The following is a list of bills introduced in the 81st Legislative Session that impact providers: HB 5 - Relating to the elimination of smoking in all workplaces and public places; providing penalties. HB 67 - Relating to a medical assistance buy-in program for children with certain developmental disabilities. HB 87 - Relating to increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district to $45,000, providing for a reduction of the … [Read more...] about Legislative Updates: Bills Introduced
Information and Provider Letters: Pre-licensure Training, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released one provider letter and two information letters: Pre-licensure Training Provided Through the DADS Internet Site DADS issued a letter to Assisted Living Facilities to inform them of the following: Texas Administrative Code Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 92, §92.14(a) now states that an applicant for an initial license must complete a pre-licensure training course, provided by DADS, before submitting an application. … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Pre-licensure Training, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rate Hearings, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the January 23 and January 30 issues of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold public hearings on Medicaid payment rates for several programs on February 17, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Follow this link and scroll down to read each entry. HHSC announced its … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rate Hearings, Etc.
Information Letters: PACE and Hospice Provider Updates, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three new information letters: Community Services Medical Necessity (MN) and Level of Care (LOC) Assessment for PACE Participants Residing in Nursing Facilities (NFs) DADS served notice to PACE providers about MN/LOC assessments and billing for participants whose permanent residence is a Medicaid NF. PACE submits assessments to the Texas Medicaid Healthcare Partnership every year, and the organization is responsible … [Read more...] about Information Letters: PACE and Hospice Provider Updates, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Repeal of Fair Hearing Rules, Texas Medical Board Rule Changes
The following information was obtained from the January 9 and January 16 issues of the Texas Register: Public Hearing The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on January 30, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. to receive public comment on the proposed interim per diem Medicaid reimbursement rate for small, state-operated Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation operated by DADS. The hearing will be held in the Piney Woods Conference Room of … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Repeal of Fair Hearing Rules, Texas Medical Board Rule Changes
Information Letters: Co-Payment Chart Changes, Hurricane Ike Costs, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released eight information letters: Effective December 1, 2008 -- Change in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 40, Chapter 44, Consumer Managed Personal Attendant Services (CMPAS), Relating to the Co-payment Chart DADS notified CMPAS providers about a TAC change, effective December 1, 2008. The change removes the previously attached co-payment chart from 40 TAC, Chapter 44 and replaces it with a statement to locate … [Read more...] about Information Letters: Co-Payment Chart Changes, Hurricane Ike Costs, Etc.
Smaller Reimbursements for Home Health Agencies
According to the Kaiser Network, MedPAC has recommended reducing Medicare reimbursements to home health agencies by 5.5 percent from FY 2009 levels and increasing payments to long term care hospitals and dialysis centers. MedPAC, which advises Congress on Medicare issues, will send a report to the legislative body in March. The report will also contain a recommendation to change home health agency reimbursement rates in 2011 "to account for the average cost of care, develop studies to … [Read more...] about Smaller Reimbursements for Home Health Agencies
Information Letters: RUGs Questions, OCS through CDS Option
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released two information letters: RUGs Information Requiring Special Attention DADS issued an information letter to Nursing Facility providers to share questions that require special attention. DADS provided four questions and responses in a three-page letter. Example: Question 4: When calling PCS, what type of calls can be escalated to the supervisor? Response: A delay in the processing of the form which will cause … [Read more...] about Information Letters: RUGs Questions, OCS through CDS Option
Nursing Facility Industry Experts Question Five Star Rating System
In the previous entry, I mentioned DADS's new Five Star Rating System for nursing homes. These facilities will be rated on health inspections, staffing, and quality. Kaiser Network is reporting than nursing facility industry experts say the new system is stricter in some states than others, which may result in better facilities in certain states. About 22 percent of almost 16,000 nursing facilities received the lowest rating, and 12 percent received the highest. National Citizen's Coalition … [Read more...] about Nursing Facility Industry Experts Question Five Star Rating System
DADS Alerts: CLASS Clarification, Etc.
The Texas Department and Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) providers that Form 8604, the Transition Assistance Services (TAS) Assessment and Authorization, has been replaced by Form 3621-A, CLASS Transition Assistance Services. See the TAS handbook for more information. DADS is offering new forms for programs like Deaf/Blind with Multiple Disabilities, Home and Community-based Services, and Intermediate Care Facilities for … [Read more...] about DADS Alerts: CLASS Clarification, Etc.
