-- DADS will rebroadcast the quarterly webinar on HCS Quality Assurance Rule Revisions from September 9, 2013, on Monday, November 18, 2013, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. You may register and receive details about the webinar here. -- "More uniform reimbursements for skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation facilities could be implemented soon, policy analysts recently told the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission." – McKnight's -- "More than 6,000 skilled nursing facilities … [Read more...] about News Alert/SNF News: 11/18 Webinar Rebroadcast
DADS News Alerts: 11/14, 12/5 Meetings
-- REMINDER: Upcoming Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers meetings. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, November 14, 2013. -- HHSC adopted amendments to Chapter 9, Intellectual Disability Services--Medicaid State Operating Agency Responsibilities, Subchapter E, ICF/IID Program—Contracting. -- HHSC proposed to repeal Chapter 16, §§16.1 - 16.4, the Pilot Program to Increase the Use of Advanced Directives in Nursing Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 11/14, 12/5 Meetings
LTC News: Drs. Medicare Payment
-- "The Democratic and Republican leaders of two key congressional committees have agreed on a framework to scrap the problematic Medicare payment formula for physicians and replace it with one that would link physician reimbursement to the quality of care provided, a step that could put an end to the annual "doc fix" debate." - Kaiser -- "A bill in the House of Representatives aims to create a 'trusted provider' status in the Medicare program, which would potentially streamline the … [Read more...] about LTC News: Drs. Medicare Payment
TX Register Updates: Corrections, Dual Eligibles
The following information was obtained from the November 1 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices A correction to a public notice that appeared in the September 13, 2013, issue regarding the intent to submit a request for an amendment to the MDCP Medicaid waiver: The waiver transfer process, allowing individuals to transfer between waivers when medically necessary for services to continue to ensure health and safety, was previously described in the public notice published in the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Corrections, Dual Eligibles
PL/News Alerts: 11/7 Stakeholder and ADC Meetings
DADS released one provider letter. NF: An excerpt from the letter: Recently, it has come to the attention of the Department of Aging and Disability Services that some NFs admitting residents directly from a jail or a correctional facility have continued to have such residents handcuffed or in leg shackles or in both. Such devices are restraints and NFs cannot use them. Despite having been an inmate, a resident that a NF admits from a jail or correctional facility is now a NF resident. The … [Read more...] about PL/News Alerts: 11/7 Stakeholder and ADC Meetings
TX Register Updates: Level II Service, ACA Reqs.
The following information was obtained from the October 25 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board proposed to amend §192.1, Definitions, which would add language providing that the administration of certain local anesthesia, peripheral nerve blocks, or both in a total dosage amount that exceeds 50 percent of the recommended maximum safe dosage per outpatient visit is a Level II service. See the Texas Register for details. Withdrawn Rules The Texas Medical … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Level II Service, ACA Reqs.
IL/News Alerts: 10/30 Meeting, Proposed Rules
HCS, TxHmL, and FMS: DADS provided clarification concerning reimbursement for diapers, diaper-wipes, incontinence briefs, incontinence liners, pull-ons, and non-sterile gloves for individuals served in these programs. (Letter) -- HHSC adopted amendments to §19.2322, Medicaid bed allocation requirements, and the repeal of §19.2324, selection and contracting procedures for adding Medicaid beds in high-occupancy areas, in Chapter 19, NF Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: 10/30 Meeting, Proposed Rules
IL and PLs: Sex Offender Registry
DADS released one information letter and three provider letters. CBA, CLASS, DBMD, FMS, and MDCP: DADS provided current information regarding when room and board are included in the reimbursement rate for in-home and out-of-home respite. (Letter) ALF: DADS notified providers that it intends to adopt the 2000 edition of the NFPA 101, the LSC, effective January 6, 2014, for assisted living facilities. (Letter) DADS informed ALF managers of a new requirement mandated by the Texas … [Read more...] about IL and PLs: Sex Offender Registry
TX Register Updates: 11/20 Hearing, ACA Reqs.
The following information was obtained from the October 18 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Doctor of Dentistry Surgical Services, second quarter 2013 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System updates, Indian Health Services, Influenza Vaccines 90660 and 90672, Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review, and Mirena. The hearing will take … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 11/20 Hearing, ACA Reqs.
TX Register Updates: Correction, Base Wage
The following information was obtained from the October 11 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice Correction HHSC published a notice in the September 20 issue about the agency's intent to submit a request to amend the THTQIP. An excerpt: In the prior public notice published in the September 20, 2013 issue of the Texas Register, HHSC discussed the agency's intent to request the addition of cognitive rehabilitation therapy as an available service in the STAR+PLUS home and community … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Correction, Base Wage
