Garlo Ward, P.C.

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#MeToo and Health Care –Part 1

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  With the Gary Nassar investigation and trial, #MeToo drew attention to sexual harassment and abuse in the healthcare profession.  This is the first in a series of posts discussing that issue and how to deal effectively with it.  Such misconduct can be directed at other employees, patients, consumers or visitors. This first post will define what sexual harassment is in the employment context.  Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to: Conduct of a sexual nature that … [Read more...] about #MeToo and Health Care –Part 1

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness Requirements

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Provider Letter No. 17-32  - DADS latest provider letters addressed to the Medicare and Medicaid Certified Nursing Facilities (NFs), Medicare-Certified Home Health and Hospice Agencies, and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICFs/IID) all must comply with new federal emergency preparedness Requirements for Participation, including training and testing program requirements, by November 15, 2017. The NF's are a required to … [Read more...] about The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness Requirements

IL and News Alerts: Webinar

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DADS released one information letter. DADS informed these providers that effective April 1, 2014, employment assistance is added as a service in the HCS program. (Letter) --  DADS will host an SELN Community Webinar on Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Time: 3 p.m. ET; 2 p.m. CT; 1 p.m. MT; 12 p.m. PT; 10 am HT You may register here. --  DADS updated its HCS and TxHmL provider pages, deleting the tabs "FAQs" and "Quarterly Stakeholder Meeting Webinars," and replacing them with one tab for "Webinars … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: Webinar

ILs: Billing Codes, Hospice Discussions

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DADS released four information letters. NF: DADS notified these providers of correct billing codes for a Customized Manual Wheelchair, effective March 1, 2014. (Letter) HCS and TxHmL: The Waiver Survey and Certification unit of DADS will allow HCS and TxHmL providers to request an informal review of the findings in a draft report of a review conducted in accordance with DADS rule at 40 TAC §9.185 and §9.577, effective March 1, 2014. (Letter) Medicaid Hospice: An excerpt: It has come … [Read more...] about ILs: Billing Codes, Hospice Discussions

DADS News Alerts: 3/27 Meeting

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--  DADS plans to revise §60.6 and §60.8, Definitions and Contracting Requirements, of 40 TAC, Chapter 60, Contracting to Provide PACE. An excerpt: As part of the project, DADS is revising definitions and making certain provisions in a new 40 TAC Chapter 49, Contracting for Community Services, which is scheduled to be proposed in April, apply to PACE providers...There is an informal comment period through Friday, Feb. 28th, and comments can be submitted to … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 3/27 Meeting

ILs: Level of Care, Medical Specialist

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DADS released two information letters.  ICF/ID, HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, DBMD, and Local Authorities: DADS reminded these providers of the importance of maintaining an individual's continuously current Level of Care authorization, Individual Plan of Care authorization, and Medicaid eligibility to avoid a negative impact to an individual’s services. (Letter) Local Authorities, HCS, and TxHmL: An excerpt: As a resource to HCS and TxHmL Program providers, DADS requires each LA to designate a … [Read more...] about ILs: Level of Care, Medical Specialist

DADS News Alerts: 2/20 Webinar Reminder

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--  DADS issued a warning to ADC Facility, ALF, In-patient Hospice, ICF/IID, and Nursing Facility providers to discontinue using Uncle Ben's infused rice products until further notice due to an outbreak of illnesses. --  DADS is now offering HCSSA joint training classes in Corpus Christie in February and March. --  The PowerPoint for the CLASS webinar that took place on October 15, 2013 has been posted on the CLASS web site. -- DADS will hold kits biannual CLASS provider training from March … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 2/20 Webinar Reminder

IL/News Alerts: Joint Training January 28, 29, and 30

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DADS released one information letter. CBA AL, DAHS, DBMD, NF, and RC: DADS reminded providers that they're required to submit financial and statistical information through a 2013 Cost Report for each contract held with DADS. (Letter) --   DADS will hold a series of ICF/IID joint training classes on January 28, 29, and 30. See the news alert page for times and locations may register here. --  DADS invited Adult Day Care providers in Regions 2, 9, and 10 to be held Wednesday, February … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: Joint Training January 28, 29, and 30

TX Register: 2/19 Hearing, Medical Board Changes

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The following information was obtained from the January 17 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices and Hearing A public hearing on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the following will take place on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. in the Public Hearing Room, Brown-Heatly Building, located at 4900 North Lamar, Austin: 3rd Quarter 2013 Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System updates 2014 Annual Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System updates Early and Periodic … [Read more...] about TX Register: 2/19 Hearing, Medical Board Changes