The following information was obtained from the October 4 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed rates for hospice routine home, continuous home, inpatient respite, and general inpatient care. The hearing will be held in the Public Hearing Room, Brown Heatly Building, located at 4900 North Lamar, Austin. HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 10/22 Hearing, BON Changes
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!!
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
ILs and PLs: FY2013 Closeout Cutoffs, Nursing Services
DADS released four information letters and two provider letters. Fiscal Year 2013 Cutoff Dates for Year-end Closeout Processing for Community/State (Service Group 5) ICF/ID Fiscal Year 2013 Cutoff Dates for Year-end Closeout Processing for ADC, AL, CBA, DAHS, Hospice, MDCP NF, PACE, and others Fiscal Year 2013 Cutoff Dates for Year-end Closeout Processing for HCS and TxHml NF: An individual must complete a training program and competency evaluation approved by DADS before it lists … [Read more...] about ILs and PLs: FY2013 Closeout Cutoffs, Nursing Services
Nursing Facility News
-- "Hospice workers who provide care for residents of skilled nursing facilities will have to provide more detailed claim data starting next year, according to recently released requirements from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services." – McKnight's -- "A new House bill aims to improve the nursing home survey process, enhance whistleblower protections for surveyors and establish an advisory committee for CMS that would include skilled nursing facility administrators, directors of … [Read more...] about Nursing Facility News
ILs: FY13 Cutoff Notice, Service Limits Expiration
DADS released 12 information letters. CBA HCSSA: HCSSAs must follow the procedures listed in the letter when the DADS case manager notifies them that an applicant's initial medical necessity determination assessment has expired, effective August 1, 2013. (Letter) DADS reminded providers that the adopted rules that include limits on the amount of certain services an individual may receive and a process for DADS to grant an exception to those limits expire on August 31, 2013. … [Read more...] about ILs: FY13 Cutoff Notice, Service Limits Expiration
IL, PL, and New S&C and S&CC Letters
DADS released an information letter and a provider letter. NF, Hospice, and ICF/IID: DADS alerted providers about new forms of valid verification they can use to determine the liability of Comprehensive Insurance Policies and instructions for filing Medicaid claims. (Letter) AL and NF: The Texas Health and Safety Code requires all ALFs and NFs to register with the Texas Information Referral Network – 211. Form 1085 is attached. (Letter) DADS has added new Federal Survey and … [Read more...] about IL, PL, and New S&C and S&CC Letters
IL and News Alerts: 9/16 Meeting, Claims Submissions
DADS released one information letter. AFC, AL, CAS, CBA, CLASS, CDA, CMPAS, DAHS, DBMD, ERS, FC, HDM, Hospice, Non-State (Service Group 6) ICF/IID, LA, MDCP, NF, and PHC: DADS reminded providers to submit claims for any unbilled services promptly to prepare for the August 31, 2013, end of the state fiscal year. (Letter) -- DADS adopted amendments to and repealed sections of 40 TAC, Chapter 41, The Consumer Directed Services. See the news alert page for details. -- The DADS Center … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: 9/16 Meeting, Claims Submissions
LTC News: Home Health, Hospice
-- "A proposed rule released Thursday would cause home health agencies to experience a 1.5 percent reduction in their Medicare payments for 2014, which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services estimates could reduce payments to these facilities by $290 million next year." - News Medical -- "The Commission on Long-Term Care held its first meeting Thursday [June 28] on Capitol Hill with some members acknowledging that their late start adds to their challenges in offering Congress … [Read more...] about LTC News: Home Health, Hospice