-- DADS reminded all HCSSAs currently serving a CBA in the counties listed below are required to follow the timeline in completing CBA reassessments/ ISP that expire August 31, 2011 or September 30, 2011. An excerpt: The September 1, 2011 expansion of the STAR+PLUS program into the contiguous counties of the Harris, Bexar, Nueces and Travis service areas includes the following counties: Harris service area: Austin, Matagorda and Wharton counties; Bexar service area: Bandera … [Read more...] about News Alerts: STAR+PLUS, Training Sessions
ILs: LON, STAR+PLUS Expansion
DADS released three information letters: HCS and ICF/MR: DADS notified these providers that effective June 20, 2011, it won't require program providers to submit a packet of documentation to accompany a request to renew a previously authorized Level of Need increase. (Letter) Medicaid Hospice providers: Effective July 1, 2011, DADS will begin requiring physicians who certify dual eligible and Medicaid only hospice patients as being terminally ill to include a brief narrative of the … [Read more...] about ILs: LON, STAR+PLUS Expansion
Feds to Investigate Primary Care Physician Shortage – UPDATED
Update: Politico reports that the Obama administration has scrapped its "mystery shoppers" plan to investigate the primary care physician shortage. *** The New York Times published a story about the Obama administration's plan to determine the extent of the primary care physician shortage. The government will send people posing as patients to make appointments and find out how easy or difficult it would be to see a doctor. As the health care reform law takes effect in a few years, the … [Read more...] about Feds to Investigate Primary Care Physician Shortage – UPDATED
TX Register Updates: July 12 Hearing, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the June 24 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC proposes to the following per diem reimbursement rates for the non-state operated ICF/MR: Per Diem Rates Chart HHSC will hold a public hearing on July 12, 2011, at 9 a.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payments for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics and Supplies and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment services. The public hearing will be … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: July 12 Hearing, Medical Board Changes
Hospitals Courting Primary Care Physicians
The growing shortage of these doctors means they'll be in demand for the foreseeable future. The Washington Post features a story about hospitals in the Washington area trying to lure primary care physicians out of private practices. Hospitals in Texas also are courting primary care physicians. An aging population and doctors choosing more specialized fields of medicine have created a growing need for primary care physicians in East Texas, according to local doctors and hospital … [Read more...] about Hospitals Courting Primary Care Physicians
TX Register Updates: Hearing, Nursing
From the June 17 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on July 12, 2011, at 9 a.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Targeted Case Management and Rehabilitative Services for the Mental Health program. Location: Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin. HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Hearing, Nursing
News Alerts: Nursing Services, MDS Updates
DADS news alerts: 1. HHSC proposed to amend §§19.1001, 19.1002, 19.1510, and 19.1601 concerning nursing services, additional nursing services staffing requirements, emergency medication kits, and infection control, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification. The changes to §19.1001 and §19.1002 would make the rule consistent with the federal requirements for posting nurse staff information. The amendments to §19.1601 would reorganize, clarify, and … [Read more...] about News Alerts: Nursing Services, MDS Updates
ILs: HIPAA Reminder, Home Delivered Meals Changes
DADS released four information letters: Region 1 CBA: Grace Clinic will conduct a pilot project authorized by HHSC to improve the health of individuals receiving CBA waivers services in Region 1. Participants may voluntarily enroll in the pilot project. (Letters) All DADS contracted providers: DADS reminded these providers that they have an obligation to protect confidential Medicaid data. If a contractor discovers there has been inappropriate use or disclosure, the contractor should … [Read more...] about ILs: HIPAA Reminder, Home Delivered Meals Changes
TX Register Update: RFP, Medicaid Rate Hearings
The following information was obtained from the June 10 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC announced the release of an RFP (529-12-0004) for Consulting Services to Provide a 2nd Medical Checkup Completeness Study per Civil Action No. 3:93:CV65 (Frew et al., v. Suehs, et al.) Point of contact: Abel Martinez, C.T.P.M. Purchaser Health and Human Services Commission Enterprise Contract and Procurement Services 4405 North Lamar, Bldg. 1 Mail Code: 2020 Austin, Texas 78756 (512) … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: RFP, Medicaid Rate Hearings
House/Senate Bills: Medicaid Program
The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 7: Relating to the administration, quality, and efficiency of health care, health and human services, and health benefits programs in this state. HB 13: Relating to the Medicaid program and alternate methods of providing health services to low-income persons in this state. SB 28: Relating to reducing state Medicaid and other health care costs by prohibiting … [Read more...] about House/Senate Bills: Medicaid Program
