DADS released two information letters and several news alerts: CDSA for CBA: DADS has proposed to create two categories of personal assistance services in the CBA Program. The letter also outlines operational procedures for CDSAs. An excerpt: PAS Category I is proposed to include tasks delegated by a registered nurse (RN) to an unlicensed attendant, health maintenance activities, and extension of therapy. PAS Category II is proposed to include tasks that do not require delegation by an … [Read more...] about ILs & News Alerts: CBA Changes, Ticket to Work Event
DADS News Alerts: HCSSA Meeting, Disaster Preparedness
Citizens and providers may turn in unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs at "Operation Got Drugs II," to be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 10-2 p.m. Follow this link to search for a list of collection sites. DADS intends to revise or create provider manuals for several programs, including Assisted Living, CBA, CLASS, CDS, DBMD, HCS, and TxHmL. Direct questions about the project to Mary Valente at mary.valente@dads.state.tx.us. HHSC proposed to amend §19.805, … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: HCSSA Meeting, Disaster Preparedness
Baby Boomers and Home Health Care Providers
As the generation born between 1946 and 1964 enters retirement and, in some cases, require long term care, the demand for long term care services will increase. Some retired beneficiaries will choose to receive care at home instead of in a nursing facility for independence, privacy, etc. As a result, job prospects for home health care professionals and visiting nursing are good. An excerpt from an article in the Miami Herald: With the U.S. population growing grayer, job prospects for home … [Read more...] about Baby Boomers and Home Health Care Providers
Texas Strives for Balance in Medicaid Cuts
Last month, Texas lawmakers released a proposed budget that would reduce Medicaid reimbursement rates by 10 percent. Rates are being reduced to the point that Texas have threatened to withdraw from the program altogether. The Dallas Morning News reports that budget writers are grappling with potential unintended consequences while figuring out which services to cut. For instance, cutting kidney dialysis treatment may cause an increase in hospital patients with severe renal disease. An … [Read more...] about Texas Strives for Balance in Medicaid Cuts
Information and Provider Letters: HCS, TxHmL, CDSAs, Etc.
DADS released 12 information and provider letters: DBMD: HHSC approved new payment rates for Employment Assistance and Supported Employment in the DBMD waiver program effective, February 1, 2011: Employment Assistance $33.44; Supported Employment $33.44. (Letter) NF Administrators, Social Workers, and Rehabilitation Therapy staff: DADS clarified the provision of specialized services to Medicaid-eligible nursing facility residents and Preadmission Screening and Resident Review … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: HCS, TxHmL, CDSAs, Etc.
News Alerts: HSC Billing Guidelines, EVV Pilot System
DADS has issued three news alerts so far this month. 1. Last month, DADS announced to external stakeholders that the HCS Billing Guides would be opened for review and suggestion. Because of difficulty in accessing the document for revision, the Billing and Payment department has produced a Microsoft Word version of the current June 1, 2010, guidelines for editing. DADS asks stakeholders to submit requests no later than January 3, 2011. See the news alert section for contact … [Read more...] about News Alerts: HSC Billing Guidelines, EVV Pilot System
Texas Providers to See Medicaid Fee Cut
The Dallas Morning News reports that doctors, dentists, hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health providers will see cuts in Medicaid reimbursement fees, effective February 1, 2011. After state leaders directed agencies to reduce spending by 2.5 percent, state Medicaid program managers announced that long term care providers would see a two percent reduction. Leaders seek to reduce spending in the two-year budget before the next budget. An excerpt: Last May, the leaders culled lists of … [Read more...] about Texas Providers to See Medicaid Fee Cut
ILs and News Alerts: Updated Forms, ICF/MRs Changes
CLASS, Case Management Agencies, and Direct Service Agencies: DADS notified these providers that updated versions of forms included n the Phase I review of CLASS forms are available. Updated forms are outlined in this three-page letter. An excerpt: Form 1351, Decline of Offer for CLASS Program Enrollment, and Instructions: This form is revised to update a field reference on the form from "city where CMA operates" to "CMA catchment area" to more accurately reflect contracting … [Read more...] about ILs and News Alerts: Updated Forms, ICF/MRs Changes
Information and Provider Letters: HCSSA, CLASS, CBA, ICM, Etc.
DADS issued the following information and provider letters: HCS, CLASS, CBA, HCSSA, ICM, DBMD, CWP, TxHmL, PHC, CAS, and DAHS: DADS will expand utilization management and review activities for its Medicaid community entitlement and waiver programs, effective January 1, 2011. (Letter) HCSSA: DADS issued this letter to notify these providers that using rubber stamps for registered nurse signatures is not accepted. Each entry to the client record must be signed and dated by the … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: HCSSA, CLASS, CBA, ICM, Etc.
Information Letter: PHC Program Supervisory Visits
DADS released an information letter to Primary Home Care program providers, which supercedes Information Letter 07-102, Supervisory Visit Requirements, and serves as clarification to the requirements for providers to conduct supervisory visits within the PHC program: An excerpt: Question 1: What are the requirements for a supervisory visit? Answer: As outlined in Title 40, Texas Administrative Code §47.65(a), a supervisor must conduct in-person supervisory visits at least annually to assess … [Read more...] about Information Letter: PHC Program Supervisory Visits