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
Provider Letter: Feeding Assistance Rules for Nursing Facilities
Provider Letter PL 18-17 (NF) This letter addresses feeding assistance care for nursing home residents and staffing requirements to implement rules. HHSC and Long Term Care Regulatory (LTCR) determined that the topic of feeding assistance required an updated and consolidated communication to providers. The letter details: Policy Details & Provider Responsibilities: A paid feeding assistant is an individual who meets the requirements specified in the Texas Administrative Code who is … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Feeding Assistance Rules for Nursing Facilities
CMS authorizes increase of $340 million in Hospice payments for FY 2019
Many families and health care providers are debating whether the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which runs Medicare (CMS) and Congress are doing enough to implement processes to protect patients and their families from hospice providers who may be exploiting the service. Recently, CMS finalized a $340 Million/ 1.8 percent increase in Hospice payments for Medicare Hospice providers. According to reports, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at HHS synthesized 10 years of … [Read more...] about CMS authorizes increase of $340 million in Hospice payments for FY 2019
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)
HHS Releases Report on Hospice Care Fraud in US
A report released recently released by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) at the US Department of Health titled: Vulnerabilities in the Medicare Hospice Program Affect Quality Care and Program Integrity has highlighted that hospice care fraud is a nationwide problem in the US. The report found that hospices do not always provide needed services to beneficiaries and sometimes provide poor quality care for Nursing home residents and other patients. When care is provided hospices’ inappropriate … [Read more...] about HHS Releases Report on Hospice Care Fraud in US
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
Preparing for the Upcoming Fiscal Year 2018 Fee-for-Service Claims Billing Closeout
Information Letter No. 18-06 : This letter addresses preparation for the August 31, 2018, end of fiscal year closeout. Providers must promptly submit claims to be paid by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for any unbilled services. Any problems associated with the claims are resolved within the 12-month filing limitation. The letter directly addresses the following: Adult Foster Care Providers Assisted Living Facilities Community Attendant Services Providers Community … [Read more...] about Preparing for the Upcoming Fiscal Year 2018 Fee-for-Service Claims Billing Closeout
Healthcare concerns looms as Nursing provider shortage facing country intensifies
News reports have indicated that the Texas's large population of older residents, healthcare systems and assisted living facilities (ALF) could be impacted due to a nursing provider (NP) shortage facing the entire country. Central Texas and the Texas Panhandle are largely affected by the shortage of nurses. According to a Nursing Shortage Factsheet : The U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for … [Read more...] about Healthcare concerns looms as Nursing provider shortage facing country intensifies
Accessibility Standards in Assisted Living Facilities
Long-Term Care Regulatory Provider Letter - PL 18-05 Policy Update Re; Life Safety Code for Assisted Living Facility Senate Bill 1049, 85th Legislature, 2017 added §247.0264 to Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 247. This code affirms the role of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in the interpretation and enforcement of accessibility standards in assisted living facilities. Effective since September 1, 2017, a Health and Human Services (HHSC) inspector may not cite … [Read more...] about Accessibility Standards in Assisted Living Facilities