-- "Federal efforts to strengthen inspections of the nation's nursing homes are gaining momentum after a government probe uncovered instances of substandard care." - Kaiser News -- "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sees the upcoming Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement guidelines, not harsher penalties, as the way to reduce adverse events in post-acute care, officials said on an Open Door Forum call Thursday [March 6]." - McKnight's -- "About 22% of Medicare … [Read more...] about LTC News: NF Inspections, Post-acute Care
IL and News Alerts: 5/22 Meetings
Local Authorities and HCS: DADS informed these providers that effective April 1, 2014, an individual in the HCS program may also receive cognitive rehabilitation therapy, employment assistance, supported employment, and nursing through the CDS option. (Letter) -- DADS will hold a Region 5 NF provider meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Angelina College 3500 S. 1st Street, Lufkin. You may register here. -- DADS will hold a Region 5 ALF and ADC provider on … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: 5/22 Meetings
DADS News Alerts: Recovery Audit Program
-- On February 18, 2014, CMS posted important information on the transition process in preparation for the next round of Recovery Audit Program contracts and will continue to update the site with more information as it becomes available. -- CMS posted two updated reference documents to provide technical information relevant to the Nursing Home Compare web site for certified NFs and the Five Star Quality Rating System under the Downloads section. -- DADS will present the proposed draft of … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: Recovery Audit Program
ILs: Billing Codes, Hospice Discussions
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
LTC News: Potential Medicare Reductions
-- "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a call for additional providers to take part in a bundled payment program that involves post-acute care." - McKnight's -- "Despite some high-profile reports, nursing home staffing levels have not been definitively linked to better care, according to a recently published analysis of research on the topic." - McKnight's -- "Long-term care stakeholders are praising the government's decision to temporarily pause the recovery audit … [Read more...] about LTC News: Potential Medicare Reductions
DADS News Alerts: 2/20 Webinar Reminder
-- 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
LTC News: End of Dual Eligibles?
-- "In the post-acute care and long-term care performance measurement section of the report, [Measure Applications Partnership] identified 13 core measures in "high-leverage areas." These include long-term care providers examining advanced care planning as a goal, and evaluating safety issues for residents such as fall rate and pressure ulcers." - McKnight's -- "In the nearly 50 years since Medicaid and Medicare were enacted, the two health care programs – one for the poor and the other for … [Read more...] about LTC News: End of Dual Eligibles?
LTC News: NF Case, SNF Updates
-- "Post-acute providers are seeking deals that diversify their services and limit financial exposure related to Medicare reimbursement rates, according to an analysis from investment banking firm Triple Tree." - McKnight's -- "A state law to protect nursing home residents cannot be invoked to bring a suit against an assisted living provider, a federal judge recently ruled, reversing his earlier decision." - McKnight's -- "Skilled nursing operators can expect to see a new government report … [Read more...] about LTC News: NF Case, SNF Updates
IL/News Alerts: Joint Training January 28, 29, and 30
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
LTC News: Dual Eligibles, HSC Services Changes
-- "Dramatic Medicare cuts to skilled nursing facilities played a significant part in keeping healthcare spending low in 2012, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Monday." – McKnight's -- "In light of reports that Medicare Part D prescribing practices are endangering seniors — many of them in long-term care facilities — the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a proposed rule that would give the agency more power to oversee and control the … [Read more...] about LTC News: Dual Eligibles, HSC Services Changes
