" payments to Medicare Part D contractors hired to help launch the program. (Kaiser Network) Some payments didn't comply with terms of the contracts, the GAO found. Jeff Nelligan, CMS spokesperson, said launching the Part D program "required some contract decisions outside of standard policy." You may download the … [Read more...] about GAO Releases Reports on Medicare Part D and SCHIP
Texas Medical Board is Sued in Federal Court
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons has filed suit on behalf of its members against the Texas Medical Board. Go here to see the allegations. … [Read more...] about Texas Medical Board is Sued in Federal Court
Senate Votes to Delay Physicians Fee Cut and Extend SCHIP
Earlier this week, the U.S. Senate approved a bill that would delay a 10 percent physicians fee cut for six months. The Senate also voted to extend the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) through March 2009. (Kaiser Network) The bill would increase physicians fees by 0.5 percent for six months. Commenting on this action, the American Medical Association (AMA) said: "It is extremely disappointing that after all the hard work in the House earlier this year to replace two … [Read more...] about Senate Votes to Delay Physicians Fee Cut and Extend SCHIP
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Provider Payment Rates
The following information was obtained from the December 14 edition of the Texas Register: Open Meetings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has issued notice of adopted Medicaid provider payment rates for the Truman W. Smith Children's Care Center. The rates are as follows: $182.75, effective January 1, 2007 through August 31, 2007; and $189.04, effective September 1, 2007. HHSC will hold public hearings for proposed Medicaid payment rates for various programs … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Provider Payment Rates
Texas Register Updates: Open Meetings
The following information was obtained from the December 7 edition of the Texas Register: The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will hold a public meeting on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Texas on December 12, 2007, at the Texas State Capitol Building, Room E1.012 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The goal of the meeting is for the Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders to hear from major stakeholder groups. For more information about the meeting, see the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Open Meetings
Bush Vetoes SCHIP Again
For the second time, President George W. Bush has vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). According to Newsday, lawmakers say they will no longer seek to expand the bill. Mike Leavitt, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said the president would have been willing to sign a bill that would increase SCHIP's funding by only $20 billion over five years instead of the proposed $35 billion over five years. Lawmakers … [Read more...] about Bush Vetoes SCHIP Again
Information Letters: Relocation Contract Budget Changes, Etc.
In an information letter to relocation contractors, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) explained changes that can be made to the relocation contract budget, effective immediately. For information about line items and transfers between line items, download the letter. DADS informed Community Living Assistance and Support Service Program Providers, Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Program Providers, and Home and Community Services Program Providers that the … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Relocation Contract Budget Changes, Etc.
