DADS information letter provides information on the Ebola virus that providers may use to help ensure the health and safety of staff members and individuals receiving services. The Department of Aging and Disability Services encourages its providers to take reasonable precautions to ensure their employees are not exposed to a symptomatic person by knowing how Ebola is transmitted and its symptoms. An individual will not contract Ebola if he has not had exposure to an individual with Ebola or … [Read more...] about Information on Ebola Virus for Providers of Services to Individuals in the Department of Aging and Disability Services Programs
ILs: Billing Codes, Hospice Discussions
DADS released four information letters. NF: DADS notified these providers of correct billing codes for a Customized Manual Wheelchair, effective March 1, 2014. (Letter) HCS and TxHmL: The Waiver Survey and Certification unit of DADS will allow HCS and TxHmL providers to request an informal review of the findings in a draft report of a review conducted in accordance with DADS rule at 40 TAC §9.185 and §9.577, effective March 1, 2014. (Letter) Medicaid Hospice: An excerpt: It has come … [Read more...] about ILs: Billing Codes, Hospice Discussions
DADS News Alerts: 2/20 Webinar Reminder
-- DADS issued a warning to ADC Facility, ALF, In-patient Hospice, ICF/IID, and Nursing Facility providers to discontinue using Uncle Ben's infused rice products until further notice due to an outbreak of illnesses. -- DADS is now offering HCSSA joint training classes in Corpus Christie in February and March. -- The PowerPoint for the CLASS webinar that took place on October 15, 2013 has been posted on the CLASS web site. -- DADS will hold kits biannual CLASS provider training from March … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 2/20 Webinar Reminder
LTC News: End of Dual Eligibles?
-- "In the post-acute care and long-term care performance measurement section of the report, [Measure Applications Partnership] identified 13 core measures in "high-leverage areas." These include long-term care providers examining advanced care planning as a goal, and evaluating safety issues for residents such as fall rate and pressure ulcers." - McKnight's -- "In the nearly 50 years since Medicaid and Medicare were enacted, the two health care programs – one for the poor and the other for … [Read more...] about LTC News: End of Dual Eligibles?
DADS News Alerts: 2/14, 2/25 Webinars
-- Contrary to information in Form 3621-Revised, CLASS IPC, and Form 3621-T-Revised, CLASS IPC Service Delivery Transfer Worksheet, employment assistance won't be available as a CDS option until September 1, 2014. See the news alert page (scroll down for entry) for more information. -- DADS will host a webinar for HCS and TxHmL providers, and Local Authority program coordination staff on Tuesday, March 11, 2014, 9:30-11 a.m. You may register and obtain more information here. -- DADS will … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 2/14, 2/25 Webinars
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
DADS News Alerts: 11/14, 12/5 Meetings
-- REMINDER: Upcoming Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers meetings. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2013. -- HHSC adopted amendments to Chapter 9, Intellectual Disability Services--Medicaid State Operating Agency Responsibilities, Subchapter E, ICF/IID Program—Contracting. -- HHSC proposed to repeal Chapter 16, §§16.1 - 16.4, the Pilot Program to Increase the Use of Advanced Directives in Nursing Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 11/14, 12/5 Meetings
LTC News: Drs. Medicare Payment
-- "The Democratic and Republican leaders of two key congressional committees have agreed on a framework to scrap the problematic Medicare payment formula for physicians and replace it with one that would link physician reimbursement to the quality of care provided, a step that could put an end to the annual "doc fix" debate." - Kaiser -- "A bill in the House of Representatives aims to create a 'trusted provider' status in the Medicare program, which would potentially streamline the … [Read more...] about LTC News: Drs. Medicare Payment
PLs and News Alerts: Emergency Plans
DADS released two provider letters. ALF, Hospice Freestanding Inpatient Units, ICFs/IID, and NF: DADS reminded these providers that their emergency plans must provide for the safe evacuation of all individuals residing in their facilities when the emergency situation requires an evacuation. (Letter) Hospice Agencies with a Freestanding Inpatient Unit: DADS reminded these providers that all HCSSAs must comply with TAC, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 97, §97.256 and have a written emergency … [Read more...] about PLs and News Alerts: Emergency Plans
DADS News Alert: New Hospice E-mail, Gov’t Shutdown
-- 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