EDITOR'S NOTE
Disability Scoop has a story about a college in the Northeast that has a residence hall specifically for students that are on the autism spectrum. Here is the story.
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What's New At Twogether Consulting?
** Apologies- I will be moving our Webinar Training (“Updating Infection Control Policies: Review of Current Guidance Updates For COVID-19 Mitigation-ICF”) from March 7th, 2022 to March 28th, 2022 as HHSC has an important COVID-19 ICF webinar on March 7th that many providers will want to attend. I want to make sure that due to the schedule conflict, providers will be able to attend both trainings if they want. I would like to emphasize that our webinar will primarily cover ideas for policies and procedures and some helpful tools. It is a completely different webinar than the one presented by HHSC. For more information, please see the "Twogether Consulting Webinars" section further down in today's newsletter our our "Calendar" page..
I invite all HCS/TxHmL and ICF providers to utilize our "Updates" page on our website, to help you keep up with changes in these programs all in one place. This is particularly true right now for ongoing COVID-19 (HCS/ICF) and TMHP Migration (HCS) updates. My hope is that this is a beneficial resource for providers. I typically post changes weekly and I try to include as many resources as possible for providers as well as other interesting items of note that I feel are helpful.
We greatly welcome feedback concerning the newsletter, our updates page, or feel free to just contact us and inquire about services. We also really need some new "satisfied customers" quotes!
You can email us at: info@twogetherconsulting.com
I am pleased to say, that we will be welcoming a new HCS Waiver consultant soon to our team in the San Antonio area. Stay tuned to hear more about her and the services she will be able to provide in our next editions.
**Several of the team will be available before the summer of 2022 to help new providers with their initial client admission into the program and to provide assistance with the start-up of a new group home, including general training of staff. I am currently working on set package pricing for these 2 specific services.
You may also contact our Administrative Assistant (Meghan Jones) concerning registration for any webinars or training, request for personal on-site training from us, or to schedule an appt. for services or consultation. Please email her at: meghanjones.tx@gmail.com
FYI-You can pay for some of our services directly on the site, at "service pricing".page on our website. (i.e.-Hourly off-site consultation or ICAP Service Scoring).
For all other services please contact us, so we can provide a customized plan for you. You will then receive an itemized invoice for arranged services.
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What? This Form 1099 is Wrong!
What to do to fix this thorny problem |
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Welcome To The Weekly Tax Tip! Julie Blacklock
It is late February and you realize the Form 1099 you received is in error. In fact, it overstates your income by several thousand dollars. What should you do?
- Gather your facts. Put yourself in the shoes of the vendor, bank or investment company representative. Gather evidence they will need to support your claim to correct the tax form. This includes receipts, e-mails, and statements. Have your account number handy as well.
- Contact the vendor. Contact the vendor as soon as you discover the error and ask them to reissue the statement or provide you with a corrected form. Start with a phone call, then put your evidence in writing and send it to them via certified mail. Give the vendor a reasonable, yet concrete, time frame to correct the error. You do not want to wonder when a correction is coming, so keep control of the timing for a correction if at all possible.
- Written confirmation. If the vendor agrees with your change, ask for a letter from them that outlines the correction. File this letter with your tax return to help you defend against a potential audit.
- Tell the IRS. After a reasonable attempt to correct the error with no progress, contact the IRS to inform them of the failure to correct your information.
- File an extension? If you believe a correction is on the way, you may wish to file a tax extension. Remember, you will still need to pay any tax owed by the original due date. If you do not have assurance of a correction, file your tax return with correct information and provide documentation that outlines the reporting error.
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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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As President of the Board of AAIDD, I am writing to you to highlight a crisis in our field and to ask you to share the kinds of information and insight that you would find particularly valuable right now.
During my tenure, I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many of you about the workforce challenges you are facing. As we emerge from yet another spike in COVID-19, the sustained impact of shortages in the frontline workforce continues to impact people with IDD and their families. The impact has been profound and far-reaching. Service providers are reporting increased challenges in recruiting and retaining Direct Support Professionals, placing even more strain on those who are providing support. Individuals and families who self-direct are experiencing the same, which often results in stress and disruption in daily activities. Nursing services are also in short supply, potentially impacting those with chronic health care needs. All of these concerns are impacting the existing workforce that has already been under strain for a long time. This shortage is also impacting the fields of research, academia, and policy.
The last two years have required each of us to continually adapt, reassess, and respond. Despite the challenges highlighted above, we have also come together in ways we may not have previously. AAIDD, as a leader in supporting the work of interdisciplinary professionals that enhance the lives of people with IDD, continues to cultivate opportunities for members to inform and advance our vision for the future. AAIDD’s webinars, monthly Mentorship in a Minute forums, (30-minute virtual professional development opportunities), and Crucial Conversations, (small group discussions on emerging issues, and responses from the field) have shared best evidence-based practices, emerging research, and useful resources to dismantle barriers and advance opportunities for people with IDD.
Please help us to continue tailoring our resources and services in ways that are maximally supportive of our membership by identifying topics for future AAIDD forums in this short survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/online22education
Finally, as you continue to adapt to the evolving challenges in our field, I urge you to remember to take time to care for yourself and to nurture one another. Our membership is comprised of dedicated interdisciplinary leaders and advocates, and together, we are an amazing community.
Serving you and AAIDD is a great honor. I look forward to seeing many of you in Jacksonville this June.
Sincerely,
Elisa Velardo, MMHS, FAAIDD
President, AAIDD Board of Directors
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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: “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!
Topics (subject to changes per each session)
-Violation: Critical Vs. Non-Critical
–Immediate Threat
–Scope & Severity
–What Do LTCR Surveyors Expect To See? (Discuss specific sections of “HCS/TxHmL Interpretive Guidance Booklet”)
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Webinar: “Updating Infection Control Policies: Review of Current Guidance Updates For COVID-19 Mitigation-ICF” @ Webinar
Mar 28 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
“Updating Infection Control Policies: Review of Current Guidance Updates For COVID-19 Mitigation-
ICF”
**ATTENTION: THIS CLASS HAS BEEN MOVED FROM MARCH 7TH TO MARCH 28TH DUE TO CONFLICT WITH SCHEDULED HHSC WEBINAR
Date: March 28th, 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)
FOR MORE INFO, CLICK HERE
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Webinar: “POC’s, Corrective Action & Follow-Up Post Survey” (HCS/TxHmL) @ Webinar
Mar 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!
Topics (subject to changes per each session)
-Scope of Severity-How Does It Affect The Monetary/Administrative Penalties The Provider Receives?
-IDR Process
-Sample POC’s- for Important Critical HCS Violations
–Appealing Violations: IDR Process
-Administrative Penalties- What Does This Mean For The Provider?
-Amelioration Plans– What is it and Who Qualifies To Utilize This Process?
-How Can Twogether Consulting Help?
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Julie's Updates
(As seen on the Updates tab on twogetherconsulting.com)
https://twogetherconsulting.com/updates/
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Mar 1, 2022
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...
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Mar 1, 2022
March 1st, 2022 Claims & Forms Submissions: The March 1 release of claims and forms submissions to Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership is postponed to May 1, 2022. Home and Community-based Services Texas Home Living program providers Providers should continue to use the Client Assignment and Registration system for submitting claims and forms until May 1, 2022. The postponement allows more time for Providers to set up the necessary TMHP accounts and take relevant training...
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Feb 28, 2022
February 27th, 2022 HHSC Adopts Revised ICF/IID Rules – Effective Feb. 24th, 2022 HHSC Long-term Care Regulation has adopted updates to the Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ICF/IID) or Related Conditions program rules. The revised rules are in the Texas Administrative Code Title 26, Chapter 551. They are effective Feb. 24, 2022. Key changes to the rule are to: Implement House Bill 1848 from the 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019 which requires...
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Feb 28, 2022
February 28th, 2022 COVID-19: HHSC Publishes In-Home Day Habilitation Information for Program Providers (IL 2022-15) HHSC is temporarily waiving certain requirements in Section 3710, 4381.3, 4381.7(6) and 4381.7(7) of the Home and Community-based Services Billing Guidelines and the Texas Home Living Billing Guidelines. This is due to COVID-19 and provides access to needed day habilitation services. HHSC has published a revision to this guidance in IL 2022-15 In-Home Day Habilitation...
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Feb 27, 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...
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Feb 27, 2022
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...
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Feb 27, 2022
February 27th, 2022 HHSC Publishes New Reporting System for Critical Incidents (CIMS) See Letter (IL 2022-14) (As if providers don't have enough new things to learn, lol) Sorry to say, we are gearing up for a new critical incident reporting system, and I know providers have so many other new things to learn between Migrating from CARE to TMHP, Utilizing the E-learning portal, EVV, etc.., but, HHSC has approved IL-2022-14 CIMS for CLASS, LIDDA, DBMD, HCS and TxHmL Providers. The Health and...
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Feb 27, 2022
February 27th, 2022 COVID-19 ICF/IID Webinar Recording from Feb. 14 Available A recording of the Feb. 14 Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions COVID-19 Q&A with HHSC Long-term Care Regulation and DSHS is available for those who could not attend. There have been changes made to the PowerPoint based on the information provided by DSHS during the webinar. Read the COVID-19 Q&A (PDF). Listen to the webinar recording. Email LTCR...
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Feb 26, 2022
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...
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Feb 26, 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 This webinar will be repeated on March 8th, 2022 10am-1pm central The Long-Term Care (LTC) Online Portal Training for Home and...
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Feb 25, 2022
February 25th, 2022 In case you did receive or inadvertently overlooked this information, below are links to recent HHSC bulletins related to COVID-19. 1. HCS COVID Response Plan - Updated 2/18/2022 https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/services/health/hcs-covid-response-plan.pdf 2. HCS & TxHmL COVID FAQs - Updated 2/18/2022 https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/hcs-txhml-covid-faq.pdf 3. ICF/IID COVID-19 Expansion of Reopening Visitation Emergency...
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Feb 23, 2022
February 23rd, 2022 Claims Training For The Transition To TMHP Next Week ~ HHSC and TMHP will conduct the training next week. They will let us know in the next few days when the training is set. ~ Webinar will be 2 hours. Training will include a step-by-step walk-through. A large portion of time will be used to answer questions providers have about billing. ~ HHSC & TMHP webinars have a 1,000 person limit. Though they are trying to expand the webinar capacity, if they cannot expand...
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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...
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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 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...
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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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