The purpose of this information letter is to inform Medicaid Hospice providers of the addition of a service intensity add-on (SIA) payment authorized under the “FY 2016 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Rate Update and Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements” published August 6, 2015. CMS implemented payments to reflect changes in resource intensity in the provision of care and services during the course of hospice care.Beginning January 1, 2016, an SIA payment may be billed in addition to the … [Read more...] about Medicaid Hospice Service Intensity Add-on Payment
Revised Disclosure Section of Form 3720-N
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) is re-issuing this letter to update contact information.DADS has implemented revised forms 3736, 3720-N and 3720, which incorporate changes to disclosure items 8, 9, and 10 respectively. Revised forms and instructions are available on the DADS website at: www.dads.state.tx.us/forms/Item 8 on form 3736, item 9 on form 3720N, and item 10 on form 3720 have been updated as follows:Attachments will be permitted as a response to the … [Read more...] about Revised Disclosure Section of Form 3720-N
Paid Feeding Assistant Requirements
This letter updates two items of information relative to paid feeding assistant program requirements.The definition of “licensed health professional: is now located at 40 TAC §19.101(58) rather than 40 TAC §19.101(56)The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services Paid Feeding Assistant Training curriculum is available on the Regulatory Services Credentialing web page at the following url: http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/NF/credentialing/NATCEP/feedingassistant.pdfVisit us at … [Read more...] about Paid Feeding Assistant Requirements
Decertifying and De-allocating Medicaid Beds that are Not Available for Use
DADS is issuing this provider letter to remind providers that DADS will decertify and de-allocate Medicaid beds that are intended for use in bedrooms that have been converted to other uses if the rooms are not being used for bedroom occupancy on two consecutive standard surveys. This is pursuant to Medicaid bed allocation requirements at 40 TAC §19.2322(j)(1)(B).Additionally, DADS may revoke a bed allocation for failure to meet any of the requirements in section 40 TAC §19.2322(j).Some nursing … [Read more...] about Decertifying and De-allocating Medicaid Beds that are Not Available for Use
Trauma-Informed Care Training
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has developed trauma-informed care training for employees of ICF/IIDs, including state supported living centers. DADS developed the training in response to Texas Human Resources Code (THRC), Title 11, Chapter 161, §161.088, which was added by House Bill (HB) 2789, 84th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2015. 11 THRC §161.088 requires trauma-informed care training for new employees of ICF/IIDs, including state supported living … [Read more...] about Trauma-Informed Care Training
Don’t Forget Due Diligence for Identifying Immigration Issues When Merging or Buying a Business
When merging with or purchasing an already functioning business providing long term care, it is important that you address the immigration and employment issues in your due diligence checklist and process. Failure to do so, may cause legal problems for you after the purchase.You should determine whether the business has employees who are in the country by virtue of visas. In particular, HB1 visas can be an issue as these visas are only valid for a specified employer. Given that the employer will … [Read more...] about Don’t Forget Due Diligence for Identifying Immigration Issues When Merging or Buying a Business
HHS Transformation Public Hearing Dates Announced
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has scheduled public hearings in various areas of the state to take public comment regarding the transformation of the health and human services system. An online questionnaire for providing public comment is also available. Details on the public hearings and a link for accessing the online questionnaire are available on the HHS Transformation website. Visit us at Garlo Ward, PC. … [Read more...] about HHS Transformation Public Hearing Dates Announced
Removal of Licensure Requirements
Effective September 1, 2015, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) no longer requires contractors of emergency response services under Title XX of the Social Security Act to have the following:a license as a personal emergency response system provider issued by the Department of State Health Services in accordance with Title 25, Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter 140, Subchapter B (relating to Personal Emergency Response System Providers); ora license as an alarm … [Read more...] about Removal of Licensure Requirements
DAHS – Capacity
License capacity versus occupancy load for DAHS facilitiesLicense capacity for a DAHS facility (the maximum number of clients served in the DAHS facility at any time during the day) is based on the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) minimum standards for licensure at Texas Administrative Code Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 98, §98.42 and §98.43.The maximum occupancy load for a building (meaning the total number of people who may occupy a workplace, or a portion of a workplace, at any … [Read more...] about DAHS – Capacity
New Medicaid Director
Health and Human Services Commission Announces New Medicaid DirectorGary Jessee, a 20-year veteran of state service, will be Texas' new state Medicaid director, Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Chris Traylor announced.Jessee, who has served three years as the Medicaid/CHIP Division's chief deputy director for program operations, replaces Kay Ghahremani who is retiring after 20 years with the state.Visit us at Garlo Ward, PC. … [Read more...] about New Medicaid Director
