The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued one provider letter and two information letters: Facility Inventory, Vacancy and Evacuation Status (FIVES) Application DADS reminded all provider types that DADS wants facilities to update their number of vacancies and evacuation information in the FIVES application every day during the five days before and after a hurricane. Visit the FIVES web page, and download the provider letter here. Notification of … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: FIVES Application, Etc.
Impact of Criminal Convictions on Occupational Licenses–An update on Legislation
During the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007, three bills involving criminal convictions and occupational licenses were introduced and none of them passed. The first would have limited a licensing authority's ability to suspend or revoke a license based only on criminal convictions that have occurred in the past 5 years. The second bill proposed provisional licenses and the third bill suggested standards for considering deferred adjudications as convictions. Will similar bills be filed … [Read more...] about Impact of Criminal Convictions on Occupational Licenses–An update on Legislation
Texas Register Updates: Open Meetings
The following information was obtained from the December 7 edition of the Texas Register: The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will hold a public meeting on Autism Spectrum Disorders in Texas on December 12, 2007, at the Texas State Capitol Building, Room E1.012 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. The goal of the meeting is for the Texas Council on Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorders to hear from major stakeholder groups. For more information about the meeting, see the … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Open Meetings
Provider and Information Letters: CHOW Requirements and New Convictions Barring Employment
In a letter to Nursing Facilities, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) alerted these providers to changes in the code required by Senate Bill 344, passed by the 80th Legislature, Regular Session, 2007. Changes to Section 242.0336, Temporary Change of Ownership (CHOW) License, include: The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) may not issue a temporary NF CHOW license prior to the 31st day after receiving (1) the application from the CHOW license … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: CHOW Requirements and New Convictions Barring Employment
Texas Register Updates: Adopted Rules
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has adopted an amendment to the Medicaid Managed Care section of the rules. The amendment updates the definition of Value-added Services. Pursuant to Senate Bill 10, HHSC is to “actively encourage†HHSC-contracted Medicare managed organizations to offer value-added benefits. HHSC also adopted an amendment regarding the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Payment Option, Reimbursement Rates Chapter. The U.S. Department of Health and Human … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Adopted Rules
State Bill Would Reform Medicaid, ‘Stretch’ Coverage
In the wake of Medicaid budget cuts, state lawmakers are looking for ways to make sure low-income Texans are covered. The Dallas Morning News is reporting that Texas lawmakers have introduced a bill that would “overhaul Medicaid†by reducing the program’s cost while covering more people. Jane Nelson, state senator and chief sponsor of the bill, told the paper that the measure would appropriate funds to pay for preventive care and to discourage Medicaid recipients from going to … [Read more...] about State Bill Would Reform Medicaid, ‘Stretch’ Coverage
What’s Up At The Legislature?
The following are some filed bills that may interest you: SB 131 by West (D-Dallas) Requiring that for at least two unannounced inspections each licensing period, DADS would be required to invite someone from the facility's family council to participate. A family council member would also be required to sit in at the exit conference and receive a copy of deficiencies. The measure also provides for the organization, rights and protection of the council. SB 199 by Nelson (R-Flower Mound) … [Read more...] about What’s Up At The Legislature?
