HCSSAs: Reminder: DADS provided joint training with its staff and HCSSAs this month. (Letter) Medicaid Hospice: HHSC approved rate changes for FY 13 based on CMS information. See HHSC Rate Analysis for details. (Letter) … [Read more...] about IL & PL: HCSSA Training
House Bill, NF Network Training
HB 159: Relating to the applicability of adverse licensing, listing, or registration decisions by certain health and human services agencies. -- DADS invites nursing facility providers to join the Healthcare-Acquired Conditions in Nursing Homes Network. Follow this link for more information. -- DADS invites providers to participate in the new HCSSA joint training program to be held on November 27, 28, 29, and 30, in Tyler. the and 28th and then again in Tyler on November 29th and 30th. … [Read more...] about House Bill, NF Network Training
Obama Admin Extends State Insurance Exchange Deadline
The reelection of President Barack Obama means the health care reform law will be implemented. Although the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states would have the option to expand Medicaid, the administration likely expects most states to comply. Texas is one of several states whose governors say they will not expand Medicaid or set up a state insurance exchange. Perhaps this is part of the reason the administration has twice extended the deadline for states to set up insurance exchanges. An … [Read more...] about Obama Admin Extends State Insurance Exchange Deadline
TX Register Updates: Telemedicine, Cost Reports
The following information was obtained from the November 16 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to repeal §354.1430, Definitions, and §354.1432, Benefits and Limitations; and proposes new §354.1430, Definitions, and §354.1432, Telemedicine and Telehealth Benefits and Limitations. The proposed rules would reflect new definitions and benefits described in SB 293, which requires HHSC to expand services provided by use of advanced telecommunications services. See the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Telemedicine, Cost Reports
House and Senate Bills: Assisted Living, HCS
The following long term care-related bills were recently introduced in the 83rd Legislative Session: HB 43: Relating to the establishment of the affordable assisted living facility program. HB 128: Relating to the creation of a childhood health program grant. SB 29: Relating to certain Medicaid home and community-based services waiver programs. SB 33: Relating to the electronic monitoring of residents at state supported living centers; providing criminal penalties. SB 34: Relating … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: Assisted Living, HCS
DADS News Alerts: SSLC Changes & 12/6 Hearing
-- DADS will hear public comment on the State Supported Living Centers (SSLC) Long Range Planning Report for FY 2010-2012 during the DADS Council meeting on Thursday, December 6, 2012, at 9 a.m. in the Public Hearing Room of the John H. Winters Human Services Complex, 701 West 51st St., Austin. You may download the 16-page report in PDF. -- HHSC proposed an amendment to 40 TAC §3.101, Definitions; and new Subchapter F, Restraints, consisting of §§3.601-3.608, in Chapter 3, Administrative … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: SSLC Changes & 12/6 Hearing
TX Register Update: 11/29 Hearing, MCO Changes
The following information was obtained from the November 9 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing in the Lone Star Conference Room on Thursday, November 29, 2012, at 9 a.m., to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the AL/RC services under the CBA program, CBA Personal Care III services, and the RC program. HHSC intends to submit to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would define the reimbursement methodology … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: 11/29 Hearing, MCO Changes
Some Physicians Won’t See Higher Payment Rates
Back in May, CMS reported that under the health care reform, primary care physicians would see an increase in Medicaid reimbursement rates. Kaiser News reports that OB/GYNs and ER doctors presently are excluded. Instead, the higher Medicaid rates, which will be in effect for two years, are reserved for family doctors, internists and pediatricians, because those specialties are specifically listed in the 2010 law, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said. The OB/GYNs and ER doctors … [Read more...] about Some Physicians Won’t See Higher Payment Rates
IL/News Alerts: PASRR Process Change, ICF/IID Workshops
NF Administrators, MDS Coordinators, and Directors of Nursing: DADS reminded these providers that the PASRR process will change next year. An excerpt: • Eliminating the role of nursing facilities in the Level II evaluation process; • Requiring specific specialized services to be identified before admission to the nursing facility; and • Requiring DADS to have clear processes in place for resident review when an individual experiences a significant change in their MDS assessment. • … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: PASRR Process Change, ICF/IID Workshops
TX Register Updates: 11/14 Hearing, Use of Restraint Changes
The following information was obtained from the November 2 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rate for Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Dental Services. The hearing will be held in the Lone Star Conference Room. For more information, see the Texas Register. Proposed Rules On DADS' Behalf HHSC proposed to amend §3.101, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 11/14 Hearing, Use of Restraint Changes
