The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a provider letter to Licensed Nursing Facilities, Medicare/Medicaid-certified Nursing Facilities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities about guidelines for reporting incidents. Superseding guidelines dated July 14, 2000, the revised guidelines require any facility staffer who believes a resident has been abused, neglected, or exploited by another staffer to report it, pursuant to Health and Safety Code §242.122 and 40 Texas … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Incident Reporting and Provider/Survey Conference
New Hampshire Nursing Homes Sue DHHS
On occasion, I’ve blogged about nursing homes and the “burden†of Medicare Part D. In July, I told you that pharmaceutical representatives testified on Capitol Hill that nursing homes are losing money under the program. Nursing homes are also concerned about Medicaid under-reimbursements. Sixty nursing homes in New Hampshire are suing the Department of Health and Human Services for $4.4 million for care given to Medicaid beneficiaries since 2002. From the Kaiser Network: The … [Read more...] about New Hampshire Nursing Homes Sue DHHS
Provider Letter: Online Program Notifications
In a letter dated September 12, 2006, the Department of Aging and Disability Services informed providers that it will no longer send program notifications through the mail. Notifications will be posted online, effective October 1. Providers can access notifications in two ways: 1) By following this link and clicking on “Communications,†where you’ll find links to alerts, bulletins, and other providers letters; 2) By signing up to receive notifications through e-mail. On the home page … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Online Program Notifications
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Limits; Patients Rights
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will submit Amendment Number 747 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance. From the September 8 Texas Register: Amendment 747 revises the methodology used by the State to estimate the Medicaid Upper Payment Limit (UPL) for hospital inpatient services. The UPL is the federal limit on Medicaid payments to a group of hospitals and is determined under Federal regulations as a reasonable estimate of the amount that would be paid for the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Limits; Patients Rights
Disaster Preparation At TexasOnline
Hopefully this hurricane season won't be as devastating as the last, but it's good to be prepared. Texas providers (and all residents) should visit the disaster preparation resource page at TexasOnline to stay up-to-date on current news and tips. You'll find links to organizations and agencies that specialize in preparing for disasters, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency and American Red Cross. There are links to state and local government agencies and organizations, and … [Read more...] about Disaster Preparation At TexasOnline
Provider Letters: Permanency Planning and Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation
Effective September 1, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability (DADS) must delegate "the development of a permanency plan to a mental retardation authority (MRA), to a private entity other than an entity providing long-term institutional care, or to DADS personnel" for an individual under 22 receiving services or seeking admission to an institution. DADS will delegate the responsibilities to the local mental retardation authority where the individual or his legally authorized … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Permanency Planning and Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation
OIG Releases Report on Nursing Homes’ Response to Hurricanes
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department Health and Human Services has released a report titled, "Nursing Home Emergency Preparedness and Response During Recent Hurricanes." OIG reviewed 20 nursing homes for the study. According to the report, 94 percent of nursing homes met government guidelines for emergency plans, and 80 percent met guidelines for sufficient emergency training in 2004-2005. However, nursing homes didn't always follow the plans. For example, 5 of the … [Read more...] about OIG Releases Report on Nursing Homes’ Response to Hurricanes
Georgia’s $100,000 Medicaid Estate Exemption Fails
Citing the figure as "somewhat excessive," the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services rejected Georgia's attempt to raise the state's Medicaid estate recovery exemption from $25,000 to $100,000. (Medical News Today) To offset the costs of nursing home care, states are required by federal law to recover money from a beneficiary's estate. Current Georgia law exempts the first $25,000. For more information, visit on Medicaid estate recovery in Texas, visit the estate recovery program … [Read more...] about Georgia’s $100,000 Medicaid Estate Exemption Fails
Provider Letter: New Rules for Permanency Planning
Nursing facilities will be subject to new rules related to permanency planning, effective September 1, 2006. The amended sections of 40 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 19 (§19.802 and §19.805) reflect changes made by the legislature concerning the annual review of a child's comprehensive care plan and the involvement of a child's legally authorized representative. Attached to the letter are the amended 40 TAC sections. You may download the six-page document here. … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: New Rules for Permanency Planning
Hospice Care Reduces End-of-Life Hospitalization
According to a new study published by Health Services Research, nursing home residents receiving hospice care reduce their chances of hospitalization by half compared to those who don't receive hospice care. From SeniorJournal.com: People who choose hospice, which focuses on comfort instead of cure, tend to refuse aggressive end-of-life treatment anyway, Gozalo said. But even taking this into consideration, hospice still makes a significant difference in keeping people out of the hospital … [Read more...] about Hospice Care Reduces End-of-Life Hospitalization