McKnight's News is reporting that long-term-care physical therapists working through home health and hospitals are getting larger raises. This is based on data from the Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service. According to McKnight's: Providers should “ be creative in offering incentives for your rehab employees to stay with you beyond the typical raises,” said Rosanne Zabka, director of reports for H&HCS. Options include offering perks such as extra days off, … [Read more...] about Pay Bumps for Physical Therapists
Court Rules for Insurer
A federal court in Washington State has ruled that an insurer's exclusion of coverage for hearing loss is not discrimination in violation of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act because it applies to all insureds whether disabled or not. Coverage of the opinion is not yet available in linkable news. … [Read more...] about Court Rules for Insurer
CMS Moves to Make Approval of Medical Devices More Efficient
In response to a requirement in the 21st Century Cures Act, CMS is moving to make the local coverage determination more transparent. The contractors from now on must also ensure that there are medical providers and beneficiary representatives that participate on advisory committees which weigh in on local coverage decisions and that those meetings are open to the public. … [Read more...] about CMS Moves to Make Approval of Medical Devices More Efficient
Proposed Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act could Legalize Cannabis for Military
As the growing population of military veterans seek access and rights to use medical cannabis to treat PTSD, chronic pain and other mental and physical war wounds, new legislation has now been filed by two Democratic senators (Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) that aims to basically legalize medical marijuana for them and let government physicians enable them to have access to it. According to reports, the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act, would allow veterans … [Read more...] about Proposed Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act could Legalize Cannabis for Military
Amazon, Tech Giants Try To Fix Broken Healthcare System
According to reports, a group of traditional tech giants, including Alphabet, Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, and Salesforce, proposed a similar set of standards and pledged to make products (including selling medical supplies directly to hospitals and clinics) that support them to help the healthcare industry. The group wants to build tools for the health community around a set of common standards for exchanging health information electronically, called "FHIR." FHIR offers healthcare providers and … [Read more...] about Amazon, Tech Giants Try To Fix Broken Healthcare System
New Web-based Licensure System – Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP)
Provider Letter : PL 18-15 - Texas Unified License Information Portal (TULIP) is a new web-based licensure system designed specifically for licensed long-term care providers it will begin on Sept 4, 2018. All licensure applications will be electronic, including those for initial licenses, renewals and changes of ownership. The provider letter out lines important dates and information related to TULIP’s benefits and features, as well as instructions for making a successful transition to … [Read more...] about New Web-based Licensure System – Texas Unified Licensure Information Portal (TULIP)
Trump Signs Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Into Law
With no opposition from the House or Senate, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation of the H.R.6042 bill delay the nationwide deadline for electronic visit verification (EVV) or ( in-home health service bill) in Medicaid-reimbursed personal care services until 2020. President Donald Trump signed Rep. Brett Guthrie’s health care bill into law on July 30th. According to news reports, the 21st Century Cures Act, initially signed into law in 2016 under the Obama Administration, … [Read more...] about Trump Signs Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Into Law
HCSSAs that Contract with Management Companies
Provider Letter 18-13 - Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs) are issued the clarifications and requirements and regarding the role of management companies. Providers are notified that if an HCSSA contracts with a management company or other organization, the HCSSA must comply with all rules and regulations that relate to such a contract, which is addressed in the provider letter. HHSC has statutory authority to adopt rules that specify the ownership interests and other … [Read more...] about HCSSAs that Contract with Management Companies
Part Time Work and the FLMA
The 5th Circuit recently and issued an opinion favorable to the idea of employers negotiating with employees in FMLA situations. ( D'Onofrio v. Vacation Publications, Inc.) Although the case was reversed in part and remanded back to District Court on other issues, it ruled that allowing an employee to take FMLA leave with part-time pay did not interfere with the FMLA rights of the employee. The employee approached her employer requesting leave under the FMLA because of her spouse's severe … [Read more...] about Part Time Work and the FLMA
Long-term Care Regulatory Provider Letter – Incident Reporting Requirements
Provider Letter - PL 18-07 Providers have been reporting incidents without providing all of the information necessary for HHSC Complaint and Incident Intake (CII) to properly prioritize its review of those incidents. This letter serves as a guidance to the provider types including: Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS) Facilities, Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an … [Read more...] about Long-term Care Regulatory Provider Letter – Incident Reporting Requirements
