-- "Although CMS posted the new manual Tuesday, just one week before it goes into effect, the agency previously had issued guidance to long-term care providers on notable changes regarding therapy and nutritional status." - McKnight's -- "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has decided to ease guidelines concerning auditors' requests for additional documentation. CMS is giving providers a small break by saying auditors should accept additional documentation submissions in a … [Read more...] about LTC News: ACA Discussion, Gov’t Shutdown
ILs & LTC News: PACE Enrollment
DADS released two information letters. PACE: DADS issued the letter to reinforce the need for PACE organizations to coordinate the enrollment date with HHSC Medicaid for the Elderly and People with Disabilities DADS staff, if applicable, for individuals before they're enrolled. (Letter) TxHmL and Financial Management Services Agencies: DADS notified providers that HHSC approved new rates for the TxHmL program. (Letters) Selected news stories from McKnight's: -- "Medicare … [Read more...] about ILs & LTC News: PACE Enrollment
ILs: HCS Handbook, Service Backup Plan
DADS released four information letters. HSC and Local Authorities: DADS informed these providers and local authorities of changes DADS made related to service planning, which are reflected in the amended sections of the HCS Handbook: Section 4000 (Person Directed Planning Process) and Section 7000 (Implementation Plan and Backup Plan). (Letter) HSC, TxHmL, and Local Authorities: DADS informed these providers and local authorities of new service backup plan requirements, effective … [Read more...] about ILs: HCS Handbook, Service Backup Plan
TX Register Update: EHR Contract, Per Diem Rates
The following information was obtained from the September 6 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices DADS published a notice of a limited waiver from requirements of Chapter 2254 and a consultant contract award. The University of Florida (P.O. Box 115500, Gainesville, Florida 32611) was selected as contractor to provide an assessment of the functionality of an electronic health record system that SSLCs currently use, and its potential for customization to meet DADS future needs. The … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: EHR Contract, Per Diem Rates
HIPAA Alert!!
Don't forget the September 23, 2013 deadline to comply with the HIPAA mega rule. Focus on the following: Business Associate Agreements Updating "Notice of Privacy Practices" Adding privacy and security changes to policies and procedures Revising your security breach protocol Encrypting as much as possible Educating staff about the new requirements Also, please note that breaches by your business associates and their subcontractors are your responsibility under the new rules. … [Read more...] about HIPAA Alert!!
Alerts/LTC News: Culture Change, ICD-9 Replacement
-- CMS released Survey and Certification Memorandum 13-56 (PDF) to outline the steps to take to address MDS 3.0 discharge assessments that haven't been completed and/or submitted as required under 42 CFR §483.20(g) and 42 CFR §483.20(f)(1). NFs should complete the assessments for inactive residents by September 30, 2013. Providers and others with questions should contact Cheryl Shiffer, MDS Clinical Coordinator. More from McKnight's. -- Registration is open for the 3rd Annual Culture Change … [Read more...] about Alerts/LTC News: Culture Change, ICD-9 Replacement
ILs and PLs: Required Base Wage, CMS Survey
DADS released four information letters and two provider letters. NF: A review of the medical necessity determinations revealed errors. DADS identified the accuracy of assessment data drawn from the MDS assessment and clinical record as one reason for errors. (Letter) CMPAS: DADS informed these providers of rules on the required base wage. (Letter) CBA, PHC, CAS, FC, MDCP, and DAHS: DADS informed these providers of rules on the required base wage. (Revised Letter) Financial … [Read more...] about ILs and PLs: Required Base Wage, CMS Survey
LTC News: Electronic Health Records, Physicians
-- "Long-term care providers shouldn't be afraid to ask questions and drive the conversation with vendors when purchasing an electronic health record system, according to an industry expert." – McKnight's -- "Nearly 50 medical societies signed a letter circulated by the American Medical Association last month, opposing the potential replacement of state-level QIOs with regional ones. AHCA/NCAL, the nation's largest long-term care provider group, expressed support of this position on … [Read more...] about LTC News: Electronic Health Records, Physicians
Texas Register Updates: Contract Award, Nursing Changes
The following information was obtained from the August 16 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices DADS published this notice of an emergency waiver and consulting contract award. McKesson Health Solutions is the consultant contracted to provide an assessment of the functionality of an electronic health record system currently in use by DADS SSLCs. See the Texas Register for details. HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 13-025 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Contract Award, Nursing Changes
Nursing Facility News
-- "Hospice workers who provide care for residents of skilled nursing facilities will have to provide more detailed claim data starting next year, according to recently released requirements from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services." – McKnight's -- "A new House bill aims to improve the nursing home survey process, enhance whistleblower protections for surveyors and establish an advisory committee for CMS that would include skilled nursing facility administrators, directors of … [Read more...] about Nursing Facility News