-- "Post-acute providers are seeking deals that diversify their services and limit financial exposure related to Medicare reimbursement rates, according to an analysis from investment banking firm Triple Tree." - McKnight's -- "A state law to protect nursing home residents cannot be invoked to bring a suit against an assisted living provider, a federal judge recently ruled, reversing his earlier decision." - McKnight's -- "Skilled nursing operators can expect to see a new government report … [Read more...] about LTC News: NF Case, SNF Updates
IL/News Alerts: Joint Training January 28, 29, and 30
DADS released one information letter. CBA AL, DAHS, DBMD, NF, and RC: DADS reminded providers that they're required to submit financial and statistical information through a 2013 Cost Report for each contract held with DADS. (Letter) -- DADS will hold a series of ICF/IID joint training classes on January 28, 29, and 30. See the news alert page for times and locations may register here. -- DADS invited Adult Day Care providers in Regions 2, 9, and 10 to be held Wednesday, February … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: Joint Training January 28, 29, and 30
IL/News Alerts: 1/23 Call, Conference Reminder
DADS released one information letter: CCAD, RC, CBA, AL, and PC3 services providers: HHSC approved rate changes for the CCAD RC program, CBA AL services and CBA PC3 services. (Letter) -- CMS will hold a conference call for software developers and vendors related to the upcoming October 2014 updates to MDS 3.0. on Thursday, January 23, 2014. From the news alert page: A portion of this call will include a question and answer session specific to the October 2014 release. If you wish your … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: 1/23 Call, Conference Reminder
LTC News: Dual Eligibles, HSC Services Changes
-- "Dramatic Medicare cuts to skilled nursing facilities played a significant part in keeping healthcare spending low in 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Monday." – McKnight's -- "In light of reports that Medicare Part D prescribing practices are endangering seniors — many of them in long-term care facilities — the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a proposed rule that would give the agency more power to oversee and control the … [Read more...] about LTC News: Dual Eligibles, HSC Services Changes
TX Register Updates: TxHmL, Bed Allocation Waivers
The following information was obtained from the January 10 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Numbers 13-047 and 13-057 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, to include current information on agency names and organizational structure. HHSC will also submit to CMS a request to amend the TxHmL waiver program to update the performance measures for consistency across waivers and the process for HHSC's administrative oversight of DADS, and … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: TxHmL, Bed Allocation Waivers
DADS News Alerts: January Webinars
-- DADS announced supported employment training webinars from the University of Montana. To join the Montana Transition Listserv, go to the Transition and Employment Projects page and enter your email address. January 14th, 2-3:30 (CST) Systematic Instruction and Job Coaching--Part One February 17th, 5:30-6:30 (CST) Group discussion of how using the strategies taught in the workshop is playing out in participant's work. Register for this on the Montana Professional Development … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: January Webinars
LTC News: Emergency Preparedness
-- "Long-term care facilities would have to meet more comprehensive emergency preparedness guidelines, under a newly proposed rule from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services." – McKnight's -- "Data privacy and security are not new issues to senior living operators, and many have made serious headway in protection of protected health information (PHI) with the onset of technology advances. But recent changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 … [Read more...] about LTC News: Emergency Preparedness
DADS News Alerts: January Meetings, Webinars, and Reminders
-- DADS will hold two free joint training sessions on Tuesday, January 7, and Wednesday, January 8, at various times. See Joint Provider Training site for more information. -- HHSC is hosting a series of information sessions about several Medicaid managed care initiatives scheduled for September 1, 2014. On Wednesday, January 8, 2014, a Medicaid Managed Care Initiatives Information Session will be held in Austin. For additional details, check the meeting notices on the HHSC site. -- … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: January Meetings, Webinars, and Reminders
TX Register Updates: ACA Implementation, Base Wages
The following information was obtained from the December 27 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intend to submit Transmittal Number 13-055 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to establish home telemonitoring services as a benefit of the Texas Medicaid program. HHSC also intends to submit to CMS a request for an amendment to DBMD waiver program to update unduplicated count and point-in-time limits, change the name from consumer directed services agencies to … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: ACA Implementation, Base Wages
Risk Reduction and the Internal Investigation Policy
An essential element of an effective health care compliance plan is the internal investigations policy. Actions by employees, acting in the course and scope of their employment, can subject corporations to civil and criminal liability. Detecting, investigating and remedying such situations are crucial given the regulatory environment under which health care companies operate. The conduct of the investigation itself can exacerbate the situation. Employees subjected to discipline may … [Read more...] about Risk Reduction and the Internal Investigation Policy