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 visitation rules) for persons receiving HH/CC services.  We plan to keep you updated!

Expanded ReopeningVisitation:

Phase 1 requirements all remain in place (except for compassionate care visits, which are being replaced with less restrictive essential caregiver visits.)

All facilities without an active facility acquired outbreak can move to visitation as outlined in the emergency rules(including those with isolation wings), but visitation is only allowed for residents/individuals,  who are NOT COVID positive and in areas away from COVID positive isolation areas.

Essential caregivers will be trained by the facility on PPE use and infection control, and they must meet the testing requirement.

Reopening is optional for facilities; those that do not feel they have the resources to re-open safely will not be mandated to open or allow for essential caregivers.

See the link below for more information on Visitation Rules for LTC Facilities, including ICF and HCS

https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/services/health/coronavirus-covid-19/reopening-visitation-ltc-facilities.pdf 

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 updated ppt. copy.  Thanks.  Here is the link to the HCS BG’s: 

https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/providers/resources/hcs/hcs-billing-guidelines.pdf

HCS Emergency COVID-19 Mitigation Rules Adopted

Click on link below to see new rules that were adopted!

hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/providers/long-term-care/hcs/hcs-covid-19-emergency-rules.pdf

HHSC Publishes HCS Level 1 Residence Attestation

HHSC LTCR has published the HCS Level 1 Residence Attestation for HCS providers. The document can be found on the HCS provider portal website under the COVID-19 Resources accordion.

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

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:  Emergency Preparedness and Response and COVID-19 Addendum

Appendix K-Emergency Preparedness and Response-COVID-19

Both of these items will most likely be requested of the provider, at some point during the survey process in the near future. (That’s if you have not already been asked to provide these items.)  This is especially true if the surveyor sees that you are not in compliance with HHSC’s COVID-19 Response Plan Guidance for the providers and CDC guidelines that are referred to in both of these documents.  These of course will definitely tie into TAC code citations and ICF Tags, particularly nursing and possibly ANE TAC codes for both programs (neglect in particular). 

For both of these services, contact us at:  info@twogetherconsulting.com   We would be glad to invoice you or you can notify us to make arrangements and then make payment at https://twogetherconsulting.com/payments/ 

OFF-SITE SERVICES TIME BLOCKS:  We now offer packages of 3 hrs, 6 hrs, 9 hrs and 12 hrs for those of you who need quite a bit of periodic off-site assistance services including but not limited to:: Question & Answer Sessions, Resources, Individual Policies or Procedures, Creating Forms,  and Other Inquiries.  Previously we only had 3, 6, and 9 hr blocks.  12-hr blocks purchased at one time will be at $60/hr (Total= $720)  For more information go to:  https://twogetherconsulting.com/services/off-site-services/   You may request an invoice or make direct payment instead to:  https://twogetherconsulting.com/payments/

This does not include Complete/extensive Policies and Procedures, Employee Handbooks, CAPs/POC’s , DIT’s, Webinars, or Off-site Training.  Please be sure to contact me directly if you have or are going to purchase online, and you would like to schedule some specific time for consultation javasbja@aol.com 

SCORING ICAPS: Some providers are brand new or may have a small number of individuals in their program.  Sometimes you just can’t afford the initial cost of purchasing the ICAP scoring system or you simply don’t know how to use the scoring system very well.  So if you have ICAP renewals due or are requesting a LON increase, for example, we will be glad to score your ICAP’s for you.  Please give us at least 5 days’ notice, if possible.  The cost is $25 per ICAP online if you purchase at our “Store”. https://twogetherconsulting.com/store/

We can provide a discounted rate if you have more than 5 ICAP’s at one time that needs to be scored. Contact us at:  info@twogetherconsulting.com   We would be glad to invoice you,

Nursing Peer Review Process-If your facility needs training on the Nursing Peer Review Process or needs help with performing a Nursing Peer Review, please let us help.  You can contact us at info@twogetherconsulting.com to request assistance.  Remember, the provider can often use this process to assist the nurse and to prevent the nurse from going before the BON (Board of Nursing) if it is determined that the issues can and should be addressed by the facility and the nurse.  The nurse uses a group of his/her peers to assess the situation, determine the seriousness of the concern or allegation, and recommend appropriate corrections and solutions by the nurse and the facility.  This process can be used to correct certain nursing citations as well and again, possibly prevent the nurse from being reported to the BON. 

FYI-If you have 10 or more nurses working for your program (ICF, HCS, TXHmL, etc….), the BON requires the facility to have a “Nursing Peer Review Committee” to review Nursing Infractions and all facilities could benefit greatly from having some kind of “Nursing Peer Review Process” in place.

 [NPR §303.0015 ]

“Any person or entity that employs, hires, or contracts for the services of 10 or more nurses (RNs, LVNs or any combination thereof) must have a Peer Review Plan; however, peer review of RNs is not mandatory if the facility employs less than 5 RNs. A person or entity required to have nursing peer review may contract with another entity to conduct nursing peer review.”

 What is Peer Review? [Nursing Peer Review (NPR) §303.001(5)]

Peer review is the evaluation of nursing services, the qualifications of a nurse, the quality of patient care rendered by nurses, the merits of a complaint concerning a nurse or nursing care, and a determination or recommendation regarding a complaint including:

1. the evaluation of the accuracy of a nursing assessment and observation and the appropriateness and quality of the care rendered by a nurse;
2. a report made to a nursing peer review committee concerning an activity under the committee’s review authority;
3. a report made by a nursing peer review committee to another committee or to the Board as permitted or required by law; and
4. implementation of a duty of a nursing peer review committee by a member, an agent, or an employee of the committee.

A Peer Review Committee may review the nursing practice of an LVN, RN, or APN (RN with advanced practice authorization).

There are two kinds of nursing peer review:

1. Incident-based (IBPR), in which case peer review is initiated by a facility, association, school, agency, or any other setting that utilizes the services of nurses; or
2. Safe Harbor (SHPR), which may be initiated by an LVN, RN or APN prior to accepting an assignment or engaging in requested conduct that the nurse believes would place patients at risk of harm, thus potentially causing the nurse to violate his/her duty to the patient(s). Invoking safe harbor in accordance with rule 217.20 protects the nurse from licensure action by the BON as well as from retaliatory action by the employer.

See revised rules 217.19 (Incident-Based Nursing Peer Review and Whistleblower Protections) and 217.20 (Safe Harbor Peer Review and Whistleblower Projections){http://www.bon.state.tx.us/nursinglaw/rr.html}

We are sorry to say, that our plan to start providing training again with Nursing CNE’s has been put on hold, due to the Pandemic (COVID-19).  We will keep you posted.

 Provider Specific Training now being offered by Twogether Consulting

• Training (Off-site) to Providers concerning Direct Care staff’s interaction with Surveyors during interviews and how this can affect the provider, particularly the nursing department, as well as preparing for the survey in general.  (HCS, TXHmL, and ICF)
• Training (Off-site) to Providers concerning “Nursing Expectations of Direct Care Staff and It’s Importance”  (HCS, TXHmL, and ICF)
• Training (Off-site) to Providers concerning Nursing Staff’s interaction with the Surveyors, particularly during the interview process with the nurse.  (HCS, TXHmL, and ICF)
• Training (Off-site) Other Direct Care staff training such as Abuse Neglect & Exploitation Reporting and Follow-Up for HCS/ICF, including PPT handouts,  Quiz and Inservice Sheet for your records or Certificates of Completion. This training does meet the new requirements listed in the current HCS TAC Code 9.175                                                         Let Twogether Consulting provide your facility with one on one webinar training.

HHSC is issuing this guidance from CMS to Home and Community-based Services program providers. It clarifies electronic visit verification requirements for in-home day habilitation.

All service events occurring on or after Dec. 1, 2020, for an EVV-required service, must be captured in the EVV system and accepted into the EVV Aggregator.

EVV is not required for In-Home Day Habilitation provided to someone in a:

• Three or four-person home
• Host home
• Companion care residential setting

EVV is only required for the following services:

• Community First Choice Personal Assistance Services/Habilitation
• In-Home Day Habilitation in own home or family home settings
• In-Home Respite in own home or family home settings

See IL 20-07 Electronic Visit Verification in the HCS and TxHmL Program (PDF) for information about EVV requirements.

Additional Guidance on Day Habilitation Services

Program providers billing claims for In-Home Day Habilitation services requiring EVV will continue to use the current claims procedure code, T2020. The EVV Service Bill Codes Table lists this code on the HHS EVV website.

HHSC is developing separate bill codes for Out-of-Home Day Habilitation and will provide guidance before implementing the new codes.

Email hcspolicy@hhsc.state.tx.us with questions.

No EVV For In-Home DH: 3 & 4-bed Homes or Host Homes

August 20th, 2020

HHSC just informed the three IDD associations that it received clarification from CMS that EVV will not be required for in-home day habilitation delivered in a three- or four-bed home or host home. HHSC will send notice regarding this to all affected stakeholders.   This does however mean that In-Home DH provided in an individual’s “Own Family Home” will still require staff to utilize EVV.

CURES Act EVV Training is Underway for HCS/TxHmL Providers

Program providers and FMSAs affected by the Cures Act EVV expansion must complete EVV policy and EVV Portal training before Dec. 1, 2020, and then annually. See the EVV Required Training Checklist (PDF) for more information.

To meet the training requirement, program providers and FMSAs attending these webinars must:

1. Register for Session 1.
2. Register for Session 2.
3. Attend both sessions from start to finish.

To register, click the links below:

FMSAs

• Session 1 – June 2, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Session 2 – June 3, 2020 – 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

HCS/TxHmL

• Session 1 – June 9, 2020 – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
• Session 2 – June 10, 2020 – 8:30 am to 12:30 pm

Additional Training Opportunities

Program providers and FMSAs can also meet training requirements by completing computer-based training online in the HHSC Learning Portal and TMHP Learning Management System. HHSC and TMHP are planning additional live training events this fall and will provide more information when available.

Email TMHP for questions about registration or the EVV Portal.

Email questions about EVV training requirements.

 For more Cures Act information, visit the HHS EVV Cures Act webpage.

If you miss the EVV training dates, you may take them on the HHSC learning portal:

https://learningportal.dfps.state.tx.us/

Please go to HHSC’s page on Electronic Visit Verification for the latest information/ updates to EVV.  Please see Training & Joint Training pages from HHSC as well!

https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/resources/electronic-visit-verification

Updated Timeline for Cures Act EVV Expansion     

The updated timeline for expanding the Cures Act EVV requirement to all Medicaid personal care services is now available on the HHS Cures Act EVV website.

The timeline includes new information and resources about the EVV Practice Period beginning July 1, completing training requirements, and more.

This information is for Cures Act program providers and FMSAs (PDF) required to use Electronic Visit Verification by Jan. 1, 2021.

For questions, contact EVV.

• •  EVV Proprietary System page 

    http://www.tmhp.com/Pages/EVV/EVV-Proprietary.aspx

    Providers currently required to use EVV must continue to use EVV under state law and HHSC policy. See the Programs and Services Currently Required to Use Electronic Visit Verification (PDF) 

    For questions about EVV vendors, email evv@TMHP.com

New EVV Proprietary System Onboarding Documents Available

TMHP has posted new information about the EVV proprietary system onboarding process on the TMHP EVV Proprietary Systems webpage.

The documents located in the Onboarding section provide an overview of the approval process that a program provider or FMSA must complete before using their own EVV proprietary system. For more information, refer to the article on the TMHP EVV website (PDF).

Resources

• Contact: Electronic_Visit_Verification@hhsc.state.tx.us
• Website: HHSC EVV Cures Act

Trainings Available:

• HHSC EVV Training webpage

EVV Policy Training (Provided by your payer)

• The HHSC EVV Policy computer-based training (CBT).
• The MCO Policy training. Contact your MCO for EVV Policy training opportunities.

EVV Aggregator and EVV Portal Training (Provided by TMHP)

• TMHP EVV CBT modules 1-6.
• TMHP EVV Webinar training.

There will also be instructor-led trainings (EVV Roadshow) in October. Find the schedule and register on the HHS Learning Portal.

Additional training resources are available on the HHSC EVV website and the TMHP EVV Provider Training webpage.

For questions about this alert, email Electronic_Visit_Verification@hhsc.state.tx.us.

September 7th, 2020

HCS and TxHmL Billing and Payment Quarterly Webinar HCS and TxHmL Program Providers and other interested stakeholders can now register for the Billing and Payment Quarterly Webinar scheduled on September 30 from 3:30pm – 5:00pm (Central Standard Time). Topics will include revisions to the HCS, TxHmL and CFC Billing Guidelines Effective September 1, 2020.

Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Competency Training and Exam

Now Available in Spanish!!   

HHSC’s Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Competency Training and Exam is now available in Spanish.

This training is designed to meet the basic ANE training requirements for staff providing direct care in a community setting.

To access the training and exam:

1. Go to the Texas HHS Learning Portal
2. Staff members, service providers and volunteers must first sign up on the Learning Portal to access HHSC-approved trainings, if they have not already created an account.
3. Click “Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports Training” and select “Curso para la prevención del abuso, negligencia y explotación (ANE)” to access the ANE training and test in Spanish.

The training and exam requirements for the following long-term services and supports programs can be found below:

Home and Community-Based Services

TAC §9.175 Certification Principles: Requirements Related to the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of an Individual

HCS Handbook Appendix XII, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Training and Competency Test

Texas Home Living

TAC §9.585 Certification Principles: Requirements Related to the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of an Individual

TxHmL Appendix IX, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Training and Competency Test

Reporting a Death to HHSC in the HCS/TxHmL Programs

September 3rd, 2020

To report a death, HCS/TxHmL providers should complete Form 8493, Notification Regarding a Death in HCS, TxHmL programs by the end of the next business day following the program provider becoming aware of the individual’s death. Then fax the completed form to HHSC to 512-206-3999 according to the newest version of form 8493 that was updated in May of 2020. 

FYI-The previous fax # was 512-438-4148, which is still noted on the HHSC website as of now.  Please make sure you are faxing to the fax # listed on form 8493. 

June 26, 2020

Survey

WS&C will resume survey activities as of July 1st, 2020 for HCS/TxHmL.

 

Administrative Penalties Update!

HHSC Postpones the Implementation of Administrative Penalty Rules for HCS and TxHmL Providers

August 10th, 2020

Due to COVID-19, HHCS is delaying the implementation of the administrative penalty rules for HCS and TxHmL providers until January 1, 2021.

If you missed the most recent webinar for Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living providers Long-term Care Regulation to discuss questions and answers related to administrative penalties on July 9th, please register to watch recorded session below.

Register for the WSC Q&A Webinar Regarding Administrative Penalties.

If you missed the initial Joint Provider’s webinar on June 25th discussing Administrative Penalties, you may see the webinar recording of the session below. 

June 25, 2020

A recording of June 25, 2020, HCS and TxHmL Joint Provider Training on Administrative Penalty Rules webinar is available for those unable to attend.

View the webinar recording here

June 7th, 2019

Revised: IL20-11 Temporary Guidance Extended Through Oct. 30 for IPC’s & IDRC’s  

To ensure people do not experience a gap in services due to the temporary suspension of face to face service coordination visits for COVID-19, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will extend Intellectual Disability/Related Condition assessments and individual plans of care expiring at the end of June 2020. This is for people enrolled in the Home and Community- based Services Program or the Texas Home Living Program.

HHS revised IL20-11, Extensions of Eligibility and Individual Plan of Care Revisions for Individuals in HCS and TxHmL Due to COVID-19 (PDF). It was previously issued on March 26 and extends the temporary guidance through Oct. 30, 2020.

Call the IDD Program Enrollment Support message line at 512-438-2484 for ID/RC assessment questions.

Call the IDD Utilization Review message line at 512-438-5055 for IPC extension or revision.

Save The Date:

2020 HHS Long Term Care Regulatory Waiver Survey and Certification Joint Provider Training  (Date has been moved!)

September 30 – Oct.2, 2020

Crowne Plaza
6121 N IH 35
Austin, TX 78752

This free collaborative conference will focus on a variety of topics central to the Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living waiver programs. Featured topics will include Administrative Penalties, Amelioration, Informal Dispute Resolution, Nursing Services, Aging, Residential Surveys, Critical Incidents and more.

( I am assuming these topics may change including adding COVID-19)

Program provider staff, leadership, nurses and HHS surveyors are encouraged to attend.

Registration will be available Summer 2020.

Questions? Contact Kristin Priddy at 512-438-3297.

 

Email medical_and_social_services@hhsc.state.tx.us with your questions.

HHSC Launches IDD Operations Portal for HCS, TxHmL, ICF-IID, CFC Non-Waiver Providers and LIDDAs

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission are pleased to announce the implementation of the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Operations Portal. Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authorities, Home and Community-based Services, Texas Home Living, Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities providers may begin registering to use the IDD Operations Portal starting April 1, 2019.

The IDD Operations Portal is an online system that allows secure submission of electronic documents to and from the IDD Program Eligibility and Support and IDD Utilization Review departments. This portal is not replacing any of the systems you use today, such as TMHP or CARE. It is intended to result in a more timely and efficient submission of documents, and allows providers to check the status of submissions online.

A staggered implementation is happening now. Providers and LIDDAs with DBAs starting with C-G can now register for portal access.

Please see the full implementation schedule detailed in the information letter listed here.

LTCR will be resuming survey activity for ICF/IID, HCS, and TxHmL in August as follows:

 ICF/IID

Effective August 4, scheduling of all survey activity will resume, including recertification surveys for both health and life safety code.  All survey activity includes licensure surveys, follow-ups, complaint and incident investigations, and CHOW visits. Providers that are past or close to the end of their certification period will be scheduled first.

If you have questions about ICF/IID surveys, please contact your regional PM/RD or Renee Blanch-Haley  —  renee.blanch-haley@hhsc.state.tx.us

HCS/TxHmL

Beginning August 24th, 2020, HHSC will resume annual recertification surveys for HCS and TxHmL providers. Residential surveys will also resume for HCS providers.

If you have questions about HCS/TxHmL surveys, please contact Alyssa Naugle  —  Alyssa.Naugle@hhsc.state.tx.us

Sad News!

Our wonderful contact person, Laura Throneberry is, unfortunately, no longer at ADP Payroll.  She has been offered a wonderful new opportunity, and she will greatly miss working with Providers.  You all may be familiar with our other contact, Mitchell Deter.  He will still be assisting providers that work with HCS/TxHmL/and ICF.  Some of you may already be working with him.

We also have a new liaison, Katie Marx, who will be presenting at our next webinar in our “free webinar series”, August 27th, 2020.  We hope you will join us and also get to know Katie!

Katie’s contact info:  913-9480112 and her email is, katie.marx@adp.com

How is ADP addressing Covid-19 with their clients?  See links below:

Don’t forget if you are trying to develop training and policies around Covid-19, ADP can help!!

https://www.adp.com/about-adp/data-security/client-resources/adp-covid-19-preparedness.aspx

https://www.adp.com/spark/articles/2020/03/covid-19-protecting-your-employees-and-business.aspx

http://chrome-extension://oemmndcbldboiebfnladdacbdfmadadm/https://www.adp.com/-/media/who%20we%20are/pdf/business-resiliency-brochure.ashx?la=en&hash=0125A6ECCCF06EDBF9E503030B18EA7023358032

EV 

ADP is now partnering with TSheets, which will be great for our HCS/TxHmL providers who use ADP or who want to use ADP for Payroll and HR support.

Even if you have ADP already and want to upgrade your package, call or email Katie Marx at ADP ( she is Twogether Consulting’s liaison we have been working with) to assist our HCS/TxHmL and ICF providers. I hope this makes it easier for some of you who are concerned about having to get another separate service for Electronic Visit Verification.

Supercharge your ADP Time Cards with T-Sheets!

EVV (Electronic Visit Verification) Tracking

Manage Scheduling

Track Time By The Job

Easy Accurate Time Sheets

Mobile Time Tracking

Who’s Working Now and Where?

Alerts & Approvals

Reports

Mention how you found out about ADP through “Twogether Consulting/ Julie Blacklock” to receive discounted rate for limited time on your first month of service.

For those of you looking for payroll and HR services for your HCS , TXHmL, and ICF Programs, especially in the Houston and surrounding areas, I urge you to contact Katie Marx or Mitchell Deter at ADP about these services and more.  Katie is our main contact and works with HCS/TxHmL provider client base in the Austin and Houston area for the most part, and their specific needs.  She does work with providers in other parts of the state as well. They have now also added OIG and LEIE monthly checks to part of the HR services they can provide.  Woo hoo!

ADP can help you with everything from payroll, to employee handbooks for your company, to tracking items due for your HR files, etc… Whether you are new, small, or large business we could all use some help.  At a time when Providers really need to watch every penny, it is nice to also be informed or updated about changes coming!

Some of The Helpful ADP Free Training Webinars & Recordings

Title: Workplace Spotlight: COVID-19 Legislative Updates – How the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPPFA) Changed PPP Loan Forgiveness

Duration: 1 hour

Available On Demand

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&partnerref=web&eventid=2425491&sessionid=1&key=BA14109722A0F3C21600A063428446C4&regTag=&sourcepage=register

Title: How to Create Instant Cash-flow for Small Businesses Leveraging CARES Act and R&D Tax Credits

Duration: 1 hour, 3 minutes

Available On Demand

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.adp.com%2Fresources%2Fevents.aspx&eventid=2386032&sessionid=1&key=A4098DF17F17CDBB4582C737C4113CA4&regTag=&sourcepage=register

Title: Workplace Spotlight: CARES Act & COVID-19: Understanding the Employee Retention Tax Credit and Other Tax Implications

Duration: 1 hour, 1 minute

Available On Demand

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&partnerref=web&eventid=2281116&sessionid=1&key=811BF8DD403E27DEC8601E210E210CCD&regTag=&sourcepage=register

Title: SPECIAL EDITION: Protecting Your Workforce and Understanding Policies as Your Organization Responds to COVID-19- Part I

Duration: 35 minutes

Available On Demand

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&partnerref=web&eventid=2218023&sessionid=1&key=B0D8739554A6735C19B30AA5ECDAE3FD&regTag=&sourcepage=register

Title: SPECIAL EDITION – PART 2: Protecting Your Workforce and Understanding Policies as Your Organization Responds to COVID-19

Duration: 1 hour, 2 minutes

Available On Demand

https://event.on24.com/eventRegistration/EventLobbyServlet?target=reg20.jsp&partnerref=web&eventid=2225067&sessionid=1&key=1E14A512E04471768B1056BB7453393A&regTag=&sourcepage=register

PEO 101: HOW HR OUTSOURCING CAN HELP YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES

Register

Cost Free

CPE Credits1.0 hour

CE Credits0.0 hours

Course Description

During these uncertain times, it is even more important for businesses to have help navigating employee issues like workplace safety, compliance, HR, payroll and employee benefits.  Outsourcing HR through a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) solution is something accounting professionals and their clients can consider for that level of support. Join our panel of CPAs and industry experts as they discuss the most critical elements you need to know about PEOs, from how they work and their benefits to the role they can help play in a crisis so your firm and your clients can both continue moving your business forward.

https://www.adp.com/

HHSC Issues Guidance to HCS/TxHmL Providers on Covid-19!!!!

HHSC Long-term Care Regulation has updated the COVID-19 Response Plan for HCS residential providers (PDF). The document provides guidance on response actions in the event of a COVID-19 exposure.

Provider Letter 20-12, HHSC Guidance to HCBS and TxHmL Program Providers on Covid-19, is now available. HHSC encourages program providers to review this guidance. Remember, no non-essential visitors, see definition in the letter and providers must refrain from sending individuals to Day Habilitation and Community Events!  See link below.

https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/news/2020/03/hhsc-issues-guidance-hcs-txhml-providers-covid-19

July 28th, 2020      COVID-19 Update For Group Homes- HCS/ICF

Reminder to LTC Facilities about Death Reporting Requirements

July 22, 2020

The following are HHSC’s requirements for care facilities to report resident/individuals’deaths to HHSC, including deaths from COVID-19.

• Intermediate care facilities must report all deaths to Complaint and Incident Intake within one hour. See:
  • PL 17-02 (licensed facilities)
  • PL 17-03 (non-licensed facilities).
• Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Program Providers must report all deaths of people receiving HCS or TxHmL services to HHSC by the end of the next business day following the death or the program provider’s learning of the death. See IL 12-28.

***Note: If the death may have been from abuse, neglect or exploitation, more reporting requirements may exist.

COVID-19 HCS Interest List Reduction and Promoting Independence Slot Releases 

Information letter (IL) 2020-27 was released to provide updated information on Home and Community-based Services and Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authorities. It replaces IL 20-15, COVID-19 HCS Interest List Reduction Slots, previously issued on April 9 and revised on April 23, 2020.

HHSC is resuming the release of HCS Interest List Reduction Slots starting June 1, 2020. HHSC is continuing releases of HCS Promoting Independence Slots. LIDDAs will request the following HCS Promoting Independence Slots:

• Crisis diversion
• Nursing facility diversion
• Young adults aging out of foster care
• Nursing facility transition
• Nursing facility transition for children
• SSLC transition

The weekly webinars for Medicaid CHIP COVID-19 Information have been canceled and instead, HHSC will be providing a post to a  pre-recorded session online for viewing at your convenience to reduce the potential for technical difficulties. These information sessions will continue to share information about the actions taken to implement various Medicaid/CHIP flexibilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. HHSC will continue to work on additional flexibilities across the programs and will update stakeholders each week on new implementations and issued guidance. Links to each week’s information session will be posted on the HHS COVID-19 Medicaid & CHIP webpage (https://hhs.texas.gov/services/health/coronavirus-covid-19/medicaid-chip-services-information-providers) by 1:00 p.m. CT on April 16, and each Thursday going forward.

LTC Providers Required to Report COVID-19 to HHSC

Effective immediately, a provider must report every confirmed case (only confirmed cases) of COVID-19 in staff and individuals receiving services from the provider as a self-reported incident. A presumptive or confirmed case is considered a critical incident.

Providers (other than HCS and TxHmL providers) must notify HHSC through TULIP or by calling Complaint and Incident Intake (CII) at         1-800-458-9858.

HCS and TxHmL providers must notify HHSC at waiversurvey.certification@hhsc.state.tx.us

FAQ’s For Covid-19

04/02/20

From Stakeholder’s Meetings March 16th-31st  (Draft)

Contact Information For Other Questions:

• 512-438.5359
  schmidt@hhsc.tx.us.state
• 
  Policy Specialist for HCS/TxHmL
• hcspolicy@hhsc.state.tx.us

New Guidance for LTCR Providers on Coronavirus

LTCR urges all providers to review the Centers for Disease Control’s new guidance on strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care facilities. To ensure you have the most current information on COVID-19, visit the CDC and DSHS websites. For questions or guidance, call one of the DSHS hotlines:

• 888-963-7111
• 877-570-9779

All providers must continue to follow all laws, regulations, guidance and their own internal policies and procedures related to infection control.

From The CDC website:

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:

https://www.directcourseonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2019-CDS-catalog_Final.pdf

Direct Support Professionals 

From the DSP Perspective: Exploring the Use of Practices That Align With Trauma-Informed Care in Organizations Serving People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
An article in the June 2020 issue of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by an author affiliated with Indiana University Bloomington discusses a study that explored the extent to which intellectual and developmental disabilities organizations utilize practices that align with trauma-informed care with their DSP workforce. (abstract free of cost, full-text access available with a fee)

The Impact of Ongoing Staff Development on the Health and Safety of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
An article published in the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities by an author affiliated with the Council on Quality and Leadership reports on a study exploring how ongoing staff development impacts the health and safety of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (abstract free of cost, full-text access available with a fee)

Free Online Training at The Center For Start Services:  The  National Leaders in the Mental Health Aspects
of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities                                                                                                                                                                                                     For all their training go to  https://www.centerforstartservices.org/community-resources

Free Video Training from the NADSP and AADMD  “The Role of The DSP and The Corona Virus”,  Part I-check out this amazing training video.    https://youtu.be/ud4Q4e_hcuw

Part II of this DSP Video Training session is as follows:  “The Role Of The DSP and The Corona Virus” Part II  https://youtu.be/VfErVzMn9-A

Free Training For Those Who Support Persons With IDD

https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hh s/communications-events/news/2017/01/free-training-people-who-support-clients-idd

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 in the HCS Progam, Quality Assurance, Changes in The Survey Process In HCS (we are adding one for ICF), Changes in The Billing Audit Process in HCS and TxHmL, Nursing in HCS/TxHmL Programs, Common Nursing Errors In The HCS/TxHmL Programs & Corrective Action Planning, ICAP/IDRC/ and LON Increase Packet Training.

ICF: The Role & Responsibilities of the QIDP, DIT on Active Treatment, Changes To the ICF Surveyor’s Guide-Appendix J- “How It Affects Your Program”, as well as DIT Trainings-A/N/E,  “Common Nursing Tags in the ICF Program-How to Prevent & Correct Them“, Nursing In The ICF Program as well as ICAP/IDRC/ and LON Increase Packet Training.

Direct Support Staff Training:  “Expectations of the Nurse from the Direct Support Staff”, “Abuse, Neglect, and ANE” (including recent changes in the HCS TAC), “When and What to Report To The RN”, Documentation Expectations for Direct Support Staff”, “Behavior Support Plans-general concepts and purpose of support plans”, “Interacting With Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in Your Program” (Effective Communication, Verbal Intervention, Appropriate/Inappropriate Reactions, Body Language, and more).

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 knowledge about providing quality employment services to people enrolled in the waivers.

Each training has a corresponding quiz.

• HCS and TxHmL Employment Assistance Quiz
• HCS and TxHmL Supported Employment Quiz

The Direct Service Workers web-based training provides information about employment services and how direct service workers can support people achieve their employment goals. The training covers federal and state initiatives related to employment for people with disabilities and touches on issues related to people who work and receive SSI or SSDI benefits. The training has a corresponding quiz.

• Direct Service Workers Training
• Direct Service Workers Quiz

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 approximately $15 billion to eligible providers that participate in state Medicaid and CHIP programs and have not received a payment from the Provider Relief Fund General Distribution. HHS is also announcing the distribution of $10 billion in Provider Relief Funds to safety-net hospitals that serve our most vulnerable citizens. The safety net distribution will occur this week.

“Healthcare providers who focus on treating the most vulnerable Americans, including low-income and minority patients, are absolutely essential to our fight against COVID-19,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “HHS is using funds from Congress, secured by President Trump, to provide new targeted help for America’s safety-net providers and clinicians who treat millions of Medicaid beneficiaries.”

HHS is providing support to healthcare providers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic through the bipartisan CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which allocated $175 billion in relief funds to hospitals and other healthcare providers, including those disproportionately impacted by this pandemic.

ENHANCED PROVIDER RELIEF FUND PORTAL

On Wednesday, HHS is launching an enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal that will allow eligible Medicaid and CHIP providers to report their annual patient revenue, which will be used as a factor in determining their Provider Relief Fund payment. The payment to each provider will be at least 2 percent of reported gross revenue from patient care; the final amount each provider receives will be determined after the data is submitted, including information about the number of Medicaid patients providers serve.

The initial General Distribution provided payments to approximately 62 percent of all providers participating in state Medicaid and CHIP programs. The Medicaid and CHIP Targeted distribution will make the Provider Relief Fund available to the remaining 38 percent. HHS has already provided relief funding to over one million providers, and today’s announcement is expected to reach several hundred thousand more providers, many of whom are safety net providers operating on thin margins.

Clinicians that participate in state Medicaid and CHIP programs and/or Medicaid and CHIP managed care organizations who have not yet received General Distribution funding may submit their annual patient revenue information to the enhanced Provider Relief Fund Portal to receive a distribution equal to at least 2 percent of reported gross revenues from patient care. This funding will supply relief to Medicaid and CHIP providers experiencing lost revenues or increased expenses due to COVID-19. Examples of providers serving Medicaid/CHIP beneficiaries possibly eligible for this funding include pediatricians, obstetrician-gynecologists, dentists, opioid treatment and behavioral health providers, assisted living facilities, and other home and community-based services, providers.

To be eligible for this funding, health care providers must not have received payments from the $50 billion Provider Relief Fund General Distribution and either have directly billed their state Medicaid/CHIP programs or Medicaid managed care plans for healthcare-related services between January 1, 2018, to May 31, 2020. Close to one million health care providers may be eligible for this funding.

More information about eligibility and the application process is available at https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/general-information/index.html

For updated information and data on the Provider Relief Fund, visit hhs.gov/providerrelief

News Releases below:                                                                                                                                                                                           

media@hhs.gov
www.hhs.gov/news
Twitter @SpoxHHS

FAQ’s (June 2020)

Survey Operations Resume as of June 15th, 2020

Providers Must Log Residents’ Leave

All community-based ICF/IID program providers must submit an absence request in the TMHP ICF/IID Online Portal for a resident away from the facility for one or more full days. See the TMHP ICF/IID Online Portal User Guide (PDF) starting on page 52 for more information. The program provider must submit a return request within three days after a resident returns to the facility. See page 58 of the Online Portal User Guide for an explanation.

Please ensure that information entered in the portal for absences is current. HHSC uses the information to determine how many residents are absent from their facilities and the length of those absences.

Very Important Information:  ICF License Renewals!!!

Provider Joint Training Opportunities

Check out Joint Provider Trainings link from HHSC, for more info:
https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/training/jointtraining.cfm#course_112

Survey Process for ICF Has Changed: Please Be Aware

You may check your SOMA (Surveyor’s Operational Manual for ICF in Appendix J) for these changes.

https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_j_intermcare.pdf 

http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Transmittals/2018Downloads/R178SOMA.pdf

Look for our live training session coming in July 2020 on Appendix Q changes!

“Changes to Appendix Q-Immediate Jeopardy for ICF and What That Means For The Provider”

Webinar in July, 2020

Appendix Q of SOMA (Immediate Jeopardy) Changes

http://www.tmhp.com/News_Items/2019/04-Apr/CMS%20Releases%20Revision%20to%20Appendix%20Q%20Immediate%20Jeopardy%20Guidelines.pdf

CMS clarifications letter

https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Downloads/QSO19-09-ALL.pdf

SOMA appendix Q Section  Immediate Jeopardy 

https://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_q_immedjeopardy.pdf

“Prep Session For HCS Provider Applicant Test” (Webinar)

Date:  Tuesday- July 2nd, 2020

Time:  (6pm-8:30pm)  Central time

Cost:  $150/person

“Description & Development of The Comprehensive Nursing Assessment”  (HCS/TxHmL)

Date:  July 20th, 2020   

Time:  10AM-12:30 PM

Cost: $55/person

For:  Nursing Staff, Quality Assurance Staff, Program Managers, Administrators

Presenter:  Gina Peterson, RN Consultant

Please register for this webinar on or before June 20th, 2020  10:00 AM CDT

After you have made payment for this webinar,  you will receive a confirmation email containing the handouts and a link to register with “Gotowebinar” to attend that session.  

The Importance of SAM’s & Special Needs Training:                                     “RN Considerations for Training In IDD Programs”

(HCS/TxHmL/ICF)  July 30th, 2020  

LON/ICAP/IDRC Training for HCS, TxHmL, and ICF/IID Programs

QA Session from 12:30 pm – 12:45 pm 

For:  Program Administrators, Program Managers, Care Coordinators/Case Managers, Service Coordinators, Nurses etc..

Instructions for the webinar and training handouts will be sent to your email after payment is made online or check is received.

Topics:

-A review of the definition of LON (Level of Need) in the HCS, TxHmL, and ICF/IID programs

-What is the ICAP (Inventory for Client & Agency Planning) and how is it utilized?

-When does the provider complete an ICAP and Why Do They Need To?

-What is the IDRC (Intellectual Disability/Related Condition) form

-When is the IDRC filled out and by who?

-What does LON mean (Level of Need)?  (assistance needed, dollars required for that assistance level, etc…)

-How do I get a Level of Need increase?  Who applies for the Level of Need increase?  

-Utilization Review Department- what is their role?  (Monitoring units in CARE and Utilization of services, Approving Levels of Needs, etc…)

“Billable Services In The HCS Program″

You will receive a link to register for the webinar and handouts after we receive payment.

Time:2.5 hrs

Cost:  $65 per person

Presenter:  Julie Blacklock/IDD Waiver Consultant

For: Administrators, Program Managers, Quality Assurance Staff, Care Coordinators, Nurses, Billing/Data Entry Staff

Topics:  

-Definition of all Billable Services on the IPC (Individual Plan of Care)

–Hourly and Daily Unit services such as RSS/SL, HH/CC, CFC (PAS-HAB), DH, REH, PT, OT, SP, DI, BES, CRT, AU, SW, CDS, etc…

-Other Services (Units in dollars only):  Adaptive Aids, Minor Home Modifications, Dental, Pre-Minor Home Mod and OT Assessment, TAS

– Recent and some Upcoming Changes in the HCS Billing Guidelines

-How does this affect the Provider?

-How can I use this change to improve services

-How do I document to capture the most billing?-How to prevent billing for non-billable services?

Update:  HCS/TxHmL Provider Applicant Training/Testing

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 be statewide and therefore will not list the counties to be served.

Chapter 17: Basic Employment Services—updated Section 17.4.1 Bundled Job Placement Services Service Description and its associated form VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan—Part B and Status Report, to clarify which types of placements are acceptable for VR customers.

Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services—updated Section 18.1, Supported Employment Overview, and its associated form VR1643, Supported Employment Services Plan 2—Placement, Job Analysis &Training Plan, to clarify which types of placements are acceptable for VR customers.

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. 

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 are posting a position and who to contact, we can put a link and the contact person’s name, # and/or email.  For example, you are posting on Indeed, Linkedin, BenefitMall, Facebook, PACSTX job postings, an online newspaper, etc…

We will also continue to repost openings when we can on our Linkedin page as well as our Facebook and Instagram pages for Twogether Consulting.

There is no charge, we just ask you all to keep referring us to others who don’t know about us for their HCS business needs and of course we hope you will continue to use our services to assist you with your training needs, on-site and off-site assistance. 

Julie Blacklock/ Owner

Current Job Postings (See below)

  Brittany Brown/Medicaid Waiver Program-Payroll Specialist

How can BenefitMall help?

Assistance to HCS/TxHmL/and DH providers with their HR needs as well as payroll. Benefits Mall has some exciting new products for a very low cost that can possibly make a huge difference in ensuring quality assurance with your HR services and needs! Not all payroll companies are created equal. Brittany Brown is our contact at BenefitMall, and she is THE expert in working with Medicaid Waiver Programs.

Information on specific areas with your program that BenefitMall can assist you with.  Please give Brittany a call for more information and assistance:

• Payroll cash flow issues
• What does the IRS Tax Code really say about paying host home/foster parents and how can we alleviate some of the anxiety parents experience around their payments
• Tracking employee time – dealing with employees working multiple division at different rates
• Labor allocation to help ease the pain with cost reporting
• Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC)
• So much more!

Contact Information for Brittany Brown

Mention “Twogether Consulting” when you contact Brittany Brown right now, for a free month of service and a full year of free W-2’s.  

Cell:  832-425-6410          Email: brittany.brown@benefitmall.com

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 (required in some instances)
• Direct support professionals (required in some instances)
• Anyone asked to be a member of the planning team

Note: To access and complete this free online training, please go to the HHS Learning Portal, create a user login, and follow instructions to complete the training.

Person-Centered Thinking Classroom Course

To register for the Person-Centered Thinking 2-day classroom course, please go to the HHS Learning Portal, create a user login, and follow instructions to register for a class that is most convenient to your location. Begin Training An introductory course also is offered by DirectCourseOnline. The online offering includes courses in Person-Centered Counseling (PCC) and Person-Centered Thinking and Practice. There are 12 lessons in all.

HHS Approved Full Training

The following training is approved by Texas Health and Human Services for people required to take the full training, specifically case managers, service managers and service coordinators. If you would like to submit a training course to HHS for approval, email: Medicaid_HCBS_Rule@hhsc.state.tx.us. Remember to keep your training certificate.

• Delmarva Foundation’s Person-Centered Thinking Training or call 1-866-755-3506
• DirectCourseOnline
  • Person-Centered Counseling (PCC), Person-Centered Thinking and Practice (online) and Person-Centered Thinking and Practice In-Person Course (one-day facilitated training)
  • eCourse Catalog Person-Centered Counseling: Person-Centered Thinking and Practices [12 lessons; 8.5 contact hours]
• Lara Consulting Services
• The Hill Country IDD Regional Support Team will host a 2-day Person-Centered Thinking training with certified Person-Centered Thinking trainers in San Marcos. Eleven CEUs are available for SWs and LPCs.
  • Nov. 14-15, 2018 Register at Hill County IDD Person-Centered Thinking training November 14-15
• Institute for Person-Centered Planning Person Centered Thinking
• Learning Community for Person Centered Practices’ Person Centered Thinking Training, which can be provided by any Learning Community-certified trainer
• United Health Care Person-Centered Transitions to Community Living providerservicestx@uhc.com or uhc_cp_prov_relations@uhc.com Provider call center: 888-887-9003, 877-842-3210 or 800-905-8671

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

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 services to an individual. All providers must complete the course every three years.

***To document successful course completion, participants must print a copy of the certificate provided at the end of the training and submit a copy to a program provider with whom they are employed or contracted.

Approved ICF Rates:  09/12/19

Enforcement of ICF/IID Administrative Penalties Begins Sept. 1

HHSC Long-term Care Regulatory has issued Provider Letter 19-20 Enforcement of State Licensure Violations. The provider letter informs ICF/IID license holders that, effective Sept. 1, 2019, HHSC will begin assessing administrative penalties for licensure violations based on the scope and severity of the violation. Read the details here.

 ICF/IID providers, please remember to contact us for assistance with Survey Prep, Plans of Corrections and especially Directive Inservice Trainings, so we can assist in helping providers avoid administrative penalties, whenever possible!

**Note- I have already put in an email asking about other dates for the scope and severity training webinars as the ones on Sept. 5th are full.

Survey Process:  Timelines

 Billing Guideline Changes

The HCS, TxHml, and CFC billing guidelines have been updated effective Nov. 15, 2019. A summary of the revisions can be found on page 25 of the CFC PDF, page 147 of the HCS PDF and page 129 of the TxHmL PDF. Send questions about the billing guidelines to HCS.TxHml.BPR@hhsc.state.tx.us.

HHSC Provider User Guide (CARE)       

Please go to the following link:

https://hhsportal.hhs.state.tx.us/helpGuide/Content/16_CARE/WaiverPDF/HCS%20Provider%20User%20Guide.pdf

.

HHSC JOINT PROVIDER LIVE TRAINING

Save The Date:  2020 Waiver, Survey & Certification Training

2020 HHS Long Term Care Regulatory

Waiver Survey and Certification Joint Provider Training

SAVE THE DATE

June 30, 2020 to July 2, 2020  (3 days of training)

Location:

Crowne Plaza

6121 N IH 35

Austin, TX 78752

This collaborative conference will focus on a variety of topics central to the Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) waiver programs.

Featured topics will include, but are not limited to: Administrative Penalties, Amelioration, Informal Dispute Resolution, Nursing Services, Aging, Residential Surveys, Critical Incidents, and more!

Program provider staff, leadership, nurses, and HHS surveyors are encouraged to attend.  Registration will be available Spring 2020.

Questions? Please contact Tahoe Fintel at (512) 438-3161

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 can be used to address ANE. Additionally, this training includes an introduction to trauma and its impact on the people we serve.

Service providers must complete a test with a score of 80 percent or higher. A training certificate can be printed at the end of this training and kept in staff personnel files to meet training requirements.

To access and complete this free online training, please go to the HHS Learning Portal’s ANE Competency Training course page, create a user login, and follow instructions.

Texas Oasis Dementia Training Academy

P.O.W.E.R. ANE Training Academy

NF Culture Change – Transforming Care within the Regulations

Emergency Preparedness (FYI-Directed towards Nurses in Facilities)

For more information please see the following link:

https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/PROVIDERS/Training/jointtraining.cfm to register and learn more about each of these events.

Scope and Severity Webinar Now Available

HHSC is currently offering a webinar to explain scope and severity for providers impacted by House Bill 2025, 85th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2017. The training is designed specifically for providers for whom scope and severity is new to the survey process.

Register for the Scope and Severity Training for ALF, DAHS, ICF/IID and PPECC Providers webinar to see available dates and times here.

Please continue to monitor the website for additional dates and times if you are unable to participate during the dates currently being offered. The webinar will be offered on a regular basis for the next few months.

There are 2 more on Nov. 6th have opened up..  Register at:   https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/training/jointtraining.cfm

Changes to the MWH-IDD Website where TIC Training is Accessed

HHSC Long-term Care Regulatory has issued Provider Letter (PL) 19-08: Trauma-informed Care (TIC) Training to replace PL 16-15. The PL informs providers of changes to the Mental Health Wellness for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities website where TIC training is accessed.

This PL is addressed to Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions providers. Read the details of this PL here.