In a new provider letter, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has asked assisted living facilities to complete a survey about their needs and preferences for future joint training courses. DADS offers courses to assisted living providers “related to common deficiencies and violations†and other topics of interest. To participate in the survey, follow this link. You may view the course offerings here and download the provider letter here. … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Joint Training Survey Announcement
Texas Register: Notice of Intent to Renew Consultant Contract
In the February 2 issue of the Texas Register, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) published its intent to renew a consultant contract with Public Strategies, Inc. HHSC issued a request for proposals from consultants to procure technical expertise to assist in the strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of a Texas healthy marriage initiative. Public Strategies, Inc. won renewal of the contract. Unless HHSC receives a “better offer,†it will extend the … [Read more...] about Texas Register: Notice of Intent to Renew Consultant Contract
Provider Letter: Expansion of the STAR+PLUS Program
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued a provider letter to Community Based Alternative (CBA) providers about the expansion of the STAR+PLUS Program. To help CBA consumers transition to the STAR+PLUS waiver, DADS lays out some guidelines, including the following: 1. The CBA HCSSA is responsible for completing the annual reassessment activities for consumers, whose individual service plans (ISPs) end on 01/31/07 and 02/28/07. 2. For ISPs finalized before or … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Expansion of the STAR+PLUS Program
Party-Line Medicare Battles Continue
The new majority party in Congress didn’t wait long before it starting pulling rank. Under the current Medicare law, passed in 2003, the federal government is prohibited from negotiating drug prices or establishing a list of preferred drugs. Soon-to-be House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says the Democrats will try to repeal the ban straight out of the starting gate. (Kaiser Network) So much for Republicans’ efforts to partially privatize the system. One of the concerns about the government … [Read more...] about Party-Line Medicare Battles Continue
Texas Comptroller To Lawmakers: End Accenture Contract
Carole Keeton Strayhorn, Texas Comptroller, chastised the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for its $800 million contract with Accenture, a group that administers Medicaid enrollment and other social services. Citing mismanagement, Stayhorn says the contract “must be ended.†According to the Houston Chronicle, Accenture’s call centers experience computer glitches and lost and backlogged applications. Strayhorn, who is running for governor, asked lawmakers to transfer project … [Read more...] about Texas Comptroller To Lawmakers: End Accenture Contract
Hearing on Proposed Provider Reimbursement Rates
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announced in the October 20 Texas Register that there will be a public hearing for comments on proposed interim Medicaid reimbursement rates that will apply to large, state-operated Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation. Included are state schools operated by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. The hearing will be held on Monday, November 6, 2006, at 2:00 p.m. in the Lone Star Conference Room … [Read more...] about Hearing on Proposed Provider Reimbursement Rates
The False Claims Act–A Significant Hammer!
For an example of how whistleblowers and the False Claims Act interact, read this article, Home Health Care Industry Reels from Medicare Scandal. Whistleblowers can bring qui tam lawsuits against providers and benefit hugely. In this particular case, the whistleblower benefits as follows: The False Claims Act permits individuals to file qui tam lawsuits against companies that defraud the government. Liable companies pay as much as three times the government's losses plus penalties for … [Read more...] about The False Claims Act–A Significant Hammer!
Over 41,000 Qualified Nursing School Applicants Rejected in 2005
Nursing schools had to turn away over 41,000 qualified applicants in 2005 because there weren't enough faculty to teach. This is an unfortunate trend because of the overall nursing shortage nationwide. According to USA Today, 7.9 percent of faculty positions at nursing schools remain unfilled, and the Department of Health and Human Service reports that the 10 percent RN vacancy rate will increase to 36 percent by 2020. In July, I blogged about the high turnover rate in health care jobs and … [Read more...] about Over 41,000 Qualified Nursing School Applicants Rejected in 2005
CMS Says No to Maryland Drug Plan Proposal for Uninsured
In an effort to provide low-cost prescription drugs to the state’s uninsured, Maryland proposed to offer them prescription drugs at Medicaid prices, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) rejected the plan. (Kaiser Network) The state sought to finance the plan through various sources, including through pharmaceutical company rebates. This is not a legitimate source for matching funds, says CMS spokesperson Mary Kahn. The federal government matches state Medicaid … [Read more...] about CMS Says No to Maryland Drug Plan Proposal for Uninsured
Provider Letter: Changes To Dental Evaluation Approval Process
In a provider letter dated September 27, 2006, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed Community Based Alternatives (CBA) Home and Community Support Services (HCSS) providers about changes to the approval process for dental evaluations. Under the new process, an HCSS provider's registered nurse is allowed to get multiple evaluations for CBA participants without obtaining prior approval from the DADS case manager. For more information, you may download the … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Changes To Dental Evaluation Approval Process
