Effective immediately, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is allowing an individual in the CLASS Case Management or DBMD programs to receive habilitation, nursing or respite services while temporarily out of state. Services outside Texas can be provided through the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option. In the CLASS program, the services that can be provided outside of Texas through the CDS option are: • habilitation, • Community First Choice Personal Assistance … [Read more...] about Receiving Out-of-State Services in the CLASS and DBMD Programs
2016 Geriatric Symposium: Texas Taking the Next Step Aug 1-2, in Round Rock, Texas.
In the next 15 years, Texas is expected to see a 67 percent increase in adults age 65 and older. To help the state be better prepared to meet the needs of an aging population, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services is hosting the 2016 Geriatric Symposium: Texas Taking the Next Step Aug 1-2, in Round Rock, Texas.Register now for this free event. You can register for one day or both. Continuing education hours will be available for nurses and other professionals.The 2-day … [Read more...] about 2016 Geriatric Symposium: Texas Taking the Next Step Aug 1-2, in Round Rock, Texas.
Receiving Out-of-State Services in the CLASS and DBMD Programs
Effective immediately, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is allowing an individual in the CLASS Case Management or DBMD programs to receive habilitation, nursing or respite services while temporarily out of state. Services outside Texas can be provided through the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option.In the CLASS program, the services that can be provided outside of Texas through the CDS option are: • habilitation, • Community First Choice Personal Assistance … [Read more...] about Receiving Out-of-State Services in the CLASS and DBMD Programs
Increased Period of Monitoring Individuals who have Transitioned from a State Supported Living Center (SSLC) to the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program
The purpose of this information letter (IL) is to inform LIDDAs, effective October 2014, the monitoring report and additional information reported for individuals who transitioned from an SSLC to the HCS program was changed from one to five years. This change ensures the unique needs of individuals served in SSLCs continue to be met by the provider. In accordance with LA Broadcast Message #0837, sent May 31, 2013, LIDDAs are required to send its monitoring reports to the Texas Department of … [Read more...] about Increased Period of Monitoring Individuals who have Transitioned from a State Supported Living Center (SSLC) to the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program
Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Training Required for New Employees
Effective May 1, 2016, new ICF/IID employees who will serve on a person’s interdisciplinary team — or otherwise work with a person to carry out the person’s individual program plan — must complete TIC training before working with that person. The new rule, Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, §90.44 Trauma-Informed Care Training, applies to certain employees of ICFs/IID, including certain employees of state supported living centers, who are hired on or after May 1, 2016.The Texas Department of … [Read more...] about Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) Training Required for New Employees
Medical Level of Need Increase in the Home and Community-based Services Program
Effective May 1, 2016, an HCS program provider may request Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) increase an individual’s level of need (LON) to the next higher LON if the individual:• has a LON 1, LON 5, or LON 8;• requires 181 minutes or more of face-to-face nursing services per week; and• has an Intellectual Disability/Related Condition (ID/RC) assessment reflecting a frequency code of "6" in the "Nursing" section. Visit us at Garlo Ward, PC. … [Read more...] about Medical Level of Need Increase in the Home and Community-based Services Program
More on the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act
This letter informs providers of the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act (“Act”), and to encourage its implementation. The Texas Legislature amended the Estates Code through House Bill (H.B.) 39 and Senate Bill (S.B.) 1881, (84th Legislature, Regular Session, 2015) by adding the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act. The Act provides adults with disabilities who need assistance with understanding choices to make their own decisions an option that is less restrictive than guardianship. … [Read more...] about More on the Supported Decision-Making Agreement Act
Removal of Licensure Requirements
Effective September 1, 2015, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) no longer requires contractors of emergency response services under Title XX of the Social Security Act to have the following:a license as a personal emergency response system provider issued by the Department of State Health Services in accordance with Title 25, Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 140, Subchapter B (relating to Personal Emergency Response System Providers); ora license as an alarm … [Read more...] about Removal of Licensure Requirements
Employment Recruitment Coordinator Role and Activities
The purpose of this information letter (IL) is to introduce HCBS providers, TxHmL providers, CLASS providers, STAR+PLUS program providers, MDCP providers, DBMD providers, SSLC and LIDDAs to the role of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Employment Recruitment Coordinator (ERC).The role of ERC is to work statewide in building awareness with employers of the value that employing persons with disabilities can add to a business. The ERC will also provide information … [Read more...] about Employment Recruitment Coordinator Role and Activities
Medication Administration by an Unlicensed Person in all ICFs/IID with a Capacity of 13 or Fewer Beds
An unlicensed person may provide administration of medication to an individual without the requirement that a registered nurse (RN) delegate or oversee each administration of the medication if the following conditions are met: Each individual who has medications administered by an unlicensed person is assessed by an RN to identify the individual's needs and abilities regarding the individual's medication. The administration of medication is performed in such a manner as to ensure the greatest … [Read more...] about Medication Administration by an Unlicensed Person in all ICFs/IID with a Capacity of 13 or Fewer Beds