ICF & HCS Surveys: Backlog of Surveys and Compliance Expectations

by | Jan 14, 2022

January 14th, 2022 ICF/IID and HCS Surveys:  HHSC has responded to questions providers have asked regarding the current backlog of surveys and what time period will be reviewed/surveyed when a provider finally receives its survey. Should you have further questions, please email HHSC at:  LTCRPolicy@hhs.texas.gov In regards to ICF surveys, the facility needs to be able to show compliance at all times.  Some areas of compliance require (at least) annual updates...

Vaccine Mandate Updates

by | Jan 14, 2022

January 14th, 2022 Vaccine Mandates: Earlier today the Supreme Court issued its rulings on the CMS and OSHA Vaccine Mandates. The Supreme Court stayed the OSHA mandate and permitted the CMS mandate.  As a reminder, the CMS mandate applies to ICFs/IID.  For further details, go to:  https://www.supremecourt.gov/ December 1st, 2021 Judge Doughty, U.S. District Court, Western District of Louisiana, blocked enforcement of the CMS Interim Final Rule (which among other...

Texas COVID-19 Coronavirus Resources & Guidance for People with Disabilities

by | Jan 10, 2022

Check Out These Resources For Persons With Disabilities From The              Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott https://gov.texas.gov/organization/disabilities/coronavirus Government COVID 19 Information and Resources https://tcdd.texas.gov/resources/covid-19-information/government/ Other Texas Organizations There are a number of disability-related organizations in Texas that are sharing information and resources related to COVID-19. Below you’ll find links to...

HHSC’s, DSHS & CDC Update: COVID-19 Omicron Variant

by | Jan 10, 2022

January 10th, 2022 When was Omicron Variant First Found in Texas and What is This Variant of COVID-19?  (Please see article below) Texas Identifies Case of COVID-19 Omicron Variant News Release Dec. 6, 2021 The first known Texas case of the COVID-19 B.1.1.529 variant has been identified in a resident of Harris County. The adult female resident was recently diagnosed with COVID-19. Results of genetic sequencing this week showed that the infection was caused by the...

Revised Guidance for LTC Facilities Experiencing COVID-19 Staffing Shortages

by | Jan 9, 2022

Revised Guidance on Staff Work Restrictions and Return to Work HHSC has issued revised guidance for long-term care providers experiencing staffing shortages due to COVID-19. The requirement to contact LTCR before implementing CDC guidance on staff work restrictions and return-to-work has been removed. “Guidance and Protocol for Long-Term Care Facilities Experiencing Staffing Shortages due to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. This checklist provides...

LTC (Long Term Care) Online Portal BasicsWebpage

by | Jan 9, 2022

January 9th, 2022 Please click on link below to take you to the “LTC Online Portal Basics” page with important information on usages for the portal,  e-learning training sessions, and pdfs of manuals needed for navigating the portal LTC Online Portal Basics page By Provider Training Services Published: Mar 5, 2021 Duration1h This interactive training provides a basic overview of the Long Term Care (LTC) Online Portal including an overview of the...