The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released four information letters and one provider letter:

• Initial HCSSA Administrator Training Approval

In a seven-page letter to Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs), DADS described the initial process for becoming a DADS-approved provider of HCSSA training for administrators and alternative administrators, and to get listed as a provider. For details about administrator requirements, download the letter.

• Critical Incident Reporting

DADS reiterated the critical incident reporting requirement in Section II of the program Provider Agreement for Home and Community-based Service and Texas Home Living Program Providers. From the letter:

Providers must enter critical incident data in CARE screen 686 no later than 30 days from the end of the month being reported. If there are no critical incidents have occurred during a month, the provider will enter a zero (0) into the CARE screen for each critical incident category for that month.

For more information about the requirement, download the letter and five-page attachment.

• Submission of the Hospice Election Form 3071 and Physician Certification of Terminal Illness Form 3074

DADS informed Medicaid Hospice Providers about an updated list of regional contacts for the submission of hospice election and certification forms to Community Services, Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership, and Health and Human Services Commission Medicaid Eligibility staff. Download the letter for details.

• Changes to IBM Mainframe Security Settings

DADS informed Community Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Mental Retardation that IBM Mainframe password composition and history requirements have changed, effective June 8, 2008. Download the letter for details about the new password requirement.

DADS also informed Home and Community-Based Services Program Providers and Texas Home Living Program Providers about IBM Mainframe password change requirements, effective June 8, 2008. Download the letter for details.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released three new information letters:

• Helpful Nursing Facility Provider Information for the TILEs to RUGs Transition

DADS informed Nursing Facility and Hospice Providers about the September 1, 2008, transition from the Texas Index for Level of Effort (TILE) to the federal Resource Utilization Group (RUG). DADS says it is essential for providers to monitor future updates on the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership website at www.tmhp.com or the DADS Provider Communications website:

http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/communications/index.cfm

Download the four-page letter and attachment for more information.

• Helpful Community Services Provider Information for the TILEs to RUGs Transition

In a letter to Community Based Alternatives, Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Consolidated Waiver Programs, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, State of Texas Access Reform Plus, and Integrated Care Management Providers, DADS informed these providers about the September 1, 2008, transition from the Texas Index for Level of Effort (TILE) to the federal Resource Utilization Group (RUG). Download the letter for more information.

• Provider Clarification to Rule §9.223, Review of Living Options

DADS clarified the responsibilities for Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with Mental Retardation Providers and Mental Retardation Authorities under Rule §9.223, Review of Living Options in a two-page letter. You may find the rule here.

According to DADS, providers must discuss living options with each individual and legally authorized representative, and document the discussion. For more information, download the letter.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released two provider and two information letters:

• Guidelines for Reporting Incidents (replaces PL 1999-34)

In a provider letter, DADS notified ICFs/MR about changes in the guidelines for reporting incidents to DADS, effective immediately. The revised guidelines supersede guidelines dated October 1, 1999, for licensed ICFs/MR. Download the five-page letter for more information.

• Expired Licenses (replaces PL 05-49)

DADS informed All Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Day Care Facilities, Nursing Facilities, Home and Community Support Services Agencies, and ICFs/MR, about facility and agency license renewals. Holders must file a renewal application to prevent expiration. Download the provider letter for more information.

• Economic Stimulus Payments — Filing Deadline Extended to October 15, 2008

In a letter to Nursing Facility, Intermediate Care Facilities/Mental Retardation, and Community Program Providers, DADS provided information about the filing extension for the Economic Stimulus rebate. An excerpt from the letter:

Many individuals served by the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) who do not have a federal tax filing requirement and do not usually file an income tax return may be eligible for a rebate through the Economic Stimulus Payment program. These people will need to file a 2007 Income Tax Return to be eligible for the rebate.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has extended the deadline to file IRS Form 1040A so eligible individuals may qualify for a rebate payment through the Economic Stimulus Payment program.

For more information, download the letter.

• Customized Power Wheelchairs Added as Medicaid Nursing Facility Program Service; Additional Information Provided

DADS informed Nursing Facilities about obtaining a Customized Power Wheelchair for an eligible recipient. The 11-page letter and attachment contains details about eligibility requirements, process for requesting, submission, approval process, and other important information. Download the letter and attachment here.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) has released two new information letters:

• TILEs to RUGs Training Information

DADS informed Nursing Facility Providers, Hospice Providers, Community Based Alternatives Home and Community Support Services Agencies, Consolidated Waiver Programs, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, State of Texas Access Reform Plus, and Integrated Care Management Providers about the transition from Texas Index for Level of Effort (TILE) to the federal Resource Utilization Group (RUG-III). Transition will occur on September 1, 2008.

DADS is offering online training to providers. Download the two-page letter for more information.

• Money Follows the Person CBA Demonstration Service; Overnight Companion Services (OCS)

DADS informed Home and Community Support Services Agency Community Based Alternatives Providers in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties, about new services in The Money Follows the Person (MFP) initiative. An excerpt of the three-page letter:

Effective May 1, 2008, eligible CBA MFP Demonstration participants residing in Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy counties may access a new demonstration service, overnight companion services (OCS), to assist in their relocation from institutional to community living. OCS will be offered annually to up to 20 participants. OCS provide 8-12 consecutive hours during a 24 hour period of available, direct support and assistance in the individual’s home during normal sleeping hours, not restricted to normal nighttime hours.

For more details, download the letter.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) released four new provider letters and one information letter:

• New HCS and TxHmL Forms 3610 and 3611 for Involuntary Termination of the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Option

DADS notified Home and Community-Based Services Providers, Texas Home Living Providers, and Mental Retardation Authorities about the process for an involuntary termination of the CDS option for an individual enrolled in the HCS or TxHmL Waiver Programs and the forms that must be submitted to the DADS Access and Intake, Mental Retardation Authorities section, Program Enrollment/Utilization Review staff for review and approval. Download the letter for details.

• MDS Submission Requirements for Section S

DADS informed Nursing Facilities and Minimum Data Set (MDS) Software Vendors that DADS will no longer require nursing facilities to submit MDS Section S, which is the state specific portion, effective September 1, 2008. For more information about the change, download the letter.

• License Periods and License Renewal Requirements for HCSSAs, Adult Day Care Facilities, and Assisted Living Facilities

Senate Bill 1318 authorizes DADS to issue two-year licenses, adjust license fee amounts assess late license renewal fees, and eliminate the opportunity for HCSSAs, Adult Day Care Facilities, and Assisted Living Facilities to renew licenses during the 90-day period after licenses expires. DADS issued separate letters to each provider:

- HCSSAs
- Adult Day Care Facilities
- Assisted Living Facilities

The following information was obtained from the March 21 issue of the Texas Register:

Public Notices

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has announced its intent to submit the state’s application for a renewal of the Texas Waiver for Home and Community-Based Services (HCS waiver) and Amendment 808, Transmittal Number TX 08-004, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for details.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) issued three new information letters:

Clarification of Roles and Responsibilities for Relocation Contractors in the ICM Program Service Areas – DADS issued a three-page letter to Integrated Care Management Providers and DADS Relocation Contractors in the ICM Program Service Areas about these contractors’ roles and responsibilities in the program. Download the letter for more information.

Consumer Directed Services Town Hall Meetings – DADS informed Home and Community-based Services, Texas Home Living Service Providers, Mental Retardation Authorities, Community Living Assistance and Support Services Case Managers, Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities Providers, and Consumer Directed Services Agencies about town hall meetings hosted by DADS. The two-page letter, which you may download here, includes a list of meetings with dates, times, and locations.

Rate Changes Due to March 2008 Annual Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) – DADS reminded Community Care for the Aged and Disabled (CCAD), Residential Care (RC) Providers, Community Based Alternatives (CBA), Assisted Living/Residential Care (AL/RC) Providers, Consolidated Waiver Program (CWP), and Assisted Living/Residential Care (AL/RC) Providers about COLA rate changes approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, effective March 1, 2008. You may access new RC and AL/RC rates here and CWP rates here.

Download the letter for more information.

The following information was obtained from the March 7 issue of the Texas Register:

Open Meetings

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) will hold a public hearing to receive comments about the External/Internal Assessment, which will be included in the Texas Health and Human Service System Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009-2013. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at 4:00 p.m., in the Winters Building Public Hearing Room at 701 W. 51st Street, Austin, Travis County, Texas 78751.

Additionally, DADS will hold a Pre-Application Orientation for individuals seeking to participate as a contractor in the Home and Community-based Services and/or the Texas Home Living Medicaid Waiver Programs on June 9, 2008. Visit the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information about both meetings.

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission intends to submit Amendment 800, Transmittal Number TX 07-041, to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, under Title XIX of the Social Security Act. For more information, see the relevant section of the Texas Register.

Proposed Rules

The Texas Medical Board has proposed a series of amendments concerning the following sections: Supervision of Medical School Students, Physician Advertising, Physician Profiles, and Voluntary Relinquishment or Surrender of a Medical License. See the relevant section of the Texas Register for more information.

Withdrawn Rules

The Texas Medical Board has withdrawn proposed amendments to §162.1, concerning Supervision of Medical Students. Follow the link for more information.

Adopted Rules

The Texas Medical Board has adopted amendments to several sections of the code, including General Provisions, Physician Registration, and Reinstatement And Reissuance sections. See the relevant section of the Texas Register and scroll down for more information.

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has released four new information letters:

NF:

• Customized Power Wheelchairs Added as Medicaid Nursing Facility Program Service (letter)

ICF/MR:

• Posting of Models Used by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to Evaluate Cost Reports (letter)

HCS, TxHmL, and CDSA:

• Implementation of Consumer-Directed Services Reimbursement Rates (letter)

ICM:

• Electronic Data Interchange – Action Required (letter)

The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services has released 10 new information letters, dated from January 28 to February 12:

• Clarification of Policy and Procedures for Reinstating Personal Assistance Services (PAS) Following a Temporary Institutional Stay (letter)
• Correction to Form 3621 (letter)
• ICM: Long Term Service and Supports (LTSS) Program Operations (letter)
• ICM Program Contracts — Action Required (letter)
• Money Follows the Person Demonstration Program (MFP) — Eligibility and Participation (letter)
• HCS Transfer Process and Transfer Forms (Replaces IL #07-71) (letter)
• Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Transfer Process and Transfer Forms (letter)
• Handling of a Limited Number of Consumer Authorizations Not Converting to ICM (letter)
• Elimination of Paper Forms 3618, 3619 and 3652-A Effective August 1, 2008/Requirement for Electronic Submission Effective August 1, 2008 (letter)
• ICM Specialized Nursing Services (letter)