CARE Migration To TMHP HCS &TxHmL

Very Important !!!!  HCS & TxHmL Providers:  Migration of CARE to TMHP

• Claims Submission Account
  • TexMedConnect or
  • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
• Long-term Care (LTC) Online Portal
• TMHP Learning Management System (LMS)”

• How to save money without impacting benefit asset limits
• Ways to ensure a financially secure future
• Savings accounts for individuals with disabilities

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We warmly welcome all service providers from around the world to Therap's National Conference being held on February 1-2-3, 2022. This will provide you a great opportunity to network virtually and share valuable experiences. This event will include sessions on Therap modules ranging from beginner to advanced user level.

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Guarantee your spot at the 2022 Therap National Conference for only $49.00! This pricing ends on January 7, 2022. There will be User Presentations, State Specific Discussions, How-to-Sessions of Therap modules and more.

Fall 2021 Registration Fee (Non-Refundable) will End on January 7, 2022

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Questions? Contact us via email: national2022@therapservices.net

A federal judge earlier this month ruled that Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order banning mask mandates for public schools violates Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and barred Attorney General Ken Paxton from enforcing the executive order.

In August, 14 elementary school students with disabilities were plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit against Gov. Greg Abbott and TEA Commission Mike Morath filed by Disability Rights Texas. The lawsuit claimed the prohibition of mask mandates in public and charter schools violate the ADA.

The plaintiffs range in age from 7 to 11 and were ineligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the time of the lawsuit filing. People with disabilities are at a higher risk of being infected with the virus and experiencing severe complications, even death. Masks are essential to lower their risk of getting sick from COVID-19, especially around other students in close, indoor settings like a school.

Students with disabilities have the right to access a free, appropriate public education because of Section 504 of the ADA, the federal law that prohibits discrimination against students with disabilities and applies to any agency, including a school district, which receives federal money.

One plaintiff in the lawsuit, eight-year-old J.R., has ADHD, a growth hormone deficiency, and moderate to severe asthma. Her mother worries that J.R., who needs in-person instruction to succeed in school, is at greater risk of serious illness, hospitalization, and even death if she gets the virus.

“Having to make a choice between my daughter’s education or her life—what kind of choice is that?” J.R.’s mother says. “My child has the right to an education and to be safe at school. I shouldn’t have to choose.”

In response to the lawsuit when filed this summer, a spokesperson for Gov. Abbott said Abbott cares about disabled students and, “Since his accident that left him paralyzed, the Governor has worked throughout his career to protect the rights of all those with disabilities in Texas.”

In his ruling on the lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel sided with the students and their claim that the ban on mask mandates would impede their civil rights under the ADA. “Plaintiffs here are at higher risk of contracting COVID that their non-impaired peers. But because GA-38 precludes mask requirements in schools, Plaintiffs are either forced out of in-person learning altogether or must take on unnecessarily greater health and safety risks than their nondisabled peers. The evidence presented by Plaintiffs establishes that Plaintiffs are being denied the benefits of in-person learning on an equal basis as their peers without disabilities. The court concludes that GA-38 violates the ADA and Section 504.2.”

In response to the ruling, Paxton tweeted that “my agency is considering all legal avenues to challenge this decision.” At this time, no appeal has been filed.

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