Twogether Updates

July 18th, 2022 Monthly Reporting Required REMINDER FROM HHSC: Completion of the Senate Bill 809/Rider 143 Monthly Report is REQUIRED of all participating providers, regardless of whether a provider or facility has received additional federal funding during the reporting month. All participating providers must complete the Senate Bill 809/Rider 143 Monthly Report every month, even if they did not receive additional federal funds during the reporting month. The reports are due no later than 5...

July 14th, 2022 Important Medicaid Coverage-Don't Wait-Please Respond to Medicaid Letters- Changes To Occur in Medicaid Coverage After Public Health Emergency Ends This information letter gives service coordinators, case managers, and providers information to help individuals prepare for ending continuous Medicaid coverage. HHSC requests providers support the information campaign –Don’t Wait –Respond and Update! –by communicating with individuals and incorporating campaign materials into...

July 10th, 2022 Date: October 1st, 2022 (San Antonio, Tx)  2022 AccessAbility fest & abilitySTRONG Parade REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! It's time to REGISTER!  At disABILITYsa, we are excited to host the 16th Annual AccessAbility fest and abilitySTRONG Parade on Saturday, October 1st, 2022 at Hemisfair. Early bird discounts end on August 15th, 2022! * Sponsorship Opportunities * Exhibitor Registration * Parade Entries * Program Partners * Information Only * and more! * You will have a...

Juliy 11th, 2022 Our good friend at IntellectAbility, Patrick Lane has provided a link where providers or anyone else interested can register for online Person-Centered Thinking training.  FYI-this is a requirement in the HCS/TxHmLTAC rules for all persons who are a part of the development of the Implementation Plan (IP), to have this training within the first 2 year of hire. Staff Member and Service Provider Requirements The session is a $275 per person. This is a 3-day series of zoom...

July 11th, 2022 Error in HHSC Reminder Notice re:  Due Date for June 2022 SB 809 Data Earlier today, HHSC issued a reminder notice about the COVID-19 monthly reporting requirement (SB 809). The notice inadvertently stated that July 2022 data was due August 1, 2022. The notice should have stated that the June 2022 data will be due August 1, 2022.

Thought this was great info. and wanted to share- From IntellectAbility Long-haul COVID in People with IDD "People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are at a greater risk of infection and poorer COVID-19 related health outcomes than the general population. Prevalence of comorbidities, living in congregate settings, and difficulties practicing preventative measures contribute to this risk; however, the inability to effectively communicate symptoms of illness may be the most...

July 4th, 2022 The Provider Finance Department (PFD) Open Enrollment Portal experienced technical difficulties. Those issues have been resolved. The portal is now available for providers to complete Open Enrollment for the Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement and Direct Care Staff Enhancement programs and Liability Insurance Rate Add-ons for Nursing Facilities. The PFD portal is available. Please click here to access the portal. The PFD portal will be open from July 1, 2022 to August 1,...

July 5th, 2022 Since May 2, Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living program providers, local intellectual and developmental disability authorities, and financial management services agencies billing on behalf of Consumer Directed Services have been submitting claims and forms to Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership. TMHP has received feedback from providers indicating more support is needed. Read the full alert.

July 5th, 2022  Information Validation on LTC Claims IL 2022-35 IL 2022-35 is posted on the HHS nursing facility and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions webpages. Effective June 10, provider information on long-term care claims is being validated using data stored in the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System and the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership Provider Enrollment and Management System. This enhancement ensures...

July 5th, 2022 COVID-19: HHSC Publishes In-Home Day Habilitation Information for Program Providers (Replaces IL 2022-32) IL 2022-36 is posted on the HHS webpage for Home and Community-based Services, Texas Home Living, local intellectual and developmental disability authority, and financial management services agency program providers. HHSC is temporarily waiving certain requirements in Section 3710, 4381.3, 4381.7(6) and 4381.7(7) of the HCS Billing Guidelines and TxHmL Guidelines. This is...

July 4th, 2022 Don't Forget, Informal Comments on HCS & CFC Draft Rules Are Due by July 13th! Texas HHS is accepting comments from stakeholders on the following draft rules: Title 26, new Chapter 565, Home and Community-based Services Program and Community First Choice. The comment period ends July 13. Email comments to Long-term Care Regulation Policy and Rules.

July 3rd, 2022 Overview The Provider Finance Department (PFD) develops reimbursement methodology rules for determining payment rates or rate ceilings for recommendation to the Health and Human Service as Commission (HHSC) for Medicaid payment rates and non-Medicaid payment rates for programs operated by the Health and Human Services Commission (HHS) and the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). PFD develops payment rates or rate ceilings in accordance with these rules and agency...

Texas Local IDD Authorities (LIDDA) Click on link below: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1x52WNDpmumg3J5ANB-G1aWfCSFFnHKM&usp=sharing

HCS Group Home Vacancy Search To find out which companies have group home vacancies, you may go to the following link:  https://resources.hhs.texas.gov/find/HCS.  Please be sure if you are an HCS provider that you are reporting any vacancies in your group home to the state.

June 23rd, 2022 2022 Conference for Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Innovating, Developing & Defining the Future of Service Delivery August 12, 2022 Norris Conference Centers – Dallas Northpointe Centre (Located in: Brightwood College in Dallas:  12005 Ford Rd #200, Dallas, TX 75234) The exhibitor information is available now. See link below.  Registrant information to be posted later this month. Please click on this link for Exhibitor Information

June 23rd, 2022 This is a notice to potential applicants that Request For Applications (RFA) No. HHS0011334 has been posted. This notice is from Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) Procurement and Contracting Services (PCS). The RFA and related attachments can be located on the HHS Grants Website: https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/pcs/HHS0011334/   Refer to the RFA at the best walk-in clinic for the required submission method(s), Deadline for Submitting Questions or Requests for...

June 23rd, 2022 Please see the recent alert below from HHSC.  This has been brought to my attention just recently, however, I find it in conflict with the billing guidelines/requirements prior to even COVID-19, which allows for nurses to complete assessments per video chat  So, most likely they will revise billing requirements.  But know, it was in place prior to the Pandemic. Revised Guidance for COVID-19 Flexibility for Registered Nursing Services Provided by Telehealth for  HCS & TxHmL...

June 17th, 2022 This message will only address the ICF/IID grants. As of May 31st, 2022, there was little else shared by HHSC, other than what was posted on its website on May 19, 2022. There was however information shared during the HHSC IDD Coordination Workgroup meeting shortly after that. 1.  Eligibility Criteria for the SB 8 Grants:   According to HHSC, application for the grants will be through an open procurement process which prohibits HHSC from disclosing any details. HHSC...

June 17th, 2022 Employment First Training Series Amerigroup and the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE) are hosting a free, eight-week training series on competitive integrated employment and Employment First. The training is intended for Supported Employment providers throughout the state of Texas. It is not required for providers that maintain the TWC-VR Supported Employment credential. The kickoff for the training series is June 29, 2022. For more information about the...

June 16th, 2022 Yesterday afternoon the HHSC IDD Coordination Workgroup met.  Though many topics were covered, below is the information discussed on HCBS Enhanced FMAP.  Here is a general summary of updates discussed, as follows: State-controlled ARPA, Transition of DHs to ISS, and TMHP migration issues.  Below is their discussion on ARPA funds. Note:  Continue to look for further FAQ's on some of these issues and training to come from HHSC in the near future. HCBS Enhanced FMAP:  Note: ...

June 12th, 2022 Potential Long-Term Care Remittance and Status Report Delays Due to the Home and Community-Based Services American Rescue Plan Act Provider Retention Payments (Add-On) for personal attendant and nursing services, rates are being updated. Refer to Information Letter No. 2022-30 for additional information. From TMHP "Because of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provider retention payments (add-on) for personal attendant and nursing...

June 6th, 2022 Register for June 8 HCBS ARPA Stakeholder Update Webinar HCBS providers are urged to attend this HCBS ARPA Stakeholder Update Webinar. HHSC will provide updates on the Texas Home and Community Based Services Spending Plan authorized under Section 9817 of the American Rescue Plan Act HCBS ARPA Stakeholder Update June 8 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Register for the HCBS ARPA Stakeholder Update webinar.

TMHP & HHSC Response to Common Migration Issues:   Click on link below TMHP Migration Complaints-HHSC Responses-060222   You can contact TMHP directly to submit your questions/ issues/requests for assistance using the  template below and using the following email address:   HCS_TxHml@tmhp.com -Subject: HCS/TxHmL Question/Issue (and a short description of the issue or question) -Point of Contact (POC) Name: -National Provider Identifier (NPI)/Contract Number: -POC Phone Number: -POC...

Here is the TMHP page that you can check for updates on fixes, errors discovered and other updates on TMHP issues in HCS. Not sure everything will be sent in provider alerts on our normal Sunday emails we get from HHSC.  Sounds like they won't, so check periodically. https://www.tmhp.com/news?created=2&title=HCS&program_id=56&topic_id=All&category_id=All Here is the main page if you have any issues and you can search for HCS LTC issues...

May 25th, 2022 Tip So a provider mentioned that it might be a good idea to just have a stamp made that says "ENTERED" on the top and underneath it the letters "DLN" with a box next to it to write in the DLN #. This way, every time someone enters their ID/RC's and IPC's,  into TMHP for renewal, revision, etc.. and then you click  "submit" you can write down the "DLN" on the document.  The provider will have to know what DLN # goes with which entry.

May 30th, 2022 LTC Online Portal Dashboard Accessibility Issue Resolved An accessibility issue with the Long-Term Care Online Portal Dashboard has been resolved. "I have received quite a few calls about this issue.  And unfortunately, that made it also very difficult to get a status on claims billed for many providers. So hopefully the issue is now truly resolved." From HHSC: "Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living waiver programs providers and local intellectual developmental...

May 30th, 2022 In Case You Don't Have Enough To Worry About..... HHSC Publishes Information on Preparing for Fee-for-Service Claims Billing Closeout IL 2022-31 IL 2022-31 (PDF) is posted to the HHS site. Just some thoughts: Understand, that this also might mean a period of time where regular payments will be delayed a few weeks, right when the fiscal year closeout occurs at end of August.  Hopefully not, but it has been an issue in past years with CARE. Please be sure to take care of all...

May 29th, 2022 2022 Hurricane Season Emergency Preparedness with COVID-19 Long-term care providers in Texas are reminded to review their emergency preparedness and response plans before the Atlantic hurricane season begins, which runs June 1–Nov. 30. LTC providers should make updates, if necessary. Providers should factor in COVID-19 contingencies when reviewing their preparedness plans. For example, as applicable: Are your receiving facilities and transportation contracts still viable? If...

May 23, 2022 Very Important! Please see information from TMHP below: Some Rejected Claims May Be Resubmitted Some Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) claims that were submitted to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) between May 2, 2022, and May 13, 2022, were rejected in error. HCS and TxHmL claims that were rejected with the following explanations of benefits (EOBs) may now be resubmitted for processing: Explanation of Benefits Description...

COVID-19 in Healthcare Relief Grants Senate Bill (SB) 8, 87th Legislature, 3rd Called Session, 2021, appropriates funding for the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to issue awards to support Texas healthcare providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. These awards include funding for Rural Hospitals, Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), home health agencies (HHA), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities or...

More Help Available For Persons Entering IPC's Into TMHP! More information about submitting and revising Individual Plans of Care is available in the Long-Term Care Online Portal User Guides for Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Waiver Programs. These user guides are available for the following programs that submit IPC forms 3608 and 8582 in the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership LTC Online Portal: HCS and TxHmL providers. Local intellectual and development...

May 8th, 2022  HCS and TxHmL Must Submit Claims and Forms to TMHP Beginning May 2, 2022 Home and Community-based Services (HCS) providers, Texas Home Living (TxHmL) providers, local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs), and financial management services agencies (FMSAs) billing on behalf of Consumer Directed Services (CDS) employers must submit claims and forms to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) beginning May 2, 2022, for dates of service on or...

May 5th, 2022 Please see the link below for updated Service Delivery Logs for 05/2022 in Billing Requirements Handbook on page 185. Billing & Payment Billing Requirements For HCBS Waiver   For questions about HCBS Program Billing Requirements, please email:   hcspolicy@hhs.texas.gov

April 28th, 2022 Very Important! Recorded Webinar For Claims Submission in TMHP   Below is the link to the recording of the claims submission webinar TMHP conducted.   Additional information about the migration will be sent under separate cover. Note:  HHSC will not conduct another webinar on claims submission!  https://tmhp.exceedlms.com/student/enrollments/create_enrollment_from_token/fEmzWuXLDuXzfc3jncsErHWU   March 1st, 2022 HCS and TxHmL Programs Forms and Claims Submissions to...

April 28th, 2022 STAR+PLUS Pilot:  Attached are handouts from the November, 2021 and February, 2022 joint meeting of the IDD SRAC and STAR+PLUS Pilot Program Workgroup related to the pilot and decisions (including eligibility) made thus far. See pages 52 - 102 of the February, 2022 document for information about the pilot. HHSC has created a webpage on the Pilot Program. The link to this webpage...

April 28th, 2022 Effective May 1, 2022, HHSC will transition certain COVID-19 flexibilities to interim guidance in accordance with House Bill (H.B.) 4 (87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021). The following activities are authorized through interim guidance to be provided through a telehealth (synchronous audio-visual) modality: Renewal ID/RC assessments Renewal, revised and transfer IPCs This guidance applies to the following programs: Community Living Assistance and Support Services Home...

April 28th, 2022 Details On Hearing Date, Time & Location:  Thursday, May 5, 2022 at 10:00 a.m., Capitol Extension, E2.030 Purpose:  To receive invited testimony on several of its interim charges:  #1 related to Healthy Families and Healthy Texas Initiative. When looking at healthy aspects of families, everything from hygiene to food, especially food since lots of people ask is mazola corn oil healthy?  These are all related to the 1115 Waiver, and, the one of importance to PPAT members, ...

April 20th, 2022 HHSC will hold a public hearing on the rules this summer.  Date and time not shared by HHSC yet. Lengthy discussion regarding the proposed provision related to lease agreements and the potential for eviction if R&B payments are not received, has occurred. A process is needed to ensure Providers receive R& B payments However, It is clear that further discussion regarding the proposed process/requirement is needed.

April 18th, 2022 HHSC Updates the ICF/IID COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ Documents – April 18 HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated the COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ documents for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions program. HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated the COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ documents for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions program. Read the...

April 16th, 2022 Effective April 16, 2022 the Public Health Emergency (Pancemic) has been extended another 90 days.  This means, that if not terminated during that 90-day period, it will either end July 15, 2022, or, if deemed necessary, will be extended for another 90-day period

April 13th, 2022 Texas Providers have been reminded that they can be surveyed at any time by a CMS/Federal Surveyor and will need to be in compliance if this occurs. In short, at this time, HHSC Regulatory will not survey for compliance with the federal mandate. The federal mandate and HHSC position apply to certified-only HCSSAs, Hospice, Nursing Homes and ICFs/IID. 

April 12th, 2022 Information As of Now on Draft ISS Rules: The program rules will go to MCAC on August 11, 2022.  The regulatory or license rules will go to the HHSC Executive Council but no date set yet. The program and regulatory rules will be published in the Texas Register for formal comment in late July, and HHSC will hold a public hearing on the rules. HHSC has decided to eliminate the on-site ratios. Though the off-site ratios have not been eliminated, HHSC is considering revisions to...

April 10th, 2022 HHSC Launches Individualized Skills and Socialization Portal Information Page HHSC launched a new Individualized Skills and Socialization Services Provider Portal. This new portal allows providers access to information on Individualized Skills Socialization services. Including: Complete and review trainings. Find and review provider letters and other information and releases. Link to rules and other services. March 9th, 2022 At the recent HHSC IID Coordination Workgroup...

March 7th, 2022  (See link below to FAQ's) HCS/TxHmL FAQ Document Answers to Additional Questions related to the Migration Can you clarify the next steps to get providers registered for the billing training? The claims training will be provided from TMHP. Providers need to sign up to receive TMHP alerts as the announcement will come from a TMHP alert. HHSC may send out an alert also, but providers have been missing out on announcements because they do not get TMHP alerts. What does a provider...

March 10, 2022 Draft of ISS Rules below: Texas Administrative Code, Title 26, Part 1, Chapter 559, Subchapters A and H, Individualized Skills and Socialization Email comments before March 28th, 2022 to Long-term Care Regulation Policy and Rules.

March 9th, 2022 CARE Banner In CARE system for HCS/TxHmL providers: Moving the date of migration of HCS and TxHmL waivers has resulted in significant technology changes. In preparation for this migration, TMHP and HHSC will begin deployment activities on 04/06/22. Some Provider/LIDDA data entry screens in CARE will be unavailable starting COB 04/06/22 until 04/30/22. A Gov Delivery notice will be sent with a complete list of affected screens next week.  HHSC will notify you if the migration...

March 7th, 2022 Public Comment Period for STP HHSC will submit a Statewide Transition Plan to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This is required by the federal Home and Community Based Services Settings Rule. The STP describes HHSC’s plan to meet the requirements of the HCBS Settings Rule. HHSC invites members of the public, including HCBS recipients and their families, providers, and other stakeholders, to submit comments on the STP. Comments will be accepted until 11:59 pm on...

March 4th, 2022 If you attended the 2/9/22 Plans of Correction (POC's) training webinar for HCS & TxHmL, here are the answers to some of the follow-up questions asked during the session:  Q: I have experienced that the POC has a date that is 8 days in the past but the postage stamp would be 2 days ago. This leaves me with 6 days to complete the POC. Do I use the date on the letter or the postage date for the 14-day time period? A: §9.183(f) states the program provider must submit the POC...

LTC Providers May Need to Update Fire Alarm System Cellular Communication Services In 2022 cellular companies will retire their older 3G technology. These companies include T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon and AT&T. LTC providers relying on fire alarm systems that utilize outdated cellular communicators operating on 3G networks must consider upgrading their fire alarm communication apparatus. The majority of these systems depend on cellular communication devices to dispatch signals to a 24-hour...

March 1st, 2022 HCS and TxHmL Form Submission on LTC Online Portal Unavailable Until May 1, 2022 Due to Postponement, submissions of Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living forms using the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership Long-Term Care Online Portal are unavailable until May 1st, 2022. Data migration to the TMHP LTC Online Portal took place prior to March 1st, 2022. FYI-Any HCS and TxHmL form submitted to the LTC Online Portal before March 1 could be removed and...

March 1st, 2022 Claims & Forms Submissions:    The March 1 release of claims and forms submissions to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership is postponed to May 1, 2022. Home and Community-based Services Texas Home Living program providers Providers should continue to use the Client Assignment and Registration system for submitting claims and forms until May 1, 2022. The postponement allows more time for Providers to set up the necessary TMHP accounts and take relevant training...

February 27th, 2022 HCS and TxHmL Webinar Slated for March 3 moved to March 10th, 2022 Program providers and other interested stakeholders can now register for the upcoming HCS and TxHmL webinar. Webinar topics include: HCS & TxHmL Forms and Claims Migration Project Critical Incident Management System HCS and TxHmL Webinar March 10, 2022 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Register for the webinar Email questions about the webinar to your program policy mailbox: HCS Policy TxHmL...

February 26th, 2022 If you missed part II of the LTC TMHP Migration HCS & TxHmL Waiver Webinar Training, you will have an additional chance on March 10th, 2022 10am-12:30pm Central Please click here register here The Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal Training for Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Waiver Programs is a two-part webinar for providers and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authorities (LIDDAs). Attendees can register for any of...

February 8th, 2022 For those of you who missed today's training (part I) or who did not download the documents, I have provided them on this "Updates" post from Twogether Consulting Link to Resource Document from Webinar on 2/8/22 (TMHP Training Part I) Webinar Handout Part I Training  LTC TMHP Portal Provider User Guide TMHP Migration (HCS & TxHmL) FAQ's This webinar will be repeated on March 8th, 2022 10am-1pm central The Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal Training for Home and...

February 23rd, 2022 Claims Training For The Transition To TMHP Next Week  ~  HHSC and TMHP will conduct the training next week. They will let us know in the next few days when the training is set. ~  Webinar will be 2 hours.  Training will include a step-by-step walk-through. A  large portion of time will be used to answer questions providers have about billing. Look at the considerations to use applications to improve your business. ~  HHSC & TMHP webinars have a 1,000 person limit. ...

February 14th, 2022 The CMS Interim Final Rule related to the vaccine mandate only applies to certified providers regulated by CMS such as ICFs/IID, Nursing Homes, certain Home Health Agencies, etc. See complete list at:  https://ogletree.com/insights/cms-gives-a-boost-and-takes-a-shot-at-full-vaccination-for-millions-of-u-s-healthcare-workers/ ***The end of the list states that home and community-based services are not included.  As such (and confirmed by HHSC), the CMS Interim Final...

February 13th, 2022 HCS/TxHmL Providers & LIDDA's: Client Assessment, Review, and Evaluation (CARE) Report and Screen Crosswalks Now Available The CARE report and screen crosswalks for HCS, TxHmL providers and LIDDAs are now available to assist with daily operations. Click the following link to view the files: Provider and LIDDA CARE Report Crosswalk Provider and LIDDA CARE Screen Crosswalk HCS and TxHmL providers will use these crosswalks to locate relevant individual and provider data...

February 8th, 2022 CBT (Computer Based Training) For TMHP Billing of Services/Entering Claims For those of you asking where to submit claims for HCS & TxHmL services after March 1st, this will be via TMHP.  CARE will no longer be used to submit these claims as of March 1st, 2022.  Training on how to submit your claims can be found on the TexMedConnect for LTC Providers portal via CBT training. TexMedConnect for Long-Term Care (LTC) Providers "This CBT contains information about using...

I recently received this response from HHSC and thought it might be helpful to some providers who may have this concern: There is no rule or regulation that prohibits an HCS Program Provider from providing services to their own child or family member. You can pop over to this site to get in touch with the best lawyers who will help you to claim this scheme. The program provider’s operations must prevent conflict of interest as required by 40 TAC §9.177(f): §9.177 Certification Principles:...

February 1st, 2022 HCS/TxHmL Writing Acceptable Plans of Correction Webinar   "WHAT IS A POC? 42 CFR §488.401 defines a Plan of Correction to mean a plan developed by the facility and approved by CMS or the survey agency that describes the actions the facility will take to correct deficiencies and specifies the date by which those deficiencies will be corrected.Apr 19, 2021" Program providers can register for the Writing Acceptable Plans of Correction for HCS and TxHmL webinar. This...

February 1st, 2022 HHSC Publishes Information on Delivery of PT, OT, and ST Services (IL 2022-08) HHSC is issuing interim guidance allowing telehealth delivery of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services. Access Information Letter No. 2022-08, HB4: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy Services Delivered by Synchronous Audio-Visual. The letter notes which therapies are not allowed to be delivered through telehealth modalities because the service...

February 1st, 2022 Guidance for LTC Providers COVID-19 cases continue to increase across Texas. HHSC reminds providers to follow the guidelines listed below and ensure their emergency plan is up to date. Staff must be aware of what to do in the event of any sort of emergency, including an outbreak of flu or COVID-19. Please review the following rules, guidelines, and policies: COVID-19 mitigation and visitation rules for your provider type Any applicable COVID-19 response plans for your...

HHSC has published ICF and HCS Emergency Staffing Requests – Jan. 10 HHSC has published ICF and HCS Emergency Staffing Requests (Provider Letter 2022-02). This letter provides information for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ICFs) or Related Conditions and Home and Community-based Services (HCS) program providers facing staffing shortages related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

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 (i.e. Individual program plans),...

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 LTC programs, applies to...

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 their COVID-19 webpages and...

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 Omicron variant strain. The...

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 guidance for long-term care facilities...

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 features of the blue navigational bar and the...

December 30th, 2021 “Study & Prep Session For HCS Provider Applicant Test”  Contact us for a copy of pre-recorded session from November 3rd, 2021 This Training is Not Affiliated In Any Way with HHSC It is Provided by Twogether Consulting, a private consulting company for HCS/TxHmL & ICF providers  (As well as persons  seeking Information about these Medicaid programs) (We will be reviewing some TxHmL information as well) Cost:  $150/person To register, please go to:   Topics:    ...

HCS and TxHmL program providers, Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authority agencies, and Financial Management Services Agencies billing on behalf of Consumer Directed Services employers can register for webinars starting next month. These webinars will cover information about the Long-Term Care Online Portal and forms that HCS and TxHmL program providers will use. The webinars will: Include a live Q&A session Begin in February 2022 Details, including dates, times, and...

December 20th, 2021 Check LEIE/OIG and check With the implementation of FBI-based fingerprinting in 2021, Long-term Care Regulation (LTCR) also implemented Occupations Code (OC), Chapter 53, related to the consequences of a criminal conviction, specifically the 2019 legislative update to OC §53.023 concerning additional factors for licensing authorities to consider after determining a conviction directly relates to the occupation. Policy Details & Provider Responsibilities Long-term care...

December 17th, 2021 The link doesn't inform providers about current information but will provide future information about ARPA funds, and will be available on the newly created HHSC Grants webpage. Press Release: Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce $128 Million To Support Staffing Needs At Rural Hospitals, Nursing Facilities | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott HHSC Grants Webpage: COVID-19 in Healthcare Relief Grants | Texas Health and Human Services According to the HHSC Provider Finance...

December 12th, 2021 ISS (Individualized Skills and Socialization)   Changes to Day Habilitation (DH) programs are coming for HCS/TxHmL!  The link below contains a discussion concerning the implementation of a recommendation in the Rider 21 Report (General Appropriations Act for FY 2020-2021, 86th Session) related to the monitoring of DH programs which will transition to the provision of ISS. To view, the report go to: ...

November 4th, 2021 HCS and TxHmL Annual Vendor Submission Timeframe The timeframe to submit for annual vendor approval is Nov.1, 2021 through Jan. 31, 2022. 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 received. If you are unable to meet the...

The HHS Learning Portal  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 & Current HCS/TxHmL 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 ANE E-Learning page ***You may need...

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 change per day for individuals...

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, CLASS, and DBMD Webinar (PDF)....

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 provide those services.  I do, however, highly...

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 directed. See links below for more...

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. One system=PEMS One NPI-based enrollment...

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 assistance before requesting...

CMS and OSHA just released their respective interim final rules on the vaccine mandate.  Below are links to their rules, webinars and other related items. For further details see below as well as the information at the following link:  https://homehealthcarenews.com/2021/11/cms-releases-emergency-regulation-requiring-covid-19-vaccinations-for-medicare-medicaid-providers/?euid=6e81729339&utm_source=hhcn-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=c7ada108f8 CMS: Link to Interim Final...

HHSC Publishes Acceptable Documentation for a Criminal History Check for Contractors (IL 2021-48) HHSC has published IL 2021-48 (PDF). This letter is provided as a companion letter to PL 2019-01 (PDF) which describes acceptable documentation a contractor may use to demonstrate the contractor conducted a criminal history check of an employment applicant or an employee. Licensed contractors must continue to follow the guidance outlined in PL 2019-01. Unlicensed contractors must follow the...

HHSC Publishes Information to Assist People with Terminated SSI (IL 2021-47) HHSC has published IL 2021-47 (PDF). It assists people with terminated Supplemental Security Income. In Texas, people who get Supplemental Security Income benefits are eligible for Medicaid. Under normal circumstances, termination of SSI benefits results in losing Medicaid coverage.  When the continuous Medicaid coverage period ends, these individuals will lose their Medicaid coverage unless their SSI benefits are...

Vote early in Texas through Friday, October 29 DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST If you are registered to vote, you have the right to vote! Although you are not allowed to use your phone or electronics for notes, you can take handwritten or printed notes with you into the voting booth. That’s why we created a free Plan Your Vote downloadable checklist, which includes the number for Disability Rights Texas’s Voting Hotline in case you encounter issues casting your ballot. It may also help to review your...

October 18th, 2021 SB 8 (ARPA funds) Passed by the Senate and House! The Senate passed SB 8. and the House passed SB 8 as of this evening!  The bill appropriates $13 billion of the $16 billion available in ARPA funds. The bill reflects agreements reached by the conference committee and can be viewed at: https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/87ccrs/sb0008_3c.pdf#navpanes=0 In reviewing the document, please note the following: Pages 3-24 contain the committee report in bill language.  To view bill...

October 3rd, 2021 HHSC Announces HCS and TxHmL Interpretive Guidance Page HHSC Long-term Care Regulation created the HCS and TxHmL Interpretive Guidance page. This page connects program providers with relevant tools for rule interpretation. It includes the Interpretative Guidance booklet and Certification Principle training. October 3rd, 2021 Twogether Consulting highly recommends you read through the HCS/TxHmL Interpretive Guidance Booklet and keep this PDF downloaded on your desktop for...

September 30th, 2021 CAP Update: Administrative Penalties for ICFs (PL 21-34) HHSC published Provider Letter 21-34 Amended Statutory Cap Regarding Administrative Penalties for Intermediate Care Facilities. PL 21-34 notifies providers of changes to how HHSC determines and imposes administrative penalties based on changes made by House Bill 3720 (87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021).

September 21st, 2021 Updated CDC Guidance for LTC Facilities on Accessing COVID-19 Vaccine – Sept. 2021 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently updated resources for long-term care facilities on how to help residents and staff access COVID-19 vaccines: Vaccine Access in Long-term Care Settings Care Administrators and Managers: Options for Coordinating Access to COVID-19 Vaccines Jurisdictions Can Ensure COVID-19 Vaccine Access for Staff and Residents in Long-term Care...

September 21, 2021 COVID-19 FAQ's Updated For HCS/TxHmL HHSC has revised the Updated HCS and TxHmL COVID-19 FAQ (PDF)  in response to the revised HCS and TxHmL COVID-19 Mitigation and Visitation rules.   September 21st,2021 COVID-19 Response Plan Revised HCS/TxHmL   COVID-19 Response Plan (PDF) in response to the revised HCS and TxHmL COVID-19 Mitigation and Visitation rules 9/21/21 Updated to reflect changes in response to GA-38 regarding facemasks and updated CDC guidance The Table...

HHSC and Money Follows the Person Demonstration Grant Bringing webinar series to health care professionals. It discusses the work of Dr. Montessori and the Montessori Method when working with older adults with dementia. Dr. Cameron Camp provides this series. The series will also focus on understanding the application of Montessori principles to improving staff engagement. Discussions includes specific principles and techniques. Montessori Inspired Lifestyle: Montessori Based Dementia...

HHSC Publishes Guidance for Ending of the Temporary Suspension of Certain LTCR Requirements During COVID-19 Outbreak (PL 2021-29) Updated September 15th, 2021  (Originally posted on August 15th, 2021) HHSC has published Provider Letter 2021-29 (replaces PL 2020-21 and 2020-26) - End of Temporary Suspension of Certain LTCR Requirements During COVID-19 Outbreak (PDF). The letter describes the rule suspensions that ended, the rule suspensions that are still in place, and the rule suspensions that...

September 5th, 2021 HHSC Publishes In-Home Day Habilitation Information for Program Providers for COVID-19 (IL 2021-39) 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 2021-39 In-Home Day...

September 5th, 2021  HHSC Publishes Revised Informal Dispute Resolution (PL 2021-07) HHSC published a revised version of Provider Letter 2021-07, Informal Dispute Resolution (PDF). A revision was made to update the contact phone number. . The Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) process gives nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities, Home and Community-based Service and Texas Home Living waiver providers the opportunity to informally dispute regulatory survey...

September 1st, 2021 The Health and Human Services Commission created the Regulatory Services Division (RSD) in 2017 as regulatory functions consolidated from the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), and the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). As part of this consolidation effort, new teams were developed while keeping the division’s core values of quality, consistency, efficiency, and accountability in mind. RSD...

Requests For Exceeding Licensed Capacity During Severe Gulf Coast Weather HHSC Long-term Care Regulation is reminding providers to be ready to implement emergency preparedness plans. If your facility is impacted by severe weather such as wind or flooding, or is in an area under mandatory evacuation orders, contact the HHSC LTCR Regional Director in the region where the facility is located. In addition to contacting the HHSC LTCR RD, all requests to exceed licensed capacity due to an emergency...

August 26, 2021 Assisted living facilities, nursing facilities, and intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities are only required to report COVID-19 cases in residents or staff to HHSC if: It is the facility’s first ever COVID-19 case It is the facility’s first case after having had no COVID-19 cases among staff or residents for 14 days or longer Read Provider Letter 2021-04 (PDF). Email questions to LTCR Policy for more information, including a decision tree on when...

August 25th, 2021 Program Provider Response to COVID-19 and Visitation Expansion for HCS (PL 2021-30) HHSC published Provider Letter 2021-30 Program Provider Response to COVID-19 and Visitation Expansion for HCS. This letter replaces PL 2021-09.  This letter describes the actions a program provider must take to mitigate COVID-19 according to Executive Order GA-38(link is external) and CDC guidance and the criteria for expanded indoor and outdoor visitation as well as essential caregiver...

August 15th, 2021 HHSC Publishes HCS and TxHmL Survey Operations Transformation (PL 2021-26) In advance of the HCS Waiver Survey and Certification unit’s transition to Long-term Care Survey Operations, HHSC has published PL 2021-26, HCS and TxHmL Survey Operations Transformation (PDF). The letter provides information about HHSC’s transformation efforts and what HCS and TxHmL program providers can expect on August 30, 2021.