Twogether Updates
Flu Vaccine Guidance During COVID-19
January Webinar – Flu & COVID: What You Need to Know
HHSC is holding this webinar for all our providers to offer guidance on flu and COVID-19.
In this webinar, we will review:
- The similarities and the differences between flu and COVID-19
- The importance of getting a flu shot
- How flu vaccination along with good infection control practices protect everyone
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on administering flu vaccines this season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
This webinar is appropriate for all provider types. No continuing education hours or units are available for this webinar. A certificate of attendance will be provided.
Jan. 5, 2021
10 – 11 a.m.
Register for the Jan. 5 COVID-19 webinar.
Jan. 21, 2021
10 – 11 a.m.
Register for the Jan. 21 COVID-19 webinar.
HHSC Publishes Flu Vaccine Guidance During COVID-19 (PL 20-50)
HHSC publishes Provider Letter 20-50 Influenza Vaccine Guidance During COVID-19. The letter provides a brief overview of the Adult Influenza Vaccine Initiative and guidance on the administration of the influenza vaccine to residents and staff with and without COVID-19.
The letter also informs facilities when an individual should receive the influenza vaccine, even if the facility is not the vaccine administrator.
(AADMD) American Academy Of Developmental Medicine & Dentistry
D E C // 1 8 // 2 0 2 0
AADMD Releases Statement on Covid-19 Vaccine Equity for People with IDD
Read the Official Statement – and Join the Movement
The Covid-19 vaccine is here – and AADMD joined forces with like-minded organizations to issue a Joint Position Statement on “Equity for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation and Safety.”
NCD Opportunity
Through board member Rick Rader, MD — who was appointed to the National Council on Disability earlier this year — AADMD was also given the opportunity to review the NCD’s official vaccine statement as well. In response to this honor, Emily Johnson, MD VP of Policy issued the below statement:
“The AADMD was pleased to see the NCDs Statement on the allocation of COVID19 vaccines for people with intellectual disabilities was in alignment with the principles initiated, proposed and promoted by the AADMD.” If people need dentist related information, they can click for more info here!
AADMD’s Joint Position Statement
“The development of a safe, effective vaccine is a critical component of the global response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Vaccine distribution and allocation must be done in a safe and equitable manner, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) must be explicitly addressed in any framework for vaccine allocation. The aim of this joint position statement is to address the risks facing people with IDD during the pandemic and to recommend how they should be included in vaccine allocation frameworks. The final provisions for vaccine allocation will ultimately be determined on a state level, and many different allocation frameworks exist. The following recommendations are intended to be broadly adaptable to state and national allocation frameworks…”
Read more, click on link below:
Our Services!
Twogether Consulting has added some new services to include:
DEVELOPMENT OF INFECTION CONTROL POLICIES & PROCEDURES, or at least to update your one with COVID-19 policies and protocols.
(Based on Guidance noted in the HCS & ICF COVID-19 Response Plans
HCS-covid-response-plan.pdf ICF-covid-19-plan.pdf
DEVELOPMENT OF EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS In particular, so HCS/TxHmL providers are able to meet compliance with Appendix K: Emergency Preparedness and Response and COVID-19 Addendum
Appendix K-Emergency Preparedness and Response-COVID-19
Both of these items will most likely be requested of the provider, at some point during the survey process in the near future. (That’s if you have not already been asked to provide these items.) This is especially true if the surveyor sees that you are not in compliance with HHSC’s COVID-19 Response Plan Guidance for the providers and CDC guidelines that are referred to in both of these documents. These of course will definitely tie into TAC code citations and ICF Tags, particularly nursing and possibly ANE TAC codes for both programs (neglect in particular).
For both of these services, contact us at: info@twogetherconsulting.com We would be glad to invoice you or you can notify us to make arrangements and then make payment at https://twogetherconsulting.com/payments/
OFF-SITE SERVICES TIME BLOCKS: We now offer packages of 1 hr, 3 hrs, 6 hrs, 9 hrs and 12 hrs for those of you who need quite a bit of periodic off-site assistance services including but not limited to:: Question & Answer Sessions, Resources, Individual Policies or Procedures, Creating Forms, and Other Inquiries. Previously we only had 3, 6, and 9 hr blocks. 12-hr blocks purchased at one time will be at $60/hr (Total= $720) For more information go to: https://twogetherconsulting.com/services/off-site-services/ You may request an invoice or make direct payment instead to: https://twogetherconsulting.com/payments/
This does not include Complete/extensive Policies and Procedures, Employee Handbooks, CAPs/POC’s , DIT’s, Webinars, or Off-site Training. Please be sure to contact me directly if you have or are going to purchase online, and you would like to schedule some specific time for consultation javasbja@aol.com
SCORING ICAPS: Some providers are brand new or may have a small number of individuals in their program. Sometimes you just can’t afford the initial cost of purchasing the ICAP scoring system or you simply don’t know how to use the scoring system very well. So if you have ICAP renewals due or are requesting a LON increase, for example, we will be glad to score your ICAP’s for you. Please give us at least 5 days’ notice, if possible. The cost is $25 per ICAP online if you purchase at our “Store”. https://twogetherconsulting.com/store/
We can provide a discounted rate if you have more than 5 ICAP’s at one time that needs to be scored. Contact us at: info@twogetherconsulting.com We would be glad to invoice you,
Nursing Peer Review Process-If your facility needs training on the Nursing Peer Review Process or needs help with performing a Nursing Peer Review, please let us help. You can contact us at info@twogetherconsulting.com to request assistance. Remember, the provider can often use this process to assist the nurse and to prevent the nurse from going before the BON (Board of Nursing) if it is determined that the issues can and should be addressed by the facility and the nurse. The nurse uses a group of his/her peers to assess the situation, determine the seriousness of the concern or allegation, and recommend appropriate corrections and solutions by the nurse and the facility. This process can be used to correct certain nursing citations as well and again, possibly prevent the nurse from being reported to the BON.
FYI-If you have 10 or more nurses working for your program (ICF, HCS, TXHmL, etc….), the BON requires the facility to have a “Nursing Peer Review Committee” to review Nursing Infractions and all facilities could benefit greatly from having some kind of “Nursing Peer Review Process” in place.
[NPR §303.0015 ]
“Any person or entity that employs, hires, or contracts for the services of 10 or more nurses (RNs, LVNs or any combination thereof) must have a Peer Review Plan; however, peer review of RNs is not mandatory if the facility employs less than 5 RNs. A person or entity required to have nursing peer review may contract with another entity to conduct nursing peer review.”
What is Peer Review? [Nursing Peer Review (NPR) §303.001(5)]
Peer review is the evaluation of nursing services, the qualifications of a nurse, the quality of patient care rendered by nurses, the merits of a complaint concerning a nurse or nursing care, and a determination or recommendation regarding a complaint including:
- the evaluation of the accuracy of a nursing assessment and observation and the appropriateness and quality of the care rendered by a nurse;
- a report made to a nursing peer review committee concerning an activity under the committee’s review authority;
- a report made by a nursing peer review committee to another committee or to the Board as permitted or required by law; and
- implementation of a duty of a nursing peer review committee by a member, an agent, or an employee of the committee.
A Peer Review Committee may review the nursing practice of an LVN, RN, or APN (RN with advanced practice authorization).
There are two kinds of nursing peer review:
- Incident-based (IBPR), in which case peer review is initiated by a facility, association, school, agency, or any other setting that utilizes the services of nurses; or
- Safe Harbor (SHPR), which may be initiated by an LVN, RN or APN prior to accepting an assignment or engaging in requested conduct that the nurse believes would place patients at risk of harm, thus potentially causing the nurse to violate his/her duty to the patient(s). Invoking safe harbor in accordance with rule 217.20 protects the nurse from licensure action by the BON as well as from retaliatory action by the employer.
See revised rules 217.19 (Incident-Based Nursing Peer Review and Whistleblower Protections) and 217.20 (Safe Harbor Peer Review and Whistleblower Projections){http://www.bon.state.tx.us/nursinglaw/rr.html}
We are sorry to say, that our plan to start providing training again with Nursing CNE’s has been put on hold, due to the Pandemic (COVID-19). We will keep you posted.
Provider Specific Training offered by Twogether Consulting
- Training (Off-site) to Providers concerning Direct Care staff’s
interaction with Surveyors during interviews and how this can affect the provider, particularly the nursing department, as well as preparing for the survey in general. (HCS, TXHmL, and ICF) - Training (Off-site) to Providers concerning “Expectations of The Nurse Part I and II” (HCS, TXHmL, and ICF)
- Training (Off-site) to Providers concerning Nursing Staff’s interaction with the Surveyors, particularly during the interview process with the nurse. (HCS, TXHmL, and ICF)
- Training (Off-site) Other Direct Care staff training such as Abuse Neglect & Exploitation Reporting and Follow-Up for HCS/ICF, including PPT handouts, Quiz and Inservice Sheet for your records or Certificates of Completion. This training does meet the new requirements listed in the current HCS TAC Code 9.175 Geared towards CM’s, QIDP’s, Nurses, Quality Assurance, Program Managers and other Administrative Staff
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- Other Direct Support Staff Training Webinars: We continue to offer DIT’s (Directive Inservice Trainings) for ICF as well as General Direct Support Training for HCS/TxHmL/ICF providers. Here are just some of our training webinars currently available live and/or via pre-recorded sessions:
- Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation-specific to Direct Support Staff
- Direct Support Documentation (Service Delivery Logs/Residential Notes, Incident Reports, Behavioral Support Documentation and Data Collection, and Training Data Collection),
- Elements of the Behavior Support Plan & The Importance of Your Documentation,
- Expectations From the Nurse of The DSP (Includes discussion of Medical Documentation as well-MARS, Medication Errors, Treatment Sheets, Significant Observations),
- When and What to Report To The Nurse,
- SAM’s Training (Self-Administration of Medications Training To Staff-General Routes, Tasks, documenting), ,
- Host Home/Companion Care Service Provider Responsibilities,
- What The Nurse Expects from the HH/CC Provider and/or CRA, and many other training webinars.
GoToStage Page: Free Education For HCS, TxHmL, and ICF Providers
Check out our page at “Gotostage” where we are providing recordings of our free webinar sessions and other education For HCS, TxHmL, and ICF Providers
https://www.gotostage.com/channel/3b0bd3b1a47c4e80be974f4bcfa54d7b
Very Important HHSC Alerts!
November 22nd, 2020
COVID-19 Guidance for Activities, Dining, and Volunteers for the Holidays (PL 20-53)
HHSC publishes Provider Letter 20-53 Guidance for Activities, Dining, and Volunteers (PDF). The letter outlines provider responsibilities for resident activities, including communal dining and holiday-related activities.
The letter also gives specific stipulations on the use of volunteers and guidance on the protocol for residents who leave a facility.
This guidance can be used as a general reference through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 22, 2020
HCS Training Webinars on the TAC Principals for November 2020
https://hhs.texas.gov/about-hhs/communications-events/news/2020/10/november-hcs-provider-certification-principle-webinars
Future topics:
9.178 Quality Assurance
9.173 Rights of Individuals
9.174 Service Delivery
9.181 and 9.182 Administrative Penalties and Amelioration
October 11th, 2020
IPC COVID-19 Policy Guidance for CLASS, DBMD, HCS and TxHmL Programs
HHSC is not requiring a face-to-face meeting with an individual or their legally authorized representative for individual plan of care revisions. This is per COVID-19 guidance IL-20-11.
In addition, until further notice by HHSC, signatures from the individual or the LAR on the IPC or supporting documentation is not required before submitting to HHSC.
All required signatories that are not the individual or LAR (SC and Provider Representative) must sign the IPC and supporting documentation before submission.
For meetings currently conducted by phone or videoconference to revise an IPC, required individual or LAR signatures on the IPC and supporting documentation can be done electronically, by fax, by mail, or in person if face-to-face restrictions have been lifted and it is safe to do so. If unable to obtain a signature by the methods mentioned, document the following:
- The date of the meeting held by phone or videoconference
- The reason for the meeting and what was discussed
- If the individual or LAR agree with the services as indicated on the revised IPC
September 30th, 2020
Information Letter No. 20-42
Residential Services During COVID-19
September 15th, 2020
Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Competency Training and Exam
Now Available in Spanish!!
HHSC’s Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Competency Training and Exam is now available in Spanish.
This training is designed to meet the basic ANE training requirements for staff providing direct care in a community setting.
To access the training and exam:
- Go to the Texas HHS Learning Portal
- Staff members, service providers and volunteers must first sign up on the Learning Portal to access HHSC-approved trainings, if they have not already created an account.
- Click “Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports Training” and select “Curso para la prevención del abuso, negligencia y explotación (ANE)” to access the ANE training and test in Spanish.
ANE Competency Training & Exam
The training and exam requirements for the following long-term services and supports programs can be found below:
Home and Community-Based Services
TAC §9.175 Certification Principles: Requirements Related to the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of an Individual
HCS Handbook Appendix XII, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Training and Competency Test
Texas Home Living
TAC §9.585 Certification Principles: Requirements Related to the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of an Individual
TxHmL Appendix IX, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Training and Competency Test
Reporting a Death to HHSC in the HCS/TxHmL Programs
September 3rd, 2020
To report a death, HCS/TxHmL providers should complete Form 8493, Notification Regarding a Death in HCS, TxHmL programs by the end of the next business day following the program provider becoming aware of the individual’s death. Then fax the completed form to HHSC to 512-206-3999according to the newest version of form 8493 that was updated in May of 2020.
FYI-The previous fax # was 512-438-4148, which is still noted on the HHSC website as of now. Please make sure you are faxing to the fax # listed on form 8493.
August 10th, 2020
HHSC Postpones the Implementation of Administrative Penalty Rules for HCS and TxHmL Providers
Due to COVID-19, HHCS is delaying the implementation of the administrative penalty rules for HCS and TxHmL providers until January 1, 2021.
If you missed the most recent webinar for Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living providers Long-term Care Regulation to discuss questions and answers related to administrative penalties on July 9th, please register to watch recorded session below.
Register for the WSC Q&A Webinar Regarding Administrative Penalties.
If you missed the initial Joint Provider’s webinar on June 25th discussing Administrative Penalties, you may see the webinar recording of the session below.
A recording of June 25, 2020, HCS and TxHmL Joint Provider Training on Administrative Penalty Rules webinar is available for those unable to attend.
View the webinar recording here
June 7th, 2019
Revised: IL20-11 Temporary Guidance Extended Through Oct. 30 for IPC’s & IDRC’s
To ensure people do not experience a gap in services due to the temporary suspension of face to face service coordination visits for COVID-19, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission will extend Intellectual Disability/Related Condition assessments and individual plans of care expiring at the end of June 2020. This is for people enrolled in the Home and Community- based Services Program or the Texas Home Living Program.
HHS revised IL20-11, Extensions of Eligibility and Individual Plan of Care Revisions for Individuals in HCS and TxHmL Due to COVID-19 (PDF). It was previously issued on March 26 and extends the temporary guidance through Oct. 30, 2020.
Call the IDD Program Enrollment Support message line at 512-438-2484 for ID/RC assessment questions.
Call the IDD Utilization Review message line at 512-438-5055 for IPC extension or revision.
Billing Guideline Updates For HCS
The HCS, TxHml, and CFC billing guidelines have been updated effective Nov. 15, 2019. A summary of the revisions can be found on page 25 of the CFC PDF, page 147 of the HCS PDF and page 129 of the TxHmL PDF. Send questions about the billing guidelines to HCS.TxHml.BPR@hhsc.state.tx.us.
TAC Updates for HCS
Effective Oct. 1, 2019
Texas Administrative Code has been updated effective Oct. 1, 2019.
Locate program rule updates at 40 TAC Chapter 9 – Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Programs and 40 TAC Chapter 49 Contracting for Community Services.
Send questions about rule updates to hcspolicy@hhsc.state.tx.us or txhmlpolicy@hhsc.state.tx.us and to COS_CFCMTools@hhsc.state.tx.us
for 40 TAC Chapter 49 Contracting for Community Services.
Please pay particular attention to 9.175 (ANE Reporting Rules) in HCS and changes to Tac 9.178 Quality Assurance
Please see the link below to verify the current TAC changes.
https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=4&ti=40&pt=1&ch=9
Email medical_and_social_services@hhsc.state.tx.us with your questions.
HHSC Launches IDD Operations Portal for HCS, TxHmL, ICF-IID, CFC Non-Waiver Providers and LIDDAs
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission are pleased to announce the implementation of the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Operations Portal. Local Intellectual and Developmental Disability Authorities, Home and Community-based Services, Texas Home Living, Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities providers may begin registering to use the IDD Operations Portal starting April 1, 2019.
The IDD Operations Portal is an online system that allows secure submission of electronic documents to and from the IDD Program Eligibility and Support and IDD Utilization Review departments. This portal is not replacing any of the systems you use today, such as TMHP or CARE. It is intended to result in a more timely and efficient submission of documents, and allows providers to check the status of submissions online.
Staggered implementation is happening now. Providers and LIDDAs with DBAs starting with C-G can now register for portal access.
Please see the full implementation schedule detailed in the information letter listed here.
Direct Support Training Resources
College of Direct Support http://www.directcourseonline.com/direct-support/about/
DirectCourse | “College of Direct Support brings training in line with the latest research and partners with other leaders in the field of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities”
Has a fantastic training curriculum for Direct Support Staff and their supervisors. See a list of courses from the 2019 catalog in the link below:
https://www.directcourseonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/2019-CDS-catalog_Final.pdf
Direct Support Professionals
From the DSP Perspective: Exploring the Use of Practices That Align With Trauma-Informed Care in Organizations Serving People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
An article in the June 2020 issue of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities by an author affiliated with Indiana University Bloomington discusses a study that explored the extent to which intellectual and developmental disabilities organizations utilize practices that align with trauma-informed care with their DSP workforce. (abstract free of cost, full-text access available with a fee)
The Impact of Ongoing Staff Development on the Health and Safety of People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
An article published in the Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities by an author affiliated with the Council on Quality and Leadership reports on a study exploring how ongoing staff development impacts the health and safety of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (abstract free of cost, full-text access available with a fee)
Free Online Training at The Center For Start Services: The National Leaders in the Mental Health Aspects
of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities For all their training go to https://www.centerforstartservices.org/community-resources
Free Video Training from the NADSP and AADMD “The Role of The DSP and The Corona Virus”, Part I-check out this amazing training video. https://youtu.be/ud4Q4e_hcuw
Part II of this DSP Video Training session is as follows: “The Role Of The DSP and The Corona Virus” Part II https://youtu.be/VfErVzMn9-A
Free Training For Those Who Support Persons With IDD
TxHmL Rules & Regs-COVID-19 Mitigation-New
September 21st, 2021
Updated: COVID-19 Mitigation Rules for TxHmL Providers
HHSC Long-term Care Regulation has published revised COVID-19 mitigation rules (PDF) for TxHmL program providers. The rules address changes in response to Executive Order No. GA-38(link is external) regarding facemasks and updated CDC guidance.
The rules became effective Sept 19, 2021.
Emergency Rule Adoption for TxHmL and COVID-19 Mitigation
See new rule at link below:
HCS Billing Guidelines Revised-Sept. 2020
September 6, 2020
HCS Billing Guidelines Revised-Sept. 2020
Please pay special attention to the changes and clarifications for Nursing Services! We will be reviewing these in our “Billable Services-HCS-2020” webinar on Sept. 21st, 2020. For more information please contact Meghan Jones to register: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com If you attended the recent Billable Nursing Services training in August (Part I and II) we did add these to your handouts at the time of the training. You have the updated ppt. copy. Thanks. Here is the link to the HCS BG’s:
TMHP-Launching Redesigned Website
HCBS Settings Regulation Implementation -Timeline Extension!
What assistance is available to states to address the impact of the COVID-19 PHE on statewide transition plan activities?
On-Site Trainings Available Upon Request
Currently, all “On-site Training” is on hold due to COVID-19. If you require any of these trainings, please check our calendars on our website for current webinars or contact us at: info@twogetherconsulting.com for some of our pre-recorded training options.
Live Training On-Site (Please contact us if you want us to provide these trainings on-site for your program):
HCS/TxHmL: Care Coordination in the HCS Program, Using Person-Centered Thinking To Develop The IP (Implementation Plan), Changes in the HCS Progam, Quality Assurance, Changes in The Survey Process In HCS (we are adding one for ICF), Changes in The Billing Audit Process in HCS and TxHmL, Nursing in HCS/TxHmL Programs, Common Nursing Errors In The HCS/TxHmL Programs & Corrective Action Planning, ICAP/IDRC/ and LON Increase Packet Training.
ICF: The Role & Responsibilities of the QIDP, DIT on Active Treatment, Changes To the ICF Surveyor’s Guide-Appendix J- “How It Affects Your Program”, as well as DIT Trainings-A/N/E, “Common Nursing Tags in the ICF Program-How to Prevent & Correct Them“, Nursing In The ICF Program as well as ICAP/IDRC/ and LON Increase Packet Training.
Direct Support Staff Training: “Expectations of the Nurse from the Direct Support Staff”, “Abuse, Neglect, and ANE” (including recent changes in the HCS TAC), “When and What to Report To The RN”, Documentation Expectations for Direct Support Staff”, “Behavior Support Plans-general concepts and purpose of support plans”, “Interacting With Individuals with Developmental Disabilities in Your Program” (Effective Communication, Verbal Intervention, Appropriate/Inappropriate Reactions, Body Language, and more).
Enhanced Provider Portal, Relief Fund Payments Available For Providers!
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
HHS Announces Enhanced Provider Portal, Relief Fund Payments for Safety Net Hospitals, Medicaid & CHIP Providers
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is announcing additional distributions from the Provider Relief Fund to eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers that participate in state Medicaid and CHIP programs. HHS expects to distribute approximately $15 billion to eligible providers that participate in state Medicaid and CHIP programs and have not received a payment from the Provider Relief Fund General Distribution. HHS is also announcing the distribution of $10 billion in Provider Relief Funds to safety-net hospitals that serve our most vulnerable citizens. The safety net distribution will occur this week.
“Healthcare providers who focus on treating the most vulnerable Americans, including low-income and minority patients, are absolutely essential to our fight against COVID-19,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “HHS is using funds from Congress, secured by President Trump, to provide new targeted help for America’s safety-net providers and clinicians who treat millions of Medicaid beneficiaries.” There is healthcare for liver cancer as well.
HHS is providing support to healthcare providers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic through the bipartisan CARES Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act, which allocated $175 billion in relief funds to hospitals and other healthcare providers, including those disproportionately impacted by this pandemic, this will help them recover and implement new technologies such as a Medical Spa Software which will enhance patient care.
ENHANCED PROVIDER RELIEF FUND PORTAL
On Wednesday, HHS is launching an enhanced Provider Relief Fund Payment Portal that will allow eligible Medicaid and CHIP providers to report their annual patient revenue, which will be used as a factor in determining their Provider Relief Fund payment. The payment to each provider will be at least 2 percent of reported gross revenue from patient care; the final amount each provider receives will be determined after the data is submitted, including information about the number of Medicaid patients providers serve.
The initial General Distribution provided payments to approximately 62 percent of all providers participating in state Medicaid and CHIP programs. The Medicaid and CHIP Targeted distribution will make the Provider Relief Fund available to the remaining 38 percent. HHS has already provided relief funding to over one million providers, and today’s announcement is expected to reach several hundred thousand more providers, many of whom are safety net providers operating on thin margins. There are some common questions for orthodontists that patients usually ask and dental experts can answer those. You can read this article further to know more.
Clinicians that participate in state Medicaid and CHIP programs and/or Medicaid and CHIP managed care organizations who have not yet received General Distribution funding may submit their annual patient revenue information to the enhanced Provider Relief Fund Portal to receive a distribution equal to at least 2 percent of reported gross revenues from patient care. This funding will supply relief to Medicaid and CHIP providers experiencing lost revenues or increased expenses due to COVID-19. Examples of providers serving Medicaid/CHIP beneficiaries possibly eligible for this funding include pediatricians, obstetrician-gynecologists, dentists, opioid treatment and behavioral health providers, assisted living facilities, and other home and community-based services, providers. The insurance for orthodontists is what one can opt for in case there is some emergency.
To be eligible for this funding, health care providers must not have received payments from the $50 billion Provider Relief Fund General Distribution and either have directly billed their state Medicaid/CHIP programs or Medicaid managed care plans for healthcare-related services between January 1, 2018, to May 31, 2020. Close to one million health care providers may be eligible for this funding.
More information about eligibility and the application process is available at https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/cares-act-provider-relief-fund/general-information/index.html
For updated information and data on the Provider Relief Fund, visit hhs.gov/providerrelief
News Releases below:
media@hhs.gov
www.hhs.gov/news
Twitter @SpoxHHS
Texas Workforce Commission (Supported Employment)
Update on TWC services Provider Manual and Resources
The following revisions to the Vocational Rehabilitation Standards for Providers Manual (VR-SFP) are available for 30-day review on the Vocational Rehabilitation Providers’ Resources page and will go into effect on June 29, 2020.
Chapter 2: Obtaining a Contract for Goods and Services—updated Section 2.8.1 Adding Counties or Services, Goods, and/or Equipment to a Contract, to indicate that provider contracts awarded after January 2020 will be statewide and therefore will not list the counties to be served.
Chapter 17: Basic Employment Services—updated Section 17.4.1 Bundled Job Placement Services Service Description and its associated form VR1845B, Bundled Job Placement Services Plan—Part B and Status Report, to clarify which types of placements are acceptable for VR customers and the use of online paystub creator system.
Chapter 18: Supported Employment Services—updated Section 18.1, Supported Employment Overview, and its associated form VR1643, Supported Employment Services Plan 2—Placement, Job Analysis &Training Plan, to clarify which types of placements are acceptable for VR customers.
Live Classes
No other live training has been scheduled at this time, these sessions are suspended until we hear more about the Covid-19 virus to decide on whether or not these sessions would be advisable at this time. We will continue with webinars and on-site training, until further notice.
Our Awesome Admin. Asst.
Meghan Jones
Meghan Jones is our awesome Admin. Assistant, otherwise known as our “Jill of All Trades”. She handles our registration, keeps up with our enormous provider contact list, our company schedule and calendar, and she is our main point of contact for scheduling, other than myself. We couldn’t make it without our Meghan! I know many of you have talked to Meghan over the phone.
You may contact her to complete registrations, set up on-site visits from our consultants, request invoice sent to you directly, or for other questions at: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com
Promoting Senior’s health and wellness
Seniors have always ignored health promotion activities meant to promote their health. This is because their health status is perfectly normal, and they do not consider themselves at significant risk of falling ill. However as a senior ages; a number of things can happen which can leave the senior injured or sick and possibly needing 24-hour nursing care like the one provided at www.carltonseniorliving.com/ and residencesatplainview.com/community/your-retirement-community/. It is common knowledge that elderly individuals are at risk for a number of health related issues – heart attacks are commonly suffered by the elderly and they can also have strokes or other critical illnesses. When these events occur after getting out of bed without the help of a nurse or even a doctor’s assistance this is called accidental falls in the elderly and it is the leading cause of injury related deaths for this age group in the US today!
Senior citizens tend to have more chronic conditions or multiple sclerosis than younger people. They often have a limited capacity when it comes to their functional capabilities. They also have certain restrictions in their diet since they have already reached the age where they have to watch what they eat so as not to develop different diseases caused by our unhealthy lifestyle such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. It also has to be noted that they are unable to have frequent physical activities so they do not have the energy that they need to move and perform necessary daily activities. Because of these circumstances above that these people face everyday it is important that they start taking care of themselves as early as possible in order to maximize their health and prolong their lives to the fullest possible.
One of the ways that you can help your seniors is to monitor their lifestyle habits so that they can live healthy lives longer without experiencing unnecessary illnesses that can shorten their life as well as yours. If you think you’re unable to care for them properly, we highly suggest having a family discussion to determine if a community living for seniors like Riverview Senior Living is the best option for your family. You can check out this memory care community for seniors or this popular assisted living community if needed. By talking to them about their health and living routine, you will be able to find out what is happening that is affecting their health. Communicate with your loved ones in a way that they can clearly understand what you are talking about and remember to talk slowly and ask if they are understanding what you really mean. If you want to find assisted living options for your elderly loved ones, you can learn about assisted living here and see various amenities that can help with their current lifestyle.