Information Letter No. 17-13 - This letter is addressed to all service providers, facilities, and agencies. August 31, 2017 is the end of fiscal year closeout and it is important for all providers to promptly submit claims to be paid by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) for any unbilled services. HHS will publish additional details regarding cutoff dates for fiscal year 2017. This information letter addresses the following:12-month filing rule - Providers should ensure not … [Read more...] about Preparing for the Upcoming Fiscal Year 2017 Fee-for-Service Claims Billing Closeout
New Process Requires Online Completion of Requests for Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Specialized Services
Information Letter No. 17-12 - DADS is notifying nursing facility providers of the new process for requesting Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) nursing facility specialized services. Paper forms are no longer acceptable. Providers have to now log onto the TMHP LTC Online Portal and complete a Nursing Facility Specialized Services (NFSS) form to request the following PASRR nursing facility specialized services. and the information letter details that the Health and Human … [Read more...] about New Process Requires Online Completion of Requests for Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Specialized Services
CMS to add 200 more facilities to the Music & Memory Program in Texas. Latest expansion to include 165 more nursing homes.
Music therapy is one of the methods that health facilities and providers are researching which may be beneficial to people with disabilities living in long-term intermediate care facilities. The Music & Memory initiative for Dementia patients began in 2015 as a way to improve and build upon the quality of life for those nursing home residents. The music and memory program's first two phases included a roll-out at 250 nursing homes in Texas. The program is executed by using Apple iPods or … [Read more...] about CMS to add 200 more facilities to the Music & Memory Program in Texas. Latest expansion to include 165 more nursing homes.
Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparedness Required by DADS: Health Services and Care Facilities should review their emergency preparedness and response plans.
With the latest weather conditions and Hurricane Season in effect from June to Novemeber, DADS has issued a new release addressing applicable program rules to ensure that: "All Adult Day Care Facilities (ADCs), Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), Home and Community Support Service Agencies (HCSSAs), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICFs/IID), and Nursing Facilities (NFs) should be prepared to protect residents/clients during … [Read more...] about Atlantic Hurricane Season Preparedness Required by DADS: Health Services and Care Facilities should review their emergency preparedness and response plans.
Challenges Continue for LTC Regarding Change of Therapy Documentation
Nursing facilities continue to battle Medicare denials because of documentation issues:Untimely certifications, missed or incorrectly billed Change of Therapy documentation, and lack of documentation supporting a signed physician order for skilled therapy are among the top reasons facilities are battling Medicare claims denials, an expert said in late April.Check your systems for communication between your MDS people and the therapy providers. … [Read more...] about Challenges Continue for LTC Regarding Change of Therapy Documentation
Ban on nursing home arbitration agreement officially lifted by CMS.
Ban on nursing home arbitration agreement officially lifted by CMS.Upheld by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the Trump Administration, according to reports, the ban on nursing home arbitration clauses has been lifted. CMS Issued the 'Proposed Revision Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities’ Arbitration Agreements on its website. Obama-era regulation previously stopped nursing homes from forcing patients and their families to sign binding arbitration agreements, … [Read more...] about Ban on nursing home arbitration agreement officially lifted by CMS.
Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Misappropriation of Resident Property, and Other Incidents that Must Be Reported to DADS
Provider Letter No. 17-18 - (Replaces PL 14-13). The examples in this letter are not all inclusive. Many other possible scenarios are reportable. The law requires an owner or employee of a NF who has cause to believe that the physical or mental health or welfare of a resident has been or may be adversely affected by abuse, neglect or exploitation. Attachements included instruct guidance to NFs on resident-to-resident incidents, including sexual activity, and on how to determine whether NFs must … [Read more...] about Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Misappropriation of Resident Property, and Other Incidents that Must Be Reported to DADS
New Rule Amendments in Texas Administrative Code (TAC) for NFA’s
Provider Letter No. 17-19 - The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) amended existing rules in 40 TAC Chapter 18, Nursing Facility Administrators (NFAs). These changes were initiated to:• clarify when a NFA may request an informal review;• update the time frame for requesting a formal hearing; and• amend the list of violations that lead to sanctions.There are amendments to 40 TAC §18.52, 40 TAC §18.53 & 40 TAC §18.54.You may access the amended rules for Chapter 18 … [Read more...] about New Rule Amendments in Texas Administrative Code (TAC) for NFA’s
New Billing Codes for Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASSR) DME and Therapy Assessments.
Information Letter No. 17-11 — The purpose of this letter is to notify Nursing Facility Providers (NFs) of the new billing codes for durable medical equipment (DME) and therapy assessments reimbursed through the PASRR program. All PASRR specialized services approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) on or after June 1, 2017, must be billed using the billing codes below. … [Read more...] about New Billing Codes for Pre-admission Screening and Resident Review (PASSR) DME and Therapy Assessments.
Nursing Facility Providers Must Allow (DADS) surveyors complete access to their records
Provider Letter No. 17-20 – Electronic Health RecordsNursing Facilities may use the system of medical records that best suits their needs whether it is paper or an electronic system. As directed in the DADS released provider letter, a provider must grant access to any EHR when requested by the surveyor. During the entrance conference, surveyors will verify with the provider the process they will follow in order to have unrestricted access to a resident’s medical records. Please note that … [Read more...] about Nursing Facility Providers Must Allow (DADS) surveyors complete access to their records