Nursing Homes will be facing a RUG Utilization review in the near future. This review will cover the years from 2008 through 2010 for MDS 2.0 items. What it is and how it works Reviwers select a group of residents from predetermined RUG categories. We have all read how Medicare/Medicaid is going after the therapy RUGs claiming this is the most abused category. However, surveyors are also targeting the ADL RUGs. Any error found for one resident RUG causes the surveyors to … [Read more...] about RUG REVIEWS: HHSC-OIG reviewers are here – help!
TX Register Updates: Anesthesiologist Assistants
The following information was obtained from the May 24 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical that would add Anesthesiologist Assistants to the fee schedules in the current state plan by adding fees for existing services. See the Texas Register for more information. Proposed Rule HHSC proposed new §355.8203, Waiver Payments to Other Performers, which would include a description of eligibility requirements, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Anesthesiologist Assistants
Enrolled House and Senate Bills
-- The following recently enrolled bills affect certain long term care providers: HB 33: Relating to alternative methods of dispute resolution in certain disputes between the Department of Aging and Disability Services and an assisted living facility licensed by the department. HB 908: Relating to the assessment of an elderly or disabled person's psychological status for purposes of an emergency order authorizing protective services. HB 1358: Relating to procedures for certain audits … [Read more...] about Enrolled House and Senate Bills
IL and News Alert: 6/14 Meeting, HCS Service Delivery
DADS issued one information letter. ICF/IID: DADS provided guidance on the separation of oral and topical medication within an individual's medication box. An excerpt: 42 Code of Federal Regulations §483.460(l)(1) (W377) requires an ICF/IID to store drugs under proper conditions of sanitation. It is easy for topical ointments and creams to get on the outside of the tube or container when being dispensed. If an individual’s topical medications are stored in a box that also contains his … [Read more...] about IL and News Alert: 6/14 Meeting, HCS Service Delivery
CMS News and Texas Bills
-- CMS "could take a variety of steps to make audits less burdensome, healthcare providers stated in white papers submitted to members of the Senate Finance Committee. The committee released a report Thursday, summarizing stakeholders' input and recommendations for improving the audit process." – McKnight's -- CMS "has revised the provider certification manual for hospitals, giving more in-depth guidelines around discharge planning. The goal is for hospitals to reduce readmissions by … [Read more...] about CMS News and Texas Bills
IL/PL & News Alerts: Non-delegated Tasks, Admin Penalty
DADS released an information/provider letter. CAS, CBA, CLASS, CMPAS, DBMD, FC, HCSSA, MDCP, PHC, and SSPD: The letter provides direction for HCSSA on documenting non-delegated tasks delivered by unlicensed persons. (Letter) -- HHSC adopted new §98.105, Administrative Penalties, in Chapter 98, Adult Day Care and Day Activity and Health Services Requirements, which allows DADS to assess an administrative penalty against an adult day care facility that violates licensing … [Read more...] about IL/PL & News Alerts: Non-delegated Tasks, Admin Penalty
TX Register Updates: Board of Nursing, PASRR Changes
The following information was obtained from the May 17 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice The Texas Board of Nursing proposed to amend 22 TAC §§213.27, 213.28, 213.29, 213.30, and 213.33, concerning Practice and Procedure: Disciplinary Guidelines for Criminal Conduct (PDF) Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §355.8401, Case Management Reimbursement Methodology, which would update and clarify the methodology used to determine the Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers of … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Board of Nursing, PASRR Changes
TX Register Updates: Comment Extension, Use of Restraint
The following information was obtained from the May 10 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices – Comment Extension Period HHSC proposed to amend §354.1281, Psychologists' Services, which would add provisionally licensed psychologists as another type of provider who can perform psychological counseling and services under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist. HHSC also proposed to amend §355.8081, relating to allowing HHSC to reimburse for the Medicaid services provided … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Comment Extension, Use of Restraint
Bill Status Reminder, Provider Events
We'd like to remind long term care providers to check the status of bills introduced during the 83rd legislative session. We list recently introduced bills on the blog, and the status of some of these bills have changed. See our category of posts with links to bills, and click on the ones relevant to you for status updates. Some long term care providers might be interested in the Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice's calendar of events. Leading Age Texas also has a calendar of … [Read more...] about Bill Status Reminder, Provider Events
IL and News Alerts: 6/21 Meeting, Workshop Change
HCS and community-based ICF/IID: DADS reminded program providers about the requirements for evaluating the use of restraints. (Letter) -- DADS will hold a HCSSA stakeholders meeting on Friday, June 21, 2013, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the John H. Winters Building in Austin. Please e-mail suggested topics for the agenda to Therese.Palombi@dads.state.tx.us by C.O.B. Friday, May 31, 2013. -- DADS posted an improved version of the "Change of Therapy Determination Flowchart" in the MDS document … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: 6/21 Meeting, Workshop Change
