HCS Certification Standards Webinars & Recordings

by | Jan 2, 2024

January 2nd, 2023 New Rules Certification Standards Modules HCS/TxHmL Certification Standards Modules Anyone new to the HCS waiver program should watch these modules!  This is especially true for both new and current HCS case managers, nurses or program managers to watch these modules/recorded webinars.  They are based on the new HCS Rules: Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Title 26 Part I Ch 565.   These were previously known as certification principles, now...

ISS In-Home Attendant Base Wage Rate Requirement Clarification

by | Jan 1, 2024

January 1st, 2024 ISS in-Home Attendant Base Wage Rate Requirement Clarification: There seems to be a lack of clarification in the HCS program concerning if the ISS base wage rate requirement applies to “in-home ISS”.  It does apply to in-home ISS.  It would seem that most likely a significant number of providers are not aware the base wage requirement applies to in-home individualized skills and socialization (ISS) and that they are currently out of...

Cost Reporting Update!

by | Dec 30, 2023

Cost Report/Accountability Reports This notice applies to ICF/IID, HCS, TxHmL, CLASS and DBMD providers.   HHSC Notice:  The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has published Information Letter (IL) 2023-44 regarding the 2023 Cost Report and 2023 or 2024 Accountability Report Training Information. Information on cost and accountability report training can be found on the Provider Finance web page. Email PFD LTSS or call (737) 867-7817 with any...

E-Health Advisory Committee Applications Due Jan. 8

by | Dec 15, 2023

December 15th, 2023 If you’re interested in health information technology, health information exchange systems, telemedicine, telehealth and home telemonitoring services issues, you may want to apply to be a member of the e-Health Advisory Committee. But act quickly as applications are due Jan. 8. Click here to learn more and apply.

Implementation of the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) Adjustment

by | Dec 1, 2023

December 1st, 2023 ICF/IID Providers: Implementation of the Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) Adjustment As required by House Bill 54 (88th Legislature, Regular Session, 2023), the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is directed to increase the minimum monthly personal needs allowance (PNA) for Medicaid beneficiaries of a nursing facility (NF) or related institution licensed under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code, assisted living facility, intermediate...

Employment First Assessment Tool & Rules (HCS/TxHmL/CLASS/DBMD)

by | Dec 1, 2023

December 1st, 2023 As of Nov. 14, 2023, service coordinators and case managers in the CLASS, DBMD, HCS, TxHmL waiver programs and STAR+PLUS Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) must use the Employment First Discovery Tool as part of the service planning process to explore an individual’s desire to work. Review IL 2023-41 Employment First Discovery Tool for more information. Be sure to sign up for : Employment First Discover Tool Webinar Jan. 10, 2024 10–11...