Special Bulletins

• General Bulletins
• Home Health Agencies
• Hospice
• DME
• ALF
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• Primary Home Care
• Dialysis
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Other
• Updated Policies

General Bulletins

6-21-2022 Latest Alert from Joint Commission

This latest alert can be viewed here:

Published for Joint Commission accredited organizations and interested health care professionals, Sentinel Event Alert identifies specific types of sentinel and adverse events and high-risk conditions, describes their common underlying causes, and recommends steps to reduce risk and prevent future occurrences. Accredited organizations should consider information in a Sentinel Event Alert when designing or redesigning processes and consider implementing relevant suggestions contained in the alert or reasonable alternatives.

8-31-2021 New TMHP Migration Implementation Date

A new implementation date of March 1, 2022 is planned for the release of forms and claim submissions to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership for Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living program providers, Local Intellectual Developmental Disability Authority agencies, and financial management services agencies that are billing on behalf of Consumer Directed Services employers. Until the transition, HCS and TxHmL providers can continue to use the Client Assignment and Registration system for submitting claims and forms.

8-2-2021 CMS Final Rule Improves Health Equity, Access to Treatment, Hospital Readiness, and COVID-19 Vaccination Data Reporting of Hospital Workers

Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System Final Rule Increases Payments to Treat COVID-19 and Improves Quality of Data Collection

Read More

3-30-2020 LTCR Releases Web-based Training for Home Health and Hospice Providers

Long-Term Care Regulatory is announcing the release of a Web-based training that is available as a resource for Home Health and Hospice (PDF)

Read More

UPDATE: Reminder to Contractors of CAS and PHC to Maintain Files

HHSC reminds community attendant services and primary home care contractors to maintain all required documents in individual files.

Read More

Home Health Agencies

12-29-2022 Starting Jan. 2023: New Application Process for the HCS and TXHML Waivers Contractors

Effective January 2023, the open enrollment application process to get a provisional contract to provide Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) services will change. Read more here:

6-21-2022 Latest Alert from Joint Commission

This latest alert can be viewed here:

Published for Joint Commission accredited organizations and interested health care professionals, Sentinel Event Alert identifies specific types of sentinel and adverse events and high-risk conditions, describes their common underlying causes, and recommends steps to reduce risk and prevent future occurrences. Accredited organizations should consider information in a Sentinel Event Alert when designing or redesigning processes and consider implementing relevant suggestions contained in the alert or reasonable alternatives.

6-1-2022 New HCSSA Vaccine Rule Effective June 1, 2022

Effective June 1, 2022 HHSC has adopted a new permanent vaccine rule for Home and Community Support Services Agencies.

2-22-2022 CMS Publishes Revised Guidance for Focused Infection Control Surveys (QSO-21-08-NLTC)

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued revised QSO-21-08-NLTC (PDF). It informs surveyors of acute and continuing care facilities, including home health and hospice agencies, that use of the special COVID-19 focused infection control surveys and tools are no longer needed on a national basis.

12-27-2021 Applications for New CareSnap EVV Available

Texas Health & Human Services is now taking applications from agencies wanting to switch software vendors for Electronic Visit Verification (EVV).

10-26-2021 HHSC Publishes Acceptable Documentation for a Criminal History Check for Contractors (IL 2021-48)

HHSC has published IL 2021-48 (PDF). This letter is provided as a companion letter to PL 2019-01 (PDF) which describes acceptable documentation a contractor may use to demonstrate the contractor conducted a criminal history check of an employment applicant or an employee. Licensed contractors must continue to follow the guidance outlined in PL 2019-01. Unlicensed contractors must follow the guidance in this information letter.

10-19-2021 New Provider Letter 2021-37

Guidance for HCSSA Providers About Administrator and Alternate Administrator Requirements (PL 2021-37) HHSC Long-term Care Regulation has published Provider Letter 2021-37, Administrator and Alternate Administrator Requirements (Replaces PL 15-17 and PL 16-16) (PDF). This letter provides guidance for home and community support services agencies regarding requirements for experience, initial training and continuing education.

8-31-2021 New TMHP Migration Implementation Date

A new implementation date of March 1, 2022 is planned for the release of forms and claim submissions to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership for Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living program providers, Local Intellectual Developmental Disability Authority agencies, and financial management services agencies that are billing on behalf of Consumer Directed Services employers. Until the transition, HCS and TxHmL providers can continue to use the Client Assignment and Registration system for submitting claims and forms.

11-10-2020 HHSC Publishes Updated COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for HCSSA Providers

HHSC has published an updated COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) document for HCSSA providers.

9-24-2021 HCSSA COVID-19 Vaccine Authority Emergency Rule Extended to Nov. 2021

An emergency rule related to COVID-19 vaccine authority for home and community support services agencies, Vaccine Authority for Home Health and Hospice Agencies (PDF), has been extended. The rule extension is effective Sept. 25 and will expire on November 23, 2021.

11-10-2020 HHSC Publishes Updated COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for HCSSA Providers

HHSC has published an updated COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) document for HCSSA providers.

11-03-2020 HCSSAs May Not Purchase, Store or Transport COVID-19 Vaccine When Distributed

Home and community support services agencies have statutory limitations on vaccines, including the projected COVID-19 vaccine. The statutory language at Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 142, Sec. 142.0062 authorizes a limited list of vaccines and tuberculin that HCSSAs may purchase, store or transport. The COVID-19 vaccine will not be covered under the statutory language. Nurses employed by or contracted with a licensed HCSSA may handle vaccines under physician delegation. However, the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine will not be under the protection of the HCSSA license. HCSSAs should:

• Develop policies to ensure its health care workers can receive the COVID-19 vaccine provided by other health care entities.
• Review their policies and procedures for physician orders and adhering to physician delegation under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 157.

7-20-2020 Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Releases COVID-19 FAQs

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs), Including Hospice Inpatient Units Weekly Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Read More

11-5-2018 UPDATE: Reminder to Contractors of CAS and PHC to Maintain Files

HHSC reminds community attendant services and primary home care contractors to maintain all required documents in individual files.

Read More

5-7-2017 Attention HCSSA Providers: HHSC Provider Letter Update HHSC has issued the following provider letter: Provider Letter 17-35 – Determination of Separate Entities

4-16-2017 CMS Extensions View Here

3-29-2017 Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs: Announcement of the Extension of Temporary Moratoria on Enrollment of Part B Non-Emergency Ground Ambulance Suppliers and Home Health Agencies in Designated Geographic Locations

A Notice by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

on 01/09/2017

Click here for more information

10-27-2016 Find Something on the DADS Site? It May Have Moved to hhs.texas.gov

Read More

9-3-2016 DADS Proposes Amendments to 40 TAC 97, Licensing Standards for HCSSAs

Read More

9-3-2016 DADS has issued the following Letter(s): Provider Letter No. 16-21 Criminal History, Nurse Aide Registry (NAR), and Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR) Requirements (Replaces PL 15-34 and PL 06-48)

Read More

8-10-2016 Federal Register | Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs: Announcement of the Extended Temporary Moratoria on Enrollment of Ground Ambulance Suppliers and Home Health Agencies in Designated Geographic Locations

See update

8-10-2016 CMS imposes moratorium on home-health services in five states | Insurance Fraud News Service

See update

1-28-2016 DADS has issued the following Information Letter(s): Information Letter No. 16-02 How to Request Partial Reimbursement for Fire Sprinkler Systems Installed in a Four-Person Residence

See letter

12-07-2015 Moratoria on Home Health Agency (HHA) Enrollment- Phase 2 - Metropolitan Areas of Fort Lauderdale, Detroit, Dallas and Houston and Extension of Moratoria on Metropolitan Areas of Miami and Chicago

See memorandum

6-26-2014 Special Announcement: S&CC 13-05 ? The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Form 2020 Notification of Readiness for Initial Survey (Replaces S&CC #06-09)

See memorandum

4-28-2014 DADS has issued the following Provider Alerts or Bulletins: Implementation for ICD-10 Delayed

The October 1, 2014 implementation of International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) has been delayed with the signing of House Bill 4302 into law.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services may not, prior to October 1, 2015, adopt ICD-10 code sets as the standard for code sets under section 1173(c) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320d-2(c) and section 162.1002 of the title 45, Code of Federal Regulations.

Additional details will be made available when further direction is received from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

02-7-14

TJC Update: Revised Home Health Requirements Align with CMS

Download Now

04-29-13

New Appendix ? DADS Contract Management

DADS has issued the following Provider Alerts or Bulletins:

The Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) deployed a new appendix to several provider manuals on April 25, 2013. The appendix title is DADS Contract Management. For the applicable programs, this new appendix provides general information about contract management activities, including contract maintenance, contract and fiscal compliance monitoring and investigations.

This shared appendix appears in the following handbooks and manuals on the DADS website:

• Community Based Alternatives Provider Manual (CBA): Appendix XI
• Community Living and Assistance and Support Services Provider Manual (CLASSPM): Appendix VI
• Contracting to Provide Assisted Living and Residential Care Services (CPALRCS): Appendix IX
• Contracting to Provide Home-Delivered Meals (CPHDM): Appendix VI
• Contracting to Provide Primary Home Care Services (CPPHCS): Appendix II
• Contracting to Provide Special Services to Persons with Disabilities (CPSSPD): Appendix VII
• Day Activity and Health Services Provider Manual (DAHS): Appendix X
• Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Provider Manual (DBMD): Appendix I
• Emergency Response Services Provider Manual (ERS): Appendix VII

11-8-12

Face to Face Update

7-1-12

The Joint Commission Requires Flu Vaccine

7-1-12

Licensing Standards for Home and Community Support Services Agencies Handbook Revision Notice 12-2

2-7-12

ABN Forms Available for Download

1-9-12

Home Health Survey and Certification Activities Related to Program Safeguards: Change of Ownership

1-9-12

Revised Initial Certification Process for Home Health Agencies (HHAs)Background

12-28-11 DADS bulletin: Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) On-Call Services Pilot Program

Due to the need to clarify issues regarding LVN on-call services, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) and the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) will delay full implementation of the pilot program for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) waiver programs and all Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/ID) with capacities of 13 or fewer beds until March 1, 2012.

Providers may not continue to use LVNs to provide on-call nursing services after March 1, 2012, unless they are participating in the pilot.

Providers who have already submitted the verification of eligibility and pilot agreement forms to DADS may begin to participate in the pilot prior to March 1, 2012.

This delay does not affect the requirement that effective January 1, 2012 for the HCS and TxHmL waiver programs, and effective February 1, 2012 for the ICF/ID program, all LVNs must be clinically supervised by a registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse. In addition, HCS waiver providers must have a written plan and schedule in place by January 1, 2012 to complete an initial comprehensive nursing assessment by an RN for all individuals enrolled in HCS by September 1, 2012.

DADS will relay further information regarding the pilot program in the next several weeks.

9-20-11 S&CC 11-01 TH Retention of Client Records and Electronic Health Records

Download: PDF

8-18-11 Provider Letter 11-32 - New Convictions Barring Employment Added to Health and Safety Code Chapter 250

Download: PDF

8-17-11 Provider Letter 11-29 - Revised Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Home Health Survey Protocols

Download: PDF

4-19-11 Information Letter No. 11-31 Complaints Regarding Solicitation (Replaces Information Letter No. 1999-08, Solicitation of Clients, and Information Letter No. 2007-98, Solicitation Practices)

Download: PDF

4-1-11 S&CC 11-03  Regulatory Services Complaint Reinvestigations (Replaces S&CC 04-05)

Download: PDF

3-25-11 Therapy Requirements Fact Sheet

Download: PDF

11-17-10 Updated Federal Register

Download: PDF

2-11-11 State Survey Process March 2011

Download: PDF

2-24-11 E-verifying New Hires Feb 2011

Download: PDF

1-25-11 Provider Letter (PL) #11-03  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Direction Regarding Workload Prioritization (Replaces PL #07-17 and #07-04)

Download: PDF

1-25-11 Provider Letter (PL) #11-04  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Direction Regarding Workload Prioritization (Replaces PL #07-18 and #07-15)

Download: PDF

11-09-2010 Provider Letter 10-52  Use of Rubber Stamp Signatures by Registered Nurses

Download: PDF

09-01-2010 DADS issues Provider Letter #10-37  Annual Checks of the Employee Misconduct Registry and Nurse Aide Registry

Download: PDF

There are the new rules relating to the employability of unlicensed persons with face-to-face contact with clients and annual checks of the EMR and NAR. You should refer individuals to Provider Letter #10-37: Annual Checks of the Employee Misconduct Registry and Nurse Aide Registry. The amendments to Chapter 97 and Chapter 93 of the Texas Administrative Code implement laws passed by the 81st Legislative Session in Senate Bill 806. The new rules are effective today and are on the Secretary of State website.

08-31-2010 DADS issues Memorandum: S&CC 10-03  Home and Community Support Services Agency Compliance with Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 102, Rights of the Elderly

Download: PDF

07-12-2010 Hipaa newly proposed rules 7-2010

Download: PDF

10-29-2009 OASIS-C Guidance Manual

Download: OASISCGuidanceManual.pdf

01-25-2010 CMS Changes Capitalization Requirements for New Home Health Providers

Download: CMSCapitalizationrequirements1-26-10.docx

09-01-2009 Healthcare Provider Taxonomy Codes (HPTC): October 1, 2009, Update

CMS has released the summary of changes reflected in the Health Care Provider Taxonomy Code (HPTC) list. Fiscal Intermediaries and Regional Home Health and Hospice Intermediaries will update their HPTC tables with this new version effective on October 1, 2009. http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7V4QG83142?opendocument

06-08-2009 DADS issues Information Letter No. 09-70: Revisions to 40 Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Part 1, 47, Contracting to Provide Primary Home Care (PHC)

Download: PDF

05-29-2009 DADS issues Provider Letter 09-13: Emergency Preparedness Reminder

Download: PDF

02-25-2009 Update for Provider Investigation Report Form 3616

Download: DOC  PDF

11-01-2008 "Notice of Non-Coverage"- revision effective 11/1/08

English:
Generic Notice
Detailed Notice

Spanish:
Generic
Detailed Notice

Instructions:
CMS10123 Instructions
CMS10124 Instructions
ED General Info
ED Questions and Answers


10-07-2008 Information Letter #08-143  Behavioral Support Services

04-25-2008 Provider Letter #08-11  Expired Licenses (replaces PL 05-49)

02-05-2008 RS&C Letter No. 08-01

01-22-2008 MD STAMPED NO LONGER ALLOWED

CMS has clarified that this change is to be interpreted to mean home health agencies may not use stamped physician signatures on home health POCs or orders. CMS is aware of previous guidance that was given to State surveyors and revisions to the Interpretive guidelines permitting stamped signatures, however, maintains that stamped physician signatures may not be used. CMS also clarified that for hospice certifications of terminal illness the term "written" means hand-written. Electronic and stamped physician signatures are not permitted; however, the certification document may be a faxed copy.

Section 3.4.1.1 of PIM as it currently reads. The changes are in read italics

B. Signature Requirements
Medicare requires a legible identifier for services provided/ordered. The method used may be hand written or an electronic signature to sign an order or other medical record documentation for medical review purposes. Therefore, a signature in some form, needs to be present. Do not deny a claim on the sole basis of type of signature submitted.

Noted Exception: Signature(s) of the physician(s) must be written on the certifications of terminal illness for hospice.

Hospice Providers

7-14-2023 Latest Alert from CMS

CMS is placing newly enrolling hospices located in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Texas in a provisional period of enhanced oversight.
Read More

6-21-2022 Latest Alert from Joint Commission

This latest alert can be viewed here:

Published for Joint Commission accredited organizations and interested health care professionals, Sentinel Event Alert identifies specific types of sentinel and adverse events and high-risk conditions, describes their common underlying causes, and recommends steps to reduce risk and prevent future occurrences. Accredited organizations should consider information in a Sentinel Event Alert when designing or redesigning processes and consider implementing relevant suggestions contained in the alert or reasonable alternatives.

4-7-2022 CMS To End COVID-19 Waivers for NFs, ICF/IIDs, Inpatient Hospices on May 7 or June 6, 2022 (QSO-22-15-NH & NLTC & LSC)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued QSO-22-15-NH & NLTC & LSC (PDF).

2-22-2022 CMS Publishes Revised Guidance for Focused Infection Control Surveys (QSO-21-08-NLTC)

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued revised QSO-21-08-NLTC (PDF). It informs surveyors of acute and continuing care facilities, including home health and hospice agencies, that use of the special COVID-19 focused infection control surveys and tools are no longer needed on a national basis.

10-26-2021 HHSC Publishes Acceptable Documentation for a Criminal History Check for Contractors (IL 2021-48)

HHSC has published IL 2021-48 (PDF). This letter is provided as a companion letter to PL 2019-01 (PDF) which describes acceptable documentation a contractor may use to demonstrate the contractor conducted a criminal history check of an employment applicant or an employee. Licensed contractors must continue to follow the guidance outlined in PL 2019-01. Unlicensed contractors must follow the guidance in this information letter.

11-10-2020 HHSC Publishes Updated COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for HCSSA Providers

HHSC has published an updated COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) document for HCSSA providers.

11-03-2020 HCSSAs May Not Purchase, Store or Transport COVID-19 Vaccine When Distributed

Home and community support services agencies have statutory limitations on vaccines, including the projected COVID-19 vaccine. The statutory language at Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 142, Sec. 142.0062 authorizes a limited list of vaccines and tuberculin that HCSSAs may purchase, store or transport. The COVID-19 vaccine will not be covered under the statutory language. Nurses employed by or contracted with a licensed HCSSA may handle vaccines under physician delegation. However, the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine will not be under the protection of the HCSSA license. HCSSAs should:

• Develop policies to ensure its health care workers can receive the COVID-19 vaccine provided by other health care entities.
• Review their policies and procedures for physician orders and adhering to physician delegation under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 157.

7-20-2020 Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Releases COVID-19 FAQs

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs), Including Hospice Inpatient Units Weekly Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

Read More

4-16-2017 Attention HCSSA Providers: HHSC Provider Letter Update HHSC has issued the following provider letter: Provider Letter 17-35 – Determination of Separate Entities

3-29-2017 Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs: Announcement of the Extension of Temporary Moratoria on Enrollment of Part B Non-Emergency Ground Ambulance Suppliers and Home Health Agencies in Designated Geographic Locations

A Notice by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

on 01/09/2017

Click here for more information

9-3-2016 DADS Proposes Amendments to 40 TAC 97, Licensing Standards for HCSSAs

Read More

9-3-2016 DADS has issued the following Letter(s): Provider Letter No. 16-21 Criminal History, Nurse Aide Registry (NAR), and Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR) Requirements (Replaces PL 15-34 and PL 06-48)

Read More

8-10-2016 Federal Register | Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Programs: Announcement of the Extended Temporary Moratoria on Enrollment of Ground Ambulance Suppliers and Home Health Agencies in Designated Geographic Locations

See update

8-10-2016 CMS imposes moratorium on home-health services in five states | Insurance Fraud News Service

See update

4-20-2015 CMS Hospice Initial Survey update 4-2015

See update

6-26-2014 Special Announcement: S&CC 13-05 ? The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Form 2020 Notification of Readiness for Initial Survey (Replaces S&CC #06-09)

See memorandum

11-19-13

Texas & New Mexico Hospice Organization release PowerPoint presentation attached comparing 2011-2012 national hospice utilization rates. Download here.

10-4-13

DADS has issued the following Provider Alerts or Bulletins: New Email Address for Texas Medicaid Hospice Policy Questions. An email address has been created for Hospice providers to send Texas Medicaid Hospice policy questions to. Using this mailbox will ensure questions are answered timely. Please use the following mailbox for all hospice policy questions: hospice@dads.state.tx.us.

11-12-12

DADS has issued the following Information Letter(s): Information Letter 13-58 - Per Diem Rates Effective September 1, 2013, for the Nursing Facility Program, Hospice Program in Nursing Facilities and Swing Bed Program

11-12-12

Quality Indicators and Reporting for FY 2014

11-8-12

Face to Face Update

11-8-12

Face to Face Update

9-14-12

Impact of Nursing Shortage on Hospice Care

7-31-12

Reporting Reasonable Suspicion of a Crime

7-1-12

The Joint Commission Requires Flu Vaccine

7-1-12

Licensing Standards for Home and Community Support Services Agencies Handbook Revision Notice 12-2

2-7-12

ABN Forms Available for Download

12-28-11 DADS bulletin: Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) On-Call Services Pilot Program

Due to the need to clarify issues regarding LVN on-call services, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) and the Texas Board of Nursing (BON) will delay full implementation of the pilot program for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) waiver programs and all Intermediate Care Facilities for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs/ID) with capacities of 13 or fewer beds until March 1, 2012.

Providers may not continue to use LVNs to provide on-call nursing services after March 1, 2012, unless they are participating in the pilot.

Providers who have already submitted the verification of eligibility and pilot agreement forms to DADS may begin to participate in the pilot prior to March 1, 2012.

This delay does not affect the requirement that effective January 1, 2012 for the HCS and TxHmL waiver programs, and effective February 1, 2012 for the ICF/ID program, all LVNs must be clinically supervised by a registered nurse (RN) or an advanced practice registered nurse. In addition, HCS waiver providers must have a written plan and schedule in place by January 1, 2012 to complete an initial comprehensive nursing assessment by an RN for all individuals enrolled in HCS by September 1, 2012.

DADS will relay further information regarding the pilot program in the next several weeks.

9-20-11 S&CC 11-01 TH Retention of Client Records and Electronic Health Records

Download: PDF

8-18-11 Provider Letter 11-32 - New Convictions Barring Employment Added to Health and Safety Code Chapter 250

Download: PDF

8-17-11 Provider Letter 11-29 - Revised Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Home Health Survey Protocols

Download: PDF

5-9-11 Information Letter 11-54 Addition of the Physician's Narrative

Download: PDF

4-19-11 Information Letter No. 11-31 Complaints Regarding Solicitation (Replaces Information Letter No. 1999-08, Solicitation of Clients, and Information Letter No. 2007-98, Solicitation Practices)

Download: PDF

4-1-11 S&CC 11-03  Regulatory Services Complaint Reinvestigations (Replaces S&CC 04-05)

Download: PDF

3-25-11 Therapy Requirements Fact Sheet

Download: PDF

11-17-10 Updated Federal Register

Download: PDF

3-25-11 Ashtrays of Noncombustible Material and Safe Design

Download: PDF

2-11-11 State Survey Process March 2011

Download: PDF

2-24-11 E-verifying New Hires Feb 2011

Download: PDF

12-17-2010 DADS issues Federal Survey and Certification (S&C) Letter No. 11-04-All

Download: PDF

12-08-2010 CMS Finalizes Hospice Face-to-Face Encounter Rule

Download: PDF

11-09-2010 Provider Letter 10-52  Use of Rubber Stamp Signatures by Registered Nurses

Download: PDF

09-01-2010 DADS issues Provider Letter #10-37  Annual Checks of the Employee Misconduct Registry and Nurse Aide Registry

Download: PDF

There are the new rules relating to the employability of unlicensed persons with face-to-face contact with clients and annual checks of the EMR and NAR. You should refer individuals to Provider Letter #10-37: Annual Checks of the Employee Misconduct Registry and Nurse Aide Registry. The amendments to Chapter 97 and Chapter 93 of the Texas Administrative Code implement laws passed by the 81st Legislative Session in Senate Bill 806. The new rules are effective today and are on the Secretary of State website.

08-31-2010 DADS issues Memorandum: S&CC 10-03  Home and Community Support Services Agency Compliance with Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 102, Rights of the Elderly

Download: PDF

08-20-2010 Nursing Facility Administrators and Hospice Directors

Download: PDF

07-23-2010 Hospice Provider Claims

Download: PDF

07-12-2010 Hipaa newly proposed rules 7-2010

Download: PDF

06-29-2010 DADS has issued the following Information Letter(s): Information Letter No. 10-88: Hospice Managed Care

Download: PDF

04-09-2010 DADS issues Provider Letter 10-07  Electronic Notifications (replaces Provider Letters #06-46 and #06-31)

Download: PDF

04-05-2019 DADS issues Federal Survey and Certification (S&C) Letter No. 10-13-AO

Download

11-10-2009 CMS Awards Contract for Development of Hospice Measures

CMS has awarded a contract to the NY QIO, IPRO, to test 12 quality measures for hospices in preparation for possible public reporting of hospice outcomes as early as 2013.

In August, 2009, CMS awarded a contract to IPRO, the Quality Improvement Organization in New York, to conduct the CMS Hospice AIM (Assessment, Intervention, and Measurement) Project. The goal of the CMS Hospice AIMProject is to promote the effective connection of hospice to other healthcare settings through a uniform data collection instrument, to study the use of quality measures to assess the quality of care in participating sites, and to work with experts to identify why disparities may exist in hospice care.

IPRO has selected seven hospices in New York state to be a part of the project and is in the midst of site training. Data collection will begin later this fall. The project intends to conduct all measures testing in accordance with National Quality Forum standards to ensure that these measures will withstand scrutiny in the endorsement process at the public reporting level.

If you are a member of NHCPO, you can find out more here: https://www.nhpco.org/login.cfm?nextpage=/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=6130

10-15-2009 DADS issues Information Letter 09-150: Hospice Ventilator Services

Download

10-13-2009 New Drug Disposal Documents

Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs

How to Dispose of Unused Medicines

09-30-2009 Per Diem Rates Effective September 1, 2009, for the Nursing Facility (NF) Program, Hospice Program in Nursing Facilities and Swing Bed Program

Download Now

09-22-2009 Advance Copy - Hospice State Operations Manual (SOM) Sections 2080-2089

Download Now

09-01-2009 Healthcare Provider Taxonomy Codes (HPTC): October 1, 2009, Update

CMS has released the summary of changes reflected in the Health Care Provider Taxonomy Code (HPTC) list. Fiscal Intermediaries and Regional Home Health and Hospice Intermediaries will update their HPTC tables with this new version effective on October 1, 2009. http://www.palmettogba.com/palmetto/providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7V4QG83142?opendocument

05-29-2009 DADS issues Information Letter 09-78: Implementation of Medicaid Hospice Rates Revised for Wage Index

Download: PDF

05-29-2009 DADS issues Provider Letter 09-13: Emergency Preparedness Reminder

Download: PDF

02-25-2009 Update for Provider Investigation Report Form 3616

Download: DOC  PDF

01-27-2009 DADS has issued the following Provider Letters:

Information Letter No. 09-07 - Submission of the Hospice Election, Form 3071, and Physician Certification of Terminal Illness, Form 3074

Information Letter No. 09-13 - Medicaid Hospice Physician Rate Changes

11-01-2008 "Notice of Non-Coverage"- revision effective 11/1/08

English:
Generic Notice
Detailed Notice

Spanish:
Generic
Detailed Notice

Instructions:
CMS10123 Instructions
CMS10124 Instructions
ED General Info
ED Questions and Answers

06-24-08 T&NMHO UPDATE

Click here for the document

05-09-08 PROPOSED MEDICARE HOSPICE WAGE INDEX

Click here for the document

05-06-08 CMS suspends reporting of visit data from non - hospice staff in contracted facilities

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today reissued Change Request (CR) 5567 to "temporarily suspend reporting of visit data from non-hospice staff in contract facilities providing General Inpatient Care." The reissue was in response hospice industry pleas to forego requiring hospices to report visits made by non-hospice employees.

Due to the nature of services provided in an inpatient setting, it is difficult to determine what constitutes a visit. The hospice would have to assign a nurse to perform the unproductive task of reviewing and assessing each piece of documentation to determine if any part of any encounter would qualify as a billable visit. These visit counts would not be consistent or accurate amongst the various hospice agencies and would jeopardize the validity of the data. It would also strain the contractual relationship between the hospice and the facility providing the inpatient level of care.

TAHC had contacted CMS to request that CMS either define "contracted" staff and/or to specifically remove the requirement for non-hospice staff visits to be counted. Fortunately, CMS recognized that the original requirement was unreasonable. Additionally, CMS has removed the word "medically" and "direct" from the reasonable and necessary patient visit description of a hospice visit. So, the new language reads, "To be counted as a visit, the visit must be reasonable and necessary for the palliation and management of the terminal illness and related conditions as described in the plan of care . All visits to provide care related to the palliation and management of the terminal illness or related conditions, whether provided by hospice employees or provided under arrangement, must be reported. The one exception is related to "General Inpatient Care." Hospices must report GIP visits provided by hospice staff in contract facilities and in hospice-owned facilities.

These changes will be reflected in CMS Pub 100-4, Chapter 11 - Processing Hospice Claims. They have included examples of what constitutes a visit: "To constitute a visit, the discipline . must have provided care to the beneficiary. Services provided by a social worker to the beneficiary's family also constitute a visit. . phone calls, documentation in the medical/clinical record, interdisciplinary group meetings, obtaining physician orders, rounds in a facility or any other activity that is not related to the provision of items or services to a beneficiary, do not count towards a visit to be placed on the claim. In addition, the visit must be reasonable and necessary for the palliation and management of the terminal illness and related conditions as described in the patient's plan of care." CMS has related that there will be a new set of Q&As on CR 5567 posted on their website April 30. This Q&A will also clarify that hospices do not need to report non-hospice staff visits on the inpatient respite level of care - only hospice staff visits.

04-15-08 MEDICARE CAP IMMEDIATE ATTENTION IS REQUIRED!

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services is requiring hospices to refund monies that were paid for caring for eligible patients that hit the cap well before the 6 months the benefit was intended to cover. The yearly CAP period runs from Nov.1 through Oct. 31. When you receive your cap letter and you have a cap demand repayment, you must respond within 15 days from the date of the letter with payment in full or your application for an extended re payment plan at 12.125% interest. If a hospice does not send the first payment within that 15 days, all approved reimbursement on present patients will be withheld until the total is paid or you reach an agreeable repayment plan. Either way patients or families in hospice care lose.

My plea is that you communicate to your congressional representatives the importance of the PATH Act in H.R. 5542 and S. 2727 as soon as possible.

ALF

3-25-11 Website Update Notice

Download: DADS announces the availability of the following CMS Survey and Certification Memos:Read More

3-25-11 Ashtrays of Noncombustible Material and Safe Design

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07-12-2010 Hipaa newly proposed rules 7-2010

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04-09-2010 DADS issues Provider Letter 10-07  Electronic Notifications (replaces Provider Letters #06-46 and #06-31)

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08-13-2009 DADS issues Provider Letter 09-18: Recommendations for Infection Control and Prevention in Long-Term Care Facilities

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08-10-2009 DADS issues Provider Letter 09-15: Evacuation Plans for Facilities Located Along the Texas Coast

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06-30-2009 DADS issues Provider Letter 09-14: Resident Choice of Health Professionals

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05-29-2009 DADS issues Provider Letter 09-13: Emergency Preparedness Reminder

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01-27-2009 DADS has issued the following Provider Letters:

Information Letter No. 09-07 - Submission of the Hospice Election, Form 3071, and Physician Certification of Terminal Illness, Form 3074

Information Letter No. 09-13 - Medicaid Hospice Physician Rate Changes

DME

07-12-2010 Hipaa newly proposed rules 7-2010

Download: PDF

04-09-2010 DADS issues Provider Letter 10-07  Electronic Notifications (replaces Provider Letters #06-46 and #06-31)

Download: PDF

04-7-2010 CMS Manual System - Pub 100-20 One-Time Notification

Download now (PDF) 09-1-2009 Accreditation and Surety Bond Deadlines Approaching for DMEPOS Suppliers

Medicare suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), unless exempt, must be accredited and secure a surety bond by October 1, 2009 and October 2, 2009, respectively.

http://www.palmettogba.com/Palmetto/Providers.nsf/vMasterDID/7V9P7A6873?opendocument

06-18-2009 Get Ready for DMEPOS Competitive Bidding

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03-29-2009 Surety Bonds for Suppliers of DME:

Download now (PDF)

01-27-2009 DADS has issued the following Provider Letters:

Information Letter No. 09-07 - Submission of the Hospice Election, Form 3071, and Physician Certification of Terminal Illness, Form 3074

Information Letter No. 09-13 - Medicaid Hospice Physician Rate Changes

CBA

02-04-2013 DADS has issued the following Provider Alerts or Bulletins: New Policy -- Service Backup Plan

Attention: Home and Community Support Services Agencies Contracted with the Department of Aging and Disability Services for Community Based Alternatives.

Effective March 1, 2013, all initial and reassessment packets completed by the Home and Community Support Services Agency (HCSSA) on or after March 1, 2013, must provide a service backup plan for each applicant/individual.

The new policy, including the new Form 3671-K; Service Backup Plan has been updated in the Community Based Alternatives Provider. If you have questions regarding this information, please contact please contact the DADS, at CBA@dads.state.tx.us

04-09-2010 DADS issues Provider Letter 10-07  Electronic Notifications (replaces Provider Letters #06-46 and #06-31)

Download: PDF

02-25-2009 DADS has issued the following: Information Letter No. 09-53 - STAR+PLUS Waiver (SPW) Consumers Transferring into the CBA and ICMW Programs

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PAS

09-01-2010 DADS issues Provider Letter #10-37  Annual Checks of the Employee Misconduct Registry and Nurse Aide Registry

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There are the new rules relating to the employability of unlicensed persons with face-to-face contact with clients and annual checks of the EMR and NAR. You should refer individuals to Provider Letter #10-37: Annual Checks of the Employee Misconduct Registry and Nurse Aide Registry. The amendments to Chapter 97 and Chapter 93 of the Texas Administrative Code implement laws passed by the 81st Legislative Session in Senate Bill 806. The new rules are effective today and are on the Secretary of State website.

08-31-2010 DADS issues Memorandum: S&CC 10-03  Home and Community Support Services Agency Compliance with Texas Human Resources Code Chapter 102, Rights of the Elderly

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04-09-2010 DADS issues Provider Letter 10-07  Electronic Notifications (replaces Provider Letters #06-46 and #06-31)

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02-25-2009 Update for Provider Investigation Report Form 3616

Download: DOC  PDF

Primary Home Care

06-22-2010 DADS has issued the following Provider Alerts or Bulletins: Expansion of the Service Responsibility Option (SRO) Delayed

The expansion of the Service Responsibility Option (SRO) has been delayed until the fall of 2010, pending completion of key changes to the service authorization system (SAS). For agencies that participated in the June 3, 2010 training or took the training online, please continue to send in requests for contract amendments to add SRO to your Primary Home Care Program contract. When the effective date of the amendments is known, you will be contacted. PHC contractors with current SRO amendments to serve DADS Region 1 and Bexar County may continue providing the option.

Dialysis

05-11-2010 DADS has issued the following Provider Alerts or Bulletins:

Home and Community Support Services Agency (HCSSA) Presurvey Computer-based Training (CBT) now includes home dialysis services

A new module of the HCSSA Presurvey CBT, Module 7: Home Dialysis Services, is now available on DADS website. Because of this, DADS will no longer offer this training in the classroom setting. This CBT provides information regarding the requirements for licensure as a HCSSA under the categories of Licensed Home Health Services with Home Dialysis Designation and Licensed and Certified Home Health Services with Home Dialysis Designation. It is required of certain staff of prospective HCSSAs and is optional as a refresher course. To access the new module, and for information concerning HCSSA Presurvey CBT requirements, please visit the HCSSA Presurvey CBT homepage at http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/HCSSA/cbt/index.html#modules.

For more information, please contact a policy specialist at 512-438-3161.

You are subscribed to to be notified when DADS updates Provider Alerts & Bulletins, http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/communications/alerts/index.cfm. -or- You have subscribed to be notified of updates to an applicable program type.

Questions about DADS Content can be sent to the DADS Webmaster.

For more information about DADS services, please visit the DADS Website.

Assisted Living Facilities

04-29-2013 DADS issues Provider Letter 13-16: Ashtrays of Noncombustible Material and Safe Design (Replaces Provider Letter 11-13)

Download: PDF

Other

04-09-2010 DADS issues Provider Letter 10-07  Electronic Notifications (replaces Provider Letters #06-46 and #06-31)

Download: PDF

02-25-2009 Update for Provider Investigation Report Form 3616

Download: DOC  PDF

11-27-08 Updated DADS information

Information Letter No. 08-173: Reimbursement Rates for Out of Home Respite Services Provided by Nursing Facilities

Pediatrics

1-28-2016 CMS Extends Provider Re-enrollment Deadline

CMS has extended the March 24, 2016, deadline for Medicaid provider re-enrollment to Sept. 25, 2016. Though this extension gives states additional time to ensure providers comply with Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requirements, Texas Medicaid encourages all providers who have not yet submitted a re-enrollment application to begin this process immediately to avoid potential payment disruptions. More information about re-enrollment can be found on the DADS website.

05-01-2015 Handbook Update: Case Manager Medically Dependent Children Program, 15-4

Learn More

01-24-2015 Information Letter 15-02, Service Backup Plan Requirements Revised

Download: PDF

04-27-2011 Information Letter No. 11-29  Documentation Requirements for the Medically Dependent Children Program

Download: PDF

09-01-2010 DADS issues Provider Letter #10-37  Annual Checks of the Employee Misconduct Registry and Nurse Aide Registry

Download: PDF

There are the new rules relating to the employability of unlicensed persons with face-to-face contact with clients and annual checks of the EMR and NAR. You should refer individuals to Provider Letter #10-37: Annual Checks of the Employee Misconduct Registry and Nurse Aide Registry. The amendments to Chapter 97 and Chapter 93 of the Texas Administrative Code implement laws passed by the 81st Legislative Session in Senate Bill 806. The new rules are effective today and are on the Secretary of State website.

04-07-2009 Information Letter No. 09-44: Individual Plan of Care (PDF)

03-16-2009 DADS memo regarding screening for excluded people

If you happen to go to a pediatric agency, they MUST screen for excluded people via the Medicaid program. DOC  PDF

02-25-2009 Update for Provider Investigation Report Form 3616

Download: DOC  PDF

Updated Policies

ALERT
OASIS -C Guidance Manual has
been released by CMS

Compliance Review Services, Inc. will be devoting all upcoming live OASIS classs to OASIS-C material specifically and is in the process of updating or online class offerings.

See our class schedule for OASIS and Coding Class availability

If you want to learn more about how these changes will affect you and your business please register early by calling Barbara at 832-237-2525 ext 104.

Regards,
Kim Kelly CEO