Following Suspensions Still In Place Related To COVID-19 (HCS): Recap

by | Nov 23, 2021

November 23rd, 2021  While most of the suspensions related to COVID-19 have ended, the following HCS suspensions are still in place. HHSC will still allow an HCS four-person residence to add up to two additional individuals temporarily if the residence has the space to accommodate them and has been approved as a four-person residence by HHSC. (Rule: 40 TAC §9.153(39)(B)) Suspension of the requirement for HCS providers to ensure at least one complete staff shift...

Recording Available -11-10-21: HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, DBMD Webinar

by | Nov 22, 2021

November 10, 2021, HCS, TxHmL, CLASS, DBMD Webinar Recording Available Last updated on 11/22/2021 A recording of the November 10, 2021, Home and Community-based Services (HCS), Texas Home Living (TxHmL), Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS), and Deaf-blind Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) Webinar with Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Long-term Services and Supports is available for those who could not attend. Read the HCS, TxHmL,...

Ways To Assist Providers Currently Using TASKMASTER PRO “Cloud-Based” Services (HCS/TxHmL/ICF/CLASS)

by | Nov 21, 2021

As some of you may know, Twogether Consulting does not work for Taskmaster Pro, but we do have quite a bit of experience with their software and I love the benefits of this “cloud-based” program.  In the past, I have also used the software for my own HCS program as we had HCS contracts in over 32 counties.  Electronic Records were a must for us with that many counties to keep track of and service providers to monitor!  No matter who you choose to...

Texas Lawsuits Filed Against COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Now Includes Challenge To CMS Federal Contractor Rules

by | Nov 16, 2021

November 16th, 2021 Many states have already filed lawsuits against the COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate. This includes lawsuits against the CMS Interim Final rule, the OSHA  Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and the Federal Contractors rule.  The Texas Attorney General (AG) Office announced it is also challenging the CMS Federal Contractors rules. Not sure what this means for providers yet, but you may need to continue to prepare for implementation until otherwise...

PEM (Provider Enrollment Management) System

by | Nov 16, 2021

November 16th, 2021 Starting August 2021, HHSC has begun the transition to one system for Provider Enrollment Management which will move to 1 “smart system” if you want to become a Medicaid vendor/Medicaid provider, re-enrollment every 5 years, and the forms/application will be uniform.  They will go directly into TMHP system, not to HHSC.  The current paper application forms will not be required.  They have begun the process with existing providers....

Reminder: LTC Providers May Request COVID-19 Emergency Support

by | Nov 6, 2021

November 6th, 2021 LTC Providers May Request COVID-19 Emergency Support For Emergency Staffing Support: The Office of the Governor directed DSHS to use staffing agencies to provide medical personnel from out-of-state to Texas health care facilities to assist in COVID-19 operations. This support will be available to residential long-term care providers. -Providers must demonstrate that they have exhausted all other options. -Also that they have urgent need for...