DADS released one information letter and one provider letter. HCS and Local Authorities: DADS announced a new search feature on its web site to find (by city, county, or zip code) a HCS group home vacancy. (Letter) ALF: DADS issued a provider letter to provide notice of changes to the Licensing Standards for Assisted Living Facilities, effective January 6, 2014. (Letter) … [Read more...] about IL/PL: ALF Licensing Standards
IL/News Alerts: Joint Training January 28, 29, and 30
DADS released one information letter. CBA AL, DAHS, DBMD, NF, and RC: DADS reminded providers that they're required to submit financial and statistical information through a 2013 Cost Report for each contract held with DADS. (Letter) -- DADS will hold a series of ICF/IID joint training classes on January 28, 29, and 30. See the news alert page for times and locations may register here. -- DADS invited Adult Day Care providers in Regions 2, 9, and 10 to be held Wednesday, February … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: Joint Training January 28, 29, and 30
LTC News: Dual Eligibles, HSC Services Changes
-- "Dramatic Medicare cuts to skilled nursing facilities played a significant part in keeping healthcare spending low in 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Monday." – McKnight's -- "In light of reports that Medicare Part D prescribing practices are endangering seniors — many of them in long-term care facilities — the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a proposed rule that would give the agency more power to oversee and control the … [Read more...] about LTC News: Dual Eligibles, HSC Services Changes
TX Register Updates: Reimbursement, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the January 3 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 13-017 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would define the methodology for reimbursement adjustments for potentially preventable complications. See the Texas Register for more information. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §355.502, Reimbursement Methodology for Common Services in HCS Waivers, and §355.505, Reimbursement … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Reimbursement, Medical Board Changes
DADS News Alerts: Base Wages
-- To Residential Care and Title XX, Services for Community Care for the Aged and Disabled providers: On September 1, 2013, TAC, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 49, Subchapter G, §§49.71 – 49.73 required that persons working as personal attendants, whether as employees or contractors of a provider, or as employees or contractors of subcontractors, be paid at or above a specified hourly base wage. Beginning September 1, 2013, the required minimum base wage was $7.50 per hour. Beginning September … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Base Wages
TX Register Updates: ACA Implementation, Base Wages
The following information was obtained from the December 27 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intend to submit Transmittal Number 13-055 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to establish home telemonitoring services as a benefit of the Texas Medicaid program. HHSC also intends to submit to CMS a request for an amendment to DBMD waiver program to update unduplicated count and point-in-time limits, change the name from consumer directed services agencies to … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: ACA Implementation, Base Wages
Risk Reduction and the Internal Investigation Policy
An essential element of an effective health care compliance plan is the internal investigations policy. Actions by employees, acting in the course and scope of their employment, can subject corporations to civil and criminal liability. Detecting, investigating and remedying such situations are crucial given the regulatory environment under which health care companies operate. The conduct of the investigation itself can exacerbate the situation. Employees subjected to discipline may … [Read more...] about Risk Reduction and the Internal Investigation Policy
DADS News Alert: Five Star Preview Reports
-- From the news alert page: The Five Star Preview Reports were available beginning December 11th. To access these reports, select the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) Reporting link located at the top of your MDS State Welcome page. For Texas, this web page is at: https://158.73.90.242:81/home.html (Staff might get a warning message, but should be able to select "proceed"). Once in the CASPER Reporting system, click on the 'Folders' button and access the Five … [Read more...] about DADS News Alert: Five Star Preview Reports
PLs and IL: ICF/IID Alerts
DADS released three provider letters and one information letter. ICFs/IID exempt from licensure: DADS issued the letter to provide guidance on reporting and investigating incidents reportable to DADS. (Letter) ICFs/IID exempt from licensure: DADS reissued this provider letter to replace references to the memorandum of understanding, titled, "Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR), Texas Department of Human Services (TDHS), and Texas Department of Protective … [Read more...] about PLs and IL: ICF/IID Alerts
TX Register Updates: 12/5 Hearing, Board of Nursing Changes
The following information was obtained from the November 15 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a hearing on Thursday, December 5, 2013, at 8:30 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 RC program. The hearing will be held in the Public Hearing Room, Brown-Heatly Building, located at 4900 North Lamar, Austin. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 12/5 Hearing, Board of Nursing Changes