The Houston Chronicle reports that the Texas Senate approved a bill to increase enrollment in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) last week. The bill would raise the income eligibility limits from $44,000 to $66,000 for a family of four. An additional 80,000 uninsured children would be covered if the House approves the bill and the governor signs it into law. "Critics" of the bill are worried that parents who can afford private insurance will sign up for SCHIP, crowding out … [Read more...] about Texas Senate Approves SCHIP Boost
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.
Texas Register Updates: PAO for Contractors, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 22 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services is making the Pre-Application Orientation (PAO) available online for those seeking to participate as a contractor in the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) or the Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Medicaid Waiver Programs or both. Applicants will be able to complete the PAO via computer-based training and submit application packets for the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: PAO for Contractors, 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.
Texas Register Updates: Changes to Certified Nurse Midwife Services, Etc.
The following information was obtained from the May 15 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced its intent to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medicaid services delivered by Physician Assistants, and Advanced Practice Nurses, including Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Certified Nurse Midwives under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. The proposed amendment, effective May 16, will modify … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Changes to Certified Nurse Midwife Services, Etc.
State Medicaid News Round-Up
Lawmakers in Texas are trying to extend the State Children's Insurance Program from six months of coverage to 12 months before the legislature ends session on June 1. Democratic representative Sylvester Turner said, "The bottom line is if this bill were to be passed and signed by the governor, approximately 250,000 more kids would have access to insurance." (Source) The Kaiser Network reports that Washington state has removed budget proposals that would have reduced Medicaid payment rates to … [Read more...] about State Medicaid News Round-Up
Texas Register Updates: Per Diem Rates, Consulting Contract
The following information was obtained from the May 8 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted the following per diem reimbursement rates: Per Diem Rates for Large, State-Operated ICF/MR Services Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities-Medicaid Only clients Adopted interim daily rate: $409.98 Large State-Operated ICF/MR Facilities-Dual-eligible Medicaid/Medicare clients Adopted interim daily rate: $392.41 HHSC … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Per Diem Rates, Consulting Contract
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.
Medicaid-Related Bills, Part 3
The following Medicaid-related bills may affect certain providers: HB 165 - Relating to a career ladder for interveners who provide services under the deaf-blind with multiple disabilities waiver program. HB 1138 - Relating to information required on pharmacy benefit cards. HB 1240 - Relating to information required to be provided to parents of an infant. HB 1574 - Relating to services for persons with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders and their families. HB 2329 … [Read more...] about Medicaid-Related Bills, Part 3
