Provider Letter No. 17-16 – Guidelines Regarding Plans of Correction Associated with a PASRR ViolationNursing facilities (NFs) must comply with both state and federal requirements related to Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR). Effective immediately, facilities must include DADS-provided, web-based PASRR training for, at a minimum, the nursing facility administrator and the director of nursing in all POCs associated with any PASRR violation. POCs that do not include such training … [Read more...] about Effective immediately, facilities must include DADS-provided, web-based PASRR training.
DADS will begin reviewing and retiring, revising and/or reissuing provider letters issued eight years ago or more
Provider Letter No. 17-08 – Process for Retiring Provider LettersThe goals of this retire or revise initiative are to streamline DADS regulatory policies, reduce provider and stakeholder confusion, and manage the volume of letters with which DADS-regulated facilities, agencies, and licensees are expected to be familiar. DADS will begin issuing a series of program specific PLs that announce the list of letters that are being retired.Please be advised that notice that a letter is being retired … [Read more...] about DADS will begin reviewing and retiring, revising and/or reissuing provider letters issued eight years ago or more
Information on Ebola Virus for Providers of Services to Individuals in the Department of Aging and Disability Services Programs
DADS information letter provides information on the Ebola virus that providers may use to help ensure the health and safety of staff members and individuals receiving services. The Department of Aging and Disability Services encourages its providers to take reasonable precautions to ensure their employees are not exposed to a symptomatic person by knowing how Ebola is transmitted and its symptoms. An individual will not contract Ebola if he has not had exposure to an individual with Ebola or … [Read more...] about Information on Ebola Virus for Providers of Services to Individuals in the Department of Aging and Disability Services Programs
LTC News: NF Inspections, Post-acute Care
-- "Federal efforts to strengthen inspections of the nation's nursing homes are gaining momentum after a government probe uncovered instances of substandard care." - Kaiser News -- "The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sees the upcoming Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement guidelines, not harsher penalties, as the way to reduce adverse events in post-acute care, officials said on an Open Door Forum call Thursday [March 6]." - McKnight's -- "About 22% of Medicare … [Read more...] about LTC News: NF Inspections, Post-acute Care
TX Register Updates: CHIP, Nursing Changes
The following information was obtained from the February 28 issue of the Texas Register. Public Notices HHSC intends to submit to Transmittal Number CHIP 32 to the Texas State Plan for Medical Assistance, which would indicate that HHSC will determine financial eligibility for the CHIP using new federal income rules that require states to base household income and composition on federal income tax rules that use modified adjusted gross income methodologies. HHSC also intends to submit to … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: CHIP, Nursing Changes
TX Register Updates: Nursing Changes
The following information was obtained from the February 21 issue of the Texas Register. The Texas Board of Nursing adopted amendments to Chapter 225, §§225.1 - 225.6 and §§225.8 - 225.11 and new §§225.12 - 225.15, RN Delegation to Unlicensed Personnel and Tasks Not Requiring Delegation in Independent Living Environments for Clients with Stable and Predictable Conditions, and repealed existing §§225.12 - 225.14, RN Delegation to Unlicensed Personnel and Tasks Not Requiring Delegation in … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: Nursing Changes
ILs: Level of Care, Medical Specialist
DADS released two information letters. ICF/ID, HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, DBMD, and Local Authorities: DADS reminded these providers of the importance of maintaining an individual's continuously current Level of Care authorization, Individual Plan of Care authorization, and Medicaid eligibility to avoid a negative impact to an individual’s services. (Letter) Local Authorities, HCS, and TxHmL: An excerpt: As a resource to HCS and TxHmL Program providers, DADS requires each LA to designate a … [Read more...] about ILs: Level of Care, Medical Specialist
TX Register Updates: 3/3 Hearing
The following information was obtained from the February 14 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings HHSC will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 3, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for cognitive rehabilitation therapy in the DADS-operated HCS and CLASS waiver programs. HHSC will also hold a public hearing on the same day at 10:30 a.m. to receive public comment on proposed payment rates for the DADS-operated HCBS-AMH program. Both hearings will … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 3/3 Hearing
IL/News Alerts: Joint Training January 28, 29, and 30
DADS released one information letter. CBA AL, DAHS, DBMD, NF, and RC: DADS reminded providers that they're required to submit financial and statistical information through a 2013 Cost Report for each contract held with DADS. (Letter) -- DADS will hold a series of ICF/IID joint training classes on January 28, 29, and 30. See the news alert page for times and locations may register here. -- DADS invited Adult Day Care providers in Regions 2, 9, and 10 to be held Wednesday, February … [Read more...] about IL/News Alerts: Joint Training January 28, 29, and 30
TX Register Updates: 2/14-15 Rate Hearings
The following information was obtained from the January 24 issue of the Texas Register. Public Hearings HHSC will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 13, 2014, at 1 p.m. to receive public comment on proposed rate increases in the CBA-HCSS waiver and associated CDS programs operated by DADS. HHSC will also hold a public hearing on Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at 1:30 p.m., to receive comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the 2014 Annual Healthcare Common Procedure Coding … [Read more...] about TX Register Updates: 2/14-15 Rate Hearings