-- A new appendix has been added to the Home Delivered Meals Provider Manual. -- A new appendix has been added to the Consumer Managed Personal Attendant Services Provider Manual. -- New Licensed ICF/IDD Provider Manual. -- The Five Star Preview Reports were available beginning September 13, 2013. See the news alert page for access. -- DADS invited Region 8 NFs to a provider meeting presented by its Regulatory Services Division on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: New Appendices and Provider Manuals
TX Register Updates: Area Agencies on Aging
The following information was obtained from the September 20 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit an amendment to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance to adjust fees for the following existing services: Hearing and Audiometric Evaluations; Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies; Physicians and Other Practitioners; and Home Health Services. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the THTQIP to expand STAR+PLUS to the … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Area Agencies on Aging
DADS News Alerts: 9/24 Culture Change Conference Reminder
-- DADS will host the annual ICF/IID Provider & Surveyor Conference, Feb. 5 & 6, 2014, at the Commons Conference Center on the J.J. Pickle Center campus in Austin. Contact Katharine McCormick at Katharine.Mccormick@dads.state.tx.us for more information. -- CMS has made available for download a presentation in their MDS 3.0 Provider Updates program, "Discharge Assessments and the Use of Dashes." -- CMS released S&C Memorandum 13-56 (PDF) to outline the steps to take to … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 9/24 Culture Change Conference Reminder
TX Register Update: EHR Contract, Per Diem Rates
The following information was obtained from the September 6 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices DADS published a notice of a limited waiver from requirements of Chapter 2254 and a consultant contract award. The University of Florida (P.O. Box 115500, Gainesville, Florida 32611) was selected as contractor to provide an assessment of the functionality of an electronic health record system that SSLCs currently use, and its potential for customization to meet DADS future needs. The … [Read more...] about TX Register Update: EHR Contract, Per Diem Rates
HIPAA Alert!!
Don't forget the September 23, 2013 deadline to comply with the HIPAA mega rule. Focus on the following: Business Associate Agreements Updating "Notice of Privacy Practices" Adding privacy and security changes to policies and procedures Revising your security breach protocol Encrypting as much as possible Educating staff about the new requirements Also, please note that breaches by your business associates and their subcontractors are your responsibility under the new rules. … [Read more...] about HIPAA Alert!!
TX Register Updates: NF Payment Increase, Medicaid Managed Care
The following information was obtained from the August 23 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to amend the CBA waiver program to remove cost containment service limits, allow individuals to transfer between waivers when medically necessary for services to continue to ensure health and safety, and other changes. HHSC intends to submit Transmittal Number 13-024 to add provisionally licensed psychologists as an additional type of provider … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: NF Payment Increase, Medicaid Managed Care
ILs and PLs: Required Base Wage, CMS Survey
DADS released four information letters and two provider letters. NF: A review of the medical necessity determinations revealed errors. DADS identified the accuracy of assessment data drawn from the MDS assessment and clinical record as one reason for errors. (Letter) CMPAS: DADS informed these providers of rules on the required base wage. (Letter) CBA, PHC, CAS, FC, MDCP, and DAHS: DADS informed these providers of rules on the required base wage. (Revised Letter) Financial … [Read more...] about ILs and PLs: Required Base Wage, CMS Survey
DADS News Alerts: 9/9 Webinar, 10/8 Meeting, Save-the-dates
-- The next enrollment training for entities interested in becoming a Financial Management Services Agency will be held October 16-18, 2013 at the William B. Travis State Office Building, Room 1-111, 1701 Congress Ave., Austin, Room 1-111. See the DADS page for more information. -- DADS reminded providers that a mandatory upgrade to the CMSNet Juniper Client will begin for western states, which includes Texas, on August 31, 2013. The CMSNet page has more information. -- DADS will hold a … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 9/9 Webinar, 10/8 Meeting, Save-the-dates
IL and PLs: Aging in Place, Nursing Changes
DADS released a provider letter and an information/provider letter. AL: DADS advised providers that the required AL disclosure forms have been updated to include language about aging in place. (Letter) HCS, TxHmL, and ICF/IID with a Capacity of 13 or Fewer Beds: The legislature requires DADS and the Board of Nursing to conduct a pilot program to evaluate LVNs who provide on-call services by telephone to individuals receiving services for these providers. As part of the program's … [Read more...] about IL and PLs: Aging in Place, Nursing Changes
DADS News Alerts: 9/17, 9/24 Meetings
-- The State Supported Living Centers invited comments on new Draft of Policy #055 (PDF), Use of Protective Devices. Please address comments and questions to Eric Moorad, Policy/Rules Coordinator, at eric.moorad@dads.state.tx.us or via fax at 512-438-4605 by close of business Wednesday, August 28, 2013. -- DADS reminded providers about the Culture Change: Moving Forward in Texas - A Joint Conference presented by TxCCC and DADS to be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2013. Registration is … [Read more...] about DADS News Alerts: 9/17, 9/24 Meetings