Letter To Providers: September 15th, 2026

September 15th, 2026

From Twogether Consulting

Hello Everyone!

Hoping everyone is well. Our last days of 3-digit temperatures are predicted to be this week in much of Texas, and some rain is in the forecast. Hopefully we will all have some needed “Fall” weather soon. Hurricane season is here, though, so don’t let your guard down and keep your program’s Emergency Evacuation Plan up to date.

Tip:  Be sure that you assign someone at your program to be the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator (EPC): and a backup for your facility.  You must also be aware of who your local Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) is in your area.  You can call 211 and find out your location’s specific EMC. Perform a “Hazard Valuation Assessment” at least annually and after an emergency to help you improve and revise your plan. You can find a great sample HVA tool and instructions to download for free at the following link: https://home.myodp.org/emergency-preparedness/hazard-vulnerability-assessment-hva/

It was wonderful to connect with fellow vendors and so many providers at the PPAT (Private Providers Association of Texas) Conference in Austin earlier this month. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table. I enjoyed reconnecting with friends and clients and meeting new providers. Special thanks to Hannah Harrionson from ADP: Payroll & HR and Rob Peek for joining me at the booth. I was pleased to introduce Hannah as our newest ADP liaison and a resource for providers who need payroll and HR support. I also wanted attendees to meet Rob, Twogether Consulting’s newest consultant, learn about his expertise, and hear about the training webinars launching this month. Rob will present “Answers To Frequently Asked Utilization Review (UR)” and “Common Challenges In Justifying Community First Choice (CFC)” on September 25 and 28, 2026.

Please see “Twogether Consulting Webinar Trainings” below for more information.   For a complete copy of the topics on this webinar session, feel free to check out our website calendars on the home page www.twogetherconsulting.com 

Featured  Upcoming September Disability & Inclusion Events Around Texas:

Just a few other reminders: 

PACSTX (Provider Alliance of Community Services of Texas) will hold their annual IDD provider conference, “Shaping The Future of Community Living” September 22nd-24th, 2026 at the Embassy Suites- San Marcos, TX.  Click here for  Registration

TWOGETHER CONSULTING WEBINAR & LIVE TRAINING:

September 2026!  

Webinar: September 25th, 2026  (10:00 AM-11:30 AM) “Answers to Frequently Asked Utilization Review Questions:  Enquiring Minds Want To Know”  presented by Rob Peak 1.5 hrs Topics will include discussion about IPCs, IDRC Renewals & Revisions, LONs, CFC justification requirements, and more.   (HCS/TxHmL, some ICF)   Cost: $50/person

Webinar:  September 28th, 2026 (10:00 AM-11:30 AM) “Common Challenges in Justifying CFC (Community First Choice) Hours to Utilization Review”. Presented by Rob Peak 1.5 hrs  (HCS/TxHmL)  $50/person

Live In-Person Training:  “HCS Care Coordination/Case Management 2-day Training”  Location: Down Home Ranch (Elgin, TX)  Times:  Day 1 (9:30 AM-4:30 PM)  Day 2 (9:00 AM-4:00 PM)  Date: October 5th and 6th, 2026  Cost:  $300/person (includes manual)   Presenters: Julie Blacklock & Sheila Hanson

All HCS providers are welcome, and you can book your lodging on-site in some of the DHR cabins if anyone is interested in staying on-site instead of staying at a hotel in town.

DHR Lodging Rates Flyer

  Please email booking@downhomeranch.org to book your stay at DHR

For more details and registration, go to the calendar on our home page at:  www.twogetherconsulting.com

You can also contact us at info@twogetherconsulting.com if you would like to register for any of the trainings before the info is posted on the site.

Note: Our hourly off-site consultation fee is $90/hr.  We do offer discounted rates for current clients.  We have updated the website concerning this rate change. Feel free to contact us at info@twogetherconsulting.com to request an appointment for a consultation or mentoring time, or you can email our administrative assistant, Meghan Jones, to make an appointment at: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com

Please continue to check our website for webinars and live trainings.  We will post them on the website “calendar” page

We have a variety of pre-recorded webinar trainings for program managers (HCS), administrators (ICF & ISS), case managers, QIDPs, nurses, and direct care,  so feel free to email us at info@twogetherconsulting.com to inquire. Let us know what areas of training you would like, to help us plan future sessions.

Here are just a few of the recent pre-recorded webinar trainings available for purchase:  “Admission, Post-Admission & Other Follow-Up Requirements-HCS Program”, ICAPs/LON’s/IDRC’s-ICF Program” (Also have for HCS program), “Development of The Comprehensive Nursing Assessment & Nursing Service Plan-HCS or ICF”, “Best Practices For HCS Providers: How To Remain In Compliance With TAC Ch 565”, “Role & Responsbilities of The Q”,  “Surrogate Decision Making Process, Rights Restrictions & Immediate Jeopardy-ICF Program”, “Licensed ISS Providers: What You Really Need To Know.”,

We also have a pre-recorded 5-part Care Coordination/Case Management series, a 4-part Nursing series for HCS, and a 3-part Nursing series for ICF available.  These trainings are epecially important for new providers.  All these sessions come with handouts as well as the link to the pre-recorded session

Please contact Meghan Jones at: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com.  Most of these pre-recorded sessions run $65-$75/person.  We can provide the handouts as well as a link to the recording, once you have paid.  Please notify Meghan Jones, for payment and to receive the link to registration for the training on “Gotowebinar” and handouts for the session.

Please see our “Updates” section of the website for the latest news for IDD providers.