EDITOR'S NOTE
In a story from DIsability Scoop, a model with Down's Syndrome is included in a feature by Victoria's Secret. The story mentions other big chains that are being more inclusive in their advertising, but this is the first time Victoria's Secret has featured a model with Down's Syndrome.
See the story HERE
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February 2022 |
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Welcome To The Monthly Business "Tax Talk" .
Behind every successful business is a commitment to cash flow. In this month’s newsletter, we’ve got some ideas to help your business trending in the right direction using several cash flow techniques.
Also read about how you can tap into word-of-mouth advertising to get more referrals for your business.
Please call if you would like to discuss your tax or business questions. If you know someone who could benefit from this newsletter, feel free to send it to them. |
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Reminders
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Organize filing records (1099s, 1098s, W-2s, etc.) |
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Schedule tax appointment for drop off or meeting |
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Begin tax planning for 2022 |
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Ideas to Improve your Cash Flow
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| Here are ideas to help define your business's success using cash flow techniques.
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Tap Into This Powerful Form of Advertising
Ideas to enhance word-of-mouth referrals for your business
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| One of the best methods of advertising is having happy customers tell others about your service. Here are some ideas to enhance word-of-mouth referrals for your business.
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PCT Skill: "Good Day/Bad Day"
A Success Story
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Person-Centered Thinking goes beyond a mindset. It’s a skill set. These skills and techniques enable those who support others to deliver organized and consistent support with Person-Centered Practices.
One of our recent Person-Centered Thinking Training graduates has already implemented the skills training she received and is seeing substantial results in support delivery. Below, she speaks about how using the PCT skill “Good Day/Bad Day” worked for her and those she supported in finding new jobs.
“The Good Day/Bad Day is working well! I ask them about a good day or bad day at a job or volunteer site.
All of them gave me general answers like, “I stayed busy, I was helping people, etc." That prompted me to ask more specific questions like, “What tasks were you doing that you liked? What did you do to help people?” If they had more than one job or volunteer job, I asked about a good day/bad day for each one. That helped since I could find a common theme and better understand their answers.
For example, I learned that one person’s idea of a great day is when he is praised for doing something. That was a common theme at his jobs and volunteer sites.”
E.M., Career Path Navigator and PCT Training Graduate
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Virtual Person-Centered Thinking Training
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Great For: All Staff
Duration: 3 days (18hrs total)
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Over the course of three days, graduates benefit from live, in-depth instruction on how to use and apply 11 person-centered observational, management, and problem-solving skills.
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$250/Person
March 15-17th, 2022
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Training Objective: PCT Training students graduate with a firm grasp of
person-centered skills and specialized techniques and tools.
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| "Here is to a new year filled with abundant joy and happiness for you and your family." |
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We are thankful to you for letting us serve you over the years. We hope to meet your needs in the coming times too.
We continue to provide the Quality of Life Curriculum weekly through our National Group. This month, we are focused on Sexuality and the messages media sends us.
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Chapter 3: Sexuality Lessons provides opportunities to UNDERSTANDING AND FILTERING OUT MEDIA MESSAGES
REGARDING SEX AND ROLE EXPECTATIONS
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Email us at michelle@drmgarcia.com if you or someone you know are interested in learning more about the Quality of Life Curriculum.
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| Thank you
Dr. Michelle Garcia, Psy. D. & Associates
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Provider Changes EVV Vendor
A provider based in Louisiana is implementing a comprehensive new workforce management solution to replace the free state provided system.
After struggling for some years with the state system, the provider has decided to use Agency Workforce Management. The reasons behind the switch are quite common:
- The free, state system leaves too much still on paper. A payroll rules, reporting and integration engine and a billing rules, reporting and integration engine will ensure all data will flow automatically to payroll and billing as well as EVV
- Documentation can be captured with Time and Attendance
- All staff can use the same time and attendance system
- Scheduling is available
- Consumers can have access to time and attendance and utilization reports
Download the new EVV Success Stories.
Join us for a webinar on Thursday, February 10th at 2:00pm ET to learn more about the different solutions created for agencies providing HCBS programs.
Register Here
Email agencysuccessteam@mitcsoftware.com to talk with an agency consultant.
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Maximize Your Productivity with Therap
Learn More
Make your processes more efficient with our tools to track service delivery and visualize outcomes with real-time reporting features.
© Therap Services 2003 - 2022. All Rights Reserved.
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WEBINARS
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Webinar: “Updating Infection Control Policies: Review of Current Guidance Updates For COVID-19 Mitigation-HCS” @ Webinar
Mar 2 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
“Updating Infection Control Policies: Review of Current Guidance Updates For COVID-19 Mitigation-HCS”
Date: March 2nd, 2022
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00PM
Cost: $35
For: Program Managers, Administrators, Case Managers/Care Coordinators, Nursing Staff
Presenter: Julie Blacklock
You will receive a confirmation email and handout as well as a link to register with “Gotowebinar” to attend the session, once we receive payment. Please click on your registration link right away to receive reminders for the session!
Copy of Rules
http://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/doing-business-with-hhs/providers/long-term-care/hcs/hcs-covid-19-emergency-rules.pdf
HHSC has issued enhanced COVID-19 emergency rules. The rules require additional actions by the ICF program providers to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We will be discussing each of these changes and ways to address them in your facility if you have not done so already. Don’t forget, if you need help with your infection control policies we would be glad to help. You can contact us at: info@twogetherconsulting.com
Topics (Concerning COVID-19):
-Screening Requirements for COVID-19 -(updates, new signs and symptoms)
-Omicron Variant (What is it? When did it get here? What are the differences in signs and symptoms?…)
–Reporting Requirements for Positive Cases of COVID-19 (including monthly reports required now)
–When to Notify the LAR? What to Tell the LAR?
–Visitation Rules in the Facility and Homes (updates)
For More Info, Click HERE
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Webinar: “Updating Infection Control Policies: Review of Current Guidance Updates For COVID-19 Mitigation-ICF” @ Webinar
Mar 7 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
“Updating Infection Control Policies: Review of Current Guidance Updates For COVID-19 Mitigation-ICF”
Date: March 7th, 2022
Time: 10:00 AM-12:00PM
Cost: $35
For: Program Managers, Administrators, Case Managers/Care Coordinators, Nursing Staff
Presenter: Julie Blacklock
You will receive a confirmation email and handout as well as a link to register with “Gotowebinar” to attend the session, once we receive payment. Please click on your registration link right away to receive reminders for the session!
Copy of Rules
HHSC has issued enhanced COVID-19 emergency rules. The rules require additional actions by the ICF program providers to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. We will be discussing each of these changes and ways to address them in your facility if you have not done so already. Don’t forget, if you need help with your infection control policies we would be glad to help. You can contact us at: info@twogetherconsulting.com
Topics (Concerning COVID-19):
-Screening Requirements for COVID-19 -(updates, new signs and symptoms)
-Omicron Variant (What is it? When did it get here? What are the differences in signs and symptoms?…)
–Reporting Requirements for Positive Cases of COVID-19 (including monthly reports required now)
–When to Notify the LAR? What to Tell the LAR?
–Visitation Rules in the Facility and Homes (updates)
–PPE Requirements & When to Wear or “Done” them (updates on mask requirements, status update on Gov. Abbot’s mask, and vaccine mandate position/lawsuits)
–Infection Control Policies– Do you have them? Are you addressing COVID-19 concerns? Have you kept up with updates to policies as guidance has changed?)
–Who Can Work, When Can They Work & With Whom Can They Work (updates on isolation, quarantine, return to work)?
–Day Habilitation Requirements (review of the checklist, updates on off-site DH and In-Home DH)?
– and much more…..
For More Info, Click HERE
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WEBINAR: “Preparing For HCS & TxHmL Survey” @ Webinar
Mar 8 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
“Preparing For HCS & TxHmL Survey”
Note: Twogether Consulting plans on having another webinar live session on “POC’s, Corrective Action & Follow-Up Post Survey” for HCS/TxHmL which will include more information on appeals, penalties, and amelioration plans as well as examples of POC’s and evidence that might be provided, such as policy and procedure.
Date: March 8th, 2022
Time: 10am-12pm
Cost: $50/person
For: Administrators. Program Managers, Case Managers/Care Coordinators, Nursing Staff, Quality Assurance Staff
Presenter: Julie Blacklock/IDD Waiver Consultant & Sheila Hanson/IDD Waiver Consultant
You will receive a confirmation email and handout as well as a link to register with “Gotowebinar” to attend the session, once we receive payment. Please click on your registration link right away to receive reminders for the session!
For More Info, Click HERE
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Webinar: “POC’s, Corrective Action & Follow-Up Post Survey” (HCS/TxHmL) @ WebinarMar 31 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
WEBINAR: “POC’s, Corrective Action & Follow-Up Post Survey”
Date: March 31st, 2022
Time: 10am-12pm
Cost: $55/person
For: Administrators. Program Managers, Case Managers/Care Coordinators, Nursing Staff, Quality Assurance Staff
Presenter: Julie Blacklock/IDD Waiver Consultant & Sheila Hanson/IDD Waiver Consultant
You will receive a confirmation email and handout as well as a link to register with “Gotowebinar” to attend the session, once we receive payment. Please click on your registration link right away to receive reminders for the session!
For More Info, Click HERE
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Julie's Updates
(As seen on the Updates tab on twogetherconsulting.com)
https://twogetherconsulting.com/updates/
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Feb 20, 2022
Feb. 20th, 2022 Mar. 07 ICF COVID-19 Webinar with HHSC LTCR Long-term Care Regulation and the Department of State Health Services will provide the latest information on the COVID-19 pandemic and take live questions from participants in this intermediate care facilities provider webinar. Provider attendance is critical to staying current with COVID-19 requirements and guidance. ICF/IID providers are strongly encouraged to attend all COVID-19 webinars with LTCR and DSHS. Those using Internet...
read more
Feb 20, 2022
February 20th, 2022 HHSC Updates the 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...
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Feb 14, 2022
February 14th, 2022 The CMS Interim Final Rule related to the vaccine mandate only applies to certified providers regulated by CMS such as ICFs/IID, Nursing Homes, certain Home Health Agencies, etc. See complete list at: https://ogletree.com/insights/cms-gives-a-boost-and-takes-a-shot-at-full-vaccination-for-millions-of-u-s-healthcare-workers/ ***The end of the list states that home and community-based services are not included. As such (and confirmed by HHSC), the CMS Interim Final...
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Feb 13, 2022
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...
read more
Feb 11, 2022
February 9th, 2022 More Clarifications From HHSC: Migration During TMHP LTC Online Portal Outage: 1. Please clarify what entity or entities providers should contact if they experience problems correcting the location code on an IPC? Should they send an email to the generic HCS/TxHmL migration email box or Program Enrollment Services (PES) or Utilization Review (UR)? And will the email box and phone lines be staffed to receive assistance before the system shuts down at 9:00 p.m. , February 9,...
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Feb 8, 2022
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
read more
Feb 8, 2022
February 8th, 2022 CBT (Computer Based Training) For TMHP Billing of Services/Entering Claims For those of you asking where to submit claims for HCS & TxHmL services after March 1st, this will be via TMHP. CARE will no longer be used to submit these claims as of March 1st, 2022. Training on how to submit your claims can be found on the TexMedConnect for LTC Providers portal via CBT training. TexMedConnect for Long-Term Care (LTC) Providers "This CBT contains information about using...
read more
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UNIQUE CHALLENGES ENSURING MEDICATION COMPLIANCE IN THE I/DD SETTING
For people with I/DD, taking medications as prescribed is essential to managing chronic conditions, minimizing adverse effects, and improving their overall health. Many often have a tough time with medication adherence whether it is one prescription or more, which is most often the case. In fact, 80% of individuals with I/DD are prescribed five or more medications; more than 60% have 10 or more1. Juggling numerous medications can be problematic for these individuals, many of whom have trouble performing even the basic activities of daily living and face cognitive, physical, and communication challenges. While the residents rely on direct support professionals, nurses, medication technicians and other employees for medication help, staff who serve them often face challenges ensuring compliance on a daily basis. This complication, coupled with the fact that residents have varying levels of functionality and medication needs, adds to the complexity, stress and demands of the job. These are just a few factors that have created a staff retention problem. Additional key challenges include:
• Staff Training: Constant turnover can hinder an organization’s ability to properly train staff. While every ICF and supported living provider understands that well-educated staff members make fewer mistakes, most cannot afford to offer training to new employees on an ongoing basis. If the organization is not engaged with an LTC pharmacy that provides this training, they often have to outsource it, which can be expensive.
• Poor Pharmacy Support & Communication: I/DD organizations have unique needs that should involve constant interaction and industry expertise from a pharmacy partner. This level of commitment requires 24/7 pharmacy support and communication. Without it, members of the I/DD staff can be left in situations where they feel overwhelmed and uncertain of the right decision. Sadly, too many organizations experience insufficient assistance from their pharmacy, with some not knowing the appropriate pharmacy contact for every situation, including the best person to answer daily questions and provide after-hours and emergency services.
• Lack of Access to Newer Technologies: Technology can play a tremendous role in the accuracy and efficiency of medication management, but with so many program options in the market, organizations may have a hard time researching and understanding which systems are best to meet their immediate and future needs. Additionally, many are still using paper MARs, increasing the workload of the organization’s staff and the risk of human transcription error.
CHOOSE A PHARMACY WITH EXPERIENCE & COMPASSION
If you work with a pharmacy that specializes in medication compliance, you can minimize medication errors and billing complaints, leading to greater individual and staff happiness. Selecting the LTC pharmacy partner that shares the same level of enthusiasm and empathy you have for the residents you serve is equally as important. Build a relationship with a pharmacy that views meeting the needs of individuals with I/DD the same way you do – as a privilege and source of pride.
With Guardian Pharmacy Texas, you get the best of both worlds – Experience and Compassion.
If you have any questions, please see contact information below.
Contact Kevin Kirkpatrick
Office: 817-633-6688 | Cell: 972-742-3003
email: Kevin.kirkpatrick@guardianpharmacy.net
Guardian Pharmacy Texas
**If you sign up for services with Guardian and mention "Twogether Consulting" to Kevin Kirkpatrick, you could receive up to 6 months of "paper" MARS (Medication Administration Review Sheets) for FREE!
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