The following information was obtained from the February 26 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules HHSC proposes to amend several sections of the code, including Nursing Facility Administrators, Nursing Facility Requirements For Licensure And Medicaid Certification, Medicaid Waiver Program For People Who Are Deaf Blind With Multiple Disabilities, DBMD Program, Enrollment Process, and Transfer Between Program Providers. See the relevant section of the Texas Register and scroll down … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: NFs, DBMD, Texas Medical Board
Texas Register Updates: Life Safety Code Inspection, March 15 Hearing
The following information was obtained from the February 19 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules HHSC proposes to amend Subchapter B, Definitions, §19.101, concerning definitions; Subchapter D, Facility Construction, §19.330, concerning construction and initial survey of completed construction; and new §19.220, concerning expedited life safety code and physical plant inspection fees, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification. The … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Life Safety Code Inspection, March 15 Hearing
Texas HHSC Proposes Medicaid Cuts
The Dallas Morning News reports that nursing facilities could see a two percent Medicaid cut if Texas Health and Human Services Commissioner Tom Suehs's proposed reductions go through. To deal with a potential budget shortfall, Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, and House Speaker Joe Straus asked HHSC to reduce Medicaid spending by five percent. Suehs offered a list of reductions worth $304 million. "We were asked to lay out options," Stephanie Goodman, a spokesperson … [Read more...] about Texas HHSC Proposes Medicaid Cuts
Information Letters: CDSA, NF, HCS, TxHmL
DADS released four information letters: CDSA for PHC: DADS explains the responsibilities of the employer and CDSA when individuals enroll in PHC (which includes PHC, CAS, and FC) program and opt to go directly on the CDS option. DADS also released a letter that contains instructions for case managers. For other details, download the two-page letter. NFs: DADS revised the Nursing Facility Customized Power Wheelchair Authorization Form 3706 and form instructions to eliminate the need … [Read more...] about Information Letters: CDSA, NF, HCS, TxHmL
Texas Register Updates: Contract, Waivers, & PACE
The following information was obtained from the January 29 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC awarded contract 529-10-0082-00001 to Stanley M. Stewart, on an emergency basis, to analyze and make recommendations on statewide implementation of the Texas Integrated Eligibility Redesign System and provide consultation and support to provide short- and long-term solutions for the administration of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, in response to a U.S. Department of … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Contract, Waivers, & PACE
Provider and Information Letters: NF, CLASS, HCSSAs, Etc.
DADS released one provider and two information letters: NFs: DADS informed these providers of new application requirements in Form 3720-N. Provider Letter 08-01 notified NF licensees that all applicants for initial licensure or change of ownership with an effective date of June 1, 2008, or later, were required to complete a new section of the application, Item 10, about the applicant's financial condition. (Letter) The following modifications apply to license renewals that expire June … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NF, CLASS, HCSSAs, Etc.
MedPAC Recommends Adjusted Medicare Payment Rates
MedPAC, which advises Congress on Medicare, released a set of recommendations. (Source - PDF) An excerpt: "To restore budget neutrality, the Congress should require the Secretary to fully offset increases in inpatient payments due to hospitals' documentation and coding improvements. To accomplish this, the Secretary must reduce payment rates in the inpatient prospective payment system by the same percentage (not to exceed 2 percentage points) each year in 2011, 2012, and 2013. The lower rates … [Read more...] about MedPAC Recommends Adjusted Medicare Payment Rates
Information Letters: Rehabilitation Services, CDS Option
DADS released two information letters. NF and Rehab Services providers: To expedite review and approval/disapproval process for Rehabilitation Authorization Requests, DADS will no longer return approvals by fax for Physical Therapy /Occupational Therapy and Speech, effective February 1. DADS will only return faxes for reasons (Exceptions to Requests) listed in the two-page letter. CDSAs for the CWP: The CDS option will be available for individuals in CWP who use personal assistance services, … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Rehabilitation Services, CDS Option
CMS: Health Care Spending Rate Slowest Since 1960
CMS issued an annual report on national health care spending that showed nominal spending in the U.S. grew 4.4 percent last year, to $2.3 trillion, the slowest rate of growth since CMS started tracking health care spending in 1960. The health care spending rate in 2007 was 6.0. However, health care spending grew faster than nominal economic growth. Jonathan Blum, director of CMS's Center for Medicare Management, said the report "contains some welcome news and yet another warning sign. Health … [Read more...] about CMS: Health Care Spending Rate Slowest Since 1960
Information Letters: LVN/RN Form 3050, Etc.
DADS released three information letters: Hospice providers: DADS sent a corrected letter that notifies these providers that they can bill for ventilator services provided to residents in nursing facilities. In the attached letter, the corrections are indicated in red. (Letter) Day Activity Health Services providers: DADS determined that either an LVN or an RN can complete and sign the Form 3050 (DAHS Health Assessment/Individual Service Plan) when it is used for assessment in a Day Activity … [Read more...] about Information Letters: LVN/RN Form 3050, Etc.
