The following information was obtained from the October 21 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice DADS proposed to amend 40 TAC §92.2, Definitions, in the October 7, 2011, issue of the Texas Register and included outdated definitions for paragraph (8), "behavioral emergency" on page 6702, and paragraph (36), "personal care services" on page 6703, were erroneously included in the rule text of the proposal. Corrections: (8) Behavioral emergency--Has the meaning given in §92.41(p)(2) of … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Corrections, Medicaid Buy-In
DADS News Alerts: Cultural Change, PERM Webinar
A few of the most recent news updates: -- DADS will hold four webinars on cultural change in nursing facilities. The first is scheduled for Oct. 25, 2011, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is open. Email DADSCultureChange@dads.state.tx.us with questions. -- CMS is hosting a PERM provider (PDF) education webinar/listening sessions for Medicaid and CHIP providers in Cycle 3 states: -- DADS will propose to repeal 40 TAC, Chapter 5, Subchapter I, Behavior Therapy, at the … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Cultural Change, PERM Webinar
TX Register Updates: PASRR Changes, TxHmL Renewal
The following information was obtained from the October 14 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would add categorical determinations to the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) program. HHSC intends to submit an amendment that would define the PASRR Level II evaluation and identify specialized services available only to PASRR-eligible individuals. Finally, HHSC intends to … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: PASRR Changes, TxHmL Renewal
ILs and PL: AFC Clients, Mortality Review
DADS released two provider and three information letters. Licensed Type C ALs: DADS will conduct a two-year review of licensed Type C assisted living facilities that no longer serve adult foster care (AFC) clients, effective September 14, 2011, which replaces the assessment completed by the AFC contract specialist when the services were provided to those clients. Use Form 1123, Review of Assisted Living Facility Type C. (Letter) HCSSAs: Attached to this letter is a five-page document … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: AFC Clients, Mortality Review
ILs and PL: Weather-Related Closures, New Service Limits
DADS released one provider and six information letters: Adult Day Care, AL, HCSSAs, ICFs/MR, and NFs: CMS and DADS don't consider inclement weather-related or emergency state office closures to be state or federal holidays. Please submit any TAC- or federal code-required reports or other documents within the specified time frame, regardless closures. (Letter) CLASS Case Management and DSAs, HCS, CWP, and CDSAs: DADS will end the CWP on December 31, 2011, because it is no longer cost … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: Weather-Related Closures, New Service Limits
DADS Alerts: Cancelled CLASS, NF Bed Allocation
-- DADS has cancelled the CLASS Basic Job Skills Training scheduled for September 6 - 7, 2011, in Austin. The next CLASS BJST is scheduled to take place April 10-11, 2012. Please call Laura Trevino, DADS Program Consultant, with questions at (512) 438-4385. -- DADS has posted new information to clarify current policies and procedures and to announce new procedures related to NF Medicaid bed allocation requirements outlined in 40 TAC §§19.2322 and 19.2324. -- A recording of the HCS … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: Cancelled CLASS, NF Bed Allocation
ILs & PL: New Rates, Employee Screening
DADS released one provider and six information letters. Hospice Agencies with a Freestanding Inpatient Unit: DADS reminds these providers to ensure patient safety during an external or internal disaster. They must comply with TAC, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 97, section §97.256 and have a written emergency preparedness and response plan based on a risk assessment of potential disasters most likely to occur in their service area. (Letter) CWP: HHSC approved new payment rates, effective … [Read more...] about ILs & PL: New Rates, Employee Screening
DADS News Alerts: Training Sessions, Manual Updates
Since our last update on DADS news alert, the agency has released many more. Beginning on page two, scroll down to see each alert, which includes links to survey web pages, then go forward to the first page for the most recent alerts. A sample of the latest updates: Providers still have time to submit the 2011 Home Health and Hospice Care Nurse Staffing Survey, extended to August 31, 2011. Providers will find materials for Texas Center for Nursing Workforce Studies at this web site. When … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Training Sessions, Manual Updates
ILs & PLs: HHA Survey Process, PAS Reminder
DADS released two provider and two information letters: HSCCAs that provide HHA and L&C Applicants: CMS revised the existing HHA survey process. Among the changes: more emphasis on data collection from staff interviews, clinical records, and home visits. (Letter) ADCs, ALFs, HSCCAs, ICFs/MR, and NFs: Effective September 1, 2011, new convictions for the offenses added by House Bill 2609 prohibit employment in facilities and agencies subject to Health and Safety Code Chapter 250. … [Read more...] about ILs & PLs: HHA Survey Process, PAS Reminder
Impact of Medicare Reductions on Texas
Last month, CMS issued a final rule announcing the reduction of Medicare skill nursing facility Prospective Payment System rates for FY12 by $3.87 billion. (Source) According to Avalere Health, which represents long term care providers, the cuts not only would affect long term care facilities, but would reduce economic activity in the most populous states, which includes Texas ( economic activity loss: $497 million; Medicare revenue loss: $349 million). An excerpt of the press … [Read more...] about Impact of Medicare Reductions on Texas
