The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is asking for comments on existing advisory committees. In response to approved Sunset legislation, HHSC conducted a comprehensive analysis of 132 existing advisory committees. This analysis, along with stakeholder input, will be used to determine the future advisory committee structure. Comments should be emailed to HHSAdvisoryCommittees@hhsc.state.tx.us by close of business Sept. 25.Some of the committees related to DADS include:Aging … [Read more...] about HHSC Seeks Input on Workgroups, Councils Structure
Information on Ebola Virus for Providers of Services to Individuals in the Department of Aging and Disability Services Programs
DADS information letter provides information on the Ebola virus that providers may use to help ensure the health and safety of staff members and individuals receiving services. The Department of Aging and Disability Services encourages its providers to take reasonable precautions to ensure their employees are not exposed to a symptomatic person by knowing how Ebola is transmitted and its symptoms. An individual will not contract Ebola if he has not had exposure to an individual with Ebola or … [Read more...] about Information on Ebola Virus for Providers of Services to Individuals in the Department of Aging and Disability Services Programs
CMS Issues New Instructions on MDS 3.0 Policy Changes Affecting Skilled Nursing Facilities
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has issued the following memo regarding MDS 3.0 policy changes affecting Skilled Nursing Facilities: Transition for Implementation of Fiscal Year 2015 Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Policy Changes The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued instructions for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) to properly implement the revised MDS 3.0 policy regarding completion of Change of Therapy (COT) Other Medicare Required Assessment (OMRA) MDS. … [Read more...] about CMS Issues New Instructions on MDS 3.0 Policy Changes Affecting Skilled Nursing Facilities
IL and News Alerts: 3/31 Webinar, Postponed NF Resident Move
DADS released one information letter. CBA and FMSA: HHSC approved new payment rates for the CBA waiver program, effective March 1, 2014. You can access these rates at the HHSC Rate Analysis site. (Letter) -- DADS notified all CLASS CMA and DSA that Form 3591, CLASS IPC/IDRC Cover Sheet, is available. Providers must use this form as a cover sheet when submitting an ID/RC assessment or PC packet to DADS, beginning April 1, 2014. -- DADS has postponed moving NF resident into STAR+PLUS … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: 3/31 Webinar, Postponed NF Resident Move
LTC News: Court Reverses Medicaid Ruling
"The Arkansas Supreme Court tossed out a $1.2 billion judgment against Johnson & Johnson on Thursday, reversing a lower court verdict that found the drug maker engaged in fraudulent tactics when marketing the antipsychotic drug Risperdal." - Associated Press "Lawmakers in both houses of Congress have unveiled a draft bill calling for post-acute care providers to furnish standard assessment data, with the goals of enabling better quality oversight and driving Medicare payment reform." - … [Read more...] about LTC News: Court Reverses Medicaid Ruling
IL and News Alerts: 5/22 Meetings
Local Authorities and HCS: DADS informed these providers that effective April 1, 2014, an individual in the HCS program may also receive cognitive rehabilitation therapy, employment assistance, supported employment, and nursing through the CDS option. (Letter) -- DADS will hold a Region 5 NF provider meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Angelina College 3500 S. 1st Street, Lufkin. You may register here. -- DADS will hold a Region 5 ALF and ADC provider on … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: 5/22 Meetings
DADS News Alerts: Recovery Audit Program
-- On February 18, 2014, CMS posted important information on the transition process in preparation for the next round of Recovery Audit Program contracts and will continue to update the site with more information as it becomes available. -- CMS posted two updated reference documents to provide technical information relevant to the Nursing Home Compare web site for certified NFs and the Five Star Quality Rating System under the Downloads section. -- DADS will present the proposed draft of … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Recovery Audit Program
ILs: Billing Codes, Hospice Discussions
DADS released four information letters. NF: DADS notified these providers of correct billing codes for a Customized Manual Wheelchair, effective March 1, 2014. (Letter) HCS and TxHmL: The Waiver Survey and Certification unit of DADS will allow HCS and TxHmL providers to request an informal review of the findings in a draft report of a review conducted in accordance with DADS rule at 40 TAC §9.185 and §9.577, effective March 1, 2014. (Letter) Medicaid Hospice: An excerpt: It has come … [Read more...] about ILs: Billing Codes, Hospice Discussions
LTC News: Potential Medicare Reductions
-- "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a call for additional providers to take part in a bundled payment program that involves post-acute care." - McKnight's -- "Despite some high-profile reports, nursing home staffing levels have not been definitively linked to better care, according to a recently published analysis of research on the topic." - McKnight's -- "Long-term care stakeholders are praising the government's decision to temporarily pause the recovery audit … [Read more...] about LTC News: Potential Medicare Reductions
LTC News: End of Dual Eligibles?
-- "In the post-acute care and long-term care performance measurement section of the report, [Measure Applications Partnership] identified 13 core measures in "high-leverage areas." These include long-term care providers examining advanced care planning as a goal, and evaluating safety issues for residents such as fall rate and pressure ulcers." - McKnight's -- "In the nearly 50 years since Medicaid and Medicare were enacted, the two health care programs – one for the poor and the other for … [Read more...] about LTC News: End of Dual Eligibles?
