Information Letter No. 18-02 -Nursing Facility providers often make two common mistakes that usually result in denial of authorization requests or Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) NF specialized services or assessments. To avoid this error, DADS has published this letter to help avoid these errors. The two most common reasons HHSC denies authorization requests for PASRR specialized services and assessments are: 1. NF staff … [Read more...] about Nursing Providers: Avoiding Common Errors that Result in Nursing Facility Specialized Services Denial
Cost Report Training Information For Service Providers
Information Letter No. 18-01 - Cost report training is required every other year for the odd-year cost report in order for the preparer to be qualified to complete both that odd-year cost report and the following even-year cost report. Upon successful completion of either an Initial or Refresher Cost Report Training webinar, preparers who have previously completed cost report training for that same program will be awarded credit for completing the webinar and will be able to submit a 2017 cost … [Read more...] about Cost Report Training Information For Service Providers
CMS Launches Data Submission System for Clinicians in the Quality Payment Program
In a press release, CMS announced that doctors and other eligible clinicians participating in the Quality Payment Program can begin submitting their 2017 performance data using a new system on the Quality Payment Program website (qpp.cms.gov). The Quality Payment Program has two tracks you can choose:Advanced Alternative Payment Models (APMs) orThe Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS)The data submission system is an improvement from the former systems under the CMS legacy programs, which … [Read more...] about CMS Launches Data Submission System for Clinicians in the Quality Payment Program
Medicare program’s penalty protocols for Nursing homes change under Trump Administration
In 2016, the nursing home industry requested the change in the Medicare program's penalty protocols and now, according to reports, a new policy from the Trump administration will roll back fines against nursing homes cited for mistreatment or neglect. The New York Times research found that nearly 6,500 nursing homes in the U.S. have received at least one citation for a serious violation since 2013 and about two-thirds of those have been fined by Medicare.According to this New York Times excerpt … [Read more...] about Medicare program’s penalty protocols for Nursing homes change under Trump Administration
Texas to receive $25 Billion in Medicaid Funding after Approval of the 1115 Demonstration Waiver
According to The Office of Texas Government news release, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have reached an agreement to continue a critical part of the state’s Medicaid program over the next five years.The approval of the 1115 Demonstration Waiver will allow the state to continue expanding managed care to Medicaid clients while also preserving supplemental payments to hospitals and other critical Medicaid providers. According to … [Read more...] about Texas to receive $25 Billion in Medicaid Funding after Approval of the 1115 Demonstration Waiver
PPAT Notice For Draft Rule Amendments Regarding Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation
Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) implemented rules that address changes in the authority of the DFPS Adult Protective Services (APS) Provider division, as amended by SB 1880 and SB 760, 84th Legislative Session (2015). The changes give the APS Provider division the authority to investigate an allegation of abuse, neglect, or exploitation (ANE) of an adult or child who receives a service from a provider who contracts with HHSC to provide Medicaid waiver or Medicaid state plan services and … [Read more...] about PPAT Notice For Draft Rule Amendments Regarding Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation
Enforcement of Obama-era nursing home standards and enforcement remedies halted by CMS
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
