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 … [Read more...] about Information Letter No. 15-73 Removal of Licensure Requirements
Vital Statistics Conference Dec. 9-11
The DSHS Vital Statistics Unit is hosting their 61st Annual Vital Statistics Conference Dec. 9-11 at the Renaissance Hotel in Austin.Learn about emerging funeral service practices, the history of vital statistics, open records requests, planning for continuity of operations as well as new statutes, rules and regulations relating to vital records. Continuing education credits will be offered.To learn more or to register, visit the Texas Public Health Association website. Visit us at Garlo … [Read more...] about Vital Statistics Conference Dec. 9-11
Sunset Commission Seeks Your Feedback on ERS
Sunset Commission Seeks Your Feedback on ERSThis year, the 84th Texas Legislature tasked the Sunset Advisory Commission to review ERS. Unlike other state agencies undergoing Sunset review, ERS isn’t subject to abolishment under the Sunset Act. However, the Legislature could decide to make changes to improve ERS. The commission is seeking feedback from ERS members. If you’d like to share your ideas on how to improve ERS, send an email to sunset@sunset.state.tx.us oruse the comment form on the … [Read more...] about Sunset Commission Seeks Your Feedback on ERS
OIG – Fraud & Abuse
The Office of the Inspector General is clear on its intent to continue rooting out fraud and abuse. “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) 2016 Work Plan comes with a warning: the OIG continues to be relentless in detecting and pursuing waste, fraud, and abuse.” The work plan also says, according to the RAC Monitor, that, “During 2016 and beyond, OIG officials said the agency would continue oversight of hospice care, including oversight of … [Read more...] about OIG – Fraud & Abuse
Travis County – ICF/IIDs
ICF/IID Facilities in Travis County --The Highest Rated ICF/IID Facilities in Travis CountyOverallRatingInvest. ScoreInsp. ScoreBluff Canyon Community Residence 11101 Bluff Canyon Austin 78754 (512) 339- 8016100Cabana Community Residence 12004 Cabana Ln Austin 78727 (512) 339- 4074100Crockett House 7906 Brodie Ln Austin 78745 (512) 916- 1632100Lincoln House 1007 Collingsworth Dr Austin 78753 (512) 835- 8955100Parkfield 9202 Parkfield Dr Austin 78758 (512) 916- 1632100Pine Knoll 1400 Pine … [Read more...] about Travis County – ICF/IIDs
HHSC investigates $68M Contract
HHSC investigates $68 million contractTwo state health workers are being investigated for potential conflicts of interest involving how a $68 million contract was awarded by the Health and Human Services Commission, a massive agency struggling to rebuild after becoming the focus of a contract scandal and subsequent criminal investigations.Visit us at Garlo Ward, PC. … [Read more...] about HHSC investigates $68M Contract
Employment Recruitment Coordinator Role and Activities
The purpose of this information letter (IL) is to introduce HCBS providers, TxHmL providers, CLASS providers, STAR+PLUS program providers, MDCP providers, DBMD providers, SSLC and LIDDAs to the role of the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Employment Recruitment Coordinator (ERC).The role of ERC is to work statewide in building awareness with employers of the value that employing persons with disabilities can add to a business. The ERC will also provide information … [Read more...] about Employment Recruitment Coordinator Role and Activities
Texas Leaders Receive Child Safety Awards
The Texas Office for Prevention of Developmental Disabilities will host the Annual J.C. Montgomery Child Safety Awards at 10 a.m., Nov. 20 in the Lieutenant Governor's reception room at the Texas State Capitol. State Rep. and TOPDD Executive Committee Member Gilbert Pena of Pasadena, former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte and TOPDD Executive Committee Chairman, Dr. Richard Garnett will present the awards. Visit us at Garlo Ward, PC. … [Read more...] about Texas Leaders Receive Child Safety Awards
Texas Medicaid and CHIP – STAR Kids
OverviewSTAR Kids will be the first Medicaid managed care program specifically serving youth and children who get disability-related Medicaid. Beginning Fall 2016, children and youth age 20 or younger who either receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Medicaid or are enrolled in the Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) will receive all of their services through a STAR Kids health plan. Children and youth who receive services through other 1915(c) waiver programs will receive … [Read more...] about Texas Medicaid and CHIP – STAR Kids
$200 million at stake: Judge may dismiss whistleblower lawsuit against AseraCare hospice
A federal judge says she may toss out a whistleblower lawsuit that claims hospice provider AseraCarefraudulently billed Medicare millions of dollars for patients unless the U.S. Department of Justice can provide more evidence than a mere difference of opinion between medical experts.Hospice patients must be certified by doctors to be within six months of dying, if their disease runs its normal course, in order to qualify for federal Medicare hospice benefits. The whistleblower lawsuit claims … [Read more...] about $200 million at stake: Judge may dismiss whistleblower lawsuit against AseraCare hospice
