-- HHSC adopted rules, effective October 1, 2013, in 40 TAC, Chapter 42, Chapter 44, Chapter 45, Chapter 47, Chapter 48, and Chapter 51. -- DADS' created a new e-mail address for Hospice providers for Texas Medicaid Hospice policy questions: hospice@dads.state.tx.us.The new e-mail address replaces Pam Lovell's name and direct phone number in this letter (PDF). -- DADS statement on government shutdown: The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) wants to reassure … [Read more...] about DADS News Alert: New Hospice E-mail, Gov’t Shutdown
ILs: LOC, CDS Option
DADS released four information letters. HCS: DADS clarified the rules effective on January 1, 2013, and explained interim Waiver, Survey and Certification survey requirements related to Life Safety Code inspections. (Letter) DADS also informed these providers and local authorities of a new process, effective September 18, 2013, regarding level of care redeterminations. (Letter) DBMD and Financial Management Services Agencies: DADS informed DBMD providers and Financial Management … [Read more...] about ILs: LOC, CDS Option
ILs: HCS Handbook, Service Backup Plan
DADS released four information letters. HSC and Local Authorities: DADS informed these providers and local authorities of changes DADS made related to service planning, which are reflected in the amended sections of the HCS Handbook: Section 4000 (Person Directed Planning Process) and Section 7000 (Implementation Plan and Backup Plan). (Letter) HSC, TxHmL, and Local Authorities: DADS informed these providers and local authorities of new service backup plan requirements, effective … [Read more...] about ILs: HCS Handbook, Service Backup Plan
HIPAA Alert!!
Don't forget the September 23, 2013 deadline to comply with the HIPAA mega rule. Focus on the following: Business Associate Agreements Updating "Notice of Privacy Practices" Adding privacy and security changes to policies and procedures Revising your security breach protocol Encrypting as much as possible Educating staff about the new requirements Also, please note that breaches by your business associates and their subcontractors are your responsibility under the new rules. … [Read more...] about HIPAA Alert!!
DADS News Alerts: 9/16, October Meetings
-- DADS revised a provider manual: Home-Delivered Meals Provider Manual. -- DADS announced a new provider manual, Consumer Managed Personal Attendant Services Provider Manual. -- Changes to service planning in the HCS are now reflected in the amended sections of the HCS Handbook: Section 4000 (Person Directed Planning Process) and Section 7000 (Implementation Plan and Backup Plan), found on the DADS site. If you have questions, please contact us at hcs@dads.state.tx. -- The CLASS … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 9/16, October Meetings
ILs: PAS, New Billing Codes
DADS released four information letters. CBA HCSSA, DBMD, PHC, and CDS: DADS reminded providers how important it is to ensure that claims submitted for Personal Assistance Services don't include any period of time when a consumer is in an institution The claim should be based on the actual days and hours that services were provided and documented on the consumer's Service Delivery Record. (Letter) Financial Management Services Agencies: DADS informed these agencies about two new … [Read more...] about ILs: PAS, New Billing Codes
TX Register Updates: NF Payment Increase, Medicaid Managed Care
The following information was obtained from the August 23 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the CBA waiver program to remove cost containment service limits, allow individuals to transfer between waivers when medically necessary for services to continue to ensure health and safety, and other changes. HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 13-024 to add provisionally licensed psychologists as an additional type of provider … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: NF Payment Increase, Medicaid Managed Care
ILs and PLs: Required Base Wage, CMS Survey
DADS released four information letters and two provider letters. NF: A review of the medical necessity determinations revealed errors. DADS identified the accuracy of assessment data drawn from the MDS assessment and clinical record as one reason for errors. (Letter) CMPAS: DADS informed these providers of rules on the required base wage. (Letter) CBA, PHC, CAS, FC, MDCP, and DAHS: DADS informed these providers of rules on the required base wage. (Revised Letter) Financial … [Read more...] about ILs and PLs: Required Base Wage, CMS Survey
DADS News Alerts: 9/9 Webinar, 10/8 Meeting, Save-the-dates
-- The next enrollment training for entities interested in becoming a Financial Management Services Agency will be held October 16-18, 2013 at the William B. Travis State Office Building, Room 1-111, 1701 Congress Ave., Austin, Room 1-111. See the DADS page for more information. -- DADS reminded providers that a mandatory upgrade to the CMSNet Juniper Client will begin for western states, which includes Texas, on August 31, 2013. The CMSNet page has more information. -- DADS will hold a … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 9/9 Webinar, 10/8 Meeting, Save-the-dates
IL and PLs: Aging in Place, Nursing Changes
DADS released a provider letter and an information/provider letter. AL: DADS advised providers that the required AL disclosure forms have been updated to include language about aging in place. (Letter) HCS, TxHmL, and ICF/IID with a Capacity of 13 or Fewer Beds: The legislature requires DADS and the Board of Nursing to conduct a pilot program to evaluate LVNs who provide on-call services by telephone to individuals receiving services for these providers. As part of the program's … [Read more...] about IL and PLs: Aging in Place, Nursing Changes