Don't forget the September 23, 2013 deadline to comply with the HIPAA mega rule. Focus on the following: Business Associate Agreements Updating "Notice of Privacy Practices" Adding privacy and security changes to policies and procedures Revising your security breach protocol Encrypting as much as possible Educating staff about the new requirements Also, please note that breaches by your business associates and their subcontractors are your responsibility under the new rules. … [Read more...] about HIPAA Alert!!
LTC News: Electronic Health Records, Physicians
-- "Long-term care providers shouldn't be afraid to ask questions and drive the conversation with vendors when purchasing an electronic health record system, according to an industry expert." – McKnight's -- "Nearly 50 medical societies signed a letter circulated by the American Medical Association last month, opposing the potential replacement of state-level QIOs with regional ones. AHCA/NCAL, the nation's largest long-term care provider group, expressed support of this position on … [Read more...] about LTC News: Electronic Health Records, Physicians
TX Register Updates: Fee Schedules, Supplemental Payments
The following information was obtained from the August 2 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to update the fee schedules for the following existing services: Ambulance; Chemical Dependency Treatment Facilities; Physicians and Other Practitioners; Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment; and Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy provided by Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Fee Schedules, Supplemental Payments
ILs: FY13 Cutoff Notice, Service Limits Expiration
DADS released 12 information letters. CBA HCSSA: HCSSAs must follow the procedures listed in the letter when the DADS case manager notifies them that an applicant's initial medical necessity determination assessment has expired, effective August 1, 2013. (Letter) DADS reminded providers that the adopted rules that include limits on the amount of certain services an individual may receive and a process for DADS to grant an exception to those limits expire on August 31, 2013. … [Read more...] about ILs: FY13 Cutoff Notice, Service Limits Expiration
TX Register Updates: 8/20 Hearing, Nursing Rule Review
The following information was obtained from the July 19 issue of the Texas Register. HHSC will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Audiometric Services, rates for first and second quarter 2013 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System updates, Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review, Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, Physician-Administered Drug – Fluarix, Physician-Administered Drug - Hydroxyprogesterone … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 8/20 Hearing, Nursing Rule Review
TX Register Updates: July Public Forums
The following information was obtained from the July 12 issue of the Texas Register. HHSC's Medical Transportation Program will host public forums to hear feedback about the delivery of Non-Emergency Medical Transportation services through Managed Transportation Organizations and proposed regional maps. For more information, contact LeShawn Manus, Medical Transportation Program, 1106 Clayton Lane, Austin, Texas 78723, phone (512) 706-4900, fax: (512) 706-4999, or e-mail … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: July Public Forums
TX Register Updates: 7/19 Hearing, Revised Hearing Notice
The following information was obtained from the July 5 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a hearing on Friday, July 19, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for hospital outpatient imaging services, hospital outpatient reimbursement, and hospital inpatient reimbursement. The hearing will be held in the Public Hearing Room, Winters Building, located at 701 W. 51st Street, Austin. Revised Hearing Notice: [HHSC] is … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 7/19 Hearing, Revised Hearing Notice
TX Register Updates: 7/10 and 7/17 Hearings
The following information was obtained from the June 21 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices, Corrections, and Hearings HHSC issued four corrections concerning the Texas Healthcare Transformation Quality Improvement Program waiver program. See the Texas Register for details, and scroll down for each entry. HHSC will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at 8:30 a.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for Ambulance Services, Substance Use Disorder … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 7/10 and 7/17 Hearings
Introduced Bill, Resolution, and Provider News
HB 61: Relating to the applicability of adverse licensing, listing, or registration decisions by certain health and human services agencies. SJR 6: Proposing a constitutional amendment requiring the state to expand eligibility for the Medicaid program to certain persons. -- "Despite a shortage of U.S. primary care doctors, less than 25 percent of new doctors go into this field, and fewer still work in rural areas, researchers say...Lead study author Dr. Candice Chen, an assistant research … [Read more...] about Introduced Bill, Resolution, and Provider News
TX Register Updates: Notice Correction, THTQIP Waiver
The following information was obtained from the June 14 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices and Correction HHSC corrected a notice published in the May 31, 2013, issue in reference to the intent to submit a request to amend the CLASS Medicaid waiver. An excerpt: In addition to the changes previously described in the public notice published in the May 31, 2013, issue of the Texas Register, employment assistance is also being added to the waiver as a service. Changes in the waiver … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Notice Correction, THTQIP Waiver