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Acceptance of Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) (Replaces PL 14-27)

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In accordance with provisions of the Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC) Chapter 142, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will accept accreditation by ACHC in lieu of Regulatory Services licensing survey activity for the categories of licensed home health services (LHHS), licensed and certified home health services (L&CHHS), personal assistance services (PAS), and hospice services. This letter replaces PL 14-27. THSC §142.006(c) waives the necessity of licensing … [Read more...] about Acceptance of Accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) (Replaces PL 14-27)

Residential Provider Self-Assessment Concerning Medicaid Home and CommunityBased Services (HCBS) Settings

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The purpose of this provider information letter (IL) is to notify CLASS, DBMD, and HCS program providers that they may be selected to complete a mandatory, online residential provider self-assessment concerning Medicaid HCBS settings.The residential provider self-assessment is designed to enable the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) to evaluate the extent to which DADS regulations, standards, policies, licensing requirements, and other provider requirements comply with … [Read more...] about Residential Provider Self-Assessment Concerning Medicaid Home and CommunityBased Services (HCBS) Settings

Attendant Recruitment and Retention Survey

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 The 2016-2017 General Appropriations Act, H.B. 1, 84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015 (Article II, HHSC Rider 89) states:Recruitment and Retention Strategies.Out of funds appropriated above, the Health and Human Services Commission shall develop recruitment and retention strategies for community attendants to address the projected shortage of attendants.As part of its compliance with Rider 89, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will be gathering attendant data from the 2015 … [Read more...] about Attendant Recruitment and Retention Survey

HHSC – Upcoming Meetings and Events

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April 13, 2016 10 a.m. — Austin Proposed Name of Committee: Children and Youth Behavioral Health Subcommittee Subcommittee to the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee April 15, 2016 10 a.m. — Austin Palliative Care Interdisciplinary Advisory Council April 20, 2016 10 a.m. — Austin Children's Policy Council  Visit us at Garlo Ward, PC. … [Read more...] about HHSC – Upcoming Meetings and Events

DFPS Commissioner Specia Stepping Down from Top Job

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After Three Decades of Public Service, DFPS Commissioner Specia Stepping Down from Top JobAUSTIN – Judge John Specia Jr. announced his intention to retire as Commissioner of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) effective May 31, 2016."Judge Specia is a dynamic leader and has proven himself a true public servant for three decades," Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Chris Traylor said. "His career will always be defined by his commitment to children, … [Read more...] about DFPS Commissioner Specia Stepping Down from Top Job

New Rules Regarding Closure of an ICF/IID

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 On April 17, 2016, two rules regarding closure of an ICF/IID will be repealed and replaced with new rules. The new rules are Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 1, (40 TAC) §9.218, Voluntary Facility Closure and Suspension of Certified Capacity, and §90.239, Notification of Closure.Voluntary ClosureNew 40 TAC §9.218 will set forth the requirements an ICF/IID program provider must comply with to voluntarily close an ICF/IID and, at the program provider’s option, to request suspension of … [Read more...] about New Rules Regarding Closure of an ICF/IID

More on the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act

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 This letter informs providers of the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act (“Act”), and to encourage its implementation. The Texas Legislature amended the Estates Code through House Bill (H.B.) 39 and Senate Bill (S.B.) 1881, (84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015) by adding the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act. The Act provides adults with disabilities who need assistance with understanding choices to make their own decisions an option that is less restrictive than guardianship. … [Read more...] about More on the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act

Definitions – Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act

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Who is an adult with a disability? Under this law, an adult with a disability is: • an individual 18 years old or older, or an individual under 18 years old who the law considers to be an adult; and • who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Who is a supporter? A supporter is a person who has made a “supported decision-making agreement” with an adult with a disability to help the adult gather information and communicate their life … [Read more...] about Definitions – Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act

Presentation to the Transition Legislative Oversight Committee on Transformation of the Health and Human Services System

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Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Chris Traylor's presentation for today's Transition Legislative Oversight Committee meeting has been posted on the HHS Transformation website. Major Provisions of HHS Transformation LegislationReorganizes the HHS System, consolidating client services, regulatory functions, and residential facility operations at HHSCFocuses DSHS on public health functions and DFPS on protective services functionsTransfers vocational rehabilitation … [Read more...] about Presentation to the Transition Legislative Oversight Committee on Transformation of the Health and Human Services System