Medicaid Transformation Waiver - Rules and WorkgroupsExecutive Waiver Committee: This workgroup provides HHSC with feedback on the hospital finance component of the waiver. This feedback will help HHSC understand the potential impact of changes to hospital funding anticipated by the waiver and will help provide input on the feasibility of different implementation approaches for hospital funding under the waiver. HHSC also will seek broader public input as appropriate. Executive Waiver Committee … [Read more...] about Medicaid Transformation Waiver

Nominate an Outstanding Volunteer for a DADS Vision Award Do you know a volunteer or group of volunteers who help improve the dignity, wellness or choices of people who are older or who have disabilities? Then nominate them for a 2015 Vision Award. Nominations are accepted through 5 p.m. on May 1. Winners will be honored in a ceremony in Austin on Sept. 17. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Vision Awards recognize people and groups who give their time, talents and … [Read more...] about Nominate an Outstanding Volunteer for a DADS Vision Award

Medicaid Transformation Waiver HHSC has received federal approval of a waiver that allows the state to expand Medicaid managed care while preserving hospital funding, provides incentive payments for health care improvements and directs more funding to hospitals that serve large numbers of uninsured patients. Recent Updates: HHSC has released the Annual Report (PDF) for the Medicaid Transformation Waiver’s Demonstration Year Three. HHSC will be holding two webinars to assist with April … [Read more...] about Medicaid Transformation Waiver

AGENDA: Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Full Board Meeting April 7, 2015 10 a.m. Meeting Site:The University of Texas at Austin Thompson Conference CenterRoom 3.1022405 Robert Dedman Dr.Austin, TX 78705 Welcome and Introductions. Staff Update.* (Vote May Be Taken) 84th Legislative Session Serious and Persistent Mental Illness Project Update Board Discussion Health Literacy.* (Vote May Be Taken) Review objectives and strategies Board … [Read more...] about Institute of Health Care Quality and Efficiency Full Board Meeting

The Licensed Vocational Nurse OnCall Pilot Program Ends September 1, 2015.  After September 1, 2015, only registered nurses (RNs) may provide On-Call telephone services to individuals receiving services in the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) or Texas Home Living (TxHmL) programs or in an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID) with a capacity of 13 or fewer beds. Background Senate Bill (S.B.) 1857 (82nd Texas Legislature, … [Read more...] about Licensed Vocational Nurse OnCall Pilot Program Ends September 1, 2015

STAR+PLUS Quality Council March 30, 20151 p.m. Meeting Site:Health and Human Services CommissionBrown-Heatly BuildingPublic Hearing Room 4900 North Lamar Blvd.Austin, TX 78751 This meeting will be webcast. Call to order. Roll call. Approval of the August 18, 2014 meeting minutes. Agency update. Long term services and supports quality measures Nursing facility quality measures Managed Care Organization Report Cards Community First Choice Nursing Facility Carve-in Duals … [Read more...] about Upcoming Event & WEBCAST: STAR+PLUS Quality Council

  AGENDA: Advisory Committee on Qualifications for Health Care Translators and Interpreters March 27, 201510 a.m. Meeting Site:Health and Human Services CommissionBrown-Heatly BuildingRoom 45014900 North Lamar Blvd.Austin, TX 78751 Call to order. Approval of minutes from the January 23, 2015 meeting. (vote required) Discussion of ASTM International standards for interpreting. Discussion on disseminating information on the committee recommendations to the Executive … [Read more...] about Upcoming Event: Advisory Committee on Qualifications for Health Care Translators and Interpreters

  AGENDA: Intellectual and Developmental Disability System Redesign Advisory Committee-Housing Subcommittee March 26, 2015 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Meeting Site:Department of Aging and Disability Services John H. Winters BuildingRoom 560W701 West 51st St.Austin, TX 78751 Welcome and Introductions. Approval of Intellectual and Developmental Disability System Redesign Advisory Committee, Housing Subcommittee Meeting Minutes from February 26, 2015. Review and Discussion of … [Read more...] about Upcoming Event: Intellectual and Developmental Disability System Redesign Advisory Committee-Housing Subcommittee

Rate Changes for Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) Effective January 1, 2015 The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) approved rate changes for the CCAD RC program. The payment rates are effective January 1, 2015. The facility cost area rates for the CCAD RC program are being decreased to reflect the most recent increase in Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in accordance with the rate setting methodologies. The methodologies require that when SSI is increased, … [Read more...] about Rate Changes for Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)

Public confidence in government depends on trust and that trust is built though strong, transparent ethics, said David Reisman, HHSC's new chief ethics officer. Reisman was recently named to the postion by HHSC Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek. Reisman wants to make sure health and human service agency employees know exactly where the landmines are, how to avoid them and to feel comfortable raising ethical concerns in any situation. "A lot of people don't know the circumstances that create a … [Read more...] about Reisman will lead ethics oversight at HHSC