New York’s Richmond County Supreme Court recently ordered workers fired for refusing to take the vaccine and whose requests for exemptions were denied the reinstated with back pay. One of the most important statements made by the court was that being vaccinated does not prevent an individual from contracting or transmitting Covid 19. Being vaccinated does not prevent an individual from contracting or transmitting Covid-19. As of the day of this Decision, CDC guidelines regarding quarantine … [Read more...] about Dawn Begins to Break
COVID-19 Updates and Q&A HHSC Long-Term Care Regulation and Department of State Health Services
HHS has posted a webinar with Covid-19, including regarding the end of waivers. You can access the PowerPoint here. The audio is here. … [Read more...] about COVID-19 Updates and Q&A HHSC Long-Term Care Regulation and Department of State Health Services
ICF-MR–New Texas Provider Letter on Emergency Preparedness and Safety Operations
This was posted on March 21, 2022. "New 40 TAC §90.50, regarding emergency preparedness and response, requires an ICF/MR, whether licensed or exempt from licensure, to develop an emergency preparedness and response plan that addresses the core functions of emergency management. This rule requires an ICF/MR to designate an emergency preparedness coordinator, a facility staff person who has the authority to manage the facility’s response to an emergency situation in accordance with the … [Read more...] about ICF-MR–New Texas Provider Letter on Emergency Preparedness and Safety Operations
Healthcare Cases to Watch
Georgia v. Biden On December 7, 2021, a federal judge in Georgia issued nationwide injunctive relief against Executive Order 14042, which purports to require that federal contractors and subcontractors ensure that their employees are fully vaccinated against COVI-19. The Court ably explains the limits of federal authority the overreach of this order, including lack of Congressional authority. The Court found that the Procurement Act, upon which Biden relied, did not grant … [Read more...] about Healthcare Cases to Watch
Tougher Surveys for Nursing Homes on the Horizon
Last Friday, CMS issued a memo to State Survey Agency Directors directing increased scrutiny of Nursing Homes. According to Mcknight's, this means: "Surveyors are being directed to place special attention on things such as nurse staff abilities and actions, use of antipsychotics and areas of care where residents’ health and safety may be at an increased risk. That means having a more critical eye on unplanned weight loss, loss of function/mobility, depression, abuse/neglect or pressure … [Read more...] about Tougher Surveys for Nursing Homes on the Horizon
New Bed Allocation Rule for ICF’s.
As of November 8, 2021, Texas Health & Human Services has adopted a new rule regarding ICF Medicaid bed reallocation. The new rule “allows any person to request reallocated ICF/IID Medicaid beds from HHSC.” The new rule can be found here: … [Read more...] about New Bed Allocation Rule for ICF’s.
Grand Rounds Legal: Pharmacogenomics and Patient-Specific Medication Management
Cari Lalande is the Director of Clinical Pharmacogenomics at RxGenomix and Owner and Clinical Consultant Pharmacist at Precision Rx Consulting. She has a passion for improving "the quality of life for each patient by maximizing the efficacy of necessary drug therapy, eliminating polypharmacy and improving patient compliance." She shares her passion with us today. … [Read more...] about Grand Rounds Legal: Pharmacogenomics and Patient-Specific Medication Management
Grand Rounds Legal: Mitigating Risks in the Hemp and CBD Industry with Tamar Bibbs
Tamar Bibbs assists growers and others with risk mitigation. She is the CEO of IV20 Houston, LLC. During her interview, she highlights areas of concern of which those in the business should be aware. Jerri Lynn Ward · Grand Rounds Legal--Mitigating Risks in Hemp & CBD … [Read more...] about Grand Rounds Legal: Mitigating Risks in the Hemp and CBD Industry with Tamar Bibbs
July 8, 2020 Texas HHS Provider Letter to (ICF/IID) Program Providers
This is the reason for the new letter: Some ICF/IID program providers have reported having difficulty obtaining a physician signature on an intellectual disability/related condition (ID/RC) assessment form due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is advising providers to renew an individual’s level of care that expired in March, April, or May as explained in this letter if the program provider did not get a physician’s signature on … [Read more...] about July 8, 2020 Texas HHS Provider Letter to (ICF/IID) Program Providers
Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Provider Letter
HHS has published Provider Letter PL2020-29 regarding the new Texas Administrative Code Rules and amendments governing Administrative Penalties, informal dispute resolution and amelioration for the above providers. The rules took effect April 28, 202, however the administrative penalty portion will not impact violations identified prior to September 1, 2020. Stay tuned to this blog for further details. … [Read more...] about Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Provider Letter
