EDITOR'S NOTE
No, it isn't the Snowpocalypse, but we have another winter storm coming. So, please prepare for it! Cover or move your plants and pets in, cover those pipes, and keep your individuals you serve bundled up.
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NOTE:
From our friends at Lucien, Sterling, and Gray, here is some great advice.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
January 29, 2022
Article By Shelby Holt, Client Services Specialist
Artwork by Daisy Lopez, Staff Accountant
While cyber scams have been around since the invention of the internet, these scams have become part of our daily lives now more than ever. In fact, cyber scammers are expected to steal over $3 billion in 2022. The good news is, with most scams the warning signs are there if you know what to look for. We have put together a guide that can help you spot scams and protect yourself from falling victim to their schemes. Read more...
Julie Blacklock
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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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| "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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| Have a Heart for The Arc Day |
| SAVE THE DATE AND JOIN US ON FEBRUARY 14 |
| Mark your calendar and join The Arc of Texas on February 14 to celebrate Valentine's Day, the first day of early voting in the Texas primaries, and our first annual Have a Heart for The Arc Day! Have a Heart for The Arc is an opportunity to highlight the issues facing Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Our main goal is to build relationships with decision-makers and let them know people with disabilities are an important part of their constituency, and we need your help! |
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| Have A Heart for The Arc Advocacy Resources |
| TOOLKIT & TRAINING VIDEOS NOW AVAILABLE |
| We have compiled resources to help guide your plan for participating in Have a Heart for The Arc Day. We held several Zoom trainings for Texas-based Arc chapters and allies of The Arc of Texas, one of which we recorded for you. This training video is a great resource to learn about the key issues that may impact Texans with disabilities and how your advocacy and vote are essential to our mission. We also compiled a toolkit that walks you through the how-to of the six easy participation steps covered in the training video. These two resources are available for you to use and share with your community, and The Arc of Texas team is here to support you in your advocacy efforts. We can't wait to celebrate and witness the ways you show your heart for The Arc this Valentine's Day and beyond! |
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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” @ WebinarMar 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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Julie's Updates
(As seen on the Updates tab on twogetherconsulting.com)
https://twogetherconsulting.com/updates/
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Feb 1, 2022
I recently received this response from HHSC and thought it might be helpful to some providers who may have this concern: There is no rule or regulation that prohibits an HCS Program Provider from providing services to their own child or family member. The program provider’s operations must prevent conflict of interest as required by 40 TAC §9.177(f): §9.177 Certification Principles: Staff Member and Service Provider Requirements (f) The program provider's operations must prevent: (1)...
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Feb 1, 2022
February 1st, 2022 HCS, TxHmL COVID-19 Response Webinar Recording: Jan. 27 and Jan. 30 This webinar reviewed information from the revised COVID-19 Response Plan for HCS and TxHmL. This includes strategies to rapidly identify COVID-19 and: Prevent its spread Protect individuals, staff, and visitors Provide care to infected people Recover from an outbreak They also addressed the surge of COVID-19 across the state, address staffing shortages and provide you guidance from the CDC. . A recording of...
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Feb 1, 2022
February 1st, 2022 HCS/TxHmL Writing Acceptable Plans of Correction Webinar "WHAT IS A POC? 42 CFR §488.401 defines a Plan of Correction to mean a plan developed by the facility and approved by CMS or the survey agency that describes the actions the facility will take to correct deficiencies and specifies the date by which those deficiencies will be corrected.Apr 19, 2021" Program providers can register for the Writing Acceptable Plans of Correction for HCS and TxHmL webinar. This...
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Feb 1, 2022
February 1st, 2022 HHSC Publishes Information on Delivery of PT, OT, and ST Services (IL 2022-08) HHSC is issuing interim guidance allowing telehealth delivery of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services. Access Information Letter No. 2022-08, HB4: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy Services Delivered by Synchronous Audio-Visual. The letter notes which therapies are not allowed to be delivered through telehealth modalities because the service...
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Feb 1, 2022
February 1st, 2022 Guidance for LTC Providers COVID-19 cases continue to increase across Texas. HHSC reminds providers to follow the guidelines listed below and ensure their emergency plan is up to date. Staff must be aware of what to do in the event of any sort of emergency, including an outbreak of flu or COVID-19. Please review the following rules, guidelines, and policies: COVID-19 mitigation and visitation rules for your provider type Any applicable COVID-19 response plans for your...
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Feb 1, 2022
February 1st, 2022 COVID-19 Update to Temporary Change for Service Providers of Respite and CFC PAS/HAB HHSC has lifted the ban on service providers of respite and Community First Choice PAS/HAB from living in the same home as the person receiving Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living program services. This gives access to needed services for people living in their own or family’s home. A person’s spouse, child or teenager’s parent still cannot be a paid service provider of...
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Jan 28, 2022
January 28th, 2022 IDD Systems Redesign Committee (SRAC) Agenda from January 27th, 2022 See link below or read the section below. The webcast recording is available below: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/about/communications-events/meetings-events/2022/01/27/intellectual-developmental-disability-system-redesign-advisory-committee-idd-srac-agenda Webcasting Available Quoted From HHSC website, "Texas Penal Code Section 46.03(a)(14) states: “A person commits an offense if the person intentionally,...
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Jan 17, 2022
HHSC has published ICF and HCS Emergency Staffing Requests – Jan. 10 HHSC has published ICF and HCS Emergency Staffing Requests (Provider Letter 2022-02). This letter provides information for Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ICFs) or Related Conditions and Home and Community-based Services (HCS) program providers facing staffing shortages related to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
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Jan 17, 2022
Status of HCS Rates as of January 17th, 2022 HCS and TxHmL Day Habilitation Rates, Respite Rates and Other Concerns The Public Health Emergency (PHE) was renewed until April 16, 2022, and Clarification: The HCS & TxHmL rates posted on HHSC's webpage listed as Effective March 1, 2022 to Current. are a bit confusing The Public Health Emergency (PHE): https://aspr.hhs.gov/legal/PHE/Pages/COVID19-14Jan2022.aspx HCS Day Habilitation (DH) & Respite Rates: Some members have inquired about...
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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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