The following recently introduced House and Senate bills could affect long term care providers: HB 1137: Relating to the use of maximum allowable cost lists under a Medicaid managed care pharmacy benefit plan. HB 1112: Relating to state assistance for certain county health care expenditures. HB 1088: Relating to consumer protection provisions applicable to Medicaid managed care contracts. HB 1066: Relating to a review process for managed care organizations participating in the STAR + … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: STAR + PLUS, PPACA
House and Senate Bills: Medicaid, Nurse Lawsuits
The following recently introduced House and Senate bills could affect long term care providers: HB 593: Relating to the expansion of eligibility for medical assistance to certain persons under the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. HB 595: Relating to the repeal of certain health programs and councils, to the review of certain health programs, panels, councils, systems, foundations, centers, committees, and divisions under the Texas Sunset Act, and to the transfer of … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: Medicaid, Nurse Lawsuits
TX Register Updates: Affordable Care Act, Nursing Changes
The following information was obtained from the December 21 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance an amendment that would update the fee schedules in the current state plan by including fees for new services and by modifying fees for existing services. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the Texas Healthcare Transformation Quality Improvement Program waiver program. An excerpt: The 82nd Texas … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Affordable Care Act, Nursing Changes
Medicare and Medicaid Court Decisions
Medicare recipients with chronic conditions can no longer be turned down for home health services provided by skilled nurses and therapists, according to a recent settlement between the federal government and consumer advocates. Home care and other long term care providers benefit as well. An excerpt: To receive this coverage, patients must meet specific requirements. First, a doctor must prescribe care from a nurse or therapist. Patients in skilled-nursing facilities also must demonstrate a … [Read more...] about Medicare and Medicaid Court Decisions
IL and News Alerts: EVV Updates, NCHS Request
CBA, CLASS, MDCP, PHC, CAS, FC, and CDSA: The news alert information applies only to Regions 5 and 6 placed under the requirement to use the EVV system, effective November 15, 2012. From November 15, 2012 through January 14, 2013, DADS will accept paper timesheets as a back-up. (Letter) -- Posted 12/12/12: DADS continues to receive extensive stakeholder concern regarding the proposed rules to allow services to be provided by a licensed home and community support services agency (or … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: EVV Updates, NCHS Request
TX Register Update: CNM/LM, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the December 14 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules HHSC adopted amendments to §354.1252, Certified Nurse-midwives, and new §354.1253, Licensed Midwives. Among other things, the changes clarify that the section applies only to CNMs and updates terms and agency names. See the Texas Register for more information. The Texas Medical Board adopted amendments to several sections of the code. Licensure – Among other things, "amends the … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: CNM/LM, Medical Board Changes
DADS News Alerts: 12/18 Survey Deadline, 1/7/13 Meeting
-- To follow up on a request to provide examples of when Individual Responsibility Agreements (IRA) are used in the CLASS Medicaid waiver, DADS asks CLASS DSAs to complete a summary of when the agency has used an IRA agreement and, if possible, the total active agreements the agency has in place. E-mail to DADS at class@dads.state.tx.us by Tuesday, December 18, 2012. -- DADS invited providers to attend the next HCSSA stakeholder meeting on Monday, January 7, 2013, 1-5 p.m. in the Public … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 12/18 Survey Deadline, 1/7/13 Meeting
IL/News Alerts: PASRR Process Change, ICF/IID Workshops
NF Administrators, MDS Coordinators, and Directors of Nursing: DADS reminded these providers that the PASRR process will change next year. An excerpt: • Eliminating the role of nursing facilities in the Level II evaluation process; • Requiring specific specialized services to be identified before admission to the nursing facility; and • Requiring DADS to have clear processes in place for resident review when an individual experiences a significant change in their MDS assessment. • … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: PASRR Process Change, ICF/IID Workshops
TX Register Updates: 10/29 Forum, 11/14-15 Hearings
The following information was obtained from the October 26 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Ambulance Services, case management services provided to children and pregnant women, hearing aids; Medicaid biennial calendar fee review, and vaccine and toxoids (shingles vaccine); on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. receive … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 10/29 Forum, 11/14-15 Hearings
TX Register Update: MOU Repeals
The following information was obtained from the October 19 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §355.8085, Reimbursement Methodology for Physicians and Other Practitioners to set Medicaid rates for certain evaluation and management services and vaccine administration services equal to the 2013-2014 Medicare rates. See the Texas Register for more information. Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing adopted amendments to Chapter 214, §§214.1 - 214.13, … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: MOU Repeals
