The following recently introduced House bills could affect long term care providers: HB 2276: Relating to notice of residential services available for persons with intellectual disabilities. HB 2288: Relating to the exemption from sales and use taxes of certain health care supplies. HB 2348: Relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Medical Board and the regulation of certain persons licensed by the board. HB 2358: Relating to the regulation of the practice of nursing. HB … [Read more...] about House Bills: PPACA, Medicaid
House and Senate Bills: PPACA, Medicaid
The following recently introduced House and Senate bills could affect long term care providers: HCR 60: Urging the United States Congress to modify the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to allow cost-sharing payments and premium tax credits to be made available to the Texas political subdivision health care benefit pools on the same basis as those for health plans participating in the new federal exchange. HCR 64: Requesting the comptroller to conduct a study to determine the … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: PPACA, Medicaid
ILs/PLs: Cost Avoidance Project, DPS
DADS released three information and two provider letters. NF, Hospice, and ICF/IID: DADS provided billing guidelines to providers for the final implementation of the Cost Avoidance Project, effective February 22, 2013. An excerpt: Because the February 22, 2013, Cost Avoidance Project implementation date falls within the month of February, providers are encouraged to separate claims for dates of service before and after February 22, 2013. Claims with dates of service prior to February 22, … [Read more...] about ILs/PLs: Cost Avoidance Project, DPS
ILs and News Alerts: PASRR Changes, Medicaid Buy-In
Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review Process Changing: Local Authorities NF Administrators, MDS Coordinators, and Directors of Nursing -- DADS has modified CLASS Form 3621 and Form 3621-R. See the forms page for more information. -- DADS announced that it's now easier to apply for the Medicaid Buy-In. Download the application in PDF for more information. -- DADS has updated information on its Nursing Services web page for the LVN On-Call Operational Protocol. -- DADS … [Read more...] about ILs and News Alerts: PASRR Changes, Medicaid Buy-In
TX Register Updates: Telemedicine, Cost Reports
The following information was obtained from the November 16 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to repeal §354.1430, Definitions, and §354.1432, Benefits and Limitations; and proposes new §354.1430, Definitions, and §354.1432, Telemedicine and Telehealth Benefits and Limitations. The proposed rules would reflect new definitions and benefits described in SB 293, which requires HHSC to expand services provided by use of advanced telecommunications services. See the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Telemedicine, Cost Reports
House and Senate Bills: Assisted Living, HCS
The following long term care-related bills were recently introduced in the 83rd Legislative Session: HB 43: Relating to the establishment of the affordable assisted living facility program. HB 128: Relating to the creation of a childhood health program grant. SB 29: Relating to certain Medicaid home and community-based services waiver programs. SB 33: Relating to the electronic monitoring of residents at state supported living centers; providing criminal penalties. SB 34: Relating … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: Assisted Living, HCS
TX Register Update: 11/29 Hearing, MCO Changes
The following information was obtained from the November 9 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing in the Lone Star Conference Room on Thursday, November 29, 2012, at 9 a.m., to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the AL/RC services under the CBA program, CBA Personal Care III services, and the RC program. HHSC intends to submit to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would define the reimbursement methodology … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: 11/29 Hearing, MCO Changes
DADS News Alerts: 10/1 Agenda, 11/1 Meeting
-- Available: Agenda for ALF Stakeholder Meeting to be held on October 1, 2012 in Austin. -- Available: Revised Form 5035 - Request for Exception to Service Limit for the HCS Program -- To HCS and TxHmL: SSAS workshops for these providers previously scheduled for November 2012, have been postponed to February 2013. -- Laura Buckner of the University of Texas Center for Disability Studies will conduct an "Overview & Philosophy of Person Centered Thinking" training. See the news … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 10/1 Agenda, 11/1 Meeting
IL/PL & News Alerts: Resident Death Reports, 10/1 Meeting
CBA HCSSAs, DBMD, PHC, and CDS: DADS reminded these providers that claims submitted for Personal Assistance Services should be based on the actual days and hours that services were provided and documented on the consumer's timesheet, not on the period of time when he/she was in the hospital. (Letter) All licensed ICF/ID and NFs: DADS has changed the process for submitting resident death reports: The Texas Health and Safety Code, §260A.016 (formerly §242.134) and §252.134, requires a … [Read more...] about IL/PL & News Alerts: Resident Death Reports, 10/1 Meeting
IL/PL and News Alerts: West Nile Virus, Upcoming Sessions
DADS released an information letter and a provider letter: Most providers, including ADC, AL, CMPAS, DBMD, Hospice, NF, and TxHmL: DADS alerted these providers to increased incident rates of the West Nile virus in Texas, its symptoms, and how to avoid it. (Letter) ICF/IID: DADS attached the answers to frequently asked questions from providers and stakeholders. An excerpt: Criminal History Checks Q: I conduct searches and review the criminal history reports of all job applicants. … [Read more...] about IL/PL and News Alerts: West Nile Virus, Upcoming Sessions