The following information was obtained from the June 14 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices and Correction HHSC corrected a notice published in the May 31, 2013, issue in reference to the intent to submit a request to amend the CLASS Medicaid waiver. An excerpt: In addition to the changes previously described in the public notice published in the May 31, 2013, issue of the Texas Register, employment assistance is also being added to the waiver as a service. Changes in the waiver … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Notice Correction, THTQIP Waiver
IL/PLs: CMS Survey & Clarification
DADS released one PL and one IL/PL. All ICF/IID: DADS clarified the CMS Survey & Clarification Letter 13-11-ICF/IID, No Longer Certified Under Time-Limited Agreements, issued on February 8, 2013. An excerpt: CMS eliminated the requirement for TLAs on May 16, 2012. Since the ACC was tied to the TLA, the ACC has also been eliminated. DADS will survey an ICF/IID on an average of every 12 months and at least every 15 months. The provider agreement will not have a termination date and will … [Read more...] about IL/PLs: CMS Survey & Clarification
Enrolled House and Senate Bills
-- The following recently enrolled bills affect certain long term care providers: HB 33: Relating to alternative methods of dispute resolution in certain disputes between the Department of Aging and Disability Services and an assisted living facility licensed by the department. HB 908: Relating to the assessment of an elderly or disabled person's psychological status for purposes of an emergency order authorizing protective services. HB 1358: Relating to procedures for certain audits … [Read more...] about Enrolled House and Senate Bills
IL and News Alert: 6/14 Meeting, HCS Service Delivery
DADS issued one information letter. ICF/IID: DADS provided guidance on the separation of oral and topical medication within an individual's medication box. An excerpt: 42 Code of Federal Regulations §483.460(l)(1) (W377) requires an ICF/IID to store drugs under proper conditions of sanitation. It is easy for topical ointments and creams to get on the outside of the tube or container when being dispensed. If an individual’s topical medications are stored in a box that also contains his … [Read more...] about IL and News Alert: 6/14 Meeting, HCS Service Delivery
IL/PL & News Alerts: Non-delegated Tasks, Admin Penalty
DADS released an information/provider letter. CAS, CBA, CLASS, CMPAS, DBMD, FC, HCSSA, MDCP, PHC, and SSPD: The letter provides direction for HCSSA on documenting non-delegated tasks delivered by unlicensed persons. (Letter) -- HHSC adopted new §98.105, Administrative Penalties, in Chapter 98, Adult Day Care and Day Activity and Health Services Requirements, which allows DADS to assess an administrative penalty against an adult day care facility that violates licensing … [Read more...] about IL/PL & News Alerts: Non-delegated Tasks, Admin Penalty
TX Register Updates: Board of Nursing, PASRR Changes
The following information was obtained from the May 17 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notice The Texas Board of Nursing proposed to amend 22 TAC §§213.27, 213.28, 213.29, 213.30, and 213.33, concerning Practice and Procedure: Disciplinary Guidelines for Criminal Conduct (PDF) Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §355.8401, Case Management Reimbursement Methodology, which would update and clarify the methodology used to determine the Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers of … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Board of Nursing, PASRR Changes
IL and News Alerts: 6/21 Meeting, Workshop Change
HCS and community-based ICF/IID: DADS reminded program providers about the requirements for evaluating the use of restraints. (Letter) -- DADS will hold a HCSSA stakeholders meeting on Friday, June 21, 2013, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the John H. Winters Building in Austin. Please e-mail suggested topics for the agenda to Therese.Palombi@dads.state.tx.us by C.O.B. Friday, May 31, 2013. -- DADS posted an improved version of the "Change of Therapy Determination Flowchart" in the MDS document … [Read more...] about IL and News Alerts: 6/21 Meeting, Workshop Change
IL/News Alerts: 6/26 Staff Meeting, July-Aug Workshops
ADC, AL/RC, CBA HCSSA, CMPA, FMS, ERS, DAHS, HDM, MDCP, Out-of-Home Respite - NF, PHC, Special Services to Persons with Disabilities, and Transition Assistance Services: DADS notified contracted providers of changes to the contract and fiscal compliance monitoring protocol in relation to follow-up monitoring. (Letter) -- DADS has updated EVV reason codes (RC) to add RC 25: Respite Hours. -- HHSC proposed amendments to §§9.203, 9.207, 9.208, 9.221, 9.251, 9.252, 9.256, … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: 6/26 Staff Meeting, July-Aug Workshops
ILs and PL: Ashtrays, ERS Services
DADS released two information letters and one provider letter. ADC, ALF, Freestanding Hospice Inpatient, ICF/IID, and NF: DADS reminds providers that if smoking is permitted in a facility, the facility must provide an ashtray of noncombustible material and safe design Tower and chimney-type ashtrays don't meet the requirement. (Letter) DBMD: DADS informed these providers of new service backup plan requirements, effective May 1, 2013. (Letter) Emergency Response Services: DADS … [Read more...] about ILs and PL: Ashtrays, ERS Services
TX Register Updates: 5/15 Hearing, Administrative Penalties
The following information was obtained from the April 26 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearing and Notice HHSC will hold a public hearing on proposed Medicaid payment rates for anesthesiologist assistants on Wednesday, May 15, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. in the HHSC Brown Heatly Building on 4900 North Lamar, Austin. HHSC intends to submit to CMS a request to renew the HCS waiver program. See the Texas Register for more information. Proposed Rules HHSC proposed to amend §354.1003, Time … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 5/15 Hearing, Administrative Penalties