All NF Administrators:
DADS reminded these providers about changes to MDS 3.0, Section Q: Referral to the Community – Responsibilities and Local Contact Agencies. An excerpt from the three-page letter:
One of the major changes to the MDS 3.0 is Section Q, the “relocation/referral” section. The original Section Q was minimal and dependent on others to respond to the question. The MDS 3.0 Section Q is more robust and actively engages the NF resident to determine his or her goals in pursuing going back to a community residence or remaining in a NF setting. The “new Q” directly asks if an individual wants to relocate back to the community and if they want a referral to a third-party independent community organization (local contact agency) to provide them information and potential assistance in relocating from the NF. The NF is required to make the referral to the local contact agency (LCA) and to ensure that there is a follow-up response. In Texas, the LCA is known as the Relocation Services contractor. All individuals in Medicaid-certified NFs, regardless of payment source, must respond to Section Q and have a referral made on their behalf if they respond affirmatively to Section Q: Q0500.
All NF Administrators:
This letter replaces IL 07-107, issued on November 1, 2007. DADS reminded these providers that relocation contractors are not solicitors; as contractors for the state, they have the authority to enter NFs and work with residents to gauge interest in Money Follows the Person policy. NF administrators must allow facility access and support these contractors. (Letter)
CBA, CDSA, DAHS, PHC, and CMPAS providers:
HHSC is expanding the STAR+PLUS Program into counties contiguous to the following current STAR+PLUS service areas: Harris, Bexar, Nueces, and Travis. The Jefferson service area is also part of the expansion into the Harris contiguous counties. (Letter)
ICFs/MR:
DADS notified these providers of new emergency preparedness and safety operations rules in TAC, Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 90, effective March 21, 2011. For example, the ICF/MR must designate an emergency preparedness coordinator, a facility staff person who has the authority to manage the facility’s response to an emergency situation in accordance with the plan. (Letter)
Adult Day Care, Assisted Living, Freestanding Hospice Inpatient Facilities, ICF/MR, and NFs:
DADS reminded these providers that if they permit smoking in facilities, they must provide an ashtray of noncombustible material and safe design. Tower and chimney-type ashtrays don’t meet the requirement for an ashtray of safe design. DADS has attached a document to the letter that includes examples of these ashtrays. (Letter)
NFs, Social Workers, and Rehabilitation Therapy staff:
In response to reported durable medical equipment suppliers’ aggressive marketing methods, DADS notified these providers about the roles and responsibilities of DADS, providers, and suppliers. An excerpt:
DME Supplier:
- may not act as the NF representative to contact DADS to discuss the status of DADS DME or status of a PASRR submission; and
- may only contact DADS to discuss information related to the supplier information portion of a DADS DME submission.
