HIPAA Notification: Vendor Loses Clients' Personal InformationThe Health and Human Services Commission is notifying people about the accidental loss of protected health information. The breach may affect a little more than 600 people who applied for benefits. Iron Mountain, an HHSC contractor, was storing boxes containing client files that were slated for destruction. Iron Mountain notified the agency that it lost 15 boxes of HHSC's files from their Irving, Fort Worth and Dallas … [Read more...] about HIPAA Notification: Vendor Loses Clients’ Personal Information
Proposed State Plan Amendment for Therapy Services
Proposed State Plan Amendment for Therapy ServicesThe Health and Human Services Commission has submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services the state plan amendment to update Medicaid payments and fee schedules for physical, occupational and speech therapy services. The effective date for the proposed amendment is July 15. Click here to review the amendment. Visit us at Garlo Ward, PC. … [Read more...] about Proposed State Plan Amendment for Therapy Services
HHS Regs – To Comment or Not?
Supporting Physician Documentation
In accordance with the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of 2012 (IPERIA), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) conducted a Payment Error Rate Measurement (PERM) review for FY 2014 claims from NFs and ICFs/IID. From the review, CMS identified deficient practices related to documentation of physician services. As a result, this letter serves to remind you about some of the rules that require documentation related to physician services. If you do not … [Read more...] about Supporting Physician Documentation
Receiving Out-of-State Services in the CLASS and DBMD Programs
Effective immediately, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is allowing an individual in the CLASS Case Management or DBMD programs to receive habilitation, nursing or respite services while temporarily out of state. Services outside Texas can be provided through the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option. In the CLASS program, the services that can be provided outside of Texas through the CDS option are: • habilitation, • Community First Choice Personal Assistance … [Read more...] about Receiving Out-of-State Services in the CLASS and DBMD Programs
2016 Geriatric Symposium: Texas Taking the Next Step Aug 1-2, in Round Rock, Texas.
In the next 15 years, Texas is expected to see a 67 percent increase in adults age 65 and older. To help the state be better prepared to meet the needs of an aging population, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services is hosting the 2016 Geriatric Symposium: Texas Taking the Next Step Aug 1-2, in Round Rock, Texas.Register now for this free event. You can register for one day or both. Continuing education hours will be available for nurses and other professionals.The 2-day … [Read more...] about 2016 Geriatric Symposium: Texas Taking the Next Step Aug 1-2, in Round Rock, Texas.
Advisory Committee Seeks Members — apply soon!
Applications have been posted and are available for people who are interested in serving on the Texas Autism Council. This is one of the HHS advisory committees that are new or are being reestablished. The council's cover letter and membership application are on the HHS Transformation website Advisory Committee page. … [Read more...] about Advisory Committee Seeks Members — apply soon!
1115 Transformation Waiver: Overview
1115 Transformation Waiver: Overview• The 1115 waiver allows Texas to achieve innovative solutions to complex problems. ?Texas Dual Eligible Integrated Care Pilot – March 1, 2015 ?Community First Choice – June 1, 2015 ?Managed care for children’s dental services lowered costs by 20% per enrollee while exceeding national standards (above 90th percentile) for annual dental visits in FY 2013. ?STAR Kids, a comprehensive managed care program to better coordinate care for children and youth with … [Read more...] about 1115 Transformation Waiver: Overview
Presentation to the House Appropriations
Committee on Article II: Overview of Medicaid Cost Reporting for Long Term Services and Supports ProgramsMedicaid Rate Setting Methodologies •Methodologies vary based on type of service, whether service has a Medicare equivalent, federal law, and available data.• Acute Care (physicians, CORF/ORF, HHA, DME, medical supplies, SHARS, MAC)• Resource-based Fees: equal to Medicare Relative Value Unit (RVU) for the service multiplied by applicable Medicaid conversion factor.• Access-based Fees:• … [Read more...] about Presentation to the House Appropriations
Statewide Behavioral Health – Strategic Plan
Behavioral health services in Texas—which encompass both mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs)—have evolved and transformed over the past decade. Much of this transformation is due to the large investment and stewardship of the Texas Governor and legislators to improve the behavioral health service delivery system. The Medicaid 1115 Texas Healthcare Transformation and Quality Improvement Waiver ("the 1115 Transformation Waiver"), the movement toward managed care, the increased … [Read more...] about Statewide Behavioral Health – Strategic Plan
