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!!
DADS News Alerts: 9/16, October Meetings
-- DADS revised a provider manual: Home-Delivered Meals Provider Manual. -- DADS announced a new provider manual, Consumer Managed Personal Attendant Services Provider Manual. -- Changes to service planning in the HCS are now reflected in the amended sections of the HCS Handbook: Section 4000 (Person Directed Planning Process) and Section 7000 (Implementation Plan and Backup Plan), found on the DADS site. If you have questions, please contact us at hcs@dads.state.tx. -- The CLASS … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 9/16, October Meetings
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
TX Register Updates: NF Payment Increase, Medicaid Managed Care
The following information was obtained from the August 23 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the CBA waiver program to remove cost containment service limits, allow individuals to transfer between waivers when medically necessary for services to continue to ensure health and safety, and other changes. HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 13-024 to add provisionally licensed psychologists as an additional type of provider … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: NF Payment Increase, Medicaid Managed Care
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
DADS News Alerts: 9/9 Webinar, 10/8 Meeting, Save-the-dates
-- The next enrollment training for entities interested in becoming a Financial Management Services Agency will be held October 16-18, 2013 at the William B. Travis State Office Building, Room 1-111, 1701 Congress Ave., Austin, Room 1-111. See the DADS page for more information. -- DADS reminded providers that a mandatory upgrade to the CMSNet Juniper Client will begin for western states, which includes Texas, on August 31, 2013. The CMSNet page has more information. -- DADS will hold a … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 9/9 Webinar, 10/8 Meeting, Save-the-dates
DADS News Alerts: 9/17, 9/24 Meetings
-- The State Supported Living Centers invited comments on new Draft of Policy #055 (PDF), Use of Protective Devices. Please address comments and questions to Eric Moorad, Policy/Rules Coordinator, at eric.moorad@dads.state.tx.us or via fax at 512-438-4605 by close of business Wednesday, August 28, 2013. -- DADS reminded providers about the Culture Change: Moving Forward in Texas - A Joint Conference presented by TxCCC and DADS to be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Registration is … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 9/17, 9/24 Meetings
ILs and PLs: FY2013 Closeout Cutoffs, Nursing Services
DADS released four information letters and two provider letters. Fiscal Year 2013 Cutoff Dates for Year-end Closeout Processing for Community/State (Service Group 5) ICF/ID Fiscal Year 2013 Cutoff Dates for Year-end Closeout Processing for ADC, AL, CBA, DAHS, Hospice, MDCP NF, PACE, and others Fiscal Year 2013 Cutoff Dates for Year-end Closeout Processing for HCS and TxHml NF: An individual must complete a training program and competency evaluation approved by DADS before it lists … [Read more...] about ILs and PLs: FY2013 Closeout Cutoffs, Nursing Services
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
RUG Reviews: The Exit Conference
http://youtu.be/aZNMNvHJYgc At the conclusion of the onsite review, the HHSC-OIG nurse reviewer must hold an exit conference with the nursing staff. The Administrator, DON, charge nurse and other leadership of the facility should attend in order to gain a full understanding of the findings by the nurse reviewer. The nurse reviewer is mandated to provide “formal written notification of all MDS validation findings during the exit process.” You will receive a “List of … [Read more...] about RUG Reviews: The Exit Conference
