December 18th, 2022

 HHSC Long-term Care (LTC) Regulation has retired the COVID-19 Response for ICF for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions Response Plan and the ICF Frequently Asked Questions documents, effective Dec. 13, 2022.

Facilities can obtain guidance along with resources for infection prevention, control measures, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) through the Infection Prevention and Control Measures for Common Infections in LTC Facilities (PDF) and Infection Control Basics & Personal Protective Equipment for Essential Caregivers (PDF) documents published by HHSC.

These resources can also be found on the ICF Provider Portal page.

Program providers may reach out to LTCR Policy with questions at LTCRPolicy@hhs.texas.gov.

December 14th, 2025

LTCOP HCS and TxHmL Transfer Form Submission Sequencing Enhancements

On Dec. 18, 2025, the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) will update the Long-Term Care Online Portal (LTCOP) to improve form sequencing requirements and transfer processing for the HCS & TxHmL programs. These updates will help HCS and TxHmL waiver program providers and local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs) to submit forms accurately and reduce manual processing needs. 

Hopefully, this should make transfers occur in a much more timely fashion with fewer errors in the transfer process and accountability for transfer steps by appropriate parties.

For more information, see the full posting at TMHP.com

Coming Soon: LTCOP HCS and TxHmL Transfer Form Submission Sequencing Enhancements | TMHP

Timely Submission of IPC Renewals

HHSC reminds HCS and TxHmL providers and local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs) to submit individual plan of care (IPC) renewals for individuals enrolled in the HCS and TxHmL waiver programs as early as program rules allow.

For HCS, renewal IPCs must be submitted at least 30, but no more than 60, calendar days before the current IPC end date.

TxHmL program providers and LIDDAs are encouraged to use the same timeframe for the submission of TxHmL renewal IPCs. Failure to do so can result in delays in processing and service authorization approval.

Important note for individuals transferring:

For a transfer involving two LIDDAs, the individual movement local authority reassignment form must be submitted and processed (status Processed/Complete or PCS Processed/Complete) prior to submission of the transfer IPC.

Guidance on HCS and TxHmL IPC submissions:

• For program rules, refer to 40 TAC §166 for HCS and 40 TAC §9.568 for TxHmL.

Note: There have been no changes in who is responsible for submitting IPCs since the migration of the HCS and TxHmL forms and claims from the legacy HHS Client Assignment and Registration system to the TMHP Long-Term Care Online Portal.

• For information on how to submit forms in the LTCOP portal, refer to Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal User Guides for Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Waiver Programs: TMHP Learning (exceedlms.com).

Questions:

For policy questions, email your program policy inbox: HCS Policy or TxHmL Policy.

For issues encountered while submitting the IPC on the TMHP Long-Term Care Online Portal, please contact TMHP at 800-626-4117.

December 11th, 2022

The provider self-reporting voicemail option will be transitioned out of service on Dec. 31, 2022. Effective Jan. 1, 2023, provider self-reported incidents must be submitted using one of the methods indicated below:

This does not apply to HCS or TxHmL, only ICF and other LTC programs such as ALF’s, SNF’s, DAH’s…

• Online via Tulip
• Email ciicomplaints@hhs.texas.gov
• Call 800-458-9858 (available Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.)

Please ensure that all initial self-reported incidents include the relevant information detailed in Provider Letter 18-20.

December 11th, 2022

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) created the Regulatory Services Division in 2017 as regulatory functions consolidated from the Department of Family and Protective Services, the Department of Aging and Disability Services and the Department of State Health Services. As part of this consolidation effort, effective Jan. 30, 2023, HHSC will retire the Provider Investigation policy mailbox at PIPolicy@hhs.texas.gov.

For questions about investigations, please use the Long-term Care Regulation Policy and Rules mailbox at LTCRPolicy@hhs.texas.gov.

December 10th, 2022

Know that effective December 22, 2022, all HCS/TxHmL providers will need to have migrated to Palo Alto VPN for billing claims!

December 06th, 2022

Please see this alert that was just sent to the 3 IDD associations from HHSC 

Recording of Individualized Skills and Socialization- Provider Licensing Application Process Webinar

December 06, 2022

If you were not able to listen to the November 30th webinar on navigating TULIP/applying for an ISS license, the recording of the webinar and the presentation are now posted.  See below for details.  Though assumed that persons who listen to the recording will also be able to download a certificate, HHSC has yet to confirm that

Listen to the webinar recording.

Recording of Individualized Skills and Socialization Provider Webinar

December 1st, 2022

Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living waiver program providers that enrolled through the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership Provider Enrollment and Management System will be subject to a pre-enrollment site visit from TMHP. Read the full alert.

December 1st, 2022

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) updated the following information regarding the Determination of Intellectual Disability (DID):

• DID Best Practice Guidelines website
• DID Best Practice Guidelines (PDF)
• Become a Certified Authorized Provider to Conduct a DID website

For more information, email the IDD Services Team.

December 1st, 2022

Overview of Upcoming LTC Online Portal Enhancements for HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs

On December 12, 2022, the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership will implement several enhancements to the TMHP Long-Term Care Online Portal. After the enhancements are implemented, existing information and training materials will be updated. Read full alert.

-IPC Forms

-Termination Forms

-Pre-Enrollment Forms

-Individual Movement (IMT) Local Authority (LA) Reassignment Forms

-Provider Location Update (PLU) Forms

Other System and Form Enhancements

The Inactivate and Correct this Form buttons on the 8578 Intellectual Disability/Related Condition (ID/RC) Purpose Code (PC) 2 and Initial Enrollment IPC forms will be available only to HHSC staff.

This will decrease the potential for pre-enrollment and enrollment forms to get out of sync, as well as decreasing unnecessary form inactivations.

Account Preparation and Additional Resources

To prepare for these changes, HCS and TxHmL providers and LIDDAs that do not have an LTCOP account need to create an administrator or user account. Providers and LIDDAs can find instructions for creating an account in the TMHP Account Setup for HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs Quick Reference Guide (QRG).

Additionally, providers and LIDDAs are encouraged to visit the TMHP 1915(c) Waiver Programs web page for recent news, reference materials, education, and bulletins.

For more information, contact the TMHP LTC Help Desk at 800-626-4117 (select option 1 and then option 7).

October 23rd, 2022

LTC Portal Enhancements: Coming Soon!

Beginning in December 2022, several enhancements will be implemented for the Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal. The enhancements will improve form submission and portal functionality. Information about these upcoming changes will be available in future articles on the TMHP 1915(c) Waiver Programs web page.

Account Preparation and Additional Resources

To prepare for these changes, Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) providers and local intellectual and developmental disability authorities (LIDDAs) that do not have an LTC Online Portal account need to create an administrator or user account. Providers and LIDDAs can find instructions for creating an account in the TMHP Account Setup for HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs Quick Reference Guide (QRG), which is available in the TMHP Learning Management System (LMS), and on the TMHP website.

Note: To access the LMS, register for the LMS by clicking the Don’t Have an Account? Sign Up Here button beneath the login field.

(FYI-This includes HCS/TxHmL provider applicants who are going to have their contracts approved soon to begin services.  If you haven’t signed up for the LTC Portal yet, please do so!) 

Additionally, TMHP encourages providers and LIDDAs to visit the TMHP 1915(c) Waiver Programs web page for recent news, reference materials, education and bulletins.

For more information, contact the TMHP LTC Help Desk at 800-626-4117, option 1, then option 7.

November 14th, 2022

Don’t forget: HHSC has extended the time for any providers eligible for these ARPA payments to complete the attestation, so that the initial and final reports are not due, until 30 calendar days after the end of the COVID Public Health Emergency (PHE).

July 4th, 2022

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Retention Payments

Initial report is now due by August 15, 2022.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) implements American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Retention payments.

HHSC is providing funds to agency providers and consumer-directed services employers to support recruitment and retention efforts for direct care staff delivering HCBS services. Payments made under this section can include one-time financial compensation directed toward direct care staff, including lump-sum bonuses, retention bonuses, and paid time off to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or to isolate after receiving a positive COVID-19 test.

Providers who may be eligible to receive funds are:

• 1915 (c) Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Provider Agency
• 1915 (c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Provider Agency
• 1915(i) Home and Community-Based Services – Adult Mental Health (HCBS – AMH) Provider Agency
• 1915 (c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) CDS Employer
• 1915 (c) Texas Home Living (TxHmL) CDS Employer
• see the HHSC HCBS website for other types of additional information on ARPA funds.

HHSC is providing time-limited reimbursement increases to strengthen and stabilize the HCBS workforce. Temporary rate increases will be made on eligible HCBS service claims with dates of service between March 1, 2022, and August 31, 2022.

Providers receiving temporary rate increases must complete an attestation and complete an initial report by August 15, 2022.

HHSC will announce the due date for the final report in a follow-up notice. Providers will have at least 30 days to complete the final report.

Providers who fail to complete the required attestation and reporting will be subject to recoupment of HCBS ARPA funds.

Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Employers and Financial Management Services Agencies (FMSAs)

The CDS participant, as the employer of record, may choose to submit the required attestation and reports or work with the Financial Management Services Agency (FMSA) to submit the attestation and reports on the CDS participant’s behalf. FMSAs may also reach out to the CDS participants to offer assistance in submitting the attestation and reports. FMSAs can submit the required information for multiple CDS participants in the FMSA HCBS ARPA Attestation and Initial Report Template. Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code rule 1 TAC 355.207(c)(4), to be eligible for the temporary rate add-on, providers must submit required reports regarding the use of funds and provide data to document vacancy rates in direct care staff and other indicators. If completing the attestation and reports on behalf of a CDS participant, FMSAs should work with the CDS participant to collect all required data. The deadline for the attestation and initial reporting has been extended to August 15, 2022.

Information regarding ARPA HCBS Provider recruitment and retention payments is available on the HHSC Provider Finance website.

June 2nd, 2022

Don’t Forget!

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Retention Payments Attestation and Initial Reporting

Initial report is due by July 1, 2022.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) implements American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Retention payments.

HHSC is providing funds to agency providers and consumer-directed services employers to support recruitment and retention efforts for direct care staff delivering HCBS services. Payments made under this section can include one-time financial compensation directed toward direct care staff, including lump-sum bonuses, retention bonuses, and paid time off to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or to isolate after receiving a positive COVID-19 test.

HHSC is providing time-limited reimbursement increases to strengthen and stabilize the HCBS workforce. Temporary rate increases will be made on eligible HCBS service claims with dates of service between March 1, 2022, and August 31, 2022.

Providers receiving temporary rate increases must complete an attestation and complete an initial report by July 1, 2022.

HHSC will announce the due date for the final report in a follow-up notice. Providers will have at least 30 days to complete the final report.

Providers who fail to complete the required attestation and reporting will be subject to recoupment of HCBS ARPA funds.

Information regarding ARPA HCBS Provider recruitment and retention payments is available on the HHSC Provider Finance website.

May 19th, 2022

HCS/TxHmL providers:

Please be aware of the following for claims being paid from March 1st, 2022-August 31st, 2022 in TMHP:  There are new Procedure/Billing Codes in TMHP that reflect the ARPA short-term funding as retention payments you may be receiving for these claims billed during this time period.  If you are seeing new or different codes than you are used to, listed when you pull up “paid” claims, then you are receiving ARPA Retention payments and will be responsible for documenting how these funds were used and reporting this by July of 2022, or you are subject to recoupment from the MCO’s.  (Example: M0115, M0116, M0117…)

See rates and new codes listed in link below:

https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:cca5939a-6173-346e-9fc2-3409490a5447

Personally, I was under the assumption that providers would have to request this assistance if they wanted it, meaning they would choose whether they utilized this funding or not.  Apparently not necessarily as some providers have noted this is showing up on their payments.  From everything I am reading, the provider letters from HHSC do seem to indicate every provider will receive the funding.

Meaning additional (ARPA) monies that the provider is receiving in claim payments for that time period, will need to be accounted for, and reporting on how funds were utilized will need to happen and be sent into HHSC. Some providers are noticing a difference in the regular rates they submitted claims for when they look at their “paid claims”.  If the provider uses the ARPA intended, attestation and reporting to HHSC must occur.

If the HCS/TxHmL provider chooses not to utilize the added-on payments to the normal rates, I believe they will need to hold back/save these additional amounts for each claim paid from March to August of 2022, in order to pay them back at a later date.  If these ARPA funds are utilized, then the HCS/TxHmL Provider will need to complete a report by July of 2022. I believe, to HHSC by the provider, or they will have to keep it in an account and saved for repayment/recoupment when requested by the MCO’s if I understand correctly.  I will keep you posted!  Also, please look for the additional FAQ’s to be published on May 23rd, 2022 for hopefully important answers to the TMHP questions and issues many providers have expressed with entering IPCs in particular (especially revisions) entering billing claims, and only getting paid for part of billing claims submitted.

Here Are Just Some Of The FAQ’s HHSC Recently Published May 5th, 2022 (specifically related to this issue I have noted above)

Q: What are the ARPA HCBS Provider Retention Payments?

A: HHSC’s ARPA HCBS spending plan included recruitment and retention payments for providers delivering attendant and direct care HCBS for retention bonuses or other activities. HHSC’s spending plan requires providers to use at least 90 percent of HCBS ARPA funds for one-time financial compensation for their direct care workforce, including, but not limited to, lump-sum bonuses, retention bonuses, and paid time off to receive a COVID-19 vaccination or to isolate after receiving a positive COVID-19 test.

Q: What Services are eligible for Provider Retention Payments?

A: HCBS ARPA temporary rate add-on will be applied to HCBS personal attendant and nursing services as defined in 1 TAC 355.207.  A list of eligible services is defined in Section 355.207(b)(1). An updated service list and fee schedule is available on the Provider Finance Homepage.

Q: What identifying information do I need to include with my attestation and required reports?

November 11th, 2022

TMHP Enhancements

According to HHSC the enhancements (improvements) planned for release this month will most likely be posted later this week or early next week.  These posted enhancements will not be effective until Dec. 12, 2022.

HHSC will go over these enhancements in depth at the December 8th, 2022 Migration Webinar

September 23rd, 2022

There are 2 sets of HHSC and TMHP ‘enhancements’ (or ‘fixes’ or ‘improvements’ to the system) to be released in the near future.  HHSC has said that the first set of ‘enhancements’ will be released November 4, 2022, and the second set will be released in June of 2023.

November 11th, 2022

At this time, according to HHSC the PHE is set to end on January 11, 2023.  Currently, it is not known whether it will be extended beyond January 11th, 2022.  It is possible providers will be notified this week in some alerts if PHE will be extended beyond January 11, 2023.

Why is this important?

*This is important as COVID-19 flexibilities may end and Medicaid status may be lost for those individuals in our waiver  and ICF programs where provider has not responded to previous warning letters from CMS that their Medicaid status will not automatically be renewed without reapplying.

Previous Webinars Hosted ByTwogether Consulting:  Therap during our free resource webinar series below.  Just click on the links and register.

October 2022

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/2347988816141652494

August 2022

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/1388286687336697103

If you need assistance with your current Therap services or with information on getting these services, please contact:

Calvin Christensen(Business Development Consultant at Therap Services, LLC)

 Here is his LinkedIn page

https://calendly.com/calvin-christensen/system-demonstration?back=1&month=2022-10

Overview of GER Reports (Incidents, Injuries, Med Errors…)

Data-Driven:

Person-centered solutions your organization can use to support agency workflows, communication, compliance, organizational outcomes, and revenue management

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October 31st, 2022

Previous Webinars Hosted ByTwogether Consulting:  TaskMaster Pro (TMP) during our free resource webinar series below. 

Just click on the links and register.

October 20th, 2022

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/1488497278022599682

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Care professionals are led quickly through documentation processes with platform-assisted data completion. No repetitive entry of information, it’s fast and accurate. Compliance data is gathered and tracked simultaneously. This means compliance reporting can be completed at the push of a button. Thus, caregivers spend more time giving care and less time on paperwork.

January 15th, 2023

Jan. 11th TMHP LTC Migration Webinar

October 23rd, 2022

Oct. 5 TMHP LTC Portal for HCS/TxHmL Providers and FMSAs Webinar Recording Available

A recording of the Oct. 5 TMHP LTC Portal for HCS/TxHmL Providers and FMSAs Webinar is available for those who could not attend.

The webinar recording and slides have been posted to the HCS and TxHmL Webinars & FAQs webpage.

Listen to the Webinar here.

For questions, email TxHmL Policy.

October 13th, 2022

Monthly Meetings/Webinars On Migration To TMHP LTC Portal for HCS/TxHmL/FMSA’s 

Medicaid and CHIP Services (MCS) will begin hosting monthly meetings for Providers and Financial Management Services Agencies (FMSAs) who use the Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal for the Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) waiver programs, beginning in October will be held to discuss trending issues, share solutions established to address barriers providers and LIDDAs are experiencing, answer questions, etc.

Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) and Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) staff from the following departments will be available to provide information and answer questions:

• Program Eligibility and Support (PES).
• Utilization Review (UR).
• Provider Claims Services (PCS).
• Contract Administration & Provider Monitoring (CAPM).
• Local Procedure Development and Support (LPDS).

Save the Dates

The webinars will be held on the following dates. We encourage Providers and FMSAs to invite staff who use the LTC Online Portal for HCS and TxHmL programs.

• October 2022: Wednesday, Oct. 5, 1–2 p.m. Register for the webinar.
  • Here is a copy of the handout from October 5th, 2022, if you missed the webinar.  The recording of that session will be posted in the near future.
• November 2022: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 10–11 a.m. Register for the webinar.
• December 2022: Thursday, Dec. 8, 1–2 p.m. Register for the webinar.

Standing Meeting Agenda

• Trending issues – discuss trending issues and solutions to increase successful processing of forms.
• Updates on LTC Online Portal for HCS and TxHmL – provide relevant updates.
• Questions and Answers – HCS and TxHmL Providers and FMSAs will have the opportunity to ask questions* regarding LTC Online Portal for HCS and TxHmL.

*To comply with HIPAA requirements, questions that include any identifying information for a specific individual will not be allowed during the monthly meetings.

Email Questions to TxHmL Policy.

October 16th, 2022

Register for Texas Culture Change Coalition Conference

The Texas Culture Change Coalition will host their in-person fall 2022 conference, “Texans Coming Together for Residents, for Staff, for All!”

This year’s theme is “A Day Focused on Person-Centered Senior Care.”

Nov. 3
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Commons Conference Center (J.J. Pickle Research Campus)
10100 Burnet Road, Bldg. 137
Austin, TX 78758

Continuing education credit for multiple disciplines will be provided for this event.

Register for the conference.

For more information, visit the Texas Culture Change Coalition website.

October 17th, 2022

HHSC HCS Program Provider Response to COVID-19 Emergency Rule Expired Oct. 14

The emergency rule for Home and Community-based Services waiver program providers that contain the HCS Program Provider Response to COVID-19 Emergency Rule expired Oct. 14.

The following rule expired Oct. 14:

• 40 Texas Administrative Code Section 9.198 – Program Provider Response to COVID-19 Emergency Rule

HCS program providers must continue to comply with visitation requirements for essential caregivers and clergy in a disaster located in TAC Chapter 570 as well as all other applicable rules and certification principles.

See Section 9.198 below:

July 11th, 2022

Provider Letter 2022-13, Version 2: Petition To Suspend Essential Caregiver Visits

HHSC issues PL 2022-13, Version 2 with additional information regarding how a facility or program provider may petition HHSC to suspend in-person essential caregiver visits. 

Read PL 2022-13, Version 2 here.

“A facility or program provider may petition HHSC to suspend in-person
essential caregiver visits for no more than 7 consecutive calendar days
if in-person visitation poses a serious community health risk. To
petition for a suspension of in-person essential caregiver visits, a
facility or program provider must submit a request to their Regional
Director (RD) by email. The contact information for each Regional
Director is available on the Long-term Care Regulatory Regional
Contact Numbers website. A facility or program provider may request
an extension from HHSC to suspend in-person essential caregiver
visitation beyond the original request, but HHSC may not approve an
extension that exceeds 7 days. HHSC may deny a petition to suspend
in-person essential caregiver visits if HHSC determines that in-person
essential caregiver visits does not pose a serious community health
risk.”

July 5th, 2022

 Updated HCS/TxHmL COVID-19 Response Plan, FAQ Documents- June 24th

HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated the COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ documents on June 24. The updates remove instructions on how to ask for emergency staffing from HHSC.

Read the revised COVID-19 Response for HCS Providers (PDF).

Read the revised Updated COVID-19 FAQs for HCS and TxHmL Providers (PDF).

May 7th, 2022

Updated HCS/TxHmL COVID-19 Response Plan, FAQ Documents-May 5th

HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated the COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ documents on May 5. The updates remove instructions on how to ask for emergency staffing from HHSC.

Read the revised COVID-19 Response for HCS Providers (PDF).

Read the revised Updated COVID-19 FAQs for HCS and TxHmL Providers (PDF).

February 20th, 2022

Updated HCS COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ Documents – Feb. 18

HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated the HCS COVID-19 Response Plan and FAQ documents.

Read the revised COVID-19 Response for HCS Providers (PDF).

Read the revised Updated COVID-19 FAQs for HCS and TxHmL Providers (PDF).

Updated COVID-19 Provider Response and Visitation Emergency Rules for HCS Providers – Feb. 17

HHSC Long-Term Care Regulation published revised HCS COVID-19 Provider Response to COVID-19 and Expansion of Reopening Visitation Rules (PDF). HCS providers must now screen individuals and staff per HHSC guidance.

HHSC Long-Term Care Regulation published revised COVID-19 Expansion of Reopening Visitation Emergency Rules. They are for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions program providers. HHSC removed the following language:

“If an executive order or other direction is issued by the Governor of Texas, the President of the United States, or another applicable authority, that is more restrictive than this rule or any minimum standard relating to a facility, the facility must comply with the executive order or other direction.”

The rules became effective Feb. 17, 2022.

January 7th, 2022

HCS and TxHmL COVID-19 Response Plan Updated – Jan. 7th, 2022

HHSC has revised the HCS and TxHmL COVID-19 Response Plan in response to the most recent CDC guidance.

September 23rd, 2022

HCS COVID-19 Mitigation & Expansion of Visitation Rules: 

Revision Response Plan

COVID-19 Response Plan (PDF) in response to the revised HCS and TxHmL COVID-19 Mitigation and Visitation rules

Update:   April 17th, 2021

HHSC Publishes HCS Expansion of Reopening Visitation Rules

Original Published:  March 25th, 2021

3.0 HCS Expansion of Reopening Visitation Rule

To read more, please click on the link below: 

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:a7d8cd88-7334-4f8b-89b3-5876693ceb1a

*** Please Don’t Forget To Update Your Policies & Procedures Based On The Changes.  Feel Free To Contact Twogether Consulting For Assistance!  Info@twogetherconsulting.com 

The new expanded visitation rules do not apply to host home/companion care providers unless otherwise specified in rule. See the HCS Provider Response to COVID-19 Expansion of Reopening Visitation Rule at 40 TAC 9.199 for the complete list of requirements.

The new visitation rules provide flexibility for HCS program providers that have offered a complete series of a one- or two-dose COVID-19 vaccine to individuals and staff and documented each individual’s choice to vaccinate or not vaccinate, including:

• Essential caregiver and end-of-life visits are permitted for all individuals with any COVID-19 status.
• The definition of an end-of-life visit has been expanded to include for more flexibility on when an individual is considered at end-of-life so an individual’s family and loved ones have more opportunity to visit.
• Indoor visitation no longer requires the use of a plexiglass barrier.
• A program provider may not require a visitor to provide documentation of a COVID-19 negative test or COVID-19 vaccination status as a condition of visitation or to enter the residence.
• Provider staff no longer have to escort or monitor visitors once they have passed screening and entered the facility.
• Program providers are no longer required to submit an attestation form to facilitate visitation.
• Visitation is required and a program provider must facilitate indoor and outdoor visitation without a reasonable clinical or safety cause.
The provider can continue to document the individual’s choice whether to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as applicable for new admissions or individuals who return to the residence from leave.

Visitor Limitations: (Indoor and Outdoor)

3.3 Indoor and Outdoor Visits
HCS program providers that have offered a complete series of a one- or two-dose COVID-19 vaccine to individuals and staff and documented each individual’s choice to vaccinate or not vaccinate, must allow indoor and outdoor visitation.
Program providers do not have to complete an attestation form or use plexiglass barriers to facilitate indoor or outdoor visitation. The program provider accommodates visitation based on the space available as necessary to ensure physical distancing between visitation groups and safe infection prevention and control measures.

3.3.1 Indoor Visitation

• The program provider must allow indoor visits for individuals who are COVID-19 negative, if there are no confirmed COVID-19
infections or suspected COVID-19 cases for at least 14 consecutive days among staff. • The provider must reasonably limit the number of simultaneous visitors per individual and limit the total number of visitors in the residence simultaneously, based on the size of the building and physical space and staffing capabilities.
• Plexiglass barriers are no longer required.

3.3.2 Outdoor Visitation

The program provider must allow outdoor visits for individuals who are COVID-19 negative and must:
• ensure a comfortable, accessible, and safe outdoor visiting area for outdoor visits, considering outside air temperatures and ventilation; and
• limit the duration, frequency, size, and number of visits as necessary to ensure physical distancing between visitation groups and safe infection prevention practices.

3.3.3 Limitations for Visitation

The following limitations apply to all visitation types, including essential caregiver visits, end-of-life visits, and indoor and outdoor visitation:
• Visits must be scheduled to allow time for cleaning and sanitization of the visitation area between visits.
• Indoor and outdoor visits are permitted for individuals with COVID-19 negative status only, except essential caregiver and end-of-life visits. Essential caregiver and end-of-life visits are permitted for an individual with any COVID-19 status.
• The visitor and individual they are visiting do not have to physically distance from each other but must distance from other persons in the residence.
• The visitor must wear a face mask or face covering. For individuals who rely on lip reading or facial cues for communication needs, the visitor may use face masks with a clear screen over the mouth.
• The provider must encourage the individual to wear a face mask, if tolerated, throughout the visit.
• When visitors come to the home, staff members no longer need to escort the visitor or monitor the visit, regardless of the visitation type.
• Both the individual and visitor(s), must perform hand hygiene (i.e., use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash hands with soap and water) before the visit. The program provider must make hand hygiene supplies available.

Limited Visitation Designation and Attestation

4.0 Limited Visitation Designation and Attestation Requirements

If an HCS program provider has not offered at least one complete series of a one- or two-dose COVID-19 vaccine to individuals and staff, the program provider may allow limited personal visitation.

4.1 Essential Caregiver Visits

An essential caregiver visit is defined as a personal visit between an individual and a designated essential caregiver, permitted for all individuals with any COVID-19 status, including:
• COVID-19 negative;
• unknown COVID-19 status; or
• COVID-19 positive.
A program provider cannot require an essential caregiver visitor to provide documentation of a negative test result prior to visitation. The following requirements apply to essential caregiver visits:
• There may be up to two permanently designated essential caregivers per individual.
• Only one essential caregiver visitor at a time may visit an individual.
• The visit may occur outdoors, in the individual’s bedroom, or in another area in the home that limits the essential caregiver visitor’s movement through the residence and interaction with other individuals and staff.
• Essential caregiver visitors do not have to maintain physical distancing between themselves and the individual they are visiting but must maintain physical distancing between themselves and all other persons in the residence.
• The individual must wear a face mask or face covering over both the mouth and nose (if tolerated) throughout the visit.
• The program provider must develop and enforce essential caregiver visitation policies and procedures, which include:
o a written agreement that the essential caregiver visitor understands and agrees to follow the applicable policies, procedures, and requirement;
o training each essential caregiver visitor on proper personal protective equipment (PPE) usage and infection control measures, hand hygiene, and cough and sneeze etiquette; and
o a requirement that the essential caregiver visitor must wear a face mask and any other PPE in accordance with CDC guidance and the program provider’s policy while in the residence.
The program provider must:
• inform the essential caregiver visitor of applicable policies, procedures, and requirements;
• approve the essential caregiver visitor’s face mask and any other PPE in accordance with CDC guidance and the program provider’s policy, or provide an approved face mask and other PPE;
• maintain documentation of the essential caregiver visitor’s agreement to follow the applicable policies, procedures, and requirements;
• maintain documentation of the essential caregiver visitor’s training;
• maintain documentation of the identity of each essential caregiver visitor in the individual’s records and verify the identity of the essential caregiver visitor at the time of each visit;
• maintain a record of each essential caregiver visit, including:
o the date and time of the arrival and departure of the essential caregiver visitor;
o the name of the essential caregiver visitor;
o the name of the individual being visited; and
o attestation that the identity of the essential caregiver visitor was verified; and
• prevent visitation by the essential caregiver visitor if the essential caregiver has signs and symptoms of COVID-19, or an active COVID-19 infection.
The program provider can ask the essential caregiver to leave the residence if the essential caregiver visitor fails to comply with the program provider’s policy regarding essential caregiver visits or applicable requirements.

4.2 Limited Visitation without Attestation Form

All HCS residences can allow the following visits without completing the HCS Expanded Visitation Attestation:
• Visits by persons with legal authority to enter
• Visits by providers of essential services
• Visits by essential caregivers
• End-of-life visits
• Closed window visits
The visitors listed above must be screened prior to entry to the residence and cannot be allowed inside the residence if they fail screening.

Definitions and Attestation Form Update:  https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:a7d8cd88-7334-4f8b-89b3-5876693ceb1a

HHSC Publishes HCS Expanded Visitor Attestation Rules & Guidance Letter

September 25th, 2020

HHSC Visitor Expansion Rule.  See the following rules in PDF updated on 9/25/20.  https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/providers/long-term-care/hcs/hcs-covid-19-updated-emergency-rules.pdf

PL-20-40 is the letter providing guidance for the new rules  The new attestation form is at the bottom of this alert letter from HHSC.  See the following PDF of PL-20-40:  https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/communications/2020/letters/PL2020-40.pdf

HCS Emergency COVID-19 Mitigation Rules 

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

HCS/TxHmL proposed rules should align with the federal HCBS settings rule.

These are currently in the formal comment phase.  These comments are due to HHSC on October 17, 2022.  To view the rules and instructions for submitting comments, go to the following link: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/regulations/policies-rules/health-human-services-rulemaking/comment-proposed-draft-rules

October 10th, 2022

Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) will perform monthly calculations on services for the Individual Plan of Care that overlaps the May 1, 2022 implementation of the new process for submitting Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living forms and claims.

On a quarterly basis, TMHP will calculate all services that have been paid through (CARE) Client Assignment and Registration System and TMHP and will recoup services that exceed the authorized IPC amount. Read the full alert.

October 10th, 2022

As part of the on-going transformation efforts, HHSC will no longer use the following mailbox, effective Oct. 31, 2022:

• WaiverSurvey.Certification@hhsc.state.tx.us

For a complete list of current contact information, program providers should refer to PL 2021-26 or e-mail Survey Operations at LTCRSurveyOperation@hhs.texas.gov.

For policy questions related to HCS and TxHmL, providers should e-mail LTCRPolicy@hhs.texas.gov.

October 3rd, 2022

HHSC has updated the Approved Diagnostic Codes for Persons with Related Conditions effective Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023.

The list of diagnostic codes has not changed for this year and can be viewed at HHSC Approved Diagnostic Codes for Persons with Related Conditions.

October 6th, 2022

August 4th, 2022

All New LTC Providers must Enroll in Texas Medicaid.  (So, this means even HCS provider applicants, at least once they are nearing the stage of having their application approved and/or at the latest, prior to receiving their contract/s.  Remember, you can’t start providing services and accepting clients to your HCS program until you get your letter with the approved contract/s.

• Applicants that intend to bill through TMHP for acute care or long-term care only services must enroll through TMHP.

October 5th, 2022

Created in partnership with The Arc of Texas, this manual is designed to help you understand the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Texas law so you can act as an equal partner in planning your child’s education.

Learn more on our Resources for Families page

October 2nd, 2022

Texas HHSC has posted awarded levels for Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS) providers participating in the Attendant Compensation and Direct Care Staff enhancement programs for state fiscal year (FY) 2023 for the following programs:

Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement Program for:

• Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) – Direct Service Agency (DSA);
• Day Activity and Health Services (DAHS);
• Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities Waiver (DBMD);
• Home and Community-based Services (HCBS);
• Primary Home Care (PHC);
• Residential Care (RC);
• Texas Home Living (TxHmL); and
• Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID).

To view the FY2023 enrollment awarded levels list, please visit the PFD website. If you have questions regarding your FY2023 enrollment status, please contact the LTSS Center for Information and Training (CIT) by phone at (737) 867-7817 or by email

September 24th, 2022

Deadline for Comments on HHS Proposed Rules Due Oct. 17

Texas HHSC is accepting comments from stakeholders on the following proposed rules, which are now posted in the Texas Register. The comment period ends Oct. 17, 2022.

• Texas Administrative Code,
  • Title 40, Part 1, Chapter 9, Subchapter N, repeal of Sections 9.551, 9.552, 9.554, 9.556, 9.558, 9.560 – 9.563, 9.566 – 9.568, 9.570, 9.571, 9.573 – 9.575, 9.582, 9.583, concerning Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program and Community First Choice (CFC); and
  • Title 26, Part 1, new Chapter 262, Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Program and Community First Choice (CFC). Comments can be emailed to HHS Rules Coordination Office.
• Texas Administrative Code,
  • Title 40, Part 1, repeal of Chapter 9, Subchapter D, Sections 9.151, 9.152, 9.154 – 9.170, 9.186, 9.189 – 9.192, concerning Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program and Community First Choice (CFC); and
  • Title 26, Part 1, new Chapter 263, Home and Community-based Services (HCS) Program and Community First Choice (CFC). Comments can be emailed to HHS Rules Coordination Office.

Questions can be emailed to HHS Rules Coordination Office.

September 18th, 2022

THMP has website page with reference material for LTC Waiver Programs.  See link below:

https://www.tmhp.com/programs/ltc/reference-material

Updated LTC Online Portal User Guides for HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs Now Available

The Long-term Care Online Portal User Guides for Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Waiver Programs have been updated.

The learning path has been updated to include detailed instructions for entering Consumer Directed Services services in dollars instead of units, which were added to the 3608 and 8582 Individual Plan of Care Item-by-Item guides.

Read the full alert.

September 17th, 2022

EVV Mismatches For DH

Providers Must Use Bill Codes Listed in the HCS and TxHmL Bill Code Crosswalk for Claims Submission

Concern and Issue

HCS and TxHmL providers are receiving unnecessary electronic visit verification (EVV) mismatches for Day Habilitation services due to providers not using proper bill code and modifier combinations based on where services are delivered.

Which day habilitation bill codes do I use?

In-Home Day Habilitation services delivered in an own home or family home setting require EVV visits before billing and must be billed using the following bill codes:

• M0115 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 1 – IN-HOME
• M0116 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 5 – IN-HOME
• M0117 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 6 – IN-HOME
• M0118 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 8 – IN-HOME
• M0119 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 9 – IN-HOME
• M0201 – DAY HABILITATION – LC 1 – IN-HOME
• M0202 – CDS DAY HABILITATION – LC 1 – IN-HOME – Modifier 1 Position UC

In-Home Day Habilitation delivered in a host home or companion care setting, three-person or four-person residence, and Day Habilitation provided outside of the home do not require EVV visits and must be billed using the following bill code and modifier combinations:

• M0421 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 1 – OUT-OF-HOME – Modifier 1 Position – KX
• M0422 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 5 – OUT-OF-HOME – Modifier 1 Position – KX
• M0423 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 6 – OUT-OF-HOME – Modifier 1 Position – KX
• M0424 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 8 – OUT-OF-HOME – Modifier 1 Position – KX
• M0425 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 9 – OUT-OF-HOME – Modifier 1 Position – KX
• M0460 – DAY HABILITATION – LC 1 – OUT-OF-HOME – Modifier 1 Position – KX
• M0461 – CDS DAY HABILITATION – LC 1 – OUT-OF-HOME – Modifier 1 Position – TG

September 17th, 2022

For HCS and TxHmL providers participating in the COVID add-on program, follow the instructions below.

Note: Only program providers delivering in-home Day Habilitation services in a three-person or four-person residence qualify for the COVID add-on program.

In-Home Day Habilitation services delivered in a three-person, or four-person residence do not require EVV visits and must be billed using the following bill code and modifier combinations:

• M0944 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 1 – OUT-OF-HOME W/ COVID ADDON – Modifier 1 Position – KX – Modifier 2 Position – CR
• M0945 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 5 – OUT-OF-HOME W/ COVID ADDON – Modifier 1 Position – KX – Modifier 2 Position – CR
• M0946 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 6 – OUT-OF-HOME W/ COVID ADDON – Modifier 1 Position – KX – Modifier 2 Position – CR
• M0947 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 8 – OUT-OF-HOME W/ COVID ADDON – Modifier 1 Position – KX – Modifier 2 Position – CR
• M0948 – DAY HABILITATION – LN 9 – OUT-OF-HOME W/ COVID ADDON – Modifier 1 Position – KX – Modifier 2 Position – CR

Resources

EVV PCS Service Bill Codes Table
HCS and TxHmL Bill Code Crosswalk (for claims with dates of service beginning 05-01-2022)

February 27th, 2022

HCS and TxHmL Billing Changes In The Crosswalk for DH

HCS and TxHmL providers must use the HCS and TxHmL Bill Code Crosswalk starting March 1, 2022 to submit claims for all services. The bill code was updated Dec. 28, 2021.

The HCS and TxHmL Bill Code Crosswalk includes new bill codes for the services that require electronic visit verification.

For HCS program providers:

• Providing out of home day habilitation or in-home day habilitation in a host home or companion care setting, program providers must use the out-of-home day habilitation bill codes.
• Not participating in the COVID add-on program, in-home day habilitation provided in a three-person residence or four-person residence, program providers must use the out-of-home day habilitation bill codes.
• Participating in the COVID add-on program, in-home day habilitation provided in a three-person residence or four-person residence, the program provider must use the out-of-home bill codes below with the modifiers “KX” and “CR.”
  • For LON 1: M0944
  • For LON 5: M0945
  • For LON 8: M0947
  • For LON 6: M0946
  • For LON 9: M0948

Contact the HCS Policy Box with questions.

September 17th, 2022

HHSC publishes revised PL 20-55

HHSC Long-term Care Regulation updated Provider Letter 20-55 to include an updated link to the new amelioration form for HCS and TxHmL program providers.

The form is entitled 3708-A HCS and TxHmL Amelioration Request.

May 30th, 2022

HHSC has revised HCS and TxHmL Survey Operations Transformation (PL 21-26)

HHSC revised PL 2021-26 to reflect updates to the HCS or TxHmL Program Manager and Assistant Regional Director contact list.

Read PL 2021-26 here.

September 5th, 2021

Now Called Billing Requirements Not Billing Guidelines!!!!

HHSC Publishes Revision 21-3 of the HCS and TxHmL Program Billing Requirements and CFC Billing Requirements

HHSC Publishes Revision 21-3 of the HCS and TxHmL Program Billing Requirements and CFC Billing Requirements

This revision, effective Sept. 1, changes the name from Billing Guidelines to Billing Requirements, and all revisions are outlined in the 21-3 Revision Section of each document.

The Billing Requirements are located on the Long-term Care Providers webpage and Handbooks webpage and are outlined below:

• HCS Billing Requirements (PDF)
• TxHmL Billing Requirements (PDF)
• CFC Billing Requirements for HCS and TxHmL Program Providers (PDF)

Email questions to TxHmL Policy.

September 5th, 2021

Very Important!!!  HHSC Releases Guidance Booklet for HCS/TxHmL Providers

Section 4 of House Bill 3720, 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, requires HHSC to develop guidelines for regulatory staff and providers regarding the imposition of administrative penalties. To implement this provision, HHSC is offering training to regulatory staff and providers regarding the certification principles and the administrative penalty criteria and process. In conjunction with these training opportunities, HHSC has developed a comprehensive guidance booklet (PDF) that captures the training content in a user-friendly format. This booklet is available to training participants and on the HCS and TxHmL provider portals.  See the registration link below for training webinar presented on September 9th, 2021.

Register for HCS/TxHmL training here.

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.

August 15th, 2021

HHSC Publishes Revised Guidance for HCS/TxHmL Providers Regarding:             How to File a Survey Complaint (PL 20-21)

HHSC has updated PL 2020-01, How to File a Complaint Regarding a Surveyor and Report Survey Inconsistencies (PDF).

The letter has been revised to include information for how HCS and TxHmL program providers can file a complaint regarding a surveyor, how to report survey inconsistencies related to the interpretation and application of regulations and rules, and to provide updated contact information for Long-term Care Regulatory HCS and TxHmL regional program staff.

April 26th, 2021

            HHSC’s WS&C Portal

Additional changes are coming to address Surveys and violations received from surveyors.  These include contacting WSC staff concerning violations and submitting EOC’s and POC’s to WSC through the WSC Portal!

On April 27th and 29th 2021:  HHSC hosted a webinar on WSC Portal Training for HCS/TxHmL providers.

• A recorded session of The WSC portal training
  • https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/recordingView?webinarKey=3385319749029434640&registrantEmail=javasbja%40gmail.com

Here are the handouts:

• Basics of portal
  • Provider letter 2021-13
    • PL-2021-13
  • WSC Portal Training Handout
    • WSC Portal Training Handout with links

This portal will only be used to enter final PIR Reports, Submit EOC’s (Evidence of Correction), Submit POC’s (Plans of Correction) as well as communicate with WSC staff about POC’s/EOC’s, and Report a Death of an Individual in the program.

• Where do I find the page to create the portal?
  • Bookmark this link below, because that is where it will be and it will go live closer to the release of the portal.
  • https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/resources/waiver-survey-certification-wsc-provider-portal

March 29th, 2021

March 19 Recording of Clarification of Administrative Penalties and Related Processes Webinar Available

A recording of the March 19, 2021 Clarification of Administrative Penalties and Related Processes for HCS and TxHmL Providers webinar is available for those unable to attend.

Listen to the webinar recording here.

March 28th, 2021

March 16 Recording of Clarification of Administrative Penalties and Related Processes Webinar Available

A recording of the March 16, 2021 Clarification of Administrative Penalties and Related Processes for HCS and TxHmL Providers webinar is available for those unable to attend.

Listen to the webinar recording here.

January 10th, 2021

Jan. 5 Recording Webinar Available – HCS and TxHmL Changes to Survey Process and “Hold Harmless Period” Overview

A recording of the Jan. 5, 2021, HCS and TxHmL Changes to Survey Process and Hold Harmless Period Overview webinar is available for those unable to attend.

Listen to the webinar recording here.

Jan. 7 Recording of HCS and TxHmL Administrative Penalties and Amelioration Available

A recording of the Jan. 7, 2021 HCS and TxHmL Administrative Penalties and Amelioration webinar is available for those unable to attend.

Listen to the webinar recording here.

December 28th, 2020

Letter: PL 20-55  Administrative Penalties HCS & TxHmL

https://apps.hhs.texas.gov/providers/communications/2020/letters/IL2020-19.pdf

December 23rd, 2020

Upcoming HCS and TXHmL Webinars For:

“Hold Harmless” Period & Administrative Penalties & Amelioration

Hold Harmless Period Overview

This webinar will cover the “Hold Harmless” period for the new survey process for HCS and TxHmL.

Jan 5, 2021
2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Here’s the link to record session:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/4225828217950682891

For a copy of the handouts, you can email: Shelley.Gusky01@hhs.texas.gov

Administrative Penalties and Amelioration

This webinar will review the new survey process for HCS and TxHmL which begins on March 1, 2021 and will include and overview of administrative penalties and amelioration.
Jan 7, 2021
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Register for the webinar.

For a link to the recording of this session and a copy of the handouts, you can email: Shelley.Gusky01@hhs.texas.gov

HHSC Publishes Administrative Penalty Process for HCS & TxHmL Program Providers (PL 20-55)

November 25, 2020

HHSC Long-term Care Regulation has published PL 20-55 – Administrative Penalty Process for Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Program Providers (PDF). The PL provides guidance to providers on the rules regarding administrative penalties.

 Billing Guideline Changes

June 20, 2020

Survey Process:  Timelines

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

.

September 15th, 2022

Updated Webinar Resource Document and TMHP Account Setup Quick Reference Guide 

(HCS and TxHmL Waiver Program Providers)

From HHSC Alert September 12th, 2022

The Webinar Resource document that accompanied the Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal Training for Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Waiver Programs webinar and the TMHP Account Setup for HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs Quick Reference Guide have been updated. Read the full alert at Webinar Resource Document and TMHP Account Setup Quick Reference Guide.

September 12th, 2022

Avoiding HCS and TxHmL Overpayment of Services

Effective Jan. 2, 2023 Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) will perform monthly calculations on services for the Individual Plan of Care that overlaps the May 1, 2022 implementation of the new process for submitting Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living forms and claims.

On a quarterly basis, TMHP will calculate all services that have been paid through Client Assignment and Registration System and TMHP and will recoup services that exceed the authorized IPC amount.

Read the full alert.

Read More Button

August 23d, 2022

From our friends at the Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities!

Last Chance to Apply! The Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities (TCDD) has issued Requests for Applications (RFA) for four new grant opportunities. The deadline to apply for all four RFAs is this Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, by 11:59 p.m. CT.These grants will help expand inclusion, training, and cultural understanding for people with developmental disabilities (DD) in Texas communities. You can learn more about these RFAs on the TCDD Funding Available page and find details on how to apply for them. Disability Cultural Humility Training for Elected Officials TCDD has funding available for one project to develop a training program for elected officials in Texas to better understand people with disabilities. To increase the cultural humility of elected officials and their staff, the project will develop informational videos and materials and a comprehensive yet approachable training program. TCDD has approved funding for up to $150,000 per year for up to five years. Learn More and Apply Self-Advocates in Participatory Action Research  Funding is available to develop Participatory Action Research projects for people with disabilities. All projects must focus on enhancing self-advocate opportunities to have a voice in research about disability issues and increasing connections between researchers and the community. TCDD has approved funding for $150,000 per year, per project, for up to three years. There is funding available for up to two projects. Learn More and Apply Civic Engagement for People with Disabilities  TCDD has funding available to develop a civic engagement training program for people with disabilities. Programs must incorporate disability issues and language that reflect disability culture and strategies for participants to connect with peers, civic organizations, the media, and elected officials. The total funding amount is up to $100,000 per year for up to two years for one project. Learn More and Apply Treatment for Substance-Use Disorders  Funding is available to promote statewide capacity building and systems change improvements in the prevention, identification, and treatment of substance-use disorders among individuals with DD. Projects should include the development of training modules on substance-use disorders for the use of providers specializing in DD as well as modules on DD for the training of substance-use disorder professionals. TCDD has approved funding for up to $150,000 per project, per year, for up to three projects. Learn More and Apply How to Apply Proposals must be submitted through SM Apply. To learn more about TCDD’s RFAs, including the application process and what is required of grantees, visit the How to Apply webpage.

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August 22nd, 2022

PEMS

The Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) is experiencing an unusually high volume of calls and emails from providers with requests for Provider Enrollment and Management System (PEMS) assistance.

As a result, TMHP requests the following of providers requiring PEMS assistance:

• TMHP encourages providers that request PEMS assistance to wait for a call back. Requests are being handled in the order they are received.
• TMHP requests that providers not initiate a second request. Duplicate requests can cause delays.

***Note: Twogether Consulting advises those in the process of getting their HCS provider contract, who are not currently providers, to please call PEMS for “walkthrough services”.  Do not try to apply online as you do not have a contract # yet!.

• Provider Enrollment Help on TMHP.com

For more information, call the TMHP Contact Center at 800-925-9126 or the TMHP-CSHCN Services Program Contact Center at 800-568-2413.

• While waiting for PEMS assistance, providers should refer to the following PEMS educational materials that may assist with PEMS enrollment, re-enrollment, revalidation, change of ownership, and maintenance requests (maintaining and updating provider enrollment record information).

PEMS Training Materials Available on the TMHP Learning Management System (LMS)

The following training materials are available in the PEMS Learning Path on the TMHP LMS to help providers learn how to navigate and use PEMS:

• PEMS webinar recordings
• Provider Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about PEMS
• The following computer-based training (CBT) modules:
  • “General Information”
  • “Resources”
  • “New Enrollment”
  • “Reenrollment”
  • “Provider Management”
• PEMS Video Series
• Video entitled “PEMS vs. PEP” (PEP is the old system and it stands for Provider Enrollment on the Portal)
• “Quick Start Guide to Using PEMS”
• “PEMS Best Practices Guide”

Note: Providers must have a username and password to access the above materials on the LMS. To learn how to obtain a username and password, click here.

Informational Videos Available on the TMHP YouTube Channel

The following videos are in the Provider Enrollment & Management System playlist on the TMHP YouTube channel:

• “The Benefits of PEMS”
• “Removal of TPI from Forms”
• “TMHP Secure User Account”
• “Message Dashboard in TMHP User Account”
• “PEMS Dashboard Overview”
• “PEMS Navigation Panel”
• “Resolving Deficiencies”
• “Start New Enrollment”
• “Adding Attachments”
• “Signing Agreements”

Providers who need help navigating the TMHP website can view the following videos on the TMHP Website Refresher playlist on the TMHP YouTube channel:

• “TMHP Website: Overview”
• “TMHP Website: Provider Manuals”
• “TMHP Website: Provider Relations”
• “TMHP Website: Provider Notifications”
• “TMHP Website: My Account”
• “TMHP Website: Topics”
• “TMHP Website: Programs”
• “TMHP Website: Provider Enrollment”
• “TMHP Website: Resources”

Get More Information

Additionally, the following information related to PEMS is available on the TMHP website:

• “The Benefits of PEMS” guide
• Recent news about PEMS
• Provider Enrollment Help on TMHP.com

For more information, call the TMHP Contact Center at 800-925-9126 or the TMHP-CSHCN Services Program Contact Center at 800-568-2413.

August 14th, 2022

Extreme Drought Conditions

Texas is currently experiencing statewide drought conditions. Numerous water systems are stressed and may continue to experience issues as the drought progresses, and there are concerns about the impacts on long-term care facilities. Water may become limited, in addition due to the extreme heat Texas is using a record amount of electricity so we may be subject to rolling blackouts in the near future.   A/C systems are stressed and foundation problems such as cracking have occurred, due to the extreme heat and drought.

LTC providers should review their emergency preparedness and response plans to ensure people know what to do in an emergency related to drought. Confirm contingency strategies are in place and continue readiness for potential issues, including breakdowns associated with water supplies, power supplies and cooling systems.

A few tips from us at Twogether Consulting: 

-Don’t wait til the breakdown or disaster occurs, stock up here and there on bottle-watered supplies now, not during a water shortage occurs, and panic has set in at the stores.

-Maintain your A/C/Cooling systems:

1. Change the filter regularly.  Probably every 2-3 months for most central A/C systems, but check the guidance for your system.  With the African dust being so severe, and little rain during the drought, more dust and dirt may be getting into your A/C filter, and trust me, it can shut them down quick this summer.
2. Be sure to inform and train your staff at the group homes, if they are persons that need to complete this task.
3. If you have maintenance staff, please have them maintain a regular schedule for changing A/C filters for the facility and the group homes.
4. If you do not have maintenance staff or others taking care of filters.  If the filter is dirty, often that can cause your system to go down.

-If you own some of your own “group homes”, it may be a good idea to purchase homeowner’s insurance now, in case these types of breakdowns occur, as the cost will be much less than paying to fix or even purchase brand new A/C system. Many times they can get someone out to fix the equipment or appliance a lot faster as well with a minimal service charge for coming to fix it. .

-Do you have a backup place the individuals can go, in case the A/C does go out and you can’t repair it quickly?

-Do you have a few bigger size coolers (preferable with wheels for portability), in case the power goes out for a lengthy period of time and you need to ensure your food doesn’t spoil if possible?

-Purchase a backup generator (if feasible &/or appropriate)

-Have your staff check to see if batteries need replacements in flashlights in the group homes.

-Purchase some fans and portable plug-in coolers if A/C system goes out or may go out soon (if feasible &/or appropriate)

Read the news release about the counties currently under the Governor’s Disaster Declaration for Drought and the proclamation from the Governor (PDF).

Visit the HHSC Emergency Preparedness webpage for more information on emergency preparedness for LTC providers.

Email questions to LTCR Policy.

August 8th, 2022

New LTC Boundaries for Survey and Investigation purposes In effect as of August 1st, 2022

See new map

HHSC has published Provider Letter 2022-18 – New Regional Boundaries for Long-term Care Providers (PDF).

The letter indicates that HHSC Long-term Care Regulation has redrawn regional boundaries for survey and investigation purposes effective August 1, 2022.

All LTC providers are affected by the new regional boundaries.

Former  Region 7 is now separated into two new regions: Region 8 and 11.

Read the PL details.

July 30th, 2022

HHSC Reminds LTC Providers of Offsite Investigation Requirements (PL 2022-15)

HHSC has published Provider Letter 2022-15 – Offsite Review Responsibility Requirements (PDF).

The letter reminds facilities and agencies that they have the same obligation to respond to an investigation that HHSC conducts virtually and offsite as they do during an investigation that HHSC conducts in-person and onsite.

Read the PL details.

July 30th, 2022

The TexMedConnect User Guide has instructions for adjusting a previously submitted claim with dates of service on May 1 or later. However, the guide does not have instructions for adjusting a previously adjusted claim.

The user guide will be updated to include these instructions. In the meantime, follow the steps in the full alert for adjusting a previously adjusted claim in TexMedConnect.

Read the full alert.

July 30th, 2022

Entering Non-Waiver Services in the LTC Online Portal in the HCS Program

Effective immediately, Home and Community-based Services Program providers are responsible for entering all non-HCS Program and non-Community First Choice services into the HHSC data system.

Non-HCS and non-CFC services data are entered in the “Non-Waiver” services tab of the individual plan of care in the Long-term Care Online Portal. During a meeting to develop or revise an IPC, the service coordinator must provide information to the HCS Program provider about all non-HCS and non-CFC services and supports a person receives.

Per 40 Texas Administrative Code Section 9.159(c), an IPC must be based on a person’s person-directed plan. The IPC must specify the type and amount of each HCS service, CFC service (except CFC support management), and the non-HCS and non-CFC services and supports provided during the IPC year.

The service coordinator is still responsible for entering non-HCS and non-CFC services in the LTC Online Portal for HCS services delivered through the Consumer Directed Services option

From HHSC:

“The FAQ document has been updated to reflect additional questions that were received during the June 8, 2022 webinar.

Some questions were similar so HHSC combined the main themes of questions received and provided the answer/response below. The FAQ has also been updated to reflect an extension of the deadline for the attestation and initial report. It was July 1, 2022 and has been extended to August 15, 2022.

If you have a question not addressed by this document, please contact: PFDLTSS@hhs.texas.gov.

If you have questions about the HHSC HCBS ARPA spending plan, please contact Medicaid_HCBS_Rule@hhsc.state.tx.us. The webinar recording, which includes a step-by-step walk-through of the attestation and reporting, is available here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/8631581217532733954

HHSC is providing a temporary rate add-on for certain home and community-based services delivered between March 1, 2022 and August 31, 2022. Information regarding the temporary rate add-ons can be viewed here: https://pfd.hhs.texas.gov/long-term-services-supports.”

Below is the full FAQ document

https://pfd.hhs.texas.gov/sites/rad/files/documents/long-term-svcs/2022/2022-hcbs-arpa-faq.pdf

July 27th, 2022

American Rescue Plan Act HCBS & TxHmL Provider Retention Payments

HCBS ARPA Payments in CARE/HCBS Enhanced FMAP Payments in CARE

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission implements American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provider retention payments.

HCS and TxHmL claims processed on the ID CARE system for dates of service between March 1–April 30, 2022, meeting the eligibility requirements for receiving the ARPA rate add on, will begin to be processed toward the end of July.

Providers will receive three new reports that will include the ARPA add on payments.

NOTE: These same reports are currently being received for regular claim payments under a different Report ID.

Here are the 3 new ARPA reports are provided below:

Approved To Pay Report:          HC064110.TXT

Claims Detail Extract:               GC063979.TXT

Remittance and Status Report:  HC064112.TXT

All providers receiving these ARPA payments will see these new reports delivered every Tuesday morning to their current folders. HHSC is processing payments at the client ID level. Due to the volume of claims, not all providers will receive ARPA payments each week. These ARPA payments will not be viewable within the ID CARE online system at this time but will be reflected in reports.

Questions about the HCBS spending plan can be sent to medicaid_hcbs_rule@hhsc.state.tx.us.

Questions about rates, attestation or reporting:   pfd-ltss@hhs.texas.gov.

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 p.m. on the 1^st day of the month following each reporting period. (For example, the report for July 2022 data will be due by 5 p.m. on August 1, 2022.)

HHSC regularly updates the list of healthcare institutions who must submit reports in compliance with Senate Bill 809 or Rider 143. The list can be found here under the SB 809/Rider 143 COVID-19 Reporting Healthcare Institution List dropdown.

Note: this list is derived at a point in time (currently as of July 1, 2022) and not all-inclusive as providers may enroll or change at various times. The list will be updated every Friday by close of business. Any provider that is identified as a “Health Care Institution” as defined in Section 74.001 of the Civil Practice and Remedies Code is required to complete the reports. The list has been updated to align with licensing agencies.

For more information about the Senate Bill 809/Rider 143 Monthly Report, please review this list of frequently asked questions and responses and visit the HHSC Provider Finance Department Communications web page.

If you have question(s) about the content of the report or need technical assistance, please email the HHSC Provider Finance Department at HHSC_PFD_Survey@hhs.texas.gov with “COVID-19 Federal Funds Report” in the subject line.

January 9th, 2022

Reminder: SB 809 / Rider 143 COVID-19 Reporting

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is posting the list of healthcare institutions, as identified by HHSC, who must submit reports in compliance with Senate Bill 809 or Rider 143. The list also identifies those providers who have not submitted a SB 809/Rider 143 Report. The list can be found on the Provider Finance website under SB 809/Rider 143 COVID-19 Reporting Healthcare Institution List. Note: this list is for the reporting periods of January 2020 – August 2021, September 2021, and October 2021, which were all due 5:00 PM CST on December 1, 2021.

If you believe there is an error in the list, please email us with “SB 809/Rider 143 Reporting” in the subject line by 5:00 PM CST on January 5, 2022.

If all required reports by a provider have not been received by 5:00 PM CST on January 5, 2022, HHSC will begin immediate enforcement of disciplinary actions as authorized by Title 1 Texas Administrative Code Section 355.7201 (TAC) related to the penalties for failure to report. The health care institutions that have “not submitted” are deemed non-compliant at this time.

The initial report required from providers includes funding and cost data covering the period January 2020 through August 2021. The subsequent reports will be ongoing and will cover a single month; each monthly report will be due on the 1st of the second following month following the end of the month (for example, the report for November 2021 data will be due January 1, 2022).

December 30th, 2021

GovDelivery Update: SB 809 / Rider 143 COVID-19 Reporting

This is a notification that HHSC has identified an error in the list of healthcare institutions that have submitted and have not submitted a SB 809 / Rider 143 report. HHSC has now resolved this matter.

HHSC has published a corrected list on the Provider Finance website under SB 809/Rider 143 COVID-19 Reporting Healthcare Institution List.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this list, please email us with “SB 809/Rider 143 Reporting” in the subject line by 5:00 PM CST on January 5, 2022.

December 14th, 2021

Very Important News! The due dates for the SB 809 Monthly COVID-19 Reports have changed.

Previously the reports were due on the 15th of the month following the month which the report covered.  They are now due on the 1st of the second following month.  Example:  The report covering November is now due January 1, 2022 rather than December 15, 2021. See updated message on HHSC’s webpage below.

The initial report located here includes funding and cost data covering the period January 2020 through August 2021 and is due October 1, 2021. The subsequent reports (located here) will be ongoing and will cover a single month; each monthly report will be due on the 1st of the second following month following the end of the month (for example, the report for September 2021 data will be due November 1, 2021.)

November 30th, 2021

November 14th, 2021

PROVIDER REPORT GRACE PERIOD

HHSC is granting a “grace period” to allow providers time to come into compliance if they fail to meet any deadlines between October 1, 2021, and November 30, 2021. While the deadlines to report will not change, HHSC will not take any of the available actions against a provider as long as the provider submits all the required reports due between October 1, 2021, and November 30, 2021. The grace period ends December 1, 2021.

Because vendor hold can be imposed for lack of compliance and non-compliance will impact a provider’s eligibility to receive the state-controlled ARPA funds made available through SB 8 (Nelson, 3rd Special Session). Please share this information!

Information and FAQs Please visit the HHSC Provider Finance Department Communications web page for more information about the report.  Then click on “Monthly SB 809/Rider 143 COVID-19 Reporting.”

Read More….

October 3rd, 2021

Don’t Forget, The 1st  Monthly Ongoing Provider Report is Due October 15th, 2021!

The ongoing SB 809 and Rider 143 report and further information—including a PDF version of the report questions—are available on the HHSC Provider Finance Department website, and may be accessed on the main webpages for Acute Care Services, Hospitals and Clinic Services, and Long Term Services and Supports. Please note that this Microsoft Form link is separate from the initial report that covered the period of January 31, 2020 – August 31, 2021.

Grace Period

HHSC is granting a “grace period” to allow providers time to come into compliance if they fail to meet any deadlines between October 1, 2021, and November 30, 2021. While the deadlines to report will not change, HHSC will take no action against a provider as long as the provider submits all required reports due between October 1, 2021, and November 30, 2021, prior to the end of the grace period. The grace period ends December 1, 2021.

Sept. 18th, 2021

FAQ’s For Compliance With SB809 & Rider 143: Monthly Provider Reporting Requirements Concerning COVID-19 Funding

Introduction:

The 87th Texas Legislature directed the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to report federal COVID-19 funding from specific health care institutions, and certain costs those providers have spent related to COVID-19 public health emergency. HHSC has developed a monthly report to obtain the information required by Rider 143 (.pdf) (2022-23 General Appropriations Act, Senate Bill (S.B.) 1, 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021 (Article II, HHSC, Rider 143) and S.B. 809 (.pdf) (87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

View the HHSC created list of “frequently asked questions ” (FAQ) (.pdf) with the answers to common questions to assist providers in completing the report.

Reporting: 

The initial report located here includes funding and cost data covering the period January 2020 through August 2021 and is due October 1, 2021. The subsequent reports will be ongoing and will cover a single month; each monthly report will be due on the 15th of the month following the end of the month (for example, the report for October 2021 data will be due November 15, 2021.

You will receive a confirmation once your report has been fully completed and submitted.

A pdf version of the report is available here (.pdf) for review prior to submitting the report.

If you are unable to meet the reporting deadline please contact the Provider Finance Department at HHSC_RAD_Survey@hhs.texas.gov for assistance.

Failure to submit:

Failure to complete and/or submit the required monthly report(s) on time will result in:

1. A report to the Department of State Health Services or HHSC Regulatory Services and potential adverse actions on your licensure and/or
2. HHSC may initiate payment holds for providers who fail to submit the required monthly reports.

HHSC is granting a “grace period” to help providers come into compliance if they fail to meet any deadlines between October 1, 2021, and November 30, 2021. While the deadlines to report will not change, HHSC will not any of the actions listed above against a provider as long as the provider submits all the required reports due between October 1, 2021, and November 31, 2021. The grace period ends December 1, 2021.

List of Some Of The Providers Required to Complete Reports: 

Here are some of the following entities that are required to complete the report:

• Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID);
• Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) or Case Management Agency (CMA) Providers;
• Deaf-Blind with Multiple Disabilities (DBMD) Providers;
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) Providers;
• Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Providers;

Please email the HHSC Provider Finance Survey for assistance at HHSC_RAD_Survey@hhs.texas.gov.

September 18, 2021

As required by Senate Bill (SB) 809 and Rider 143 of the 87^th Legislature (regular session)(copied below), HHSC will begin collecting information on the total value and uses of COVID-19 related Federal funds through monthly reports. The first report is due October 1, 2021. Reminder of Publication of Proposed Rules

HHSC published proposed rules related to SB809 and Rider 143 in the Texas Register on August 13, 2021, pages 4928-4931. The comment period ends September 3, 2021.

Rider 143

Reporting Requirement: COVID-19 Funding to Nursing Facilities and Hospitals. Out of funds appropriated above in Strategy B.1.1, Medicaid Contracts and Administration, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) shall develop a report detailing the total value and uses of COVID-19-related Federal Funds, including Provider Relief Funds, provided directly to nursing facilities and hospitals contracting with HHSC since the beginning of the public health emergency. The report should include any temporary rate increases provided to nursing facilities related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Any facilities that do not provide information requested by the commission necessary to complete the report shall be identified in the report. The first submission of the report shall also include a description of any requirements implemented for nursing facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost to nursing facilities to implement the requirements, and recommendations on whether or not the requirements should be continued after the end of the public health emergency. HHSC shall submit the report to the Governor, Legislative Budget Board, and any appropriate standing committee in the Legislature on December 1st and June 1st of each fiscal year. The format and content of the report shall be specified by the Legislative Budget Board and posted on the HHSC website. Appropriations in Strategy A.2.4, Nursing Facility Payments, for fiscal year 2023 are contingent on the submission of the reports due December 1, 2021 and June 1, 2022.

Please look for forthcoming announcements from HHSC regarding these important reporting requirements. For more information, please contact HHSC Provider Finance.

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 Medicaid operations.  In otherwards, our individuals currently covered, may not automatically be qualified as covered once PHE ends.  Act now and respond to all Medicaid letters telling you that your individual may not qualify when PHE ends.  Shout out to all SC’s and Case Managers!

PL-2022-39

https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/il-2022-39.pdf

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 15^th, 2022!

* Sponsorship Opportunities * Exhibitor Registration * Parade Entries * Program Partners * Information Only * and more! *

You will have a front-row seat to share your programs, resources, and opportunities to every individual, caregiver, and other providers in attendance. Every attendee will be able to interact through the AccessAbility fest gateway to resources, opportunities and recreation for individuals facing barriers to independence and inclusion due to a physical, developmental, sensory, and/or mental health challenge.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1ST, 2022 Schedule of Events
9:00am – 10:00am
abilitySTRONG Parade
9:00am –  2:00pm
Resource Festival
10:30am 
Main Presentation/Ceremony

The deadline to REGISTER as an exhibitor and be guaranteed an exhibitor booth is Friday, September 2^nd, 2022 at 5pm.

We look forward to you joining us for our 16th Annual AccessAbility fest, should you have any additional questions you are welcome to email lisa@disabilitysa.org or call the office at 210-704-7262 or email Kameron Chicoine at kameron.exceptionalkids@gmail.com.

CLICK LINK TO REGISTER: https://hipaa.jotform.com/221468522820150

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 sessions, each 6 hrs long.

There are multiple live Zoom training dates listed, so take your pick.

https://replacingrisk.com/virtual-person-centered-thinking-training/ 

To learn more about IntelectAbility, here is their main website page https://replacingrisk.com/

TAC 9.177 (d) A program provider must:

  (1) conduct initial and periodic training that ensures staff members and service providers are qualified to deliver services as required by the current needs and characteristics of the individuals to whom they deliver services, including the use of restraint in accordance with §9.179 of this subchapter (relating to Certification Principles: Restraint); and

  (2) ensure that a staff member who participates in developing an implementation plan for CFC PAS/HAB completes person-centered service planning training approved by HHSC:

    (A) by June 1, 2017, if the staff member was hired on or before June 1, 2015; or

    (B) within two years after hire, if the staff member was hired after June 1, 2015.

July 11th, 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 significant hurdle to identifying and managing symptoms of COVID-19 infection, especially for those experiencing the lasting effects of long-haul COVID.”

Read more

Download this 10-page document for more info on symptoms in individuals with  “Long-haul COVID-19” issues

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, 2022. For questions, contact HHSC Provider Finance Department: CostInformationPFD@hhs.Texas.gov.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) announces Open Enrollment for the following programs:

• Attendant Compensation Rate Enhancement Program for Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) — Direct Service Agency (DSA)
• Home and Community-based Services (HCS)
• Texas Home Living (TxHmL)
• Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions (ICF/IID)
• and  several other waivers and LTC programs

For this state fiscal year (SFY) 2023, enrollment will be open until Aug 1, 2022. Title 1, Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Sections 355.112 and 355.308 states if the last day of open enrollment is on a weekend day, state holiday, or national holiday, the next business day will be considered the last day requests will be accepted. This enrollment pertains only to providers contracted with HHSC as described in 1 TAC Sections 355.112 and 355.308.

Providers contracted directly with a Managed Care Organization (MCO) will continue to enroll for rate enhancement through that MCO. They may not enroll through the process discussed below without a fee-for-service contract with HHSC.

Providers who participate in this optional program receive additional funds to provide increased wages and benefits for attendants or direct care staff. They must comply with enhanced staffing or spending requirements on future cost or accountability reports.

To request participation or an increase in level, complete an online Enrollment Contract Amendment (ECA) by 5:00 p.m. on August 1, 2022. The ECA must be completed online. No faxes, mail, or emails will be accepted. This letter does not include any forms. The ECA, all instructions, and worksheets are available on the HHSC Provider Finance Department Website at: https://pfd.hhs.texas.gov/long-term-services-supports.

July 5th, 2022

Use the following instructions to access these resources:

1.   Open the Provider Finance Long-term Services & Supports website;

2. select the appropriate program;
3. scroll down to the heading “Rate Enhancement – Attendant Compensation” or “Rate Enhancement – Direct Care Staff Compensation” (for Nursing Facility); and
4. click on “View 2023 Rate Enhancement.”

Access the ECA by clicking on “Enrollment Contract Amendment Form” under “Other Documents Important to the 2023 Enrollment Information.”

In the same “Other Documents” section, instructions for completing the ECA are available by clicking on “Enrollment Contract Amendment Instructions.” It is important to review the instructions prior to completing the ECA.

The Open Enrollment Video is available under “View 2023 Rate Enhancement” on the Provider Finance Department website. There are no rate enhancement webinars for fiscal year 2023.

For more information, please visit the Provider Finance website.

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 the consistency of provider information and helps avoid claim rejection. Attending provider information is validated on NF and ICF/IID claims. Referring provider information is validated on hospice claims.

Email questions to the Managed Care Initiatives and ICF/IID Questions inboxes.

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 policy guidelines.

For more information please click on this link below for the website

https://pfd.hhs.texas.gov/long-term-services-supports

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

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

During the COVID-19 pandemic, flexibilities were put in place to allow comprehensive nursing assessments to be provided by telehealth (synchronous audio-visual technology).

This revised guidance applies to:

• Home and Community-based Services
• Texas Home Living

At the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, this flexibility will end, and a registered nurse will be required to complete the comprehensive nursing assessments in person.

HHSC is notifying providers now so they can prepare for in-person activities as soon as the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. HHSC will notify providers of that date as soon as the federal government determines the end date. HHSC will be making updates to waiver handbooks to reflect this policy. Until handbook updates are completed, this interim guidance will serve as official HHSC policy.

For questions, email one of the policy mailboxes below:

• HCS policy mailbox
• TxHmL policy mailbox

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 training, visit the Vocational Rehabilitation Providers’ Resources website. To register, send an email to info@apse.org.

Cool new TWC provider locator tool

Instructions on how to use provider locator tool:  https://www.twc.texas.gov/files/partners/vr-provider-locator-documentation.docx

June 16th, 2022

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 services, rates are being updated. Refer to Information Letter No. 2022-30 for additional information.

Providers do not need to take any action because these claims will be systematically adjusted during the regular adjustment process. Providers should confirm claim status and paid amounts on the Remittance and Status (R&S) Report.

Potential delays are expected in the generation of all provider R&S Reports on Wednesdays for the next few weeks because of the high volume of adjustment claims that will be systematically generated. Therefore, R&S Reports will be available later in the day, and providers may expect to see more records on the R&S Reports because of these adjustments.

For additional questions, contact the TMHP LTC Help Desk at 800-626-4117, option 1, then option 7.”

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

https://www.tmhp.com/news?created=2&title=HCS&program_id=56&topic_id=All&category_id=All

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 disability authority agencies can access the LTC Online Portal Dashboard by ensuring that they have the correct user permissions.”

Read the full alert here.

If you have any questions about accessing the LTC Online Portal Dashboard, contact the TMHP LTC Help Desk by calling 800-626-4117, selecting Option 1, & then selecting Option 7.

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 claims that you can possibly bill, by 8/31/22!!!  

From HHSC:

“IL 2022-31 is for providers to prepare for the Aug. 31 end of fiscal year closeout. It is important for providers to promptly submit claims to be paid by HHSC for any unbilled services. HHSC will publish additional details regarding cutoff dates for fiscal year 2022 in an upcoming HHSC information letter when they are available.”

Submit questions about this project by calling Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership at 800-626-4117, Option 1. Invalid or inappropriate recoupments should be immediately reported to HHSC Provider Recoupments and Holds by calling 512-438-2200, Option 3.

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 your provider type is allowed to evacuate to a hotel and that is in your plan, are hotels open in your destination?
• How will you maintain infection control measures during evacuation or sheltering-in-place?
• If you have COVID-19 positive persons in your facility, how will that affect evacuation or sheltering-in-place?
• How will you make sure personal protective equipment is available in addition to food and medicine?

Providers affected by an adverse event, such as severe weather, or expects it will need to temporarily exceed capacity due to a disaster, should contact their HHSC LTC Regulatory regional office.

Please refer to your program’s rules for more important information regarding emergency preparedness.

Hurricane and Flooding Readiness for HCS/TxHmL
Wednesday, June 1
1:45–3 p.m.
Register for the training.

August 15th, 2021

August and September 2021 LTCR Provider Training Opportunities

Long-Term Care Regulatory providers are invited to attend the following trainings hosted in August and September. Visit the Joint Training Opportunities page to register and learn more about each of these events.

Emergency Preparedness in Long-Term Care Facilities
August 18
1:30 p.m.
Register for the webinar.

August 25
1:30 p.m.
Register for the webinar.

September 13
1:30 p.m.
Register for the webinar.

September 23
1:30 p.m.
Register for the webinar.

July 4th, 2021

Hurricane and Flooding Readiness Webinars for LTC Providers

Home & Community-based Services:

Wednesday, July 21
2 -3:30 p.m.
Register for the webinar.

Intermediate Care Facilities:

Wednesday, July 21
10 -11:30 a.m.
Register for the webinar.

July 2021 LTCR Provider Training Opportunities

Long-Term Care Regulatory providers are invited to attend the following trainings hosted in July.  Visit the Joint Training Opportunities page to register and learn more about each of these events.

Emergency Preparedness in Long-Term Care Facilities

July 21
1:30 p.m.
Register for the webinar.

July 28
1:30 p.m.
Register for the webinar.

July 3rd, 2021

CMS Provides Guidance on Full-Scale Emergency Preparedness Exercises

ICF Providers, please make sure you see this.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued Quality Safety & Oversight Memo QSO-20-41-ALL Revised (PDF). The memo gives more guidance to providers on full-scale exercise requirements that are part of CMS regulations for emergency preparedness.
The following provider types are exempted from completing a required full-scale exercise for the 2021 cycle based on a provider’s activation of their emergency plan.

• Nursing facilities
• ICFs-IID
• Home health agencies
• Inpatient hospice providers

This exemption does not apply to the exercise of choice.
Providers should still follow all other emergency preparedness guidance in the March 26, 2021 State Operations Manual, Appendix Z (PDF).

May 23, 2022

Very Important!

Please see information from TMHP below:

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 related conditions (ICFs/IID), and providers of Community Attendant Services.

HHSC has published new information regarding the COVID-19 in Healthcare Relief Grants for the competitive award processes (“TIER 2”) here. HHSC encourages prospective Request for Application (RFA) applicants to review this information outlining general eligibility criteria, RFA application requirements, and anticipated solicitation posting dates for each of the respective RFAs.

Eligible applicants should rely on the final information published in each RFA Solicitation. Each RFA may have additional or different information than what is provided on the website.

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 disability authorities.
• Financial management services agencies billing on behalf of Consumer Directed Services employers.

Read the full alert here.

May 8th, 2022

 HCS and TxHmL Must Submit Claims and Forms to TMHP Beginning May 2, 2022

April 28th, 2022

Claims Submission

Reminder: HCS and TxHmL Must Submit Claims and Forms to TMHP Beginning May 2, 2022

Reminder: HCS and TxHmL Programs can Submit 837P Professional and 837D Dental Claims Using EDI or TexMedConnect

For additional questions, providers can refer to the HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), send an email to hcs_txhml@tmhp.com, or contact the TMHP EDI Help Desk at 888-863-3638.

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 TMHP Available March 1, 2022

April 28th, 2022

• 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 is:  https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/health/medicaid-chip/medicaid-chip-members/starplus-pilot-program-sp3

April 28th, 2022

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,  related to implementation of SB1, Rider 30 (HHSC) and recommendations for reducing the interest list for waiver services for Individuals with IDD and reducing associated staffing shortages. See end of this message for text of Rider 30.

Organizations Invited to Testify: Though not inclusive, organizations invited to provide testimony include PPAT, the Texas Council of Community Centers, the Arc, Disability Rights Texas and PACSTX.  HHSC will also provide testimony.

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 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

• 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 them and open to suggestions and ongoing dialogue.
• The current draft rules do not require any benchmark regarding time persons must engage in off-site activities, and at this time, there is no consideration to establish benchmarks.  According to HHSC, this is in great part due to the limited amount of appropriations received to implement the new service.
• No changes expected, at least for now, to the proposed rates.
• At this time, no changes to the DH rates for persons enrolled in an ICF/IID, yet who will attend an ISS facility are anticipated to occur.
• Based on comments received through the informal comment period, HHSC is restructuring and revising the draft regulatory/license rules.  Details were not provided.
• Stakeholders requested consideration of a separate meeting to discuss the draft rules.  No confirmation received as to whether HHSC will schedule a meeting.
• HHSC has created a webpage related to ISS.  To access, go to: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/providers/long-term-care-providers/long-term-care-provider-resources/individualized-skills-socialization

April 10th, 2022

Individualized Skills and Socialization

IDD Systems Redesign Committee (SRAC) Agenda from January 27th, 2022

See link below or read the section below.  The webcast recording is available below:

March 7th, 2022

 (See link below to FAQ’s)

Answers to Additional Questions related to the Migration

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:

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 April 4, 2022. Access the STP and instructions for submitting public comments here.

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 within 14 calendar days of receiving the final report for each violation identified in the plan of correction. The start date of the 14 days is when the program provider receives the final survey report, not the date of the letter or the postage date. The final report can be emailed to the program provider if the email address is on file.

If you have specific questions about the due date for the POC, please contact your regional program manager.

Q: Can we sign the 3724 electronically?

A: If the program provider has the capability to electronically sign, this is acceptable.

Q: Isn’t HHSC supposed to send the provider a pdf or word version of the violations that the provider can actually edit on the right side to enter in their POC’s?  That seems to be an issue some providers have had.

A: Form 3724s are e-mailed to program providers PDF format. A program provider should be able to edit the PDF to enter their POCs on the right-hand side. Please see Instructions for Electronic 2567/3724 for how to do this. If you’re still having trouble, you can contact your regional program manager.

Q: If the 3724 is mailed to the provider in a protected PDF format, how can the provider type the corrections on the form if they do not wish to hand write them?

A: Please contact your regional program manager.

Q: Can a POC be completed in the HCS portal?

A: No, the POC cannot be completed in the provider portal. The POC information needs to be entered on the final 3724 report that is submitted to the program provider.

Q: Are those letters certified to verify when the letter was actually received by the provider?

A: No, the letters are not required to be certified.

Q: I was told there are no debriefings during the survey process. Has this changed?

A: The surveyor will review Form 3701-A, Statement of Preliminary Findings during the survey exit conference to review each of the areas of noncompliance that were identified during the course of the survey, including findings that may result in a critical violation. Per §9.171(j), if HHSC identifies a finding that may be a critical violation not discussed during an exit conference, a new exit conference with the program provider will be held to discuss those additional finding(s).

Q: Is this Form 3724 that is used in the ICF Program as the CAP replacing Form 8581 that was previously used in the HCS and TxHmL Program as the CAP?

A: Form 3724 should be used for Plans of Correction for the HCS program. Form 3724 is the state form from ASPEN for the Statement of Licensing Violations and Plan of Correction.

Form 8581, Corrective Action Plan has been retired and removed from the HHSC website.

Q: Will HHSC surveyors provide a separate form for administrative penalties for any violations not corrected?

A: All violations must be corrected before the imposition of penalties. If violations aren’t corrected the provider will be decertified. Decertification triggers contract termination. 

Enforcement notifies the provider through certified and first-class mail of the imposition of penalties.

Q: Is the IDT the same as the SPT (service planning team) for HCS and TxHmL?

A: The concept is similar. Per 40 TAC 9.153(106), the definition of a Service Planning Team is

“One of the following:

(A) for an applicant or individual other than one described in subparagraphs (B) or (C) of this paragraph, a planning team consisting of:

(i) an applicant or individual and LAR;

(ii) service coordinator; and

(iii) other persons chosen by the applicant or individual or LAR, for example, a staff member of the program provider, a family member, a friend, or a teacher;

(B) for an applicant 21 years of age or older who is residing in a nursing facility and enrolling in the HCS Program, a planning team consisting of:

(i) the applicant and LAR;

(ii) service coordinator;

(iii) a staff member of the program provider;

(iv) providers of specialized services;

(v) a nursing facility staff person who is familiar with the applicant’s needs;

(vi) other persons chosen by the applicant or LAR, for example, a family member, a friend, or a teacher; and

(vii) at the discretion of the LIDDA, other persons who are directly involved in the delivery of services to persons with an intellectual or developmental disability; or

(C) for an individual 21 years of age or older who has enrolled in the HCS Program from a nursing facility or has enrolled in the HCS Program as a diversion from admission to a nursing facility, for 365 calendar days after enrollment, a planning team consisting of:

(i) the individual and LAR;

(ii) service coordinator;

(iii) a staff member of the program provider;

(iv) other persons chosen by the individual or LAR, for example, a family member, a friend, or a teacher; and

(v) with the approval of the individual or LAR, other persons who are directly involved in the delivery of services to persons with an intellectual or developmental disability.

Q: What do we do if the 45-day PoC completion date has already passed by the time we get the final report?

A: If you receive the final report near or after the 45-day PoC completion date, please contact your regional program manager for assistance.

Instructions for Documenting Your POC’s On Electronic Form 2567/3724 Received From HHSC

Provider:

1. Open the 2567/3724 document
2. Go to “Insert” on the toolbar
3. Select “Text” Box
4. Insert the “Text” Box where you want to write the PoC
5. Insert a second “Text” Box where you put the PoC date.
6. Right-click on the text box’s border, and choose “copy”.  (For copy and pasting)

7. Scroll down to the second page of 2567, left-click anywhere on the page, then press “Ctrl-V” on the keyboard

                           ( or right-click with the mouse and choose “paste” ) – the text box will paste in nearly centered into the POC field

                            ( to center, press two cursors spaces to the left and two cursor spaces up ).

Repeat on the remaining pages

Save the document.

Send the document back to the region.

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 central monitoring station, which in turn, alerts the local emergency services to provide assistance. Should your system’s cellular communicator be based on 3G technology, and with cellular providers phasing out 3G support, your setup could fail to alert emergency services in the event of a fire. This highlights the critical need for ensuring your fire alarm system is up-to-date, not only for effective emergency communication but also for integrating seamlessly with Fire Watch Security in NYC, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fire safety and emergency response.

The major cellular companies gave the following dates for retiring their older networks:

• AT&T began retiring its 3G network on Feb. 22, 2022.
• Sprint will retire its 3G CDMA network on March 31, 2022.
• Sprint will retire its 3G LTE network on June 30, 2022.
• T-Mobile will retire its 3G UMTS network on July 1, 2022.
• Verizon will retire its 3G CDMA network on Dec. 31, 2022.
• T-Mobile has announced it will retire its 2G GSM network but has not set a date for that retirement.

After these dates fire alarm communication devices that connect to cellular communication systems using this older technology will not work.

LTC providers are responsible for ensuring their fire alarms systems function correctly. Providers with fire alarm systems monitored by a third-party monitoring company should contact their fire alarm service company. They need to find out if their fire alarm communication equipment needs upgrading.

Email LTCR Policy or call 512-438-3161 with questions.

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 require resubmission May 1st, 2022.

Beginning May 1, submit HCS and TxHmL forms using the TMHP LTC Online Portal. All user guides to aid form submissions are published to TMHP’s Learning Management System. All users must create an LMS account to access the materials. There is a sign-up link on the LMS homepage. Contact TMHP Training Support if you need help.

Providers can refer to the article, “Reminder: Beginning March 1, 2022, HCS and TxHmL Programs to Submit Claims and Forms to TMHP” for more information about the transition to TMHP, which now applies to May 1st, 2022.

Email questions to TMHP.

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 Policy

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 the first sessions, and any of the second sessions; but are strongly encouraged to complete the first session before attending the second session.

Part 2 of this webinar will cover the following topics:

• Purpose and Workflow of the 3608/8582 Individual Plan of Care (IPC) Form

• Purpose and Workflow of the Individual Movement (IMT) Form

• Purpose and Workflow of the 3615 Request to Continue Suspended Services Form

• Purpose and Workflow of the 3616 Request for Termination of Waiver Program Services Form

• Purpose and Workflow of the HCS Provider Location Update (PLU) Form

• Navigation of the LTC Online Portal • Available HHSC and TMHP resources for providers and LIDDAs This webinar will not provide billing training.

***For more information about billing with TMHP, refer to the Learning Management System (LMS) at learn.tmhp.com, and search for TexMedConnect or Claims in the keyword search feature.

February 26th, 2022

Additional Training Resources From TMHP

It is highly recommended that program providers, LIDDAs, and FMSAs create a TMHP Learning Management System (LMS) account at learn.tmhp.com before the webinar to access current training related to the LTC Online Portal and claims submissions. New TMHP LMS users can access the Learning Management System (LMS) Registration and Navigation Job Aid for Providers located on the LMS homepage or email TMHP Training Support for help creating an LMS account or navigating the LMS.

Suggested training resources include:

• HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs Frequently Asked Questions
• Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal Basics Computer-Based Training (CBT)
• TexMedConnect for Long-Term Care (LTC) Providers CBT
• Remittance and Status (R&S) Reports for LTC Providers Quick Reference Guide (QRG)
• Claim Appeals for Medicaid CBT
• TMHP Claims Video
• TMHP Account Setup for HCS and TxHmL Waiver Programs QRG
• Long-Term Care (LTC) User Guide for Online Portal Basics, General Information, and Program Resources
• Long-Term Care (LTC) User Guide for TexMedConnect

For more information, contact tmhptrainingsupport@tmhp.com

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

---

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 the first sessions, and any of the second sessions; but are strongly encouraged to complete the first session before attending the second session.

Part 1 of this webinar will cover the following topics:

• Management of waiver program assessments and forms in the LTC Online Portal

• Purpose and Workflow of the HCS/TxHmL Pre-enrollment Form

• Purpose and Workflow of the 8578 Intellectual Disability (ID)/Related Condition (RC) Assessment

• Purpose and Workflow of the 3608/8582 Individual Plan of Care (IPC) Form • Available HHSC and TMHP resources for providers and LIDDAs

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 needed for day-to-day operations beginning March 1, 2022.

If you have questions, contact the HHSC HCS TxHmL Form Migration mailbox at HCS_TxHmL_Form_Migration@hhs.texas.gov.

February 13th, 2022

HHSC Publishes Information on data migration from the CARE system to the to the TMHP LTC Online Portal (IL 2022-12)

HHSC has published IL 2022-12 that provides information to HCS and TxHmL Program Providers and FMSAs about the CARE screens that are unavailable from Feb. 9 (5:00pm) to March 1, as data is migrated from the CARE system to TMHP LTC online portal.

It also provides information about form submissions after Feb. 9, and HCS and TxHmL claims submission for services delivered prior to March 1, and on March 1, or later.

Submit question about HCS & TxHmL Forms and Claims Migration Project here.

February 13th, 2022

Inactive Home and Community-based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) Provider Client Assignment and Registration (CARE) Screens

Due to the HCS and TxHmL migration to Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP), the following CARE screens will be inactive beginning 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, until Monday, Feb. 14.

L01 — CONSUMER ENROLLMENT
L02/C02 — INDIVIDUAL PLAN OF CARE
L03 — ENROLLMENT PACKET CHECKLIST
L05 — PROVIDER CHOICE
L06 — CONSUMER TRANSFER
L23/C23 — WAIVER ID/RC ASSESSMENT
L30 — MRA ASSIGNMENT NOTIFICATION
L31 — HCS IPC MRA REVIEW (HCS)
L32 — ID/RC ASSESS MRA REVIEW (HCS)
C18 — INDIVIDUAL DISCHARGE
C29 — MODIFY PROVIDER SERVICE AUTH

Below are screens that will be inactive and retired as of Feb. 10.

Note: Providers will not be able to submit entries until effective Feb. 16. Effective Feb. 16, Wait List and SLOT will be entered into SLOT and CSIL.

A20 — AUTHORIZE LOCATIONS
A29 — SLOT TYPES
A30 — SLOT ALLOCATION
A31 — SLOT STATUS UPDATE
A32 — SLOT ALLOCATION REMOVAL
A40 — RATE OPT OUT
A58 — WAIVER ID/RC ASSESSMENT(E)
A71 — WAIVER SLOT AVAILABILITY
A73 — SLOT TRACKING

L20 — GUARDIAN INFORMATION UPDATE
L26 — CLIENT ASSIGNMENTS
L61 — WAIVER SLOT COUNTS
L62 — WAIVER SLOT DETAIL
L64 — IPC EXPIRATION
L65 — ID/RC ASSESSMENT EXPIRATION

C20 — GUARDIAN INFORMATION UPDATE
C24 — LOCATION
C25 — LOCATION TYPE MODIFICATION
C26 — CLIENT ASSIGNMENTS
C64 — IPC EXPIRATION
C65 — ID/RC ASSESSMENT EXPIRATION
C75 — PRIOR APPROVAL
C88 — CONSUMER HOLDS
W21 — INTEREST LIST UPDATE
W27 — TRAVIS QUESTIONNAIRE ENTRY
W28 — TRAVIS QUESTIONNAIRE SEARCH

For questions or information, see:

• Portal Security Manual — Explains how to access TMHP systems (PDF)
• TMHP Learning Management System (LMS) — Register for an account
• TMHP Learning Management System (LMS) — Register for an account
• Computer Based Training for:
  • Portal Basics
  • TexMedConnect Claims Entry System
• Provider User Guide for the LTC Online Portal published on tmhp.com.
• Item-by-Item Guides for each HCS and TxHmL form published on tmhp.com.