SB 1 Sect. 48 moved HCS case management to Mental Retardation Authorities (MRA). Currently, DADS does not plan on phasing in this shift, instead, DADS intends to ochestrate a mass move in June of 2010. DADS will hold a training for MRAs and providers in the spring before the change. The MRA will conduct enrollment and keep up with the PDP (person directed plan). The requirement for an interdiscplinary team has been removed and now a service team consisting of the individual, LAR, and … [Read more...] about Moving Case Mgmt from the Provider to MRA
Legislative Summary: Bills Affecting HCS & TxHmL Programs
SB 643--Protection and care of individuals with mental retardation • Renames state schools--State supported living centers • Requires annual inspections of HCS group homes • Requires independent mortality reviews • Establishes a single investigative database (DFPS & reg. issues) SB 1--General Appropriations Bill • Funds provider rate increase • Funds attendant wage increase • Funds additional HCS slots (approx 50,000) • Moves HCS case management to Mental … [Read more...] about Legislative Summary: Bills Affecting HCS & TxHmL Programs
Upcoming CDS Town Hall Meetings
DADS is hosting Town Hall Meetings throughout the state this summer to provide an opportunity for DADS consumers and family members, service providers and the public to learn more about the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) service delivery option available in many Texas programs. Currently, only 2% of HCS programs (OHFH) and 4% of TxHmL Programs utilize consumer directed services (CDS). Providers and public welcome. Schedule 7/27: Longview, Texas 7/29: Fort Worth, Texas 8/12: Austin, … [Read more...] about Upcoming CDS Town Hall Meetings
Changes to HCS Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)
HCS providers report to DADS through the CARE system and the required reporting information has changed (SB 325). Providers must begin collecting data in compliance with the new requirements on August 1, 2009. Provider must now report the total number of medication errors, serious injuries, behavior plans authorizing restraint, emergency restraints used (including type of restraint), individuals requiring emergency restraints, and restraint related injuries. For more information please see … [Read more...] about Changes to HCS Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)
Changes to TxHmL Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)
TxHmL providers report to DADS through the CARE system and the required reporting information has changed (SB 325). Providers must begin collecting data in compliance with the new requirements on August 1, 2009. Providers must now report the total number of medication errors, serious injuries, behavior plans authorizing restraint, emergency restraints used (including type of restraint), individuals requiring emergency restraints, and restraint related injuries. For more information please see … [Read more...] about Changes to TxHmL Critical Incident Reporting (CARE)
What’s in a Rule?
Earlier this year, the Texas Supreme Court issued an opinion outlining the definition of a "rule." El Paso Hospital Dist. v. HHSC, 247 S.W.2d 709 (Tex. 2008). The Court stated, "a presumption favors adopting rules... through the formal rule-making procedures." This case supports the premise that agency action may be invalidated if it isn't backed by a rule crafted through the formal rule-making process. When an agency fails to follow all of the required rule adoption procedures, because it … [Read more...] about What’s in a Rule?
Executives of Health Care Finance Company Convicted of Fraud
Five executives of National Century Financial Enterprises, a finance company which bought accounts receivables of small hospitals and nursing homes, have been convicted by a federal jury of wire and securities fraud. The company went bankrupt in 2002 and the executives were accused of hiding losses from shareholders by moving money around in accounts and keeping two sets of books. Here is the defense attorneys' position: Attorneys for the five defendants said prosecutors took the … [Read more...] about Executives of Health Care Finance Company Convicted of Fraud
Provider Letter: FDA Recall Announcement
In a letter dated December 27, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), informed all Regulatory Services Providers of a food product recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The product could pose "a significant health risk" to people receiving services regulated by the agency. From the letter: On Friday, December 21, 2007, the New Era Canning Company issued a voluntary recall of 171 cases (six cans per case) of Fancy Blue Lake Cut Green Beans because of … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: FDA Recall Announcement
Will the House Override President Bush’s SCHIP Veto?
Last week, President George W. Bush vetoed a bill that would have expanded the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). His veto caused quite a backlash in the mainstream media and among Democrats. The House of Representatives will vote tomorrow whether to override the veto. The expansion would add $35 billion over five years to the SCHIP program. Republicans who voted against the bill are concerned it will expand coverage to adults, illegal aliens, and middle-income families who … [Read more...] about Will the House Override President Bush’s SCHIP Veto?
Medicaid Spending Would Increase Under Immigration Bill
According to the Congressional Budget Office, Medicaid spending would increase by $10 billion from 2008 to 2012 and by $23 billion from 2008 to 2017, under the current immigration bill. (Kaiser Network) The bill would open the door to allowing millions of illegal aliens to become U.S. citizens. Lawmakers would need to raise taxes to compensate for Medicaid benefits paid out to these new citizens. The so-called immigration reform bill was a compromise between national Republicans and … [Read more...] about Medicaid Spending Would Increase Under Immigration Bill
