Garlo Ward, P.C.

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Moving Case Mgmt from the Provider to MRA

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SB 1 Sect. 48 moved HCS case management to Mental Retardation Authorities (MRA). Currently, DADS does not plan on phasing in this shift, instead, DADS intends to ochestrate a mass move in June of 2010. DADS will hold a training for MRAs and providers in the spring before the change. The MRA will conduct enrollment and keep up with the PDP (person directed plan). The requirement for an interdiscplinary team has been removed and now a service team consisting of the individual, LAR, and … [Read more...] about Moving Case Mgmt from the Provider to MRA

Legislative Summary: Bills Affecting HCS & TxHmL Programs

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SB 643--Protection and care of individuals with mental retardation • Renames state schools--State supported living centers • Requires annual inspections of HCS group homes • Requires independent mortality reviews • Establishes a single investigative database (DFPS & reg. issues) SB 1--General Appropriations Bill • Funds provider rate increase • Funds attendant wage increase • Funds additional HCS slots (approx 50,000) • Moves HCS case management to Mental … [Read more...] about Legislative Summary: Bills Affecting HCS & TxHmL Programs

Upcoming CDS Town Hall Meetings

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DADS is hosting Town Hall Meetings throughout the state this summer to provide an opportunity for DADS consumers and family members, service providers and the public to learn more about the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) service delivery option available in many Texas programs. Currently, only 2% of HCS programs (OHFH) and 4% of TxHmL Programs utilize consumer directed services (CDS). Providers and public welcome. Schedule 7/27: Longview, Texas 7/29: Fort Worth, Texas 8/12: Austin, … [Read more...] about Upcoming CDS Town Hall Meetings

Changes to HCS Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)

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HCS providers report to DADS through the CARE system and the required reporting information has changed (SB 325). Providers must begin collecting data in compliance with the new requirements on August 1, 2009. Provider must now report the total number of medication errors, serious injuries, behavior plans authorizing restraint, emergency restraints used (including type of restraint), individuals requiring emergency restraints, and restraint related injuries. For more information please see … [Read more...] about Changes to HCS Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)

Changes to TxHmL Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)

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TxHmL providers report to DADS through the CARE system and the required reporting information has changed (SB 325). Providers must begin collecting data in compliance with the new requirements on August 1, 2009. Providers must now report the total number of medication errors, serious injuries, behavior plans authorizing restraint, emergency restraints used (including type of restraint), individuals requiring emergency restraints, and restraint related injuries. For more information please see … [Read more...] about Changes to TxHmL Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)

Whether you’re caring for the young or the old the State’s expectations don’t change

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Interestingly, the categories of top 10 deficiencies cited against Child Placing Agencies parallel the categories of top 10 deficiencies cited against Nursing Facilities Physical environment/Sanitation— Youth: “safe for children, kept clean, and in good repair” (Rank #2) Seniors: “nursing home area is safe, easy to use, clean, and comfortable” “give out food in a safe & clean way” and “housekeeping and maintenance” (Rank #7, 1, and, 10) Staff … [Read more...] about Whether you’re caring for the young or the old the State’s expectations don’t change

Proposed Changes to §335.723—So long flat rates…hello “weighted methodologies”

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ATTENTION HCS & TxHmL Providers: CMS has directed HHSC to eliminate the current monthly Administration and Operations Fee (Adm & Op fee) and replace with a methodology that allocates these expenses across all HCS services. How will this directive impact you? It means that the current monthly "admin& op" fee used to reimburse providers for these admin and operations expenses ($938.62 per consumer per month or approximately $11,263 per annum) is being removed and these … [Read more...] about Proposed Changes to §335.723—So long flat rates…hello “weighted methodologies”

Mental Health Parity Act Effective Date Delayed Until January 2010

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New requirements for employee health care plans originally scheduled to go into effect next month now have been delayed for at least a few more months. Congress has deferred the effective date of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPA) until January 2010. The MHPA does not require health insurance plans to provide mental health or addiction disorder benefits if they do not do so already. However, for group health plans that do choose to provide mental health and/or substance use … [Read more...] about Mental Health Parity Act Effective Date Delayed Until January 2010

DADS News Alerts

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We wanted to make you aware of these news alerts from the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services: Web-based Course on Customized Employment TMHP Online Portal Enhancements Information Broadband Update UT School of Social Work Survey: Employment Support Services in Texas Integrated Care Management (ICM) Long-term Services and Supports Provider Forum - ICM Transition … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts