On December 2, 1010, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled against the Texas Medical Board ("TMB"), remanding a suit brought by the Association of American Physicians and Surgeon ("AAPS") and allowing the case to proceed. The AAPS complaint accused the TMB of the following: manipulation of anonymous complaints; conflicts of interest; violation of due process; breach of privacy; and retaliation against those who speak out. The key issue in the case was whether AAPS … [Read more...] about Fifth Circuit Rules Against Texas Medical Board in Due Process Case
Registration and Attestation for EHR Incentive Program begins on January 3, 2011
On January 3, 2011, eligible professionals and hospitals participating in Medicare and Medicaid programs may begin registering for electronic health record (“EHR”) incentive programs. CMS encourages providers to register for the Medicare and/or Medicaid EHR Incentive Program(s) as soon as possible. Providers may register prior to having a certified EHR or an enrollment record in PECOS. Providers may also register for the Texas Medicaid EHR Incentive program on January 3, 2011. Under the … [Read more...] about Registration and Attestation for EHR Incentive Program begins on January 3, 2011
Institute of Medicine to Conduct Year-Long Study in HIT Safety
Under the HITECH Act of 2009, the Medicare and Medicaid electronic health record ("EHR") incentive programs provide a financial reward for the meaningful use of qualified, certified EHRs to achieve health and efficiency goals. In July, CMS announced regulations outlining the initial requirements that eligible health care providers must meet to demonstrate meaningful use of certified EHR technology for the Medicare and Medicaid incentive payments program, which CMS will administer. Also in … [Read more...] about Institute of Medicine to Conduct Year-Long Study in HIT Safety
TX Register Updates: Medical Board, Nursing Board Changes
The following information was obtained from the December 24 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notices HHSC proposes the following per diem reimbursement rates for the DADS-operated, non-state-operated ICF/MR program, effective February 1, 2011. HHSC also proposes the following per diem reimbursement rates for the DADS-operated NF program, effective February 1, 2011. See the Texas Register for details about each proposed rule. HHSC will hold a public hearing, "Medicaid … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medical Board, Nursing Board Changes
A Doctor’s Successful Fight Against Prosecutorial Abuse
Read about it here in the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons. Here is a taste: Dr. Becker then filed a motion to suppress the evidence with the Third District Court in Utah. Subsequent to this filing, the stateprosecutor dismissed the case with prejudice, ending this part of thesaga. His reasons, explained under oath in deposition, were: As I carefully analyzed that, I had to scrutinize whether we could win that motion hearing, whether we could persuade the judge that these things … [Read more...] about A Doctor’s Successful Fight Against Prosecutorial Abuse
Information Letter: Service Authorizations
DADS reminded MDCP providers that MDCP services must be provided in accordance with the service authorization and the IPC, and the provider must ensure that the claim for reimbursement corresponds to the provider’s service authorization form and service delivery records. (Letter) … [Read more...] about Information Letter: Service Authorizations
82nd Legislative Session: Senate Bills
The following bills (which may affect long term care providers) were recently introduced in the 82nd Legislative Session: SB 263: Relating to the revocation or suspension of the license of a physician placed on deferred adjudication community supervision or arrested for certain offenses. SB 278: Relating to the personal needs allowance for certain Medicaid recipients who are residents of long-term care facilities. … [Read more...] about 82nd Legislative Session: Senate Bills
TX Register Updates: ICF/MR Rule Changes
The following information was obtained from the December 17 issue of the Texas Register: Adopted Rules HHSC adopted amendments to §392.100, concerning the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, which ensure that HHSC's rule reflects the correct governing authority and rule citation for the statewide HUB program. See the Texas Register for updates. HHSC adopted the repeal of §90.211, concerning definitions, and §90.216, concerning general provisions, in Chapter 90, ICF/MR … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: ICF/MR Rule Changes
IL and News Alerts: New UR Process, Webinars
DADS issued an information letter and several news alerts. CWP providers and CDS agencies: DADS CSPO Section and MR Authorities Section will begin testing new utilization review processes for the CWP, with full implementation scheduled for January 1, 2011, effective the date of this letter. 1. Effective December 20, 2010, CWP HCSSAs must send Form 8578, Mental Retardation/Related Condition Assessment, Form 8662, Related Conditions Eligibility Screening Instrument (for individuals with … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: New UR Process, Webinars
TX Register Updates: Medical Board, DBMD Changes,
The following information was obtained from the December 10 issue of the Texas Register: Proposed Rules The Texas Medical Board proposes to amend §163.13, concerning Expedited Licensure Process, which would delete language that requires applicants for an expedited license to practice medicine to submit proof of eligibility for a visa immigration waiver. The board proposes to amend §171.2, concerning Construction, and §171.5, concerning Duties of PIT Holders to Report, which would remove … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Medical Board, DBMD Changes,
