The following information was obtained from the November 9 edition of the Texas Register: Open Meeting The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on November 28, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. to receive public comment on the proposed rate for Support Consultation Services. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd, Austin, Texas. See the relevant … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Changes in Reimbursement Methodology, Etc.
Provider and Information Letters: CLASS Enrollment, IRoD Process
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), Case Management Agencies, and Direct Services Agencies that before CLASS enrollment can be finalized, an applicant’s enrollment in other community service programs, including Personal Care Services, must end. For more information, download the letter here. In a provider letter to Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA), DADS clarified the Informal … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: CLASS Enrollment, IRoD Process
Texas Register Updates: ICF/MR and Board of Nursing Proposed Rules
Proposed Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed to amend §§352.1 - 352.9, concerning the quality assurance fee for the Intermediate Care Facilities Mental Retardation (ICF/MR) program. The amendments would establish the quality assurance fee for facilities in the ICF/MR program. See the relevant section of the November 2 Texas Register for more information. The Texas Board of Nursing (BON) has proposed to repeal §217.13 (Peer Assistance Programs), … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: ICF/MR and Board of Nursing Proposed Rules
Texas Register Updates: Contract Employee Qualifications, Licensure Issues, Etc.
Proposed Rules On behalf of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposed amendments to §10.311, concerning qualifications and training requirements for contractor employees; §10.315, concerning criminal background checks; and §10.321, concerning roles and responsibilities of case managers, in Chapter 10, Guardianship Services. The amendment would update contractor employee qualifications with regard to … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Contract Employee Qualifications, Licensure Issues, Etc.
SCHIP Compromise?
Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill are trying to reach a compromise on expanding the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). (Kaiser Network) Two weeks ago, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have added $35 billion to SCHIP over a five-year period. Last week, the House of Representatives passed a modified SCHIP bill, but the vote was not veto-proof. If the two sides of the aisle can reach a compromise, the bill may have a chance of becoming law. However, … [Read more...] about SCHIP Compromise?
More SCHIP Votes
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services secretary Mike Leavitt, President George W. Bush, who vetoed a bill to expand the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), would accept a bill that increases SCHIP funding by only $20 billion over five years, as opposed to $35 billion over five years. (Kaiser Network) Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on a modified SCHIP bill, but the measure still would increase spending by $35 billion over five … [Read more...] about More SCHIP Votes
Texas Register Updates: Community-Based Services Amendments, Etc.
Adopted Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted amendments to §48.2901 and §48.6003 in Chapter 48, Community Care for Aged and Disabled, to clarify eligibility criteria for certain community-based services provided by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). An excerpt: Under the new Integrated Care Management (ICM) Program, implemented in accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 533, Subchapter D, persons eligible for managed … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Community-Based Services Amendments, Etc.
Will the House Override President Bush’s SCHIP Veto?
Last week, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). His veto caused quite a backlash in the mainstream media and among Democrats. The House of Representatives will vote tomorrow whether to override the veto. The expansion would add $35 billion over five years to the SCHIP program. Republicans who voted against the bill are concerned it will expand coverage to adults, illegal aliens, and middle-income families who … [Read more...] about Will the House Override President Bush’s SCHIP Veto?
Texas Register Updates: HHSC Advisory Committees, Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
Proposed Rules The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has proposed to repeal §351.3(a) - (j) of the Purpose, Task, and Duration of Advisory Committees section, and replace it with new §351.3(1) - (13), to provide required information about the current HHSC advisory committees. See this link for more information. HHSC also seeks to amend §355.7101, Cost Reporting for 24-Hour Residential Child Care Reimbursements, in its Reimbursement Rates Chapter, to clarify that … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: HHSC Advisory Committees, Reimbursement Rates, Etc.
Michigan Ends Home Exemption for Nursing Home Patients
Michigan governor Jennifer Granholm is set to sign a bill that will require the state to recoup the cost of Medicaid services from the estates of deceased recipients who lived in nursing homes or received in-home care, as required by federal law. (Source) Under the old law, the estates of such recipients were exempt from recoupment. Lawmakers threatened to cut off funding if the state didn’t comply with the law. According to The Detroit News, Community Health Department Director Janet … [Read more...] about Michigan Ends Home Exemption for Nursing Home Patients
