The following information was obtained from the September 19 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board has proposed amendments to nine sections of the rules, including Medical Records, Authority of Physicians to Buy Drugs, Complaints, and Investigations. Follow this link and scroll down to read each entry. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed to amend §97.3, concerning license fees; §97.17, concerning application procedures for a … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: TANF Changes, Etc.
Provider and Information Letters: Two Surveys, Hurricane Ike, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued two provider and three information letters: Survey About Vehicles Used for Transportation of Individuals DADS requested that Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) participate in a survey of providers regarding vehicles used to provide transportation of individuals enrolled in DADS programs. The deadline is October 1, 2008. Here is a direct link to the survey. Download the letter for more information. Regulatory … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Two Surveys, Hurricane Ike, Etc.
Information Letters: ISPs Utilization Review, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three information letters: Utilization Review of Individual Service Plans (ISPs) DADS sent a letter to Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Providers with an attachment that provides specific information regarding utilization review thresholds. These providers developed criteria to fully implement this review requirement, effective November 1, 2008. Download the letter and attachment here. Reminder -- Fiscal Year … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ISPs Utilization Review, Etc.
Information and Provider Letters: FIVES Application, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued one provider letter and two information letters: Facility Inventory, Vacancy and Evacuation Status (FIVES) Application DADS reminded all provider types that DADS wants facilities to update their number of vacancies and evacuation information in the FIVES application every day during the five days before and after a hurricane. Visit the FIVES web page, and download the provider letter here. Notification of … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: FIVES Application, Etc.
What’s in a Rule?
Earlier this year, the Texas Supreme Court issued an opinion outlining the definition of a "rule." El Paso Hospital Dist. v. HHSC, 247 S.W.2d 709 (Tex. 2008). The Court stated, "a presumption favors adopting rules... through the formal rule-making procedures." This case supports the premise that agency action may be invalidated if it isn't backed by a rule crafted through the formal rule-making process. When an agency fails to follow all of the required rule adoption procedures, because it … [Read more...] about What’s in a Rule?
Texas Public Information Act (PIA)–It could be your information
Texas PIA grants the public at large access to information held by governmental agencies and is more generous than its federal counterpart. Why should you care? Because it could be your business information the government is providing to the public. Any information shared with a governmental body (think state agencies HHSC or DADS) whether voluntarily or involuntarily is likely accessible by others--including your competitors. This means that you should (1) not provide more information and … [Read more...] about Texas Public Information Act (PIA)–It could be your information
Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Methodology for NFs, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the August 15 and August 22 issues of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules HHSC adopted amendments to §355.307, Reimbursement Setting Methodology, §355.308, Direct Care Staff Rate Component, and §355.311 Medicaid Reimbursement Rates for State Veterans Homes, which will establish the reimbursement methodology for the Nursing Facility program, including Medicaid reimbursement rates for state veteran's homes. See the relevant section of the Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Reimbursement Methodology for NFs, Etc.
Information Letters: Claim Cutoff Dates, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued ten information letters between August 1st through the 14th: Home Delivered Meals Rate Setting Procedures for Federal Fiscal Year 2009 (two-page letter) Changes to the Quality Assurance Fee Program for ICF/MR Providers (three-page letter) Wheelchair Requests for Nursing Facility Residents (two-page letter) Cutoff Dates for Miscellaneous Claims and Year-end Closeout Processing (two-page letter) Cutoff Dates for … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Claim Cutoff Dates, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the August 1 of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing on August 18, 2008, at 1:30 p.m. to receive public comment on the proposed increase in Medicaid payment rates for seven procedure codes, including Breast Brachytherapy and THSteps Therapeutic Dental Services. Follow this link and scroll down to read each entry. Proposed Rules On behalf of the Department of … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Etc.
Information Letters: DADS Community Programs Rate Increase, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released five information letters: Payment Rates for DADS Community Programs DADS informed Community Service Providers that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has approved a rate increase to recognize the impact of the increase in the federal minimum wage on certain provider types, effective August 1, 2008. The rates are posted on the HHSC Rate Analysis website. Download the letter and seven-page … [Read more...] about Information Letters: DADS Community Programs Rate Increase, Etc.
