HHS released three provider letters in July, 2019. The are as follows: On July 3, 2019 HHS released PL 19-16 regarding Responsibility for Records after a Management Change. The letter applies to Assisted Living Facility (ALF), Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) Facility, Home and Community Support Services Agency, (HCSSA), Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID), Nursing Facility (NF), and Prescribed Pediatric … [Read more...] about Texas HHS Provider Letters for July 2019
Texas HHS Provider Letters
Three provider letters have been released by Texas HHS since December 10, 2018: Acceptable Documentation for a Criminal History Check (replacing old letters), released on January 1, 2019, describes the documentation that Alf's, DAH, HCSSA ICF/IID, NF, and PPECC may use to show that a criminal history check has been conducted, as well that the provider reviewed the results and determined that there was no impediment for employment. It also details what is not acceptable documentation and what … [Read more...] about Texas HHS Provider Letters
New Rules on License Terms and Survey Frequency for Alf’s, DAHS’s and ICF’s/IID
HHSC issued a new provider letter on October 29, 2018, adopting the new rules which affect license terms and survey frequencies for the above-mentioned providers. The rules were effective on that date. The license terms will be gradually transitioned to a three-year term on a scheduled timetable as described in the provider letter. Survey frequency will occur as follows: HHSC may conduct inspections of ALFs, DAHS facilities, and ICFs/IID asappropriate. However, it is required to conduct … [Read more...] about New Rules on License Terms and Survey Frequency for Alf’s, DAHS’s and ICF’s/IID
Newly Adopted Rules for ALF’s, DAHS’s, ICFs/IID, NF’s and Pediatric Extended Care Centers
Texas HHSC has adopted one new rule and several amendments to rules in the Texas Administrative Code, implementing legislation from HB 2025 passed in 2017. The rules were effective on October 28, 2018, but HHSC is giving Alf's, DAHS facilities and NF's until May 1, 2019 to develop and implement the policies related to Alzheimer's training. Enforcement on the other rule changes will be enforced now. The provider letter announcing this can be found here. The Texas Secretary of State has … [Read more...] about Newly Adopted Rules for ALF’s, DAHS’s, ICFs/IID, NF’s and Pediatric Extended Care Centers
HHSC Clarifies Expedited Life Safety Code Inspection Time Frames
On October 2, 2018, HHSC issued a Long-Term Care Regulatory letter to clarify previous letters regarding time frames for expedited Life Safety Code Inspections. The letter is located here. Here are pertinent quotes from the letter: A NF or ALF license applicant may submit a written request for an ELSC and fee at any time during the application process. When the licensing specialist has a complete application and fee, and a written request for ESLC inspection and fee a request is made to … [Read more...] about HHSC Clarifies Expedited Life Safety Code Inspection Time Frames
Provider Letter Regarding Incident Reporting Requirements
Provider Letter PL 2018-20 (Replaces PL 13-04 and PL 18-07) This letter gives directives to the following provider types: Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), Day Activity and HealthnServices (DAHS) Facilities, Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ICFs/IID), Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers (PPECs) Nursing Facilities (NFs) A provider (as listed above) must include in an initial … [Read more...] about Provider Letter Regarding Incident Reporting Requirements
Fiscal Year 2018 Cutoff Dates for Fee-for-Service Year-end Closeout Processing
Information Letter 18-08 & No. 18-09 This letter announces several dates regarding Fiscal Year 2018 Claims Processing for claims to be paid by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). August 24, 2018 by noon is the cutoff date for Home and Community-based Services Providers and Texas Home Living Providers . For all other agencies, providers and facilities listed below, the cutoff dates are as follows: • Fiscal Year 2016 Miscellaneous Fee-for-Service (FFS) Claims Cutoff: … [Read more...] about Fiscal Year 2018 Cutoff Dates for Fee-for-Service Year-end Closeout Processing
New Web-based Licensure System – Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP)
Provider Letter : PL 18-15 - Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP) is a new web-based licensure system designed specifically for licensed long-term care providers it will begin on Sept 4, 2018. All licensure applications will be electronic, including those for initial licenses, renewals and changes of ownership. The provider letter out lines important dates and information related to TULIP’s benefits and features, as well as instructions for making a successful transition to … [Read more...] about New Web-based Licensure System – Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP)
Annual Mandatory Training for Assisted Living Facility Manager
Long-Term Care Regulatory Provider Letter PL 18-12 (ALF) - Texas Health and Safety Code, Section 247.066(h) directs the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), to require that facility managers complete an annual training on aging in place and retaliation. The ALF rule is found at Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 1, §92.41(f)(6). HHSC has developed a web-based training that meets this requirement. The creation of this course was required by House Bill (HB) 2109, … [Read more...] about Annual Mandatory Training for Assisted Living Facility Manager
Technical Memoranda (TM) concerning prescribed Life Safety Code (LSC) standards for ALFs
Provider Letter 18-11 - Technical Memoranda (TM) concerning prescribed Life Safety Code (LSC) standards for ALFs to be responsible for reviewing the LSC TM and complying with the guidance provided therein. The LSC is a set of fire protection requirements designed to provide a reasonable degree of safety at Assisted Living Facilities. It covers construction, protection, and operational features designed to provide safety from fire, smoke, and panic. According to the letter and 2.0 Policy … [Read more...] about Technical Memoranda (TM) concerning prescribed Life Safety Code (LSC) standards for ALFs
