April 27 The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed nursing facilities, community services, ICF/MR, and therapy providers about the National Provider Identifier (NPI) reporting process. An NPI is a 10-digit number used to identify health care providers. To prevent delays in billing, all providers that contract with DADS are required to report an NPI or Atypical Provider Identifier to DADS before June 1, 2007. For more information, download the letter here. May … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: National Provider Identifier and Criminal History Checks
Provider Letter: HCSSA Houston Roundtable Q&A
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has released HCSSA Houston Roundtable Questions and Answers, a table of questions and answers that resulted from two Regulatory Services staff meetings in Houston, Texas, last year. Topics include Licensing, Training, Coordination of Care, Survey Questions, Administrative Issues, OASIS, and General Questions. For more information, download the letter and 26-page Q&A table here. … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: HCSSA Houston Roundtable Q&A
Provider Letters: STAR+PLUS, Monthly Service Fees Updates, Etc.
In a March 29 letter to Primary Home Care and Day Activity and Health Services providers, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) wanted to make sure these providers were aware that they can bill DADS for PHC or DAHS services provided to consumers in counties covered by the STAR+PLUS program in rare cases. Consumers living in STAR+PLUS program coverage areas began receiving services from a Health Maintenance Organization on March 1. For more information, including what … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: STAR+PLUS, Monthly Service Fees Updates, Etc.
Provider Letters: DAHS Billing Policy, ICM, Etc.
In a provider letter to Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) Providers dated March 30, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) offered a clarification of the DAHS billing policy. An excerpt: 40 Texas Administrative Code, §49.41(c)(1)(A) states that “a provider agency is entitled to payment if the services are authorized by DHS (DADS) in writing...†The consumer’s case manager determines the number of units of service the consumer is authorized to receive, with … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: DAHS Billing Policy, ICM, Etc.
Provider Letters: Survey Notice and Criminal History Review
In a letter dated February 13, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) alerted Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICF-MR) Providers about its annual Long-Term Services and Supports Experience Survey 2007 Project. A random sample of recipients who receive long-term services through ICF-MRs will be interviewed by the NACES Plus Foundation, Inc., for the purpose of assessing and improving quality of care. For more information, download the letter … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Survey Notice and Criminal History Review
Texas Register: Consumer Directed Services
On behalf of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the Texas Health and Human Services Commission adopted amendments that would allow an individual receiving services through the Home and Community-based Services Program to participate in the consumer directed services option (CDS), which is "a service delivery option in which an individual or legally authorized representative (LAR) employs and retains service providers and directs the delivery of program … [Read more...] about Texas Register: Consumer Directed Services
Provider Letter: Electronic Letters Only
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services announced that effective March 15, 2007, it will no longer mail hard copies of general information letters regarding Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living programs (TxHmL) to program providers and mental retardation authorities (MRA). You may download HCS letters here and TxHmL letters here. For more information how to subscribe to receive e-mail updates, download the letter here. … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Electronic Letters Only
Four New Provider Letters
Submission of the Hospice Election Form 3071 and Physician Certification of Terminal Illness Form 3074 The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Medicaid hospice providers that it has updated its list of regional contacts for hospice election and certification forms to Community Services, Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership, and Health and Human Services Commission Medicaid Eligibility staff. For more information, download the letter and attached list of … [Read more...] about Four New Provider Letters
Texas Register Updates: Community Relations Repeals, Nursing Facility Amendments, Etc.
Updates from the December 22 edition of the Texas Register include the repeal of 40 TAC §§7.301 through 7.311 and §§7.313 through 7.316, concerning community relations, amendments to nursing facilities licensure and Medicaid certification requirement provisions, health and human services agencies licensing remedies, amendments to sections dealing with licensing standards for assisted living facilities, and more. For more information, visit the relevant section of the Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Community Relations Repeals, Nursing Facility Amendments, Etc.
Few Legal Protections for Home Health Workers
An Iowa University law professor conducted a study of home health care workers and found that they have few legal protections. (Medical News Today) It’s more difficult to regulate employment inside a private home, and home health care workers don’t seem to be a high priority for agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Once again, soon-to-be retiring baby boomers will set the tone of the debate. According to the article, home health care is a fast growing … [Read more...] about Few Legal Protections for Home Health Workers