Citizens and providers may turn in unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs at "Operation Got Drugs II," to be held on Saturday, April 30, 2011, from 10-2 p.m. Follow this link to search for a list of collection sites. DADS intends to revise or create provider manuals for several programs, including Assisted Living, CBA, CLASS, CDS, DBMD, HCS, and TxHmL. Direct questions about the project to Mary Valente at mary.valente@dads.state.tx.us. HHSC proposed to amend §19.805, … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: HCSSA Meeting, Disaster Preparedness
Action on House and Senate Bills
On the Garlo Ward blog, we alert providers to recently introduced House and Senate bills. As you know, the legislative process tends to be slow; it may take months for the legislature to refer, debate, and vote on a bill. That's why it's important for providers to check on relevant bills periodically for status updates. This link will bring up posts that point to bills as introduced. Some of these bills have gone through committee. Be sure to check each post for bills that affect you. Click … [Read more...] about Action on House and Senate Bills
Texas Register Update: Pilot Program Repeal
From the April 8 issue of the Texas Register: HHSC adopted the repeal of Chapter 17, §§17.101, 17.103, and 17.105, Pilot Program for Monitoring Certain Unlicensed Long-Term Care Facilities. The changes remove rules regarding the Pilot Program for Monitoring Certain Unlicensed Long-Term Care Facilities from the DADS rule base. See the Texas Register for details. … [Read more...] about Texas Register Update: Pilot Program Repeal
Information Letters: 2010 Cost Report, Duplicate Payments
DADS released three information letters: HCS, TxHmL, and ICF/MR providers: DADS reminded these providers that they're required to submit financial and statistical information through a 2010 Cost Report for each contract held DADS. HCS and TxHmL services are required to submit a single cost report per component code for the two programs combined; and ICF/MR services are required to submit a single cost report per component code for all facility classes combined. (Letter) DAHS … [Read more...] about Information Letters: 2010 Cost Report, Duplicate Payments
TX Register Updates: Hearing, Area Agencies on Aging Changes
The following information was obtained from the April 1 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearing HHSC will hold a public hearing on April 20, 2011, at 2 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the Blind Children's Vocational Discovery and Development Program. The public hearing will be held in the Permian Basin Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas 78758-4021. See the Texas Register for … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Hearing, Area Agencies on Aging Changes
News Alerts: Meeting Registrations, Submission Clarifications
The Texas Housing and Health Services Coordination Council (HHSCC) is conducting a survey for residential and community-based services and supports to understand and measure the local capacity of these providers. You may complete the survey at survey monkey and contact HHSCC Coordinator Ashley Schweickart for more information at ashley.schweickart@tdhca.state.tx.us. DADS directed Dallas/Tarrant STAR+PLUS Long-term Services and Supports providers to the web site project link. … [Read more...] about News Alerts: Meeting Registrations, Submission Clarifications
TX Register Updates: Contract Award, Correction
The following information was obtained from the March 25 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices DADS adopted new rules and repeals under 40 TAC Chapter 45, Community Living Assistance and Support Services, in the March 18, 2011 issue. Because of an error in submission, the text of §45.103(30) was incorrect: the acronym "MR" should have been "ICF/MR." HHSC awarded contract 529-06-0425-00045 to Bailit Health Purchasing, Inc., to assist Medicaid/CHIP Division to implement value-based … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Contract Award, Correction
Information/Provider Letters: Relocation Contractors, STAR+PLUS Expansion
All NF Administrators: DADS reminded these providers about changes to MDS 3.0, Section Q: Referral to the Community - Responsibilities and Local Contact Agencies. An excerpt from the three-page letter: One of the major changes to the MDS 3.0 is Section Q, the “relocation/referral” section. The original Section Q was minimal and dependent on others to respond to the question. The MDS 3.0 Section Q is more robust and actively engages the NF resident to determine his or her goals in pursuing … [Read more...] about Information/Provider Letters: Relocation Contractors, STAR+PLUS Expansion
The True Impact of the “Never Events” Designation
Dr. Rich at the Covert Rationing Blog explains: The “never events” initiative – just as the Feds insist to us – is aimed at changing physicians’ behavior. But quite predictably, that behavioral change will not be in the arena of quality improvement (since no amount of quality improvement can stop “never events” that are inevitable). Rather, the behavioral change will be in the arena of risk avoidance. Read the whole thing. It explains a lot about the nature of the "Central Authority" … [Read more...] about The True Impact of the “Never Events” Designation
Baby Boomers and Home Health Care Providers
As the generation born between 1946 and 1964 enters retirement and, in some cases, require long term care, the demand for long term care services will increase. Some retired beneficiaries will choose to receive care at home instead of in a nursing facility for independence, privacy, etc. As a result, job prospects for home health care professionals and visiting nursing are good. An excerpt from an article in the Miami Herald: With the U.S. population growing grayer, job prospects for home … [Read more...] about Baby Boomers and Home Health Care Providers
