Many nursing homes have hired Certified Nurse Aides with criminal histories legally. Using data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, it has been discovered that the patient abuse rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average. 25% of the state's 1,200 long-term care centers have been cited for serious standard deficiencies- According to reports by the AARPIn Texas, there are many nurse aides in nursing facilities that have criminal … [Read more...] about Abuse & poor quality care rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average
(CMS) requires that Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs)
Provider Letter 17-35 DADS released the latest Provider Letter 17-35 – Determination of Separate Entities which replaces PL 01-46 & PL 02-05 for Medicare Certified Home and Community Support Service Agencies. The letter details that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires that Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) for all clients being served by the agency, regardless of a client’s payment source. The … [Read more...] about (CMS) requires that Medicare-certified home health agencies (HHAs) meet the Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs)
Texas lawmakers approve major nursing home quality reforms
According to reports, the 2017 Texas regular legislative session made vast changes affecting older Texans. Lawmakers approved several top priorities for AARP Texas including bills that, among other things, will protect seniors’ financial future, improve access to health care, and help unpaid family caregivers and their families.Also included was major nursing home quality reforms that seek to hold operators of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities more accountable when they have been … [Read more...] about Texas lawmakers approve major nursing home quality reforms
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness Requirements
Provider Letter No. 17-32 - DADS latest provider letters addressed to the Medicare and Medicaid Certified Nursing Facilities (NFs), Medicare-Certified Home Health and Hospice Agencies, and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICFs/IID) all must comply with new federal emergency preparedness Requirements for Participation, including training and testing program requirements, by November 15, 2017. The NF's are a required to … [Read more...] about The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness Requirements
CMS cancels planned Home Health Groupings Payment Model, announces new rule
CMS announced in a rule that it would not move forward with the Home Health Groupings Model. These regulations are effective on January 1, 2018. According to CMS, this final rule updates the home health prospective payment system (HH PPS) payment rates, including the national, standardized 60-day episode payment rates, the national per-visit rates, and the non-routine medical supply (NRS) conversion factor, effective for home health episodes of care ending on or after January 1, 2018. The … [Read more...] about CMS cancels planned Home Health Groupings Payment Model, announces new rule
Participant Surveys in the DBMD Program Receiving Licensed Assisted Living
Information Letter No. 17-24 DADS has published its latest information letter directed to Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) Program Providers. The letter outlines the Texas Health and Human Services Commission requirements for the DBMD program providers to perform certain activities related to participant surveys in the DBMD Program and to complete a provider survey. HHSC will schedule face-to-face visits with these people to survey them about the services they receive and their … [Read more...] about Participant Surveys in the DBMD Program Receiving Licensed Assisted Living
Amended ICF rules for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions
HHSC has adopted amendments regarding a change of ownership in 40 TAC Chapter 90, Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disabitlity or Related Conditions, that went into effect on October 11, 2017. The adopted rules:Revise requirements related to a change of ownership of a license holder for an intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or related conditions (ICF/IID);require a license holder that does not undergo a change of ownership … [Read more...] about Amended ICF rules for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions
Changes to HCS Handbook Regarding Results of Residential Visit
Information Letter No. 17-23 – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is making changes to the HCS Handbook, Section 14411. The handbook revisions pertain to results from a residential visit described in rule at Title 40, Texas Administrative Code, §9.171(j).The changes will explain how a score from a residential visit is calculated• Clarify when evidence of correction is required after a residential visit• Clarify when HHSC takes follow-up action after a residential visit• … [Read more...] about Changes to HCS Handbook Regarding Results of Residential Visit
Report: Forecasting the growth prospect of the global long-term care market
There are more than 1,200 long-term care centers in Texas and according to the Administration on Aging, over 70 percent of people turning age 65 can expect to use some form of Long term care in their lives. Long-term care in the US has been based on but not limited to nursing homes, and facility-based long-term care that includes services such as continuing care retirement communities, assisted living, and board-and-care home. Long term care is not medical care but serves the purpose of … [Read more...] about Report: Forecasting the growth prospect of the global long-term care market
November is National Hospice and Palliative Care month: Its About How You Live!
Palliative care program is the medical specialty of alleviating pain and improving the quality of life of the seriously ill. Hospice care begins after health treatment for an illness has stopped and the patient is considered terminal. Palliative care can begin as soon as a patient is diagnosed with a serious illness and can continue while the individual pursues a cure.November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month and hospices across the country are reaching out to raise awareness about … [Read more...] about November is National Hospice and Palliative Care month: Its About How You Live!