CMS halts enforcement of some standards required by nursing homes that would enhance safety procedures for patients. In this notice: Temporary Enforcement Delays for Certain Phase 2 F-Tags and Changes to Nursing Home Compare posted late last month, the CMS announced an 18-month moratorium on enforcement remedies in some nursing home regulation that was finalized last year.Memorandum Summary from CMS Inlcuded:Temporary moratorium on imposing certain enforcement remedies for specific Phase 2 … [Read more...] about Enforcement of Obama-era nursing home standards and enforcement remedies halted by CMS
Service Limit Exceptions in Programs for Adaptive Aids and Minor Home Modifications Due to Hurricane Harvey
Provider Letter No. 17-28 and Information Letter No. 17-27 addresses Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) allowing an exception to the service limits for replacing or repairing adaptive aids and minor home modifications for certain individuals enrolled including those in the:Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS)Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) ProgramHome and Community-based Services (HCS) Texas Home Living (TxHmL) ProgramSpecifically, individuals whose … [Read more...] about Service Limit Exceptions in Programs for Adaptive Aids and Minor Home Modifications Due to Hurricane Harvey
ALF’s- Resolution of an Immediate Threat of Harm During an On-site Inspection
Provider Letter 17-36 ? If there's an Immediate Threat of Harm to the health and safety of residents at an Assisted Living Facilities during an On-site Inspection HHSC is authorized by HSC §247.042 to suspend the facility’s license or immediately close the facility. The inspector will conclude the review if, after reviewing documentation and reviewing sufficient evidence, the inspector determines that the residents are no longer at risk of serious injury, impairment or death. According to the … [Read more...] about ALF’s- Resolution of an Immediate Threat of Harm During an On-site Inspection
Extensions of Eligibility and Individual Plan of Care Authorizations for Individuals in CLASS and DBMD Impacted by Hurricane Harvey
Information Letter No. 17-25 – The information letter informs residents that were affected by Hurricane Harvey that The Texas Health and Human Services Commission can implement extensions of eligibility and individual plan of care authorizations on a case-by-case basis. An extension can be requested by a CLASS case management agency, CLASS direct service agency or DBMD program provider.The extension is for individuals that had permanent residence in a county declared a federal disaster area … [Read more...] about Extensions of Eligibility and Individual Plan of Care Authorizations for Individuals in CLASS and DBMD Impacted by Hurricane Harvey
Texas Register Update Concerning Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopts new Division 7, concerning DSRIP Program Demonstration Years 7-8, and within the new division (Review Texas Register for programs).The following information was obtained from the Novemeber 24 issue of the Texas Register.The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Texas' request for a new Medicaiddemonstration waiver entitled "Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Program" in accordance with §1115 … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update Concerning Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program.
CMS Finalizes Policies that Reduce Provider Burden, Lower Prescription Prices
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule this month for the 2018 Physician Fee Schedule and final rule with comment period for the Quality Payment Program (QPP). According to a news release by CMS, Seema Verma, Administrator of CMS explained that:“These rules move the agency in a new direction and begin to ease that burden by strengthening the patient-doctor relationship, empowering patients to realize the value of their care over volume of tests, and … [Read more...] about CMS Finalizes Policies that Reduce Provider Burden, Lower Prescription Prices
Abuse & poor quality care rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average
Many nursing homes have hired Certified Nurse Aides with criminal histories legally. Using data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, it has been discovered that the patient abuse rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average. 25% of the state's 1,200 long-term care centers have been cited for serious standard deficiencies- According to reports by the AARPIn Texas, there are many nurse aides in nursing facilities that have criminal … [Read more...] about Abuse & poor quality care rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average
(CMS) requires that Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs)
Provider Letter 17-35 DADS released the latest Provider Letter 17-35 – Determination of Separate Entities which replaces PL 01-46 & PL 02-05 for Medicare Certified Home and Community Support Service Agencies. The letter details that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for all clients being served by the agency, regardless of a client’s payment source. The … [Read more...] about (CMS) requires that Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs)
Texas lawmakers approve major nursing home quality reforms
According to reports, the 2017 Texas regular legislative session made vast changes affecting older Texans. Lawmakers approved several top priorities for AARP Texas including bills that, among other things, will protect seniors’ financial future, improve access to health care, and help unpaid family caregivers and their families.Also included was major nursing home quality reforms that seek to hold operators of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities more accountable when they have been … [Read more...] about Texas lawmakers approve major nursing home quality reforms
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness Requirements
Provider Letter No. 17-32 - DADS latest provider letters addressed to the Medicare and Medicaid Certified Nursing Facilities (NFs), Medicare-Certified Home Health and Hospice Agencies, and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICFs/IID) all must comply with new federal emergency preparedness Requirements for Participation, including training and testing program requirements, by November 15, 2017. The NF's are a required to … [Read more...] about The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness Requirements