The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("PPACA") mandates in Sections 6102 and 6401 that a broad range of providers, suppliers, and physicians adopt compliance and ethics programs. By March 23, 2013, skilled nursing facilities and other nursing facilities must have “in operation” a compliance and ethics program that meets the PPACA’s criteria. Although the PPACA's requirements for nursing facilities are specific, the PPACA also contains broad compliance program requirements for all other … [Read more...] about Why Should You Have a Compliance Program?
Background Checks for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facility Employees
Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities may be unsure whether they are required to conduct background checks for independent contractors with direct client contact (such as dieticians and medical directors). The question arises because there appears to be a conflict between the Texas Health and Safety Code and a DADS handbook. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Section 250.002, nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to conduct criminal background checks ONLY on … [Read more...] about Background Checks for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facility Employees
Information/Provider Letters: Diagnostic Codes, Wall-Mounted Objects
DADS released one information and one provider letter: Nursing Administrators and Minimum Data Set Coordinators: DADS provided clarification about submission of Preadmission Screening and Resident Review and the Minimum Data Set forms. For example, the term "mental retardation" has been replaced by "intellectual disability." See the approved diagnostic codes for more information (PDF). (Letter) Free-Standing Hospice Facilities, ICFs/MR, and NFs: DADS issued a letter to notify … [Read more...] about Information/Provider Letters: Diagnostic Codes, Wall-Mounted Objects
TX Register Updates: Correction, Rate Hearings
The following information was obtained from the January 7 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices and Hearings HHSC issued a correction for an error in the December 24, 2010, published under, "Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Medicaid Payment Rates." The correction: "Hearing. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission will conduct a public hearing on January 7, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. to receive public comment on payment rate reductions for the non-state operated Intermediate Care … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Correction, Rate Hearings
Information/Provider Letters: Rate Changes, Cost Reporting
DADS released one provider and nine information letters. Adult Day Care and Assisted Living: DADS will require all ADC and AL facilities to submit Form 3725, Licensure Change of Ownership Affidavit, as part of the change of ownership notification process, effective January 1, 2011. (Letter) CBA, CLASS, MDCP, PHC, CAS, FC, and CDSA: DADS informed these providers that the electronic visit verification system is expected to be fully operational in Region 9 by March 1, 2011. … [Read more...] about Information/Provider Letters: Rate Changes, Cost Reporting
TX Register Updates: Medical Board, Nursing Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the December 24 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices HHSC proposes the following per diem reimbursement rates for the DADS-operated, non-state-operated ICF/MR program, effective February 1, 2011. HHSC also proposes the following per diem reimbursement rates for the DADS-operated NF program, effective February 1, 2011. See the Texas Register for details about each proposed rule. HHSC will hold a public hearing, "Medicaid … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medical Board, Nursing Board Changes
IL and News Alerts: New UR Process, Webinars
DADS issued an information letter and several news alerts. CWP providers and CDS agencies: DADS CSPO Section and MR Authorities Section will begin testing new utilization review processes for the CWP, with full implementation scheduled for January 1, 2011, effective the date of this letter. 1. Effective December 20, 2010, CWP HCSSAs must send Form 8578, Mental Retardation/Related Condition Assessment, Form 8662, Related Conditions Eligibility Screening Instrument (for individuals with … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: New UR Process, Webinars
Texas Providers to See Medicaid Fee Cut
The Dallas Morning News reports that doctors, dentists, hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health providers will see cuts in Medicaid reimbursement fees, effective February 1, 2011. After state leaders directed agencies to reduce spending by 2.5 percent, state Medicaid program managers announced that long term care providers would see a two percent reduction. Leaders seek to reduce spending in the two-year budget before the next budget. An excerpt: Last May, the leaders culled lists of … [Read more...] about Texas Providers to See Medicaid Fee Cut
New CMS Survey Memo Addresses Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recently released a survey memorandum regarding point of care testing in nursing homes. Specifically, the memorandum addresses the practice of using a blood glucose meter or other point of care device for more than one resident. Such devices must be properly cleaned and disinfected after use with each resident. Finger stick devices may not be used for more than one resident. Improper or non-cleaning of point of care devices such as blood glucose … [Read more...] about New CMS Survey Memo Addresses Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes
Provider Magazine
Most of you probably know about Provider magazine, affiliated with American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. For those who don't, Provider is a monthly publication for long term care professionals. The magazine publishes free online content, with an article archive going back to 2002. … [Read more...] about Provider Magazine
