Recently, a Texas home hospice care patient went viral online after hundreds of inspired and sympathetic people called and sent well-wishes to terminally ill army veteran, Lee. As the story is reported in the news; the influx of support came after his wife told a friend that the Lee had asked to hold his phone and when she asked why he said, 'in case someone calls but after a couple hours and no calls he told his wife, 'I guess no one wants to talk to me.' In recent reports, A 2009 initiative … [Read more...] about Hospice Care To Increase For U.S. Veterans via Initiatives to Improve Care at the End of Life.
In the U.S. Many Terminally Ill Patients are not Receiving Palliative Care
Access to Palliative Care in the U.S. is available but often times very widespread but gradually improving in the Healthcare system. Palliative care provide certain treatments that may help to relieve patients from the side effects, symptoms and stress of serious chronic diseases, often to remedy the pain, nausea, dizziness, anxiety and depression cause from illness, as opposed to the disease itself. End of Life care has been at the forefront of conversation due to the advances in public … [Read more...] about In the U.S. Many Terminally Ill Patients are not Receiving Palliative Care
Palliative Care Education and Information Program launched by HHSC to educate Texans on Hospice & Supportive Care
HHS published information regarding a newly launched Palliative Care Education and Information Program. The online program is a resource that educates Texans about end of life care and support by offering assistance and tools for patients, families and providers. According to Jimmy Blanton, director of HHSC’s Health Quality Institute in the Quality and Program Improvement section, the program, a result of a House Bill 1874, was implemented to "address some of the misconceptions around palliative … [Read more...] about Palliative Care Education and Information Program launched by HHSC to educate Texans on Hospice & Supportive Care
PL/News Alerts: Alzheimer’s, July 11 Seminar
ALF: DADS clarified the requirements for using locking devices in Alzheimer's facilities or an Alzheimer's unit. An excerpt: The ALF licensing rule at 40 TAC §92.61(b)(4)(A) requires small Type A & B ALF and large Type A ALF buildings and structures to be in compliance with the 1988 edition of the Life Safety Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101, Chapter 21 for Residential Board and Care Occupancies. The following directives must be met for small Type A and B ALFs and … [Read more...] about PL/News Alerts: Alzheimer’s, July 11 Seminar
Three Year Old Denied Kidney Transplant because She is Special Needs
So this is what they think of the clients of providers of care for the developmentally disabled. Does it all come back to this? … [Read more...] about Three Year Old Denied Kidney Transplant because She is Special Needs
Information Letters: LVN/RN Form 3050, Etc.
DADS released three information letters: Hospice providers: DADS sent a corrected letter that notifies these providers that they can bill for ventilator services provided to residents in nursing facilities. In the attached letter, the corrections are indicated in red. (Letter) Day Activity Health Services providers: DADS determined that either an LVN or an RN can complete and sign the Form 3050 (DAHS Health Assessment/Individual Service Plan) when it is used for assessment in a Day Activity … [Read more...] about Information Letters: LVN/RN Form 3050, Etc.
Information Letters: New Hospice Rates, Employment Svcs Training
DADS released two information letters. Medicaid Hospice Providers: HHSC recently approved rate changes for the Medicaid Hospice Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2010, effective October 1, 2009. See new rates on this web page. The adjustment will be retroactive, so providers don't have to do anything, unless repayment fails. In that case, they'll need to re-bill the denied claims. (Letter) ICF/MR: DADS announced the Employment Services Training and Technical Assistance Initiative. The … [Read more...] about Information Letters: New Hospice Rates, Employment Svcs Training
Provider and Information Letters: HCS, TxHmL, CDSAs
DADS released one provider and three information letters: HCSSAs: All Medicare-approved home health agencies or those seeking approval under Medicare must comply with Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS)-C requirements. Download the patient classification table here and the letter here. HCS, TxHmL, and CDSAs: HHSC approved new payment rates for these programs, effective September 1, available at the HHSC Rate Analysis web page and TxHmL web page. Download the letter for … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: HCS, TxHmL, CDSAs
Texas Register Updates: Rates for Nursing, Medical Board Rules
The following information was obtained from the October 2 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC has adopted new Medicaid per diem payment rates for the nursing facility program operated DADS, effective September 1, 2009: Base Rates by RUG Add-on Rates by Enhancement Level Liability Insurance See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information. HHSC will hold a public hearing on October 20, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Rates for Nursing, Medical Board Rules
Information Letters: ICF/MR, HCS, CDSAs, DBMD
DADS released four information letters: Screen 573 allows ICFs/MR to monitor compliance with RLO. The screen's new function is to identify individuals in each queried component code that have not received a RLO due to being a new admission. These individuals will show as "Not Found" on Screen 573. A vendor will place a hold on payments to facilities until all reviews are updated and completed. (Letter) HCS, MRAs, and CDSAs: DADS implemented in CARE new nursing categories and new rates for … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ICF/MR, HCS, CDSAs, DBMD
