Until recently, the New Mexico Survey Agency allowed providers to file only the Informal Dispute Resolution request- without your rebuttal information- by the tenth day after receipt of the 2567. The agency then permitted additional time for filing the rebuttal information as long as it was received two weeks prior to a meeting of the Informal Review Committee meeting.The above described practice, though contrary to the written policy, was allowed until now. Contacts at the DOH have now … [Read more...] about Change In New Mexico IDR Practice
Joint Investigations of Abuse & Neglect in Nursing Homes
On March 22, 2005, DADS issued Provider Letter #05-13--Joint Investigation of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Allegations. This letter notifes nursing homes that DADS will notify local law enforcement of abuse and neglect allegations of the nature that statutorily requires DADS to investigate within 24 hours:A resident('s):health or safety is in imminent danger, orhas recently died because of alleged abuse or neglect or other complaint. orhas been hospitalized or treated in E.R. because of … [Read more...] about Joint Investigations of Abuse & Neglect in Nursing Homes
The Medicaid Estate Recovery Program
The new rule became effective on March 1. Already, families are reacting:A new rule took effect Tuesday that will allow the state of Texas to get back some of the money paid out for nursing home care. The rule has some families scrambling to protect their assets from the government … [Read more...] about The Medicaid Estate Recovery Program
How to Save Medicare? Die Sooner?!
A story in the New York Times proposes that the government consider saving Medicare money by having people die sooner(free subscription required to view):ALTHOUGH Social Security's fiscal direction has taken center stage in Washington of late, Medicare's future financing problems are likely to be much worse. President Bush has asserted that the Medicare Modernization Act, which he signed in 2003, would solve some of those problems - "the logic is irrefutable," he said two months ago. Yet the … [Read more...] about How to Save Medicare? Die Sooner?!
You’d Think They’d Have Better Things to Do: The FBI and HIPAA
Brett Mendel, Senior Analyst at Byte and Switch Insider is reporting that the FBI is apparently investigating security breaches regarding data security and HIPAA:"It is happening with HIPAA," says Mark Diamond, president and CEO of data storage consulting firm Contoural Inc. "If you do not maintain security of data, you will be investigated by the FBI."Say what?You bet. While the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) monitors compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and … [Read more...] about You’d Think They’d Have Better Things to Do: The FBI and HIPAA
A Little CMS Bird Chirps In My Ear About Inservices
I have received some insights from a source from CMS in Dallas about how your inservices could be improved that may help you when you are dealing with survey issues.The holding of an inservice in and of itself is not compelling evidence that you are fixing problems before (as part of Quality Assurance) or after (as part of a Plan of Correction). The folks at CMS want to know that an inservice has effectively taught staff how to carry out particular functions.The folks at CMS are concerned that … [Read more...] about A Little CMS Bird Chirps In My Ear About Inservices
Residents get more money and facilities get more forms
Currently working their way through the Texas legislature are two bills, House Bill 212 by Guillen and Senate Bill 199 by Gallegos.Senate Bill 199, if passed, would increase the personal needs allowance from $45 to $75 a month for residents in nursing homes, assisted living and ICF-MR facilities.House Bill 212 would require that health care facilities obtain a release from new employees within 72 hours of hiring. This release will allow access to certain information about the practitioner's … [Read more...] about Residents get more money and facilities get more forms
A “Little Side Step” Means You Get Stomped On! The Bed Tax and New Mexico.
Ooo I love to dance a little sidestep,Now they see me, now they don't,I've come and gone,AND Oooo I love to sweep around the wide step,Cut a little swathe and lead the people on."- "The Sidestep," sung by the Governor in The Best Little Whorehouse in TexasRemember that little song and dance routine in the movie, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas? The Governor is exulting over his ability to pull the wool over people's eyes.When will we ever learn about the promises of politicians when it comes … [Read more...] about A “Little Side Step” Means You Get Stomped On! The Bed Tax and New Mexico.
Medicaid and Provider Taxes–A Primer on Economics
I know that some in Texas support the idea of a provider tax on nursing homes to make up for shortfalls in Medicaid funding. For those who do--and those who don't know one way or another--I invite you to go read Dr. Bob at The Doctor is In about a similar tax his state of Washington contemplates putting on physicians for the same reason--a shortfall of Medicaid funding. I excerpt portions:The large majority of Washington physicians would prefer to see Medicaid patients, but are quite simply … [Read more...] about Medicaid and Provider Taxes–A Primer on Economics
Reflections On Being A Nurse
Shrinkette, a psychiatrist, provides a roundup of the reflections of a number of Nurses on what it takes to survive in the profession. She begins with a list of what it takes to be a nurse compiled by a nursing instructor at Top of My Head:What is takes to be a nurse:1. To see people at their worst and know it was part of their job to help them in anyway they could.2. To be exposed to things that many people could never imagine and continue to do their job and not think twice about their career … [Read more...] about Reflections On Being A Nurse