The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released one provider and four information letters: Continuing Education Clock Hours -- Nursing Facility Administrators (NFA) In a letter to Nursing Facilities, DADS provided guidance and clarification about updated rules governing NFA continuing education. From the letter: Effective June 1, 2009, under the amended NFA rule at Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 18, §18.35, DADS will accept no more than … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Continuing Education Clock Hours, Etc.
Provider and Information Letters: Swine Flu Guidance, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two provider and four information letters: Swine Influenza Guidance DADS provided all Adult Day Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities (AL), Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA), Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions (ICF/MR), Nursing Facilities, Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Providers, Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Providers and Mental … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Swine Flu Guidance, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Reviews and Changes
The following information was obtained from the April 24 and May 1 issues of the Texas Register: Public Notices On May 14, 2009, at 1 p.m., the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on proposed payment rates for nursing facilities. The hearing will take place in the Permian Basin Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd., Austin, Texas. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Reviews and Changes
Information Letters: MDS Admission Assessment, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters: Minimum Data Sets (MDS) Admission Assessment In a letter to Nursing Facility (NF) providers, DADS clarified when an MDS admission assessment should be submitted as well as the appropriate reasons for the assessment if the form is dually coded for Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and Medicare. Download the three-page letter for more information. Integrated Care Management (ICM) and … [Read more...] about Information Letters: MDS Admission Assessment, Etc.
More Medicaid-Related Bills
The following Medicaid-related bills may affect providers: HB 1876 - Relating to creating the health care access fund to recruit health care providers in health professional shortage areas and to support federally-qualified health centers and to using for those purposes revenue from a tax imposed on certain tobacco products. HB 1878 - Relating to monitoring physicians' compliance with continuing medical education requirements. HB 1888 - Relating to standards required for certain … [Read more...] about More Medicaid-Related Bills
Texas Register Updates: Pediatric Subspecialty Contract
The following information was obtained from the April 10 Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced the award of a contract to Health Management Associates, Inc., to provide Consulting Services regarding identification of barriers to pediatric subspecialty consultations and referrals and to enumerate new methods to address these identified barriers. The contract's value is $110,755. HHSC also announced its intent to submit to the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Pediatric Subspecialty Contract
Information and Provider Letters: NF Quality Review, TAS Authorization, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued six information and two provider letters: Nursing Facility (NF) Quality Review Process for 2009 In a letter to NF providers, DADS informed them that it's conducting annual Nursing Qualify Facility Quality Review evaluations of resident care in nursing facilities, the same process conducted for the past seven years as mandated by the Texas Legislature. Download the letter for details. Authorization of … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: NF Quality Review, TAS Authorization, Etc.
New Legislative Bills
The following bills were introduced this month and may affect providers: HB 166 - Relating to providing home- and community-based support services under the Medicaid program to persons who are deaf-blind with multiple disabilities. HB 510 - Relating to the registration of certain assisted living facilities; providing penalties. HB 1186 - Relating to the transfer or discharge of certain residents in certain assisted living facilities. HB 1398 - Relating to a pilot project to establish … [Read more...] about New Legislative Bills
Information and Provider Letters: CDS Options, Complaints Under HDM, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released five information letters and one provider letter: Respite and Adjunct Support Services provided by Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) through the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Option in Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) DADS informed providers that MDCP Respite and Adjunct Support Services provided by RNs and LVNs is available through the CDS option, effective February 10, … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: CDS Options, Complaints Under HDM, Etc.
MedPAC’s 2009 Report to Congress
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), which advises Congress on Medicare issues, released its 2009 report to Congress. The report includes payment policy recommendations for nine payment systems: hospital inpatient, hospital outpatient, physicians, ambulatory surgical center, outpatient dialysis, skilled nursing, home health, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, and long-term care hospitals. From the press release: FEE-FOR-SERVICE PAYMENT UPDATE … [Read more...] about MedPAC’s 2009 Report to Congress