"The Arkansas Supreme Court tossed out a $1.2 billion judgment against Johnson & Johnson on Thursday, reversing a lower court verdict that found the drug maker engaged in fraudulent tactics when marketing the antipsychotic drug Risperdal." - Associated Press "Lawmakers in both houses of Congress have unveiled a draft bill calling for post-acute care providers to furnish standard assessment data, with the goals of enabling better quality oversight and driving Medicare payment reform." - … [Read more...] about LTC News: Court Reverses Medicaid Ruling
TX Register Updates: Reimbursement Changes
The following information was obtained from the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act to update the fee schedules in the current state plan for: Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies; Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Services; and Physicians and Other Practitioners. HHSC intends to submit an amendment to update the fee … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Reimbursement Changes
LTC News: NF Inspections, Post-acute Care
-- "Federal efforts to strengthen inspections of the nation's nursing homes are gaining momentum after a government probe uncovered instances of substandard care." - Kaiser News -- "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sees the upcoming Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement guidelines, not harsher penalties, as the way to reduce adverse events in post-acute care, officials said on an Open Door Forum call Thursday [March 6]." - McKnight's -- "About 22% of Medicare … [Read more...] about LTC News: NF Inspections, Post-acute Care
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
TX Register Updates: CHIP, Nursing Changes
The following information was obtained from the February 28 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit to Transmittal Number CHIP 32 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would indicate that HHSC will determine financial eligibility for the CHIP using new federal income rules that require states to base household income and composition on federal income tax rules that use modified adjusted gross income methodologies. HHSC also intends to submit to … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: CHIP, Nursing Changes
LTC News: Potential Medicare Reductions
-- "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a call for additional providers to take part in a bundled payment program that involves post-acute care." - McKnight's -- "Despite some high-profile reports, nursing home staffing levels have not been definitively linked to better care, according to a recently published analysis of research on the topic." - McKnight's -- "Long-term care stakeholders are praising the government's decision to temporarily pause the recovery audit … [Read more...] about LTC News: Potential Medicare Reductions
DADS News Alerts: 3/27 Meeting
-- DADS plans to revise §60.6 and §60.8, Definitions and Contracting Requirements, of 40 TAC, Chapter 60, Contracting to Provide PACE. An excerpt: As part of the project, DADS is revising definitions and making certain provisions in a new 40 TAC Chapter 49, Contracting for Community Services, which is scheduled to be proposed in April, apply to PACE providers...There is an informal comment period through Friday, Feb. 28th, and comments can be submitted to … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 3/27 Meeting
ILs: Level of Care, Medical Specialist
DADS released two information letters. ICF/ID, HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, DBMD, and Local Authorities: DADS reminded these providers of the importance of maintaining an individual's continuously current Level of Care authorization, Individual Plan of Care authorization, and Medicaid eligibility to avoid a negative impact to an individual’s services. (Letter) Local Authorities, HCS, and TxHmL: An excerpt: As a resource to HCS and TxHmL Program providers, DADS requires each LA to designate a … [Read more...] about ILs: Level of Care, Medical Specialist
TX Register Updates: 3/3 Hearing
The following information was obtained from the February 14 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings HHSC will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 3, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for cognitive rehabilitation therapy in the DADS-operated HCS and CLASS waiver programs. HHSC will also hold a public hearing on the same day at 10:30 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the DADS-operated HCBS-AMH program. Both hearings will … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 3/3 Hearing
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