From the June 17 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on July 12, 2011, at 9 a.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Targeted Case Management and Rehabilitative Services for the Mental Health program. Location: Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin. HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Hearing, Nursing
The Minority Report comes to Health Care
"Predictive modeling is a revolutionary new way to detect fraud and abuse, integrating effective and timely actions with protections and savings for Medicare and taxpayers,” Dr. Budetti said. That is, if one believes that magical thinking is "revolutionary." … [Read more...] about The Minority Report comes to Health Care
News Alerts: Nursing Services, MDS Updates
DADS news alerts: 1. HHSC proposed to amend §§19.1001, 19.1002, 19.1510, and 19.1601 concerning nursing services, additional nursing services staffing requirements, emergency medication kits, and infection control, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification. The changes to §19.1001 and §19.1002 would make the rule consistent with the federal requirements for posting nurse staff information. The amendments to §19.1601 would reorganize, clarify, and … [Read more...] about News Alerts: Nursing Services, MDS Updates
ILs: HIPAA Reminder, Home Delivered Meals Changes
DADS released four information letters: Region 1 CBA: Grace Clinic will conduct a pilot project authorized by HHSC to improve the health of individuals receiving CBA waivers services in Region 1. Participants may voluntarily enroll in the pilot project. (Letters) All DADS contracted providers: DADS reminded these providers that they have an obligation to protect confidential Medicaid data. If a contractor discovers there has been inappropriate use or disclosure, the contractor should … [Read more...] about ILs: HIPAA Reminder, Home Delivered Meals Changes
TX Register Update: RFP, Medicaid Rate Hearings
The following information was obtained from the June 10 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC announced the release of an RFP (529-12-0004) for Consulting Services to Provide a 2nd Medical Checkup Completeness Study per Civil Action No. 3:93:CV65 (Frew et al., v. Suehs, et al.) Point of contact: Abel Martinez, C.T.P.M. Purchaser Health and Human Services Commission Enterprise Contract and Procurement Services 4405 North Lamar, Bldg. 1 Mail Code: 2020 Austin, Texas 78756 (512) … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: RFP, Medicaid Rate Hearings
ILs and PL: Physical Address, ‘Trustee’ Rule Violation
DADS released three information letters and one provider letter: Community Services, NF, Hospice, and ICF/MR providers: Effective June 27, 2011, the TMHP will no longer accept electronic claims from providers with post office box mailing addresses on file. The mailing address on file must be a physical address. (Letter) ICF/MR: DADS informed these providers that effective June 1, 2011, DADS will not cite an ICF/MR program provider for a rule violation if the word "trustee" is not … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: Physical Address, ‘Trustee’ Rule Violation
House/Senate Bills: Medicaid Program
The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: HB 7: Relating to the administration, quality, and efficiency of health care, health and human services, and health benefits programs in this state. HB 13: Relating to the Medicaid program and alternate methods of providing health services to low-income persons in this state. SB 28: Relating to reducing state Medicaid and other health care costs by prohibiting … [Read more...] about House/Senate Bills: Medicaid Program
TX Register Updates: RFP, Board of Nursing Licensing Changes
The following information was obtained from the June 3 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice DADS releases its RFP for External Evaluation and Advisory Services for State Supported Living Centers operation. Proposal closing date is June 24, 2011. Point of contact: Abel Martinez, Purchaser Health and Human Services Commission Enterprise and Procurement Services 4405 N. Lamar Blvd. Austin Texas 78756 (512) 206-5524 phone (512) 206-5552 fax For details, see the Texas … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: RFP, Board of Nursing Licensing Changes
IL/PL: Three Percent Withholding, FAQs
DADS released an information and a provider letter: All providers: DADS notified all providers that on May 9, 2011, final regulations relating to the mandatory three percent withholding by government agencies on vendor payments $10,000 or greater were published in the Federal Register. The implementation date has been changed by statute from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2013. This letter replaces IL No. 11-44, released May 4, 2011. (Letter) ICFs/MR: Surveyors and providers are … [Read more...] about IL/PL: Three Percent Withholding, FAQs
CLASS Program Changes?
Kaiser reports report that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services seeks to amend the Community Living Assistance Services and Support (CLASS) program to keep it solvent for the next 75 years, as required by law. Changes may occur before next October. The voluntary long term care program helps beneficiaries receive care in their homes instead of in a nursing facility. An excerpt: Some of the possible changes still being weighed, Greenlee said, include whether to increase the minimum … [Read more...] about CLASS Program Changes?
