In a recent provider letter, the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) reminded Nursing Facilities that any facility that decided to voluntarily close must give residents at least 30 days written notice of this intent, pursuant to Texas Human Resources Code §102.003, 40 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §19.401(b)(21) and §19.502(e)(1), and 42 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §483.12(a)(5). For more information, download the letter here. In an information letter to … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Closure Notices, Provider Input Needed
Provider Letters: Billing Requirements, Immunizations, and CMS Alert
In a letter dated November 2, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) informed nursing facilities and community services providers that third-party billers are required to enter into a contract with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission before claims can be submitted to the Texas Medicaid HealthCare Partnership, effective June 30, 2007. This is an effort to combat fraud. You may download the letter here. DADS informed home and community support services … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Billing Requirements, Immunizations, and CMS Alert
Provider Letters: Permanency Planning and Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation
Effective September 1, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability (DADS) must delegate "the development of a permanency plan to a mental retardation authority (MRA), to a private entity other than an entity providing long-term institutional care, or to DADS personnel" for an individual under 22 receiving services or seeking admission to an institution. DADS will delegate the responsibilities to the local mental retardation authority where the individual or his legally authorized … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Permanency Planning and Non-Emergency Ambulance Transportation
Putting a Bull’s Eye On Your Back & Liability Insurance
Bulls EyeSid Rich with the Texas Association of Residential Care Communities is reporting in his newsletter that HB 850 has been introduced. The bill would mandate that nusing homes post signs indicating whether or not the facility carries liability insurance. The bill is pending in Committee.Sid Rich is concerned because he was the only long-term care lobbyist who showed up to oppose the bill. This is ridiculous. I agree with Sid when he argues that this is putting a "bulls-eye" on your … [Read more...] about Putting a Bull’s Eye On Your Back & Liability Insurance
Residents get more money and facilities get more forms
Currently working their way through the Texas legislature are two bills, House Bill 212 by Guillen and Senate Bill 199 by Gallegos.Senate Bill 199, if passed, would increase the personal needs allowance from $45 to $75 a month for residents in nursing homes, assisted living and ICF-MR facilities.House Bill 212 would require that health care facilities obtain a release from new employees within 72 hours of hiring. This release will allow access to certain information about the practitioner's … [Read more...] about Residents get more money and facilities get more forms
