DADS is hosting Town Hall Meetings throughout the state this summer to provide an opportunity for DADS consumers and family members, service providers and the public to learn more about the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) service delivery option available in many Texas programs. Currently, only 2% of HCS programs (OHFH) and 4% of TxHmL Programs utilize consumer directed services (CDS). Providers and public welcome. Schedule 7/27: Longview, Texas 7/29: Fort Worth, Texas 8/12: Austin, … [Read more...] about Upcoming CDS Town Hall Meetings
Changes to HCS Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)
HCS providers report to DADS through the CARE system and the required reporting information has changed (SB 325). Providers must begin collecting data in compliance with the new requirements on August 1, 2009. Provider must now report the total number of medication errors, serious injuries, behavior plans authorizing restraint, emergency restraints used (including type of restraint), individuals requiring emergency restraints, and restraint related injuries. For more information please see … [Read more...] about Changes to HCS Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)
FIVES system now includes HCS (FIVES: Facility Inventory, Vacancy, & Evacuation Status)
DADS created the FIVES system so providers can work together during emergencies and disasters. Home and Community-based Services Program Providers join the ranks of ICF/MRs, nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and in-patient hospice providers that currently use the system to share information regarding vacancies, available space, inventory, evacuation status, etc. For more information please see provider letter 09-42 and access FIVES online. … [Read more...] about FIVES system now includes HCS (FIVES: Facility Inventory, Vacancy, & Evacuation Status)
Information Letters: HSC, TxHml, PACE Providers
DADS released three information letters: Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Providers DADS reminded and encouraged HCS and TxHmL providers to use the Client Abuse and Neglect Reporting System to conduct screenings of potential and current employees and contracted personnel. Download the letter for more information. Community Service Providers DADS reminded Community Service Providers of the 12-month rule that requires providers to bill for … [Read more...] about Information Letters: HSC, TxHml, PACE Providers
Police Pepper Spray, Taze and then Allegedly Laugh at Deaf, Special Needs Man
Then they claim it's justified. How disgusting. Providers taking care of special needs adults should be communicating with and educating local peace officers: MOBILE, Ala. — Officers who used pepper spray and a Taser to remove a man from a store bathroom found out only later he was deaf and mentally disabled and didn't understand they wanted him to open the door, police said Tuesday. A spokesman for the Mobile Police Department said the officers' actions were justified because the … [Read more...] about Police Pepper Spray, Taze and then Allegedly Laugh at Deaf, Special Needs Man
Texas Register Updates: Amended Notice, Contract Award, Etc.
The following was obtained from the July 24 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices and Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which amends the original notice published in the July 3, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 4566) by changing the effective date from September 1, 2009 to August 1, 2009. The proposed amendment would adjust payment rates for the Primary Home Care … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Amended Notice, Contract Award, Etc.
Information Letters: Hearing Cancellation, Physician’s Signature
The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two information letters: Public Hearing Regarding Proposed Rates for the Home and Community-based Services, Texas Home Living, and Consolidated Waiver waiver programs -- Revised DADS informed all HCS, TxHmL, and CWP waiver programs about the cancellation of a public hearing initially scheduled for July 24, 2009, at 2:30 p.m. See the letter for more information. Mental Retardation/Related Conditions (MR/RC) … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Hearing Cancellation, Physician’s Signature
Texas Register Updates: Licensure Applications and Registrations Changes, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the July 10 Texas Register: Public Hearing The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on July 24, 2009, at 1 p.m. to receive public comment on proposed rates for Professional Services in Home and Community-Based Services waivers. The hearing will take place in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Licensure Applications and Registrations Changes, Etc.
Information and Provider Letters: Critical Incident Reporting
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three information letters and one provider letter: Resident Choice of Health Professionals DADS reminded Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) and Home and Community Support Services Agencies of a resident's right to choose and contract with his or her own health care professionals. According to DADS, ALFs must specify in the facility resident admission agreement any requirements the facility imposes on non-facility … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Critical Incident Reporting
Texas Register Updates: New Contract Award, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the July 3 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced a contract award valued at $259,690 to Navigant Consulting, Inc., to provide consulting and application development services to HHSC to design and develop a risk-based contract performance management/monitoring tool for the Texas Medicaid/Children with Special Health Care Needs Claims Processing, Primary Care Case Management, and … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: New Contract Award, Etc.
