In a provider letter dated September 27, 2006, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Community Based Alternatives (CBA) Home and Community Support Services (HCSS) providers about changes to the approval process for dental evaluations. Under the new process, an HCSS provider's registered nurse is allowed to get multiple evaluations for CBA participants without obtaining prior approval from the DADS case manager. For more information, you may download the … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Changes To Dental Evaluation Approval Process
Provider Letter: Online Program Notifications
In a letter dated September 12, 2006, the Department of Aging and Disability Services informed providers that it will no longer send program notifications through the mail. Notifications will be posted online, effective October 1. Providers can access notifications in two ways: 1) By following this link and clicking on “Communications,†where you’ll find links to alerts, bulletins, and other providers letters; 2) By signing up to receive notifications through e-mail. On the home page … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Online Program Notifications
Provider Letter: More Licensure and Medicare Certification Delays
In a letter that replaces PL #06-08, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) alerted Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA) to expect more delays for initial licensure and Medicare certification. Region 6 (Houston Regional Office) and Region 3 (Arlington Regional Office) could see delays of up to a year. In the updated letter, DADS added or changed information about the process. For example, providers must request initial licensure at least six months … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: More Licensure and Medicare Certification Delays
Provider Letter: 211 System
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has issued a provider letter (July 17) to Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA) and Adult Day Care Facilities (ADC) on using the 211 system. The 211 system is a telephone number that connects callers to local health and human services agencies. People looking for social service assistance for food, housing, education, legal help, child care, physical and mental health, financial support, transportation, or emergencies … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: 211 System
Long Term Care Providers Join Coalition to Eliminate Co-Payments
A group of long term care providers is calling for the elimination of Medicare Part D co-payments for patients "in certain homes" who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. The National Center For Assisted Living and the American Health Care Association, which represent long term care providers, believe that beneficiaries receiving care in certain assisted living facilities and group homes who can't afford co-payments are adversely affected. From the Senior Journal: Under Part D, … [Read more...] about Long Term Care Providers Join Coalition to Eliminate Co-Payments
Assisted Living Facilities’ Ability To Restrict Residents Contracting for Health or Personal Care Services.
The Attorney General (AG) of Texas issued an important opinion on February 23rd addressed to the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) regarding "retirement centers" that require residents to use the centers' own home health agencies. First, the AG agreed with DADS' interpretation that an establishment, including one characterized as a retirement community, that furnishes food and shelter to four or more persons who are unrelated to the proprietor and that requires those … [Read more...] about Assisted Living Facilities’ Ability To Restrict Residents Contracting for Health or Personal Care Services.
HCSSA Pre-survey Conference Suspended
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has advised Home and Community Support Services Agencies that the pre-survey conference is suspended for the months of March and April because Regulatory Services is revising the curriculum. The conference will resume in May. You can read the letter (PDF) by clicking this link. As you know, the pre-survey conference "provides a general overview of state licensure rules, including initial survey requirements (Title 40 Chapter 97) and … [Read more...] about HCSSA Pre-survey Conference Suspended
Long Term Care At Home
As baby boomers age, costs for long term care will continue to grow, and states like Vermont are doing something about it. Vermont has instituted a program called Choice for Care, which allows all eligible recipients to choose long term care at home instead of a nursing home. Many elderly people probably prefer to remain at home and independent, and the program will allow them more flexibility to do so. The program sends 12 nurses across the state to assess the needs of Vermont's Medicaid … [Read more...] about Long Term Care At Home
