Twogether Updates

April 18th, 2021 Newsletter Library Starting this month, we are going to post copies of our bi-monthly e-mail newsletters on this "Newsletter Library" page.  We use a "Mailchimp" platform Here is our most recent bi-monthly newsletter sent out to providers.  See Mailchimp link or  our pdf link below: https://mailchi.mp/a171401a8a67/tax-delay-causes-problems?e=4d5e0bebb7 https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:796c2fbc-69a1-4d6e-9781-4fec779ce81c   If you would like...

E-Learning Portal Training From HHSC Direct link to main E-Learning portal page for Medicaid training below: https://learningportal.hhs.texas.gov/course/index.php?categoryid=42 Monitoring and Maintaining Medicaid Eligibility for HCS/TxHmL   This training will cover initial and ongoing eligibility requirements for participation in Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) programs. Financial Eligibility – Medicaid Medicaid or SSI Medicaid Program Transfers...

April 17th, 2021 Status of IDD-Related Bills That Are of Relevance To Certain IDD Providers  HB 149 (Reynolds & Shaheen) related to a study to evaluate state and local regulation of certain facilities and group homes:  The bill is anticipated to pass in the House today after which it will go to the Senate. https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/87R/billtext/pdf/HB00149H.pdf#navpanes=0 HB 326 (Howard) related to workplace violence prevention in certain facilities:  As amended on the House Floor,...

April 17th, 2021 HCS Retainer Payments Status We have been informed that CMS has finally approved retainer payments for HCS.  Certain provider associations will have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the draft Information Letter related to the payments.  HHSC is also developing rules related to this initiative, but those associations will not be able to provide feedback on them.   HHSC  will conduct a webinar on the HCS retainer payments.

The HHS Learning Portal has MOVED and has a new look! Please bookmark the new location or click here and save to “Favorites” The new web address for the HHS Learning Portal is: https://learningportal.hhs.texas.gov New Providers, Please Take These Trainings The e-learning portal. This is where Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation Training ( the ANE training) for you and your staff is. All staff at the facility should take this at least initially and maybe every 1-2 years...

COVID-19 Resources   April 17th, 2021 March 18, 2021 MCS COVID-19 Stakeholder Information Session Thank you for your interest in listening to the March 18 Texas Medicaid CHIP COVID-19 Information Session. The audio from this session can be found here. Email us for transcript The presentation can be found here. Future meeting notices and information will continue to be shared on these sites, so please check back regularly. COVID-19 Provider Information COVID-19 Client Information For...

April 17th, 2021 Revisions to Guidance For Day Habilitation Providers Coming! HHSC and DSHS are working on revisions to the DSHS Guidance for DHs.  Once revisions are finalized HHSC will notify providers. March 25th, 2021 Program Provider Response to COVID-19 and Visitation Expansion- Day Habilitation Off-Site 2.1.8 Day Habilitation and Outside Employment Individuals receiving HCS or TxHmL services can choose to attend off-site day habilitation that is in compliance with DSHS Checklist for Day...

March 29th, 2021 March 19 Recording of Clarification of Administrative Penalties and Related Processes Webinar Available A recording of the March 19, 2021 Clarification of Administrative Penalties and Related Processes for HCS and TxHmL Providers webinar is available for those unable to attend. Listen to the webinar recording here. March 28th, 2021 March 16 Recording of Clarification of Administrative Penalties and Related Processes Webinar Available A recording of the March 16, 2021...

HHSC Publishes HCS Expansion of Reopening Visitation Rules Update:   April 17th, 2021 Original Published:  March 25th, 2021 3.0 HCS Expansion of Reopening Visitation Rule To read more, please click on the link below:  https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:a7d8cd88-7334-4f8b-89b3-5876693ceb1a *** Please Don't Forget To Update Your Policies & Procedures Based On The Changes.  Feel Free To Contact Twogether Consulting For Assistance!  Info@twogetherconsulting.com ...

April 17th, 2021 EVV Policy Training for CDS Employers Now Available in Spanish The computer-based training course, Initial EVV Policy Training for CDS Employers, is available in Spanish on the HHS Learning Portal. To translate the HHS Learning Portal to Spanish, select Español from the drop-down menu in the upper left-hand corner of the webpage. The policy training is tailored to the selection on Form 1722, Employer Selection for Electronic Visit Verification Responsibilities. Registrants are...

March 29th, 2021 Just a quick update!. We will be on break from March 30th-April 8th!  Several of us will either be on vacation or off on personal family time during these dates.  If you need to register for a webinar or pre-recorded training, or need to talk to someone immediately, or if there is some type of emergency, please feel free to contact Meghan Jones at meghanjones.tx@gmail.com or 361- I will be checking my email periodically if you need to contact me (Julie Blacklock) at...

March 28th, 2021 HHSC Publishes Revised, In-Home Day Habilitation Information for Program Providers for COVID-19 (IL 2021-16) The Texas HHSC is temporarily waiving certain requirements in Section 3710, 4381.3, 4381.7(6) and 4381.7(7) of the Home and Community-based Services Billing Guidelines and the Texas Home Living Billing Guidelines. This is in response to COVID-19 and to provide access to needed day habilitation services. HHSC has published a revision to this guidance IL 2021-16 In-Home...

March 24th, 2021 HHSC Adopts New Expansion of Reopening Visitation Emergency Rules for ICF Providers!!! HHSC has adopted new Expansion of Reopening Visitation (PDF) emergency rules that establish criteria for expanded indoor and outdoor visitation as well as essential caregiver visits. These rules are effective March 24, 2021. HHSC Publishes COVID-19 Response – Expansion of Reopening Visitation for ICF Providers (PL 2021-10) HHSC has published Provider Letter 2021-10, COVID-19 Response –...

March 29th, 2021 HHSC Adopts New HCS Program Provider Response to COVID-19 and Expansion of Reopening Visitation Emergency Rule!!! HHSC has adopted new Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program Provider Response to COVID-19 and Expansion of Reopening Visitation Emergency Rule that establish criteria for expanded indoor and outdoor visitation as well as essential caregiver visits. These rules are effective March 23, 2021. Read the HCS COVID-19 Response Emergency Rules and Expansion of...

March 26th, 2021 In collaboration with HHSC, DSHS and Texas Special Olympics, Tarrytown will be conducting additional vaccine clinics for persons with IDD, their families and paid caregivers.  See details below or go to:  https://tcdd.texas.gov/resources/covid-19-information/individuals-and-families/ Please note that persons MUST sign-up by 11:59 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2021.  Please feel free to share. Message from Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities  From: Texas Council for...

  February 23rd, 2021 IDD Vaccine Plan Approved (HCS/TxHmL/ICF) Good News! The plan for Tarrytown Expocare to provide the COVID vaccine to persons receiving services through the ICF/IID, HCS and TxHmL programs has been approved. This includes staff and paid caregivers. The plan applies to those who have yet to receive the vaccine through either the federal pharmacy partnership program or other sources. The three IDD associations will meet to discuss logistics.  I believe this is set to be...

Based on the many phone calls, emails and contacts through our social media pages concerning Job Positions Desired and Job Openings with HCS providers, I have decided to use our "Updates" page to provide a place where both those persons desiring a position with an HCS Provider and those Posting a Job Position can find each other! We will not be posting the job description or information on this page directly.  If you contact Meghan Jones at meghanjones.tx@gmail.com and let her know where you...

March 16th, 2021 updated Website Link: For Previously Recorded Webinars & FAQ's https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/resources/hcs-txhml-webinars-faqs Updated COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for HCS and TxHmL Providers HHSC has published an updated Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 for Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living providers. Read the Updated COVID-19 FAQs for HCS and TxHmL Providers (PDF). March 19...

  MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAM WEB-BASED TRAINING FROM HHSC Abuse Neglect and Exploitation Competency Training and Exam      ( WE RECOMMEND HCS/TXHML PROVIDERS HAVE DIRECT SUPPORT STAFF COMPLETE THIS TRAINING) This training is designed to meet the basic ANE training requirements for staff providing direct care in a community setting. By the end of the training, staff should be able to identify which acts constitute ANE, how to recognize ANE, understand risk factors for ANE, and what methods...

Joint Training From HHSC For Providers (Online with CEU's/CNE's) For registration for any of these dates and more information, please go to:   https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/training/jointtraining.cfm MARCH 2021  Infection Control Long-Term Care (course description) Thursday, March 11th, 2021 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Webinar (100 MAX)   Culture Change:  Improving Quality of Life in Long Term Care (course description) Tuesday, March 16th, 2021 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Webinar (100 MAX)  ...

Re: Governor's Orders for Masks and Re-Openings of Businesses Until further notice providers must continue to adhere to all current COVID-related guidance, rules and infection control policies, according to HHSC.  At this time changes to these policies will only occur when CMS and/or the CDC issues revised guidance. HHSC's position also applies to rules and guidance related to attendance at DHs:  HCS Rules:...

Tax Deadline Extensions for Individuals and Businesses The IRS announced last week that because of last month's winter storms, Texans will have until June 15, 2021, to file their individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. This includes 2020 individual and business returns normally due on April 15, as well as various 2020 business returns due on March 15. Among other things, this also means that affected taxpayers will have until June 15 to make 2020 IRA contributions. The June...

February 21st, 2021 Winter Storm Federal Disaster Assistance Update Posted on HHSC Provider Alerts: "In response to Texas’ request for a federal disaster declaration related to the recent winter storm, the Office of the Governor announced that the President has approved a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance in 77 counties and for Public Assistance (Emergency Protective Measures Only) in all 254 counties. The following counties were approved for Individual Assistance: Angelina,...

HHSC Notice:  In the event you did not receive or inadvertently overlooked, see below for the notice HHSC issued earlier today regarding resources for LTC providers during the winter storm, or click HERE LTC Provider Resources During an Emergency Long-term care providers impacted by the current severe weather event should be implementing emergency management plans. LTC providers in need of resources or assistance during an emergency, such as the current severe weather, are reminded that you...

Feb 9th, 2021 HCS/TxHmL-Provider Applicant Training (PAT) and Provider Applicant Test (Update)   "My application was accepted to become an HCS &/or TxHmL Waiver Provider, now what do I do?"   Online Training FAQ's How can I access the HHS Learning Portal? Once your Contract Manager has informed you via email of your approved application, you will receive an email approving your application with a link to the HHS Portal, and the Program Manager will have to create an account to...

  See link to February 2021 edition below: https://www.tmhp.com/sites/default/files/file-library/ltc/bulletins/February%202021%20LTC%20Bulletin%20No.%2085_Final%20for%20Web.pdf See link to November 2020 edition below: https://www.tmhp.com/sites/default/files/file-library/ltc/November%202020%20Long-Term%20Care%20Provider%20Bulletin%20No.%2084.pdf

HCS/TxHmL & CLASS Programs If you have questions about CLASS Program Policy, call 512-438-5077, 877-438-5658 or email ClassPolicy@hhsc.state.tx.us. For questions about HCS Program Policy, call 512-438-4478 or email HCSPolicy@hhsc.state.tx.us. For questions about TxHmL Program Policy, call 512-438-4639 or email TxHmlPolicy@hhsc.state.tx.us. (TxHmL) billing and payment reviews, call the Billing and Payment Hotline at: 512-438-5359 or email: HCS.TxHml.BPR@hhsc.state.tx.us. For questions about...

February 7th, 2021 Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Contact Information For questions about Claims, providers should call the TMHP EDI Helpdesk at: 888-863-3638, Option 4, including questions about: • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) – Submitting Claims for EVV. • Claim Rejections (excluding Long-Term Care [LTC] claim rejections with error code F, RJ, and/or AC).   For questions about EVV Claims Processing, contact the entity that pays or denies your claims (i.e., the managed care...

February 7th, 2021 Claims Submission Beginning August 2, 2021, Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) providers must submit claims for dates of service on or after August 1, 2021, using Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) online claim submission tools, TexMedConnect or the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). To become an EDI submitter, visit the TMHP EDI web page for more information. Providers should review the Portal Security Training Manual, and...

February 2021 HCS/TxHmL Provider Certification Principle Webinars The following webinars are part of the ongoing HCS and TxHmL Certification Principles training series. Certification Principle 9.177: Staff Member and Service Provider Requirements This webinar will cover TAC §9.177 which outlines staff member and service provider requirements for HCS and TxHmL programs. Feb. 2 2-5 p.m. Listen to the webinar recording here. Certification Principles 9.179 & 9.180: Restraints and Prohibitions...

Certain Medicaid Waiver Payments May Be Excludable From Income See the following IRS page for the full FAQ https://www.irs.gov/individuals/certain-medicaid-waiver-payments-may-be-excludable-from-income Last Update: New Q&A's 1-20 were added on February 23, 2015. The original text and Q&A's follow at the end. On January 3, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service issued Notice 2014-7, 2014-4 I.R.B. 445. Notice 2014-7 provides guidance on the federal income tax treatment of certain payments to...

Check out our instant services you can purchase at our "Store" page on the website:  https://twogetherconsulting.com/store/   OFF-SITE CONSULTATION:  $75/hr You can purchase 1, 3, 6, 9 or 12 hrs of off-site consultationfor assistance with HCS, TxHmL, or ICF and Additional IDD Waiver Programs. This includes: research, phone calls, video chats, webinars, emails and texts.  You may use this off-site consultation time as needed or all at once.  You can schedule a conference call, video chat...

HCS/TxHmL IDR Process Coming Soon!   Currently, the IR process is still in place, but the new IDR process for HCS/TxHmL should be in place sometime in February 2021.  We will keep you posted. If you would like to appeal a citation/violation currently, continue to use the IR process until the time IDR Process is rolled out! FYI-With the IR process, this may be requested immediately after receiving draft report from the survey visit at exit.  The IDR process works a bit differently, the provider...

Therap National 2021 Conference Feb 2nd, 3rd & 4th:  Registration link: https://www.therapservices.net/2021-national-conference/ If you need assistance with your current Therap services or with information on getting these services, please contact: Stacy Wilson (Business Development Consultant at Therap Services, LLC)  Here is her linkedin page https://www.linkedin.com/posts/stacydentonwilson_activity-6757331578927513600-Lz2d   https://www.therapservices.net/ For more information on...

12/28/20 IMPORTANT REMINDER! HCS and TxHmL Program Providers and LIDDA Service Coordinators- IL20-45 HHSC is automatically renewing individual plans of care and Intellectual Disability/Related Condition assessments that expire on or before Dec. 30, 2020. This is due to the COVID public health emergency. The renewal is for one year from the expiration date. HHSC is not automatically renewing IPCs and ID/RCs that expire on or after Dec. 31, 2020.  This is explained in IL 20-45 (PDF). Program...

January Webinar - Flu & COVID: What You Need to Know HHSC is holding this webinar for all our providers to offer guidance on flu and COVID-19. In this webinar, we will review: The similarities and the differences between flu and COVID-19 The importance of getting a flu shot How flu vaccination along with good infection control practices protect everyone Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on administering flu vaccines this season amid the coronavirus pandemic. This webinar...

D E C // 1 8 // 2 0 2 0 AADMD Releases Statement on Covid-19 Vaccine Equity for People with IDD Read the Official Statement - and Join the Movement The Covid-19 vaccine is here - and AADMD joined forces with like-minded organizations to issue a Joint Position Statement on “Equity for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation and Safety.” NCD Opportunity Through board member Rick Rader, MD — who was appointed to the National Council on...

  You all may be familiar with our other contact, Mitchell Deter.  He will still be assisting providers that work with HCS/TxHmL/and ICF with 50 employees or greater..  Some of you may already be working with him. Katie DeMayo works with our providers who need Payroll and HR services for under 50 employees Our newest HCS/TxHmL/ICF provider liason is Katie DeMayo, (District Manager for Central Texas).  Katie and Mitch are our personal resource team from ADP for those of you who are IDD...

Service Providers of Respite and CFC PAS/HAB HHSC is lifting the prohibition on service providers of respite and CFC PAS/HAB from living in the same home as the person receiving Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living program services. This provides access to needed services for people living in their own or family’s home. A person’s spouse or a minor child’s parent is still prohibited from being a paid service provider of these services due to guidelines found in the...

Twogether Consulting has added some new services to include: DEVELOPMENT OF INFECTION CONTROL POLICIES & PROCEDURES, or at least to update your one with COVID-19 policies and protocols.   (Based on Guidance noted in the HCS & ICF COVID-19 Response Plans                                                       HCS-covid-response-plan.pdf     ICF-covid-19-plan.pdf DEVELOPMENT OF EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS  In particular, so HCS/TxHmL providers are able to meet  compliance with Appendix K: ...

November 23rd, 2020 Hello Friends, Please check out our "Updates" page.  It has been reformatted so you are able to navigate from one "post" to the other. If you want to read more on each section, just click on "read more".  We have also updated the "Off-site Services" page so that you can pay for hours of off-site consultation right on the same page.  Remember there is a discount for blocks of time larger than 3 hours, purchased on the site.  This discount is only available online on this...

November 22nd, 2020 Updated Training Link Available for the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Test A BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card training video that provides detailed step-by-step guide to the test process is on the Abbott website. The training video is for people without medical training, who will conduct COVID-19 testing using the BinaxNOW Ag card. As part of the request for free BinaxNOW test kits, providers will confirm that staff performing the COVID-19 tests have completed the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card...

HCS and TxHmL Annual Vendor Submission Timeframe 11/17/2020 HCS and TxHmL Annual Vendor Submission Timeframe The timeframe to submit for annual vendor approval is Nov.1, 2020 through Jan. 31, 2021. Required documentation for annual vendor requests are in the HCS and TxHmL Billing Guidelines, Section 6160(b)(2), Approval of Annual Vendor. Email packet submissions to Billing and Payment with the subject line: Annual Vendor Approval. Submissions sent to any other email addresses may not be...

Our free webinar session recordings previously recorded are currently posted on our "Gotostage" page. https://www.gotostage.com/channel/3b0bd3b1a47c4e80be974f4bcfa54d7b  We are pleased to announce our first guest presenters for  January 2021! Free Webinars!!   Guest presenters: Brittany Brown/Insurance Broker Date:January 12th, 2021 Time:  Noon-1pm (Central Time) Cost:  Free!!! Where:  Webinar To register for the session: Please register for Free Webinar: Presented By AssuredPartners...

Pre-Webinar Survey For those Nurses registered or planning to register for our Dec 11th, 2020 follow-up session:                                                                                      “Round Table Discussion For Nursing Concerns In IDD Programs” (HCS/TxHmL/ICF) We did not get to at least 4 of our questions primarily on COVID during the 1st Round Table Discussion on 11/5/20.  We still have some questions on RN Delegations that we need feedback on for future sessions and COVID-19. ...

Check out our page at "Gotostage" where we are providing  recordings of our free webinar sessions and other education For HCS, TxHmL, and ICF Providers https://www.gotostage.com/channel/3b0bd3b1a47c4e80be974f4bcfa54d7b

November 22nd, 2020 COVID-19 Guidance for Activities, Dining, and Volunteers for the Holidays (PL 20-53) HHSC publishes Provider Letter 20-53 Guidance for Activities, Dining, and Volunteers (PDF). The letter outlines provider responsibilities for resident activities, including communal dining and holiday-related activities. The letter also gives specific stipulations on the use of volunteers and guidance on the protocol for residents who leave a facility. This guidance can be used as a general...

College of Direct Support  http://www.directcourseonline.com/direct-support/about/ DirectCourse | "College of Direct Support brings training in line with the latest research and partners with other leaders in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities" Has a fantastic training curriculum for Direct Support Staff and their supervisors.  See a list of courses from the 2019 catalog in the link below:...

    An ICF resident, as well as an individual living in an HCS group home, may have up to 2 Essential caregivers, as defined in the emergency rules, and they must have a negative COVID-19 test result from a test performed no more than 14 days before the first essential caregiver visit unless the facility chooses to perform a rapid test prior to entry into the facility.  Providers are still seeking clarification for some of the new COVID-19 emergency mitigation rules (including...

September 6, 2020 HCS Billing Guidelines Revised-Sept. 2020 Please pay special attention to the changes and clarifications for Nursing Services!  We will be reviewing these in our "Billable Services-HCS-2020" webinar on Sept. 21st, 2020.  For more information please contact Meghan Jones to register:  meghanjones.tx@gmail.com   If you attended the recent Billable Nursing Services training in August (Part I and II) we did add these to your handouts at the time of the training.  You have the...

Texas Medicaid Health Portal TMHP is announcing the launching of their newly redesigned website available on September 14, 2020! As TMHP.com receives approximately 2.5 million views per month, it important to have a website that is functional and easy to navigate.  Major improvements have been made to increase the website user experience for providers. Highlights of new improved features include: o   Simplified navigation with program information, topics, and resources are more easily...

Emergency Rule Adoption for TxHmL and COVID-19 Mitigation See new rule at link below: https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/provider-portal/long-term-care/txhml-covid-19-emergency-rules.pdf

Frequently Asked Questions: HCBS Settings Regulation Implementation and Heightened Scrutiny Reviews of Presumptively Institutional Settings: July 2020 Update 1.Question: What is the new deadline for states to assure that all settings are in compliance with the home and community-based services (HCBS) settings criteria? Answer: States have been granted an additional year to demonstrate compliance and should ensure all settings are in full compliance with the HCBS settings criteria by March 17,...

Currently, all "On-site Training" is on hold due to COVID-19.  If you require any of these trainings, please check our calendars on our website for current webinars or contact us at:  info@twogetherconsulting.com for some of our pre-recorded training options. Live Training On-Site (Please contact us if you want us to provide these trainings on-site for your program): HCS/TxHmL: Care Coordination in the HCS Program, Using Person-Centered Thinking To Develop The IP (Implementation Plan), Changes...

Employment Assistance & Supported Employment Training Options From HHSC There are two Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living trainings in this series: HCS and TxHmL Employment Assistance Training HCS and TxHmL Supported Employment Training The web-based trainings cover employment services provided through HCS and TxHmL, information about the payer of first resort for employment assistance, and the basics of providing these services. They are designed to enhance staff...

Tuesday, June 9, 2020 HHS Announces Enhanced Provider Portal, Relief Fund Payments for Safety Net Hospitals, Medicaid & CHIP Providers Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is announcing additional distributions from the Provider Relief Fund to eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers that participate in state Medicaid and CHIP programs. HHS expects to distribute...

Please go to www.twogetherconsulting.com for more information and registration. Click on  "the calendar" of the Webinar you want to attend.  ********We also have pre-recorded webinars you can purchase for use at your facility.  Please contact Meghan Jones at: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com for more information, registration, and payment. June & July   “Prep Session For HCS Provider Applicant Test” (Webinar) (We will be reviewing some TxHmL information as well) Date:  Tuesday- July 2nd, 2020...

Update on TWC services Provider Manual and Resources  The following revisions to the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP) are available for 30-day review on the Vocational Rehabilitation Providers' Resources page and will go into effect on June 29, 2020. Chapter 2: Obtaining a Contract for Goods and Services—updated Section 2.8.1 Adding Counties or Services, Goods, and/or Equipment to a Contract, to indicate that provider contracts awarded after January 2020 will...

Cost Report/Accountability Report has been extended to June 15, 2020 A notice has been posted to the LTSS web-page and the vendor will be updating the STAIRS system by Monday.  HHSC has stated they do not anticipate any additional extensions will be made at this point; however, if this occurs they will keep everyone updated. Notice: The new due date for submission of the 2019 Cost Report and/or 2019 Accountability Report has been extended to June 15, 2020. This new due date supersedes the...

Last Friday HHSC posted the following CARE banner:  Due to the 09/01/2019 HCS rate increase, service authorizations are being updated to ensure they are in line with their corresponding IPCs. This will not cause any payment changes. Upon inquiry as to what this meant, Holly Lindsey, UR, HHSC provided the explanation below.  Hopefully the explanation and guidance will be of assistance to you should an action (revision, renewal or transfer) be taken on an IPC which prompts a notice that the IPC...

Person-Centered Training Opportunities   HHSC Person Centered Planning/Practice Training Information What Training Is Required? Online Introductory Course The Texas Health and Human Services Online Introductory Course is appropriate for any member of the planning team, including: Legally authorized representatives Family members Friends Nurses (required in some instances) Behavior specialists (required in some instances) Employment specialists (required in some instances) Attendants...

  No other live training has been scheduled at this time, these sessions are suspended until we hear more about the Covid-19 virus to decide on whether or not these sessions would be advisable at this time.  We will continue with webinars and on-site training, until further notice.       

Status of HCS Rates as of Oct. 11th, 2019: As of October 11th, 2019, members of the HHSC Rate Workgroup were notified that the proposed rule amendments to implement the HCS rates that will be effective Jan. 1, 2020 thru August 31, 2021 have been sent to the Texas Register and will be published next Friday.  To view the HCS rates, go to:  https://rad.hhs.texas.gov/sites/rad/files/documents/long-term-svcs/2019/2019-09-hcs-rates.pdf . Any claims with DOS 11/10/19, and after will pay at the new...

Behavioral Support Services HCS and TxHmL Behavioral Support Services Provider Policy Training (Has been mandated for HCS & TxHmL providers to ensure their contracted Behavioral Support Services providers to take since March 2015) This course informs service providers of behavioral support services in the HCS and TxHmL programs related to the provision of behavioral support services in those programs.  All new behavior support service providers must complete the WBT before providing...

Discounted Rates Available for Small Providers (20 individuals or less) if you demo with Twogether Consulting to get signed up for TMP!  As you know, we often provide webinars for providers receiving TaskMaster Pro services and this year some exciting new changes are taking place.  We are having a webinar on January 28th to review some of the new changes added to the nursing component of TaskMaster Pro, which include Comprehensive Nursing Assessment addition.  For those of you who are not...