The following information was obtained from the November 14 issue of the Texas Register: Public Notices The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on December 3, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the assisted living/residential care services under the Community Based Alternatives program, ICM Assisted Living/Residential Care program, assisted living/residential care services under the Consolidated Waiver … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Payment Rate Hearings, BON Amendments
Information and Provider Letters: Data Training Classes, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released an information and a provider letter: Data Entry Training Class for Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) providers DADS informed HSC and TxHmL program providers about a monthly Data Entry Training Class for 2009. The two-day class focuses on the Client Assignment and Registration System data entry, policies, and procedures of the HCS and TxHmL Waiver programs. Download the letter and … [Read more...] about Information and Provider Letters: Data Training Classes, Etc.
California May Freeze SCHIP Enrollment
The state of California is considering temporarily stopping enrollment in the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) to avoid a $17.2 million deficit that will be caused by a glut of "new clients." The state in general faces an $11.2 billion deficit. (Source) Over 900,000 children in California receive health care through the program. The enrollment freeze would protect benefits for current enrollees and manage costs of the program. Lesley Cummings, executive director for the … [Read more...] about California May Freeze SCHIP Enrollment
Garlo Ward Presents! Technology and Long Term Care
We have a new feature for the blog. We will be doing interviews with various people in the long term care profession about issues such as technology and associated products, legislative developments and regulatory and other legal issues on a regular basis. Today, I present our first podcast on a technology which has been newly adapted to long term care, voice activated documentation. I interview Jim Shearon of Vocollect and AccuNurse as well as Rose Ireland of TAHSA on this subject. Please … [Read more...] about Garlo Ward Presents! Technology and Long Term Care
Provider and Information Letters: Workflow, Surveys, Etc.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released eight information letters: New Provider Workflow Process for Nursing Facilities (NF) and Hospices In a letter to NFs and hospice providers, DADS informed them about the "Provider Action Required" status displayed for a form in the LTC Online Portal. The form history will include a detailed descriptive message that informs the provider of the error and will indicate what actions are required to correct or update the … [Read more...] about Provider and Information Letters: Workflow, Surveys, Etc.
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rate and Amendment Hearings
The following information was obtained from the November 7 issue of the Texas Register: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on November 25, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for electric patient lifts related to Home Health Mobility Aids medical policy changes, in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Blvd, Austin, Texas. Proposed rates under … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Rate and Amendment Hearings
Democratic Majority Will Seek to Expand SCHIP
Earlier this year, the Bush administration sought to prevent the expansion of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The president twice vetoed versions of the bill that would have expanded the program amid concerns that parents who could afford private insurance would seek coverage under SCHIP, depriving low-income children of coverage. Unable to override a presidential veto, Democrats decided to not pursue efforts to renew and expand SCHIP. With a Democrat in the White … [Read more...] about Democratic Majority Will Seek to Expand SCHIP
Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Rules
The following information was obtained from the October 31 issue of the Texas Register: Public Hearings The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will hold a public hearing on November 17, 2008, at 1:30 p.m., to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for maternity service clinics, in the Lone Star Conference Room of HHSC, Braker Center, Building H, located at 11209 Metric Boulevard, Austin, Texas. HHSC will hold a public rate hearing on November 21, 2008, … [Read more...] about Texas Register Updates: Medicaid Payment Rates, Texas Medical Board Rules
The Texas Comptroller to Complete Audits Regarding Overpayments
The following message was posted today at the TMHP Website: Information posted November 6, 2008: During the 79th Texas Legislature, Regular Session 2005, a requirement for a centralized overpayment recovery audit program for Texas was established. As a result of the legislation, the Texas Comptroller is required to complete an overpayment audit and recover any funds that may have been incorrectly paid to Medicaid providers. Click on the title to view the details. The Texas … [Read more...] about The Texas Comptroller to Complete Audits Regarding Overpayments
CMS Seeks to Improve Outpatient Quality of Care
Last week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a final rule that restates its commitment to implementing Value Based Purchasing incentives, one of which is to improve the quality of care with Medicare in hospital outpatient departments (HOPDs). CMS hopes to give hospitals an incentive to improve care by tying quality of care to payments. Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator, said "In this final rule, we are continuing to pay appropriately for care while working with … [Read more...] about CMS Seeks to Improve Outpatient Quality of Care
