Last week President Barack Obama proposed to cut $313 billion from Medicaid and Medicare over the next 10 years as part of so-called health reform, in addition to the $635 billion in cuts in his FY 2010 budget. (Source) The president proposes to expand coverage to "millions" who don't have it, while bringing down the cost of care. How does he intend to accomplish these seemingly opposing goals? Among other things, limiting growth of Medicare's fee-for-service payments and cutting subsidies to … [Read more...] about Obama Proposes Medicaid and Medicare Cuts
Provider and Information Letters: Franchise Tax Report Requirements, Etc.
The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued one provider and five information letters: New Franchise Tax Report Requirements DADS sent a provider letter to Adult Day Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons With Mental Retardation or Related Conditions, and Nursing Facilities to inform them about current license application instructions. Download the letter for more … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Franchise Tax Report Requirements, Etc.
Provider and Information Letters: Emergency Preparedness, Hospice Rates
The Texas Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a provider and information letter: Emergency Preparedness Reminder DADS reminded all Adult Day Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Home and Community Support Service Agencies, Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions, and Nursing Facilities to review their emergency preparedness and response plans and available resources in the event of an emergency. Hurricane season is June 1 … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Emergency Preparedness, Hospice Rates
Nursing-Related Bills
The following nursing-related bills may affect certain providers: HB 392 - Relating to the availability and use of automated external defibrillators in nursing homes and related institutions. HB 703 - Relating to fall prevention awareness. HB 1081 - Relating to requiring posting of certain information regarding nursing homes and related institutions on the Department of Aging and Disability Services website. HB 2248 - Relating to an emergency management plan for certain health care … [Read more...] about Nursing-Related Bills
Information and Provider Letters: License Renewal Late Fee Renewals, Etc.
The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released one provider and two information letters: License Renewal Late Fee DADS reminded Adult Day Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons With Mental Retardation or a Related Condition, and Nursing Facilities (NF) licensees that license renewal applications received by DADS within the 45-day time period before license expiration are … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: License Renewal Late Fee Renewals, Etc.
Provider and Information Letters: Nursing Services FAQs, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released a provider letter and an information letter: Licensure Requirement for Whirlpool Tubs DADS issued a letter to Nursing Facilities to provide guidance and clarification related to DADS rules at Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 19, §19.334(c)(1), requiring every nursing facility provide at least one whirlpool tub unit as one of the required bathing units. Download the letter for more … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Nursing Services FAQs, Etc.
Provider and Information Letters: Continuing Education Clock Hours, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released one provider and four information letters: Continuing Education Clock Hours -- Nursing Facility Administrators (NFA) In a letter to Nursing Facilities, DADS provided guidance and clarification about updated rules governing NFA continuing education. From the letter: Effective June 1, 2009, under the amended NFA rule at Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 18, §18.35, DADS will accept no more than … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Continuing Education Clock Hours, Etc.
Provider and Information Letters: Swine Flu Guidance, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two provider and four information letters: Swine Influenza Guidance DADS provided all Adult Day Care Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities (AL), Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSA), Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation or Related Conditions (ICF/MR), Nursing Facilities, Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Providers, Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Providers and Mental … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Swine Flu Guidance, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Reviews and Changes
The following information was obtained from the April 24 and May 1 issues of the Texas Register: Public Notices On May 14, 2009, at 1 p.m., the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on proposed payment rates for nursing facilities. The hearing will take place in the Permian Basin Room of the Health and Human Services Commission, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd., Austin, Texas. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Reviews and Changes
Information Letters: MDS Admission Assessment, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four information letters: Minimum Data Sets (MDS) Admission Assessment In a letter to Nursing Facility (NF) providers, DADS clarified when an MDS admission assessment should be submitted as well as the appropriate reasons for the assessment if the form is dually coded for Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act and Medicare. Download the three-page letter for more information. Integrated Care Management (ICM) and … [Read more...] about Information Letters: MDS Admission Assessment, Etc.
