The following information was obtained from the June 7 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the Texas Healthcare Transformation Quality Improvement Program waiver program. An excerpt: Effective September 1, 2013, the expenditures for STAR+PLUS enrollees for elimination of the 30-day spell of illness limitation will no longer be authorized. Under this policy, after 30 days of inpatient care has been provided, additional inpatient care … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: THTQIP, Hospital Waiver Payments
Enrolled House and Senate Bills
-- The following recently enrolled bills affect certain long term care providers: HB 33: Relating to alternative methods of dispute resolution in certain disputes between the Department of Aging and Disability Services and an assisted living facility licensed by the department. HB 908: Relating to the assessment of an elderly or disabled person's psychological status for purposes of an emergency order authorizing protective services. HB 1358: Relating to procedures for certain audits … [Read more...] about Enrolled House and Senate Bills
TX Register Updates: Board of Nursing, PASRR Changes
The following information was obtained from the May 17 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice The Texas Board of Nursing proposed to amend 22 TAC §§213.27, 213.28, 213.29, 213.30, and 213.33, concerning Practice and Procedure: Disciplinary Guidelines for Criminal Conduct (PDF) Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §355.8401, Case Management Reimbursement Methodology, which would update and clarify the methodology used to determine the Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers of … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Board of Nursing, PASRR Changes
TX Register Updates: Comment Extension, Use of Restraint
The following information was obtained from the May 10 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices – Comment Extension Period HHSC proposed to amend §354.1281, Psychologists' Services, which would add provisionally licensed psychologists as another type of provider who can perform psychological counseling and services under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist. HHSC also proposed to amend §355.8081, relating to allowing HHSC to reimburse for the Medicaid services provided … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Comment Extension, Use of Restraint
TX Register Updates: UPL, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the May 3 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §355.105, General Reporting and Documentation Requirements, Methods, and Procedures, which would clarify limitations on reporting related-party compensation on Medicaid cost reports; incorporate changes to reflect person-first respectful language; and clarify the references in subsection (a). See the Texas Register for more information. Adopted Rules HHSC adopted … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: UPL, Medical Board Changes
TX Register Updates: 5/15 Hearing, Administrative Penalties
The following information was obtained from the April 26 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on proposed Medicaid payment rates for anesthesiologist assistants on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. in the HHSC Brown Heatly Building on 4900 North Lamar, Austin. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to renew the HCS waiver program. See the Texas Register for more information. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §354.1003, Time … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 5/15 Hearing, Administrative Penalties
TX Register Updates: 5/15 Hearing, Family Violence Program
The following information was obtained from the April 19 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings and Notices HHSC will hold a public hearing on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the following: physician-administered drug - Xolair, PASRR Level II Evaluation, Certified Respiratory Care Practitioners through the Comprehensive Care Program, Diabetic Equipment and Supplies, EPSDT - Dental Services, hearing aids, incontinence supplies, Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review, Mobility Aids, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 5/15 Hearing, Family Violence Program
TX Register Updates: Medical and Nursing Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the April 12 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §354.1281, Psychologists' Services Benefits and Limitations. The change would add provisionally licensed psychologists as another type of provider who can perform psychological counseling and services under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist. HHSC also proposed to amend §355.8081, Payments for Laboratory and X-ray Services, Radiation Therapy, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medical and Nursing Board Changes
TX Register Updates: Fee Schedules and Rates
The following information was obtained from the March 22 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 in the current state plan by including fees for new services and modifying fees for existing services: Dental Services; Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies; Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Services; and Physicians and Certain Other … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Fee Schedules and Rates
Medicaid News: Expansion, Physician Shortage
"In the letter (PDF) [to the Texas congressional delegation ] Perry reaffirms his pledge not to expand Medicaid, an important — if optional — tenet of President Obama's federal health care law. Medicaid serves the disabled and poor children; the Affordable Care Act aims to expand coverage to more impoverished adults." - Texas Tribune "With extra federal money coming in, Medicaid expansion could offset $1.2 billion in the 2014-15 biennium budget that Texas would spend on other health programs … [Read more...] about Medicaid News: Expansion, Physician Shortage