DADS released one provider and two information letters: NFs: DADS informed these providers of new application requirements in Form 3720-N. Provider Letter 08-01 notified NF licensees that all applicants for initial licensure or change of ownership with an effective date of June 1, 2008, or later, were required to complete a new section of the application, Item 10, about the applicant's financial condition. (Letter) The following modifications apply to license renewals that expire June … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NF, CLASS, HCSSAs, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Contract Award, Nursing and Medical Boards
The following information was obtained from the November 27 Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC awarded contact #529-10-0021-00001 to Software Contract Solutions, Inc., to provide a resource for investigating all facets of information technology software issues that impact price, cost savings measures, risk exposure, and overall total cost of ownership. The total value of the contract will not exceed $900,000. HHSC intends to submit an amendment that will extend the rate for Mental … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Contract Award, Nursing and Medical Boards
Texas Register Updates: Hearing, Effective Date Change, Etc.
The following information was obtained in the November 6 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing November 17, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Anesthesia. The hearing's location is the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details. HHSC intends to submit to CMS an … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Hearing, Effective Date Change, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Rates for Nursing, Medical Board Rules
The following information was obtained from the October 2 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC has adopted new Medicaid per diem payment rates for the nursing facility program operated DADS, effective September 1, 2009: Base Rates by RUG Add-on Rates by Enhancement Level Liability Insurance See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information. HHSC will hold a public hearing on October 20, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Rates for Nursing, Medical Board Rules
Texas Register Updates: Medical Board, Board of Nursing
The following information was obtained from the September 18 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC adopted new Medicaid per diem rates for Non-State Operated ICF/MR Services by Level of Need and Facility Size. The rates are found here. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information. Emergency Rules The Texas Board adopted an emergency repeal of §180.1, concerning Rehabilitation Orders, and added new sections to Chapter 180, concerning Texas Physician … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medical Board, Board of Nursing
Texas Register Updates: Payment Rate Changes, Claims, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the July 31 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) intends to submit the following amendments to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act: An amendment to adjust payment rates for the Day Activity and Health Services program to comply with the new federal minimum wage that will increase by $0.70 from the current $6.55 per hour to $7.25 … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Payment Rate Changes, Claims, Etc.
Annual Residential Visits
With more funding comes more visits...SB 643 requires ananual visits of all 3 and 4 person homes and foster/companion care (FCC) settings. A few Steps to Prepare: * Verify accuracy of address and contact information in CARE * Notify FCC pproviders and resdiential staff to expect visits * Maintain emergency plans, proof of emergency drills and copies of current fire inspections on-site Proposed procedural rules: * inaccurate location information in care may result in … [Read more...] about Annual Residential Visits
New Review Process for Waiver Programs
The reviewers will be using standardized checklists as part of the new review process. The good news is that these checklists are available for providers and may be printed and used as internal QA. … [Read more...] about New Review Process for Waiver Programs
Texas Register Updates: Licensure Applications and Registrations Changes, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the July 10 Texas Register: Public Hearing The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on July 24, 2009, at 1 p.m. to receive public comment on proposed rates for Professional Services in Home and Community-Based Services waivers. The hearing will take place in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Licensure Applications and Registrations Changes, Etc.
Obama Proposes Medicaid and Medicare Cuts
Last week President Barack Obama proposed to cut $313 billion from Medicaid and Medicare over the next 10 years as part of so-called health reform, in addition to the $635 billion in cuts in his FY 2010 budget. (Source) The president proposes to expand coverage to "millions" who don't have it, while bringing down the cost of care. How does he intend to accomplish these seemingly opposing goals? Among other things, limiting growth of Medicare's fee-for-service payments and cutting subsidies to … [Read more...] about Obama Proposes Medicaid and Medicare Cuts