A new type of wage and hour legislation is gaining steam around the country. Although you may not be familiar with the term “wage theft,” chances are good that you’ll be hearing more about it soon. What is wage theft? Generally, the term refers to an employer’s failure to pay wages when they are due and in compliance with legal wage rates. In the past year, multiple cities, counties, and states around the country have enacted their own laws to enforce wage and hour provisions. This is … [Read more...] about New Wave of Legislation: Wage Theft Laws
Doctors May See 21.3 Percent Medicare Cut
Last week we linked to an article in the Houston Chronicle about doctors in Texas dropping out of the Medicare program. The program provides health insurance coverage to people age 65 and older and those who meet certain criteria. Because of lower reimbursement rates and other problems, many physicians are no longer accepting Medicare patients. For doctors still accepting Medicare patients, the problem may get worse. Starting June 1, physicians will see a 21.3 percent cut in Medicare … [Read more...] about Doctors May See 21.3 Percent Medicare Cut
Provider Letters: Assisted Living, ICFs/MRs, and Nursing Facilities
DADS released two provider letters: Assisted Living Facilities: DADS clarified a resident's use of an assistive device. An excerpt: 1) The ALF must complete a comprehensive functional assessment that is specific to a resident and provide care to the resident according to the resident’s individual service plan based on the results of the comprehensive assessment, as specified in 40 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §92.41(c); 2) The ALF must ensure that all staff members are competent to … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: Assisted Living, ICFs/MRs, and Nursing Facilities
Texas Register Updates: Contract Award, Board of Nursing Changes
The following information was obtained from the May 21 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices HHSC will award contract 529-06-0425-00042 to Health Management Associates in Lansing, Michigan, to develop two deliverables, the State Medicaid Health Information Technology Plan and the Implementation Advance Planning Document. The contract's total value is $641,010. HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would add the non-state … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Contract Award, Board of Nursing Changes
Proposed Budget Cuts: Time to Contact Your Legislator
State leaders are currently proposing budget cuts across all state agencies, which could result in a significant loss of Medicaid funding for long-term care providers. Governor Rick Perry, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, and Speaker of the House Joe Straus requested that all state agencies make 5 percent budget cuts given the fact that revenues have fallen substantially in the face of the 2009 national recession. In response, HHSC submitted its proposal of budget reduction options, which … [Read more...] about Proposed Budget Cuts: Time to Contact Your Legislator
Provider and Information Letters: NFs, HCS, All Community Services Providers
DADS released two provider and five information letters: NFs: As a result of changes to 40 TAC Chapter 19, an applicant may request an Expedited Life Safety Code inspection for any initial application pending on June 1, 2010, and any initial application submitted to the DADS Licensing and Credentialing section, Regulatory Services division, on or after June 1, 2010. (Letter) NFs must notify HHSC of any change in a Medicaid resident's monthly income or resources as required by Chapter H … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: NFs, HCS, All Community Services Providers
Texas Register Updates: Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity Hearing
The following information was obtained from the May 14 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on June 8, 2010, from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. on Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity. The hearing will take place in the Harlingen Cultural Arts Center Liberty Hall, 576 '76 Drive, Harlingen, Texas 78550. For more information, contact Joanne Pierce, Office of Community Collaboration, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, 9013 Tuscany Way, Suite 100, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Strengthening Nonprofit Capacity Hearing
Texas Doctors Dropping Medicare at ‘Alarming’ Rate
The primary care physician shortage in the U.S. is well documented. The health care reform law will increase pressure on these doctors as it goes into effect. Add this to news that more doctors are opting out of Medicaid and Medicare, and the situation appears critical. According to the Houston Chronicle, doctors in Texas are essentially fleeing Medicare. The program provides health insurance coverage to people age 65 and older and those who meet certain criteria. Because of lower … [Read more...] about Texas Doctors Dropping Medicare at ‘Alarming’ Rate
Department of Labor Announces “Plan, Prevent, Protect”
The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that its staff will seek to add new responsibilities for employers, requiring them to step up proactive compliance measures, especially in the areas of safety, health, and wage and hour laws. This is important because it reflects a new emphasis on preventing violations of laws that affect workers, as opposed to the more common tactic of trying to catch and punish employers who may have been violating labor laws for months or years. Deputy Labor … [Read more...] about Department of Labor Announces “Plan, Prevent, Protect”
Matching Funds for Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that the federal government will provide matching funds to state Medicaid programs to implement electronic health record (EHR) incentive programs. The funding is designed to help states improve the quality and efficiency of health care. For example, several providers treating one Medicaid patient will have electronic access to the patient's records to coordinate care. The EHR program was established by the American Recovery and … [Read more...] about Matching Funds for Electronic Health Record Incentive Programs
