The following long term care-related bills were recently introduced in the 83rd Legislative Session: HB 305: Relating to the release of complaint information by the Texas Medical Board to the legislature. SB 152: Relating to the protection and care of persons who are elderly or disabled or who are children. SB 153: Relating to the amounts of administrative penalties assessed or imposed against certain health facilities. … [Read more...] about House and Senate Bills: Medical Board, Elderly/Disabled
Medicare and Medicaid Court Decisions
Medicare recipients with chronic conditions can no longer be turned down for home health services provided by skilled nurses and therapists, according to a recent settlement between the federal government and consumer advocates. Home care and other long term care providers benefit as well. An excerpt: To receive this coverage, patients must meet specific requirements. First, a doctor must prescribe care from a nurse or therapist. Patients in skilled-nursing facilities also must demonstrate a … [Read more...] about Medicare and Medicaid Court Decisions
TX Register Update: CNM/LM, Medical Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the December 14 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules HHSC adopted amendments to §354.1252, Certified Nurse-midwives, and new §354.1253, Licensed Midwives. Among other things, the changes clarify that the section applies only to CNMs and updates terms and agency names. See the Texas Register for more information. The Texas Medical Board adopted amendments to several sections of the code. Licensure – Among other things, "amends the … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: CNM/LM, Medical Board Changes
Texas Dems and Medicaid Expansion
Democrats in Texas are hopeful that the state will expand Medicaid to cover millions, although Governor Rick Perry said Texas won't broaden the federal program. Rather than striking down Obamacare, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the law constitutional but gave states the option of expanding Medicaid to carry it out. From the Texas Tribune: Despite Gov. Rick Perry's firm opposition to a key tenet of federal health reform — expanding the state’s Medicaid program for those with low incomes — Texas … [Read more...] about Texas Dems and Medicaid Expansion
TX Register Updates: Vision Care, Compliance History
The following information was obtained from the November 30 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to add fees for new services and modify fees for existing services: Case Management for Children and Pregnant Women Dental Services Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment Services Hearing Aids and Audiometric … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Vision Care, Compliance History
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
TX Register Update: MOU Repeals
The following information was obtained from the October 19 issue of the Texas Register. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §355.8085, Reimbursement Methodology for Physicians and Other Practitioners to set Medicaid rates for certain evaluation and management services and vaccine administration services equal to the 2013-2014 Medicare rates. See the Texas Register for more information. Adopted Rules The Texas Board of Nursing adopted amendments to Chapter 214, §§214.1 - 214.13, … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: MOU Repeals
TX Register Updates: New Medical Board Rules
The following information was obtained from the October 12 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notice HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to renew the Youth Empowerment Services waiver for the period beginning April 1, 2013, through March 31, 2018. See the Texas Register for more information. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed new Chapter 352, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Provider Enrollment—§§352.1, 352.3, 352.5, 352.7, 352.9, 352.11, 352.13, 352.15, … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: New Medical Board Rules
TX Register Updates: 10/23 Hearing, Advisory Committees
The following information was obtained from the October 5 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 9 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed rates for hospice routine home, continuous home, inpatient respite, and general inpatient care. The hearing will take place in the Lone Start Conference Room. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to renew the Non-emergency Medical Transportation waiver program. For … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 10/23 Hearing, Advisory Committees
TX Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Changes
***Providers and others can search issues of the Texas Register going back to 1976.*** The following information was obtained from the September 21 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC adopted new per diem reimbursement rates for FY 2013, effective September 1, 2012: Pediatric Care Facility Special Reimbursement: $226.66 Large State-Operated ICF/IID Services, Large State-Operated ICF/IID Facilities - Medicaid Only clients: Adopted interim daily rate: $656.00 Large … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Texas Medical Board Changes
