On March 5, 2017, DADS published a provider letter regarding the 2016 adoption by regulation of the NFPA 2012 LSC and 2012 HCFC. Be familiar with the Existing Occupancy chapters and the New Occupancy chapters that apply to newly-constructed facilities. The latter would apply to facilities for which construction, receipt of design approval or building permits were received no later than July 4, 2016.These standards do not apply to licensed only NF's who are still under the 2000 edition until … [Read more...] about Provider Letter Regarding Adoption of 2012 Edition of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and 2012 edition of NFPA 99-Health Care Facilities Code
Medicaid Managed Care Fraud and the New Rule
The final rule has been recently issued. Suffice it to say that it is long and complicated. Expect increased enforcement and prosecutor scrutiny. I will write a series of articles trying to parse out the complexities, risks and best practices in the coming months. In the meantime, read the 2016 OIG Work Plan for the purpose of your compliance plans. … [Read more...] about Medicaid Managed Care Fraud and the New Rule
Medicaid Hospice Service Intensity Add-on Payment
The purpose of this information letter is to inform Medicaid Hospice providers of the addition of a service intensity add-on (SIA) payment authorized under the “FY 2016 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements” published August 6, 2015. CMS implemented payments to reflect changes in resource intensity in the provision of care and services during the course of hospice care.Beginning January 1, 2016, an SIA payment may be billed in addition to the … [Read more...] about Medicaid Hospice Service Intensity Add-on Payment
Revised Disclosure Section of Form 3720-N
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is re-issuing this letter to update contact information.DADS has implemented revised forms 3736, 3720-N and 3720, which incorporate changes to disclosure items 8, 9, and 10 respectively. Revised forms and instructions are available on the DADS website at: www.dads.state.tx.us/forms/Item 8 on form 3736, item 9 on form 3720N, and item 10 on form 3720 have been updated as follows:Attachments will be permitted as a response to the … [Read more...] about Revised Disclosure Section of Form 3720-N
Paid Feeding Assistant Requirements
This letter updates two items of information relative to paid feeding assistant program requirements.The definition of “licensed health professional: is now located at 40 TAC §19.101(58) rather than 40 TAC §19.101(56)The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services Paid Feeding Assistant Training curriculum is available on the Regulatory Services Credentialing web page at the following url: http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/NF/credentialing/NATCEP/feedingassistant.pdfVisit us at … [Read more...] about Paid Feeding Assistant Requirements
Decertifying and De-allocating Medicaid Beds that are Not Available for Use
DADS is issuing this provider letter to remind providers that DADS will decertify and de-allocate Medicaid beds that are intended for use in bedrooms that have been converted to other uses if the rooms are not being used for bedroom occupancy on two consecutive standard surveys. This is pursuant to Medicaid bed allocation requirements at 40 TAC §19.2322(j)(1)(B).Additionally, DADS may revoke a bed allocation for failure to meet any of the requirements in section 40 TAC §19.2322(j).Some nursing … [Read more...] about Decertifying and De-allocating Medicaid Beds that are Not Available for Use
CALIFORNIA’S NEW PAS LAW EVOKES WIDESPREAD RESPONSE
California joined four other states that allow physician-assisted suicide after Governor Jerry Brown, D-CA, signed the End of Life Option Act into law. The measure allows physicians to prescribe lethal doses of drugs to terminally ill patients diagnosed with fewer than six months to live. Limitations apply, as described below. The bill will take effect 90 days after the California legislature ends it session on healthcare. Predictions are that this will happen between January and November 2016. … [Read more...] about CALIFORNIA’S NEW PAS LAW EVOKES WIDESPREAD RESPONSE
Transition Assistance Services, Pre-enrollment Minor Home Modifications and Pre-enrollment Minor Home Modifications Assessments in the Home and Community-based Services
Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) rules amendments go into effect for HCS providers and LIDDAs that address the provision of transition assistance services (TAS), pre-enrollment minor home modifications, and preenrollment minor home modifications assessments and are set forth below. Also illustrated below are other operational requirements for service coordinators and program providers regarding TAS, pre-enrollment minor home modifications, and pre-enrollment minor home … [Read more...] about Transition Assistance Services, Pre-enrollment Minor Home Modifications and Pre-enrollment Minor Home Modifications Assessments in the Home and Community-based Services
Draft guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain
The CDC is requesting comments from stakeholders regarding the new draft guidelines. Here are some opinions---The National Hospice & Palliative Care Organization has given its response, stating that it is “pleased that the guidelines exclude patients who are at the end of life, with language that states ‘outside end-of-life care.’”NHPCO stated several concerns it has with the draft guidelines, including the short timeline of the commenting period, an apparent lack of documentation behind the … [Read more...] about Draft guidelines for prescribing opioids for chronic pain
Medicaid Payment Rates
Medicaid Payment RatesAs you know, the CMS Medicaid hospice payment rates memo was released on September 1, 2015. Therequirements reflect the Medicare final rule which was published on August 6, 2015. The rule changesimplement several items:? Payment methodology for routine home care (RHC) – beginning January 1, 2016 the RHC rateswill be implemented; a higher base payment for the first 60 days of care and a reduced rate forthe days thereafter.? Service Intensity Add-on – this is payment for … [Read more...] about Medicaid Payment Rates
