The purpose of this information letter is to inform HCS program providers that the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is changing how it determines whether a program provider is in compliance with the DADS Waiver Survey and Certification Residential Checklist, regarding the hot water temperature. In accordance with Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Title 40, §9.171(i), DADS uses this checklist, found at www.dads.state.tx.us., when conducting visits of each residence in which host … [Read more...] about Hot Water Temperatures
2014 Cost Report and Cost Report Preparer Requirements
This letter is being distributed through an electronic communication from DADS and contains information on 2014 cost reporting and preparer requirements for the following programs: · Community Based Alternatives (Home and Community Support Services only) (CBA HCSS); · Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Case Management Agency (CMA); · CLASS Direct Service Agency (DSA); · Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS); · Home and Community-based … [Read more...] about 2014 Cost Report and Cost Report Preparer Requirements
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
HCS Providers: Additional Life Safety Documentation Kept in Four-person Homes
DADS Information Letter 14-19 (Revised): Additional Life Safety Documentation Kept in Four-person Homes Beginning April 1, 2014, HCS program providers must ensure that the required documentation related to life safety requirements is available in all four-person residences at all times. Including: · documentation of the most recent evacuation scores (e-scores) completed for the home; · if the home has a sprinkler system, documentation that there is a heat detection system in the attic … [Read more...] about HCS Providers: Additional Life Safety Documentation Kept in Four-person Homes
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
TX Register Updates: Reimbursement Changes
The following information was obtained from the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance under Title XIX of the Social Security Act to update the fee schedules in the current state plan for: Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies; Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Services; and Physicians and Other Practitioners. HHSC intends to submit an amendment to update the fee … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Reimbursement Changes
IL and News Alerts: Webinar
DADS released one information letter. DADS informed these providers that effective April 1, 2014, employment assistance is added as a service in the HCS program. (Letter) -- DADS will host an SELN Community Webinar on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Time: 3 p.m. ET; 2 p.m. CT; 1 p.m. MT; 12 p.m. PT; 10 am HT You may register here. -- DADS updated its HCS and TxHmL provider pages, deleting the tabs "FAQs" and "Quarterly Stakeholder Meeting Webinars," and replacing them with one tab for "Webinars … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: Webinar
TX Register Updates: Medical Board
The following information was obtained from the March 14 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board proposed to amend §175.1, Application and Administrative Fees; and §175.2, Registration and Renewal Fees. The new rules would increase application and renewal fees. See the Texas Register for more information. Withdrawn Rules The Texas Medical Board proposed to withdraw the proposed amendment to §165.1, Medical Records, which appeared in the January 3, 2014, issue of … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medical Board
