DADS release one information letter and several news alerts: ICF/MR: DADS informed these providers about process changes for how allowable related-party hours for Medicaid cost reporting are determined; and new fully-funded model wage rates that apply to direct services providers, effective September 1. (Letter) Recent news alerts: DADS posted an invitation to a webinar about the employment of Texans with developmental disabilities. The target audience is any "staff involved with … [Read more...] about Information Letter and Alerts: ICF/MR, HCS, NFs
Provider and Information Letters: HCS, TxHmL, CDSAs
DADS released one provider and three information letters: HCSSAs: All Medicare-approved home health agencies or those seeking approval under Medicare must comply with Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS)-C requirements. Download the patient classification table here and the letter here. HCS, TxHmL, and CDSAs: HHSC approved new payment rates for these programs, effective September 1, available at the HHSC Rate Analysis web page and TxHmL web page. Download the letter for … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: HCS, TxHmL, CDSAs
Recession and Nursing Facilities
How is the recession affecting nursing facilities? According to the Associated Press, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services cut Medicare rates to nursing facilities (NFs) by $16 billion over 10 years. These facilities can expect more cuts if President Barack Obama's health care reform bill becomes law. American Health Care Association (AHCA) president and CEO Bruce Yarwood said, "As health reform deliberations continue, we respectfully urge lawmakers to keep in mind that any … [Read more...] about Recession and Nursing Facilities
Information and Provider Letters: H1N1, Indv. on Temp Discharge
DADS issued one provider and three information letters: To All Adult Day Care Facilities, ALs, CSSAs, ICFs/MR, and NFs: DADS created a web page with links to H1N1 and seasonal influenza information provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the CDC: DSHS main page for flu CDC main page for flu The letter contains links to specific pages on the site. (Letter) To HCS and TxHmL program providers: Effective immediately, a DADS Program Enrollment/Enrollment, … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: H1N1, Indv. on Temp Discharge
Information Letters: ICF/MR, HCS, CDSAs, DBMD
DADS released four information letters: Screen 573 allows ICFs/MR to monitor compliance with RLO. The screen's new function is to identify individuals in each queried component code that have not received a RLO due to being a new admission. These individuals will show as "Not Found" on Screen 573. A vendor will place a hold on payments to facilities until all reviews are updated and completed. (Letter) HCS, MRAs, and CDSAs: DADS implemented in CARE new nursing categories and new rates for … [Read more...] about Information Letters: ICF/MR, HCS, CDSAs, DBMD
DADS Letters: NF, CDSA, ICR/MR, HCS, TxHmL
DADS released one provider and six information letters: DADS sent a disaster/emergency guideline letter that applies to HCSSAs temporarily locating a place of business, temporarily expanding their service area, voluntarily suspending operations, or permanently closing in response to a disaster or emergency that affects services or the ability to provide them. (Letter) CDSAs may delegate any task (under the RN delegation of services) to an unlicensed person employed in the CDS option, as … [Read more...] about DADS Letters: NF, CDSA, ICR/MR, HCS, TxHmL
The Feds’ War on Pain Management Physicians
Heroic civil liberties lawyer, Harvey Silverglate writes about the war on physicians who attempt to alleviate the chronic pain of their patients. I just started reading his new book, Three Felonies a Day: How the Feds Target the Innocent, and will be writing more about that. In the meantime, read this column. Not only are the Feds attempting to "to effectively control the practice of pain relief medicine", they are now prosecuting people who try to educate the public about the issue under … [Read more...] about The Feds’ War on Pain Management Physicians
Provider and Information Letters: ICFs/MR, Assisted Living, NFs
DADS issued three provider and three information letters last week: DADS notified ICFs/MR providers of amendments to Section 252.122 of the Health and Safety Code, Section 261.109 of the Family Code, Section 48.052 of the Human Resources Code, and Section 22.04 of the Penal Code, which added new language. Example (new language in bold): "Notification of duty to report abuse, neglect and exploitation. Each facility shall require each employee of the facility, as a condition of employment … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: ICFs/MR, Assisted Living, NFs
Provider and Information Letters: NFs, ICF/MRs, Assisted Living, and Others
DADS sent a 12-page letter with recommendations for infection control and prevention in long term care facilities to nursing and assisted living facilities and ICF/MRs. Among the recommendations are (Letter): An active, effective, facility-wide infection control program should be established. The purpose of the program is to help prevent the development and spread of infectious diseases (Category IC). … Oversight of the infection control program should be defined and should include … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NFs, ICF/MRs, Assisted Living, and Others
News from CMS
>> CMS recently announced that a 60-day supplier bidding period for the Round One Rebid of the Medicare Competitive Bidding Program for durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies will begin at the end of October. (Source) CMS's Jonathan Blum said, "Competitive bidding is an essential tool to help Medicare pay appropriately for health care—important not only to maintain Medicare beneficiaries' access to high quality medical items and services, but also to lower the cost … [Read more...] about News from CMS
