The following information was obtained from the May 11 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the regional healthcare partnership, on May 17, 2012, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. in the Brown-Heatly Building, Public Hearing Room, 4900 North Lamar Boulevard in Austin. HHSC will hold a second public hearing to receive comments on proposed changes to the administrative rule codified in 1 TAC §355.8065, Disproportionate Share … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Hearings, Medical Board Changes
Common Nursing Facility Survey Deficiencies
McKnights Long Term Care News offers a free webinar entitled "2012 Survey Update: The Least You Need to Know" on common nursing facility deficiencies. Linda Elizaitis, president of CMS Compliance Group and one of the speakers, stated the most common nursing home citations have to do with kitchen sanitation, infection control, management of resident care plans and medication dispensing procedures. Elizaitis noted that state surveyors have also honed in on matters of resident dignity, and … [Read more...] about Common Nursing Facility Survey Deficiencies
Private Home Health Care Profitable
The Baby Boom generation will be a business boom, indeed. According to USA Today, home health is a very profitable franchise for several reasons. The children of aging parents who need care work, so fewer are available to provide full-time home care for parents and other relatives. If the franchise is so profitable now, imagine how lucrative it will be in the next 10-20 years. Michelle Rowan, president of a market research firm that released a report about the booming business, attributes … [Read more...] about Private Home Health Care Profitable
ILs/PL: LVN On-Call, 2011 Cost Reports
DADS released one provider letter and two information letters. ICFs/ID with Capacity of 13 or Fewer Beds: DADS clarified the enforcement schedule for implementing HRC §§161.091 – 161.096 and informed providers of the required elements of the comprehensive nursing assessment for an LVN to provide on-call services or an unlicensed staff member to administer medications. (Letter) All contracted NFs: DADS informed providers they must submit Form 3618 – Resident Transaction Notice when an … [Read more...] about ILs/PL: LVN On-Call, 2011 Cost Reports
TX Register Updates: Dental Homes, Medical Board Licensure
The following information was obtained from the May 4 issue of the Texas Register. Emergency Rules For 60 days, HHSC is renewing the effectiveness of the adoption of new §355.8201 and §355.8202. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §353.2, definitions; and §353.403, enrollment and disenrollment; and proposes new Subchapter K, consisting of §353.1001 and §353.1003, Children's Medicaid Dental Services, in Chapter 353, Medicaid Managed Care. The changes would describe the default … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Dental Homes, Medical Board Licensure
DADS News Alerts: Meetings, New Report
-- DADS invites Regions 2, 9, and 10 assisted living providers to attend a DADS Regulatory Services Division meeting on May 15, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 4801 Osborne Dr., El Paso Police Department, West Side Regional Command Center. in El Paso. Register here. -- DADS will hold a meeting for Region 6 only NFs on June 22, 2012, from 1-4 p.m. at the United Way of Greater Houston, Auditorium, 50 Waugh Drive, Houston. Register here before June 8. -- DADS will issue an RFP to … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Meetings, New Report
ILs: Medicaid RSA, HDM
DADS released two information letters. CBA, MDCP, CLASS, CMA, DFMD, HCS, and TxHmL: Beginning May 17, individuals enrolled in the 1915(c) waiver programs and eligible for STAR in the Medicaid Rural Service Area will receive a packet of information with instructions on how to choose their medical plan and primary care provider. (Letter) Title XIX and Title XX Home Delivered Meals: DADS has posted budget-based rate negotiation documents and detailed instructions on the HDM provider … [Read more...] about ILs: Medicaid RSA, HDM
TX Register Updates: Consultant, Medicare Equalization
The following information was obtained from the April 27 issue of the Texas Register. HHSC has entered into a sole source agreement for consulting services for May 15, 2012. The consultant will, among other things, assist HHSC in meeting standards and requirements of the waiver under section 1115 of the Social Security Act. HHSC intends to submit transmittal number 12-022 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would exempt services provided by psychologists, psychiatrists, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Consultant, Medicare Equalization
Non-payment for “Never Events”: Coming to a Long-Term Care Provider Near You
Since October 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ("CMS") have not paid hospitals for certain hospital-acquired conditions. That is, CMS will not pay for certain conditions that were not present in the patient upon admission. The conditions are, as designated by CMS, conditions that are: (a) high cost or high volume or both, (b) result in the assignment of a case to a DRG that has a higher payment when present as a secondary diagnosis, and (c) could reasonably have been … [Read more...] about Non-payment for “Never Events”: Coming to a Long-Term Care Provider Near You
Social Media and Your Health Care Organization
A new study on social media and health care shows that more than 1, 200 hospitals participate on 4,200 social networking sites. Social media is changing the nature of healthcare interaction, and health care organizations that ignore this virtual environment may be missing opportunities to engage consumers. From a marketing perspective, health care organizations and small businesses should seize the opportunities to capitalize on social media. However, social media in health care is not … [Read more...] about Social Media and Your Health Care Organization
