TITLE 40.SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

Part 1. DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES

Chapter 7. DADS ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

Subchapter A. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), amendments to §§7.1, 7.6, and 7.7, concerning the subchapter's purpose, the assignment and use of pooled vehicles, and inscriptions on state vehicles; new §7.3, concerning definitions; and the repeal of §§7.2 - 7.4, concerning application of the subchapter, compliance with nondiscrimination laws, and definitions, all of which are in Chapter 7, DADS Administrative Responsibilities, which has been renamed.

Background and Purpose

The amendments are proposed to update rules governing management of agency vehicles to comply with the State Vehicle Fleet Management Plan, as required by Government Code, §2171.1045. The amendments are also proposed to correct agency names, delete obsolete terms, and reflect new procedures and organizational structures resulting from the consolidation of health and human services agencies in compliance with Acts 2003, 78th Legislature, Regular Session, Chapter 198 (House Bill 2292).

The new section is proposed to establish a definitions section that contains words and terms currently appearing in the subchapter and to update the definitions of those terms to reflect current procedures and organizational structures.

The repeal is proposed to delete unnecessary or duplicative sections in the subchapter.

Section-by-Section Summary

The amendment to §7.1 updates the purpose of the subchapter and deletes a reference to state mental health facilities. The amendment to §7.6 replaces references to the Texas Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation (TDMHMR) with references to DADS and updates the names of state agencies and offices in which written documentation required by DADS' vehicle fleet management plan must be maintained. The amendment to §7.7 replaces a reference to individuals receiving services from TDMHMR with a more specific reference to individuals receiving services from DADS' mental retardation facilities, removes a reference to mental illness, and adds a reference to the law that governs inscriptions on state vehicles.

New §7.3 governs the definitions of words and terms appearing in the subchapter.

The repeal of §7.2 deletes a duplicative rule, since the entities to which the subchapter applies are listed in the proposed amendment to §7.1. The repeal of §7.3 deletes a rule that is not necessary because oversight of civil rights compliance in health and human services agencies has been transferred to HHSC. The repeal of §7.4 deletes references to obsolete agency names and definitions and allows the definitions section to be proposed with a new section number.

Fiscal Note

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for the first five years the proposed sections are in effect, enforcing or administering the proposed sections does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Small Business and Micro-business Impact Analysis

DADS has determined that there is no adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or on businesses of any size as a result of enforcing or administering the proposed sections, because the sections apply to a state agency and have no effect on businesses.

Public Benefit and Costs

Lawrence M. Parker, DADS Chief Operating Officer, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the proposed sections are in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of enforcing the sections is that DADS will remain in compliance with the State Vehicle Fleet Management Plan as required by Government Code, §2171.1045 and the public will have access to rules that accurately reflect DADS procedures and organizational structure.

Mr. Parker anticipates that there will not be an economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the proposed sections. The proposed sections will not affect a local economy.

Takings Impact Assessment

DADS has determined that this proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, §2007.043.

Public Comment

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Keith Romel at (512) 438-5140 in DADS' Administrative Management Services section. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-034, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

40 TAC §§7.1, 7.3, 7.6, 7.7

Statutory Authority

The amendments and new section are proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS, and §2171.1045, which directs state agencies to adopt rules consistent with the management plan adopted under Texas Government Code, §2171.104, relating to the assignment and use of agency vehicles; and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS.

The amendments and new section implement Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §2171.104, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§7.1.Purpose.

The purpose of this subchapter is to describe certain [ : ]

[ (1) ] [ the ] standard operating policies and procedures for DADS [ state mental health facilities and state mental retardation ] facilities , regional offices, and state office. [ (SMHMRFs); ]

[ (2) requirements and rights of facilities; and ]

[ (3) rights protections for individuals receiving services from a facility. ]

§7.3.Definitions.

The following words and terms, when used in this subchapter, have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) CEO--The superintendent of a facility.

(2) DADS--The Department of Aging and Disability Services.

(3) Department--The Department of Aging and Disability Services.

(4) Facility--A state mental retardation facility operated by DADS.

(5) Individual--A person receiving services from a facility.

(6) LAR (legally authorized representative)--A person authorized by law to act on behalf of an individual with regard to a matter described in this subchapter and may include a parent, guardian, or managing conservator of a minor individual, a guardian of an adult individual, or a personal representative of a deceased individual.

(7) Mental retardation--Subaverage general intellectual functioning existing concurrently with deficits in adaptive behavior and originating during the developmental period.

(8) Material safety data sheet--The document provided by a manufacturer that describes a material's or part's chemical properties along with guidelines for proper use, storage, and disposal.

(9) Non-commercial group--A group of people associated with an organization (for example, a civic, fraternal, religious, social, service, community, or public employee organization).

(10) Sales receipt--A written statement issued by the seller that includes the date it was created and the cost of the item or service.

(11) Trust fund--An account at a financial institution in a facility's control that contains funds of an individual.

(12) Unauthorized departure that may have unusual consequences--The unauthorized departure of an individual that causes a reasonably prudent staff member who has knowledge of the individual's condition to believe that harm or injury to the individual or to others may occur as a result of the unauthorized departure, for example, the unauthorized departure of an individual whom the treatment staff believes to be a danger to self or to others or the unauthorized departure of an individual who requires maintenance medication such as insulin.

§7.6.Assignment and Use of Pooled Vehicles.

(a) The DADS motor pool consists of agency vehicles permanently assigned to state office, a regional office, or a facility.

(b) [ (a) ] Except as provided by subsection (c) [ (b) ] of this section, a vehicle in the motor pool is [ state-owned vehicles under the TDMHMR's control are assigned to the facility's motor vehicle pool and made ] available for use as needed. A vehicle [ Some of the vehicles ] in the motor [ vehicle ] pool may be [ organized in subpools and ] assigned to a specific division or function (for example [ divisions or functions (e.g. ], building services, security, food services) [ within the facility. The subpooled vehicles are available only to staff in that division or who perform job duties related to that function ].

(c) [ (b) ] A [ If a state-owned ] vehicle in the motor pool may be [ under the department's control is ] assigned to an employee on a regular basis, if a facility superintendent, regional director, or the Administrative Management Services manager documents [ , then the facility CEO or designee must document ] in writing that the assignment [ and use of the vehicle ] is critical to the needs and [ TDMHMR's ] mission of DADS . The facility superintendent, regional director, or Administrative Management Services manager must maintain the written documentation and send a copy to the Health and Human Services Commission's Facilities Fleet Management Office, the DADS Business Management Office, and the Texas Building and Procurement [ must be maintained at the facility, sent to and maintained in the Central Office transportation office, and sent to the General Services ] Commission, Office of Vehicle Fleet Management.

§7.7.Inscription on State Vehicles.

A state vehicle [ State vehicles ] used primarily for transporting individuals receiving services from a facility is exempt from the requirement in Texas Transportation Code, §721.002, [ TDMHMR are not required ] to have "Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services" [ its inscription ] printed on the vehicle. The purpose served by this exemption is to provide confidentiality, safety, and normalization for individuals receiving services and to reduce the stigma associated with [ mental illness and ] mental retardation.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600831

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 7. TDMHMR AND FACILITY RESPONSIBILITIES

Subchapter A. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

40 TAC §§7.2 - 7.4

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Department of Aging and Disability Services or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

Statutory Authority

The repeal is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS.

The repeal implements Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §2171.104, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§7.2.Application.

§7.3.Compliance with Nondiscrimination Laws.

§7.4.Definitions.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600832

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 19. NURSING FACILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR LICENSURE AND MEDICAID CERTIFICATION

Subchapter I. RESIDENT ASSESSMENT

40 TAC §19.801

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), an amendment to §19.801, concerning resident assessments, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification.

Background and Purpose

The purpose of the amendment is to require all nursing facilities to submit comprehensive resident assessments, including the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Resident Assessment, to DADS. Currently, DADS requires all nursing facilities to perform the MDS Resident Assessment on all nursing facility residents; however, only those facilities certified to participate in Medicaid (Medicaid-certified facilities) are required to submit the MDS data to DADS. Senate Bill 48, 79th Texas Legislature, amended Texas Health and Safety Code, §242.403, to authorize DADS to require all nursing facilities to submit information necessary to ensure the quality of care in the facilities, including the MDS Resident Assessment. Under the new authority granted by state law, DADS will require non-Medicaid-certified facilities to submit the MDS data.

The amendment is also proposed to clarify and update language in the section.

Section-by-Section Summary

The proposed amendment to §19.801 removes language that requires the submittal of comprehensive resident assessments by Medicaid-certified and dually certified nursing facilities only, thus requiring all nursing facilities, regardless of Medicaid certification, to submit the resident assessments.

Throughout the proposed amendment, references to the Texas Department of Human Services or DHS are changed to the Department of Aging and Disability Services or DADS to reflect the current name of the state agency that licenses and regulates nursing facilities in Texas.

In paragraph (5), a federal regulation citation is clarified.

In paragraph (11), the phrase "and dually certified facilities" is added to clarify that the use of independent assessors, which is a federal law creation, does not apply to licensed-only nursing facilities.

In paragraph (12)(B), a cross-referenced section title is corrected, and in paragraph (12)(D), the name of the Texas Department of Health is corrected to the Department of State Health Services to accurately reflect its current name.

Fiscal Note

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for the first five years the proposed amendment is in effect, enforcing or administering the amendment does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Small Business and Micro-business Impact Analysis

DADS has determined that there is no adverse economic effect on small businesses, micro-businesses, or on businesses of any size as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment, because nursing facilities affected by the amendment are already required to perform the MDS Resident Assessment and, therefore, are expected to have the automation resources necessary to meet the new requirement to submit the MDS data to DADS.

Public Benefit and Costs

Adelaide Horn, DADS Commissioner, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of enforcing the amendment is that more complete and accurate information will be available to consumers and family members on the quality of care given in licensed-only facilities and in facilities with distinct, private-pay wings. The additional data will also allow DADS to give these facilities better feedback for their use in improving services and resident care.

Ms. Horn anticipates that there will not be an economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendment. The amendment will not affect a local economy.

Takings Impact Assessment

DADS has determined that this proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, §2007.043.

Public Comment

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Leslie L. Cortes, M.D., at (512) 438-2567 in DADS' Medical Quality Assurance section. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-044, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Statutory Authority

The amendment is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; Texas Government Code, §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal funds and plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program; and Texas Health and Safety Code, §242.403, which requires DADS to adopt standards for quality of life and quality of care for residents of convalescent and nursing facilities and related institutions.

The amendment affects Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, and Texas Health and Safety Code, §242.403.

§19.801.Resident Assessment.

A [ The ] facility must conduct initially and periodically a comprehensive, accurate, standardized, reproducible assessment of each resident's functional capacity. The facility must electronically transmit [ In Medicaid-certified and dually certified nursing facilities, ] admission, annual, quarterly, and significant change assessments [ must be transmitted electronically ] to the [ Texas ] Department of Aging and Disability [ Human ] Services (DADS) [ (DHS) ].

(1) Admission orders. At the time each resident is admitted, the facility must have physician orders for the resident's immediate care.

(2) Comprehensive assessments.

(A) A facility must make a comprehensive assessment of a resident's needs, using the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI), including the Minimum Data Set (MDS), specified by DADS [ DHS. Licensed-only facilities do not have to complete Medicaid-specific sections ].

(B) The assessment must include at least the following information:

(i) identification and demographic information;

(ii) customary routine;

(iii) cognitive patterns;

(iv) communication;

(v) vision;

(vi) mood and behavior patterns;

(vii) psychosocial well-being;

(viii) physical functioning and structural problems;

(ix) continence;

(x) disease diagnoses and health conditions;

(xi) dental and nutritional status;

(xii) skin condition;

(xiii) activity pursuit;

(xiv) medications;

(xv) special treatments and procedures;

(xvi) discharge potential;

(xvii) documentation of summary information regarding the additional assessment performed through the resident assessment protocols; and

(xviii) documentation of participation in assessment. The assessment process must include direct observation and communication with the resident, as well as communication with licensed and nonlicensed direct care staff members on all shifts.

(C) A facility must conduct a comprehensive assessment of a resident as follows:

(i) within 14 calendar days after admission, excluding readmissions in which there is no significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition. For purposes of this section, "readmission" means a return to the facility following a temporary absence for hospitalization or for therapeutic leave.

(ii) within 14 calendar days after the facility determines, or should have determined, that there has been a significant change in the resident's physical or mental condition. For purposes of this section, a "significant change" means a major decline or improvement in the resident's status that will not normally resolve itself without further intervention by staff or by implementing standard disease-related clinical interventions, that has an impact on more than one area of the resident's health status, and requires interdisciplinary review or revision of the care plan, or both.

(iii) not less often than once every 12 months.

(3) Quarterly review assessment. A facility must assess a resident using the quarterly review instrument specified by DADS [ DHS ] and approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) not less frequently than once every three months.

(4) Use. A facility must maintain all resident assessments completed within the previous 15 months in the resident's active record and use the results of the assessments to develop, review, and revise the resident's comprehensive plan of care as specified in §19.802 of this title (relating to Comprehensive Care Plans).

(5) Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR). A Medicaid-certified facility must coordinate assessments with the PASARR program under Medicaid in 42 CFR, Part 483, Subpart C to the maximum extent practicable to avoid duplicative testing and effort.

(6) Automated data processing requirement [ for Medicaid-certified and dually certified facilities only ].

(A) Encoding data. Within seven days after a facility completes a resident's assessment, a facility must encode the following information for each resident in the facility:

(i) admission assessment;

(ii) annual assessment updates;

(iii) significant change in status assessments;

(iv) quarterly review assessments;

(v) a subset of items upon a resident's transfer, reentry, discharge, and death, using the reentry tracking form and/or discharge tracking form; and

(vi) background (face-sheet) information, if there is no admission assessment.

(B) Transmitting data. Within seven days after a facility completes a resident's assessment, a facility must be capable of transmitting to DADS [ DHS ] information for each resident contained in the MDS in a format that conforms to standard record layouts and data dictionaries, and that passes standardized edits defined by CMS and DADS [ DHS ].

(C) Monthly transmittal requirements. A facility must electronically transmit, at least monthly (within 31 days of the lock date), encoded, accurate, complete MDS data to DADS [ DHS ] for all assessments conducted during the previous month, including the following:

(i) admission assessment;

(ii) annual assessment;

(iii) significant change in status assessment;

(iv) significant correction of prior full assessment;

(v) significant correction of prior quarterly assessment;

(vi) quarterly review;

(vii) a subset of items upon a resident's transfer, reentry, discharge, and death; and

(viii) background (face-sheet) information, for an initial transmission of MDS data on a resident that does not have an admission assessment.

(D) Data format. The facility must transmit data in the format specified by DADS [ DHS ] and approved by CMS.

(E) Resident-identifiable information.

(i) A facility may not release information that is resident-identifiable to the public.

(ii) The facility may release information that is resident-identifiable to an agent only in accordance with a contract under which the agent agrees not to use or disclose the information except to the extent the facility itself is permitted to do so.

(7) Accuracy of assessments. The assessment must accurately reflect the resident's status.

(8) Coordination. A registered nurse must conduct or coordinate each assessment with the appropriate participation of health professionals.

(9) Certification.

(A) A registered nurse must sign and certify that the assessment is completed.

(B) Each individual who completes a portion of the assessment must sign and certify the accuracy of that portion of the assessment.

(10) Penalty for falsification in Medicaid-certified and dually certified facilities.

(A) An individual who willfully and knowingly:

(i) certifies a material and false statement in a resident assessment is subject to a civil money penalty of not more than $1,000 for each assessment; or

(ii) causes another individual to certify a material and false statement in a resident assessment is subject to a civil money penalty of not more than $5,000 for each assessment.

(B) Clinical disagreement does not constitute a material and false statement.

(11) Use of independent assessors in Medicaid-certified facilities and dually certified facilities . If DADS [ DHS ] determines, under a certification survey or otherwise, that there has been a knowing and willful certification of false statements under paragraph (10) of this section, DADS [ DHS ] may require (for a period specified by DADS [ DHS ]) that resident assessments under this paragraph be conducted and certified by individuals who are independent of the facility and who are approved by DADS [ DHS ].

(12) Pediatric resident assessment.

(A) Pediatric assessments should be performed by licensed facility staff experienced in the care and assessment of children. Parents or guardians should be included in the assessment process. The potential for community transition should be discussed with the parents or guardians whenever an assessment occurs.

(B) The comprehensive assessment for children must include a record of immunizations, blood screening for lead, and developmental assessment. The local school district's developmental assessment may be used if available. See §19.1934 of this title (relating to Educational Requirements for Persons Under Age 22).

(C) Licensed facility staff should assess the child's functional status in relation to pediatric developmental levels, rather than adult developmental levels.

(D) The facility staff must ensure pediatric residents receive services in accordance with the guidelines established by the [ Texas ] Department of State Health Services' [ Health's ] Texas Health Steps (THSteps). For Medicaid-eligible pediatric residents between the ages of six months and six years, screening for lead poisoning must be done in accordance with THSteps guidelines.

(13) PASARR referrals for a resident [ client ] making a transition to a community-based setting. Each resident considered for transition to a community-based care setting must be identified to determine the presence of mental illness or mental retardation, regardless of whether the resident is receiving treatment or services for a mental illness or mental retardation. If the resident making the transition has ever been determined to meet the PASARR eligibility criteria, the facility must promptly notify the PASARR unit of DADS [ DHS ] and the mental retardation authority in accordance with §19.2500(c) of this title (relating to Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASARR)) before the transition.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 16, 2006.

TRD-200600838

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter J. QUALITY OF CARE

40 TAC §19.910

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), an amendment to §19.910, concerning quality assurance early warning systems, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification.

Background and Purpose

The purpose of the amendment is to implement the provisions of Senate Bill (SB) 874, 79th Texas Legislature, which amended Texas Health and Safety Code, §255.003. SB 874 deleted the requirement in §255.003 for DADS' quality-of-care monitors to make unannounced monitoring visits to long-term care facilities. As a result, the proposed amendment provides an option for DADS' quality-of-care monitors to give a facility prior notice of their monitoring visits.

Section-by-Section Summary

The proposed amendment to §19.910(1) states that monitoring visits to long-term care facilities may be announced or unannounced. The amendment also replaces the term "aperiodic" with clearer language explaining that monitoring visits may occur on any day and at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Throughout the section, references to the Texas Department of Human Services or DHS are replaced with references to the Department of Aging and Disability Services or DADS.

Fiscal Note

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for the first five years the proposed amendment is in effect, enforcing or administering the amendment does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Small Business and Micro-business Impact Analysis

DADS has determined that there is no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses or on businesses of any size as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment, because the amendment places no new requirements on nursing facilities.

Public Benefit and Costs

Adelaide Horn, DADS Commissioner, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of enforcing the amendment is improved resident care in nursing facilities. Providing the facility with prior notice of a monitoring visit means that key staff at the facility will more likely be present when the visit is conducted and thus be more readily aware of the need for improvement as issues are identified.

Ms. Horn anticipates that there will not be an economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendment. The amendment will not affect a local economy.

Takings Impact Assessment

DADS has determined that this proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, §2007.043.

Public Comment

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Leslie L. Cortes, M.D., at (512) 438-2567 in DADS' Medical Quality Assurance section. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-042, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Statutory Authority

The amendment is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; and Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 255, which authorizes DADS to establish a quality assurance early warning system for long-term care facilities and to create rapid response teams.

The amendment implements Texas Government Code, §531.0055, Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021; and Texas Health and Safety Code, §§255.001 - 255.005.

§19.910.Quality Assurance Early Warning System.

The [ Texas ] Department of Aging and Disability [ Human ] Services (DADS) [ (DHS) ] uses an early warning system to detect conditions that could be detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of residents.

(1) Quality-of-care monitors are based in regional offices and monitor long-term care (LTC) facilities on visits that may be announced or unannounced and may occur on any day and at any time [ a regular, unannounced, aperiodic basis ], including nights, weekends, and holidays.

(2) - (7) (No change.)

(8) Conditions observed by the quality-of-care monitor that may constitute an immediate threat to the health or safety of a resident will be immediately reported to the regional office supervisor for appropriate action and, as appropriate or as required by law, to law enforcement, adult protective services, other divisions of DADS [ DHS ], or other responsible agencies.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 16, 2006.

TRD-200600836

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


40 TAC §19.911

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), an amendment to §19.911, concerning rapid response teams, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification.

Background and Purpose

The purpose of the amendment is to allow a rapid response team to be comprised of one quality-of-care monitor, rather than at least two quality-of-care monitors as the rule currently requires. A quality-of-care monitor is a registered nurse, pharmacist, or dietician employed by DADS who is trained and experienced in long-term care facility regulation, standards of practice, and evaluation of resident care. Rapid response teams visit long-term care facilities at the request of the facility. The amendment will permit nursing facilities in Texas to request a specific type of quality-of-care monitor (that is, a nurse, a pharmacist, or a dietician) to address a specific issue identified through DADS' quality assurance early warning system.

Section-by-Section Summary

The amendment to §19.911 changes the composition of a rapid response team from two or more quality-of-care monitors to one or more quality-of-care monitors. The amendment also replaces references to the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) with references to DADS.

Fiscal Note

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for the first five years the proposed amendment is in effect, enforcing or administering the amendment does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Small Business and Micro-business Impact Analysis

DADS has determined that there is no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses or on businesses of any size as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment, because the amendment places no new requirements on businesses.

Public Benefit and Costs

Adelaide Horn, DADS Commissioner, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of enforcing the amendment is that DADS will be able to use its resources more effectively by providing a discipline-specific response to a nursing facility's request for assistance. Such a response should have a positive impact on quality improvement efforts in the facility, with a resulting benefit to resident health and safety.

Ms. Horn anticipates that there will not be an economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendment. The amendment will not affect a local economy.

Takings Impact Assessment

DADS has determined that this proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, §2007.043.

Public Comment

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Leslie L. Cortes, M.D., at (512) 438-2567 in DADS' Medical Quality Assurance section. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-043, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Statutory Authority

The amendment is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; and Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 255, which authorizes DADS to establish a quality assurance early warning system for long-term care facilities and to create rapid response teams.

The amendment implements Texas Government Code, §531.0055, Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, and Texas Health and Safety Code, §§255.001 - 255.005.

§19.911.Rapid Response Teams.

(a) Rapid response teams are comprised [ composed ] of one [ two ] or more quality-of-care monitors who can visit long-term care (LTC) facilities identified through the [ Texas ] Department of Aging and Disability [ Human ] Services' (DADS') [ (DHS's) ] early warning system.

(b) Rapid response teams may visit facilities that request DADS' [ DHS's ] assistance. A visit under this subsection may not occur before the 60th day after the date of an exit interview following an annual or follow-up survey or inspection.

(c) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 16, 2006.

TRD-200600837

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter T. ADMINISTRATION

40 TAC §19.1917

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), an amendment to §19.1917, concerning quality assessment and assurance, in Chapter 19, Nursing Facility Requirements for Licensure and Medicaid Certification.

Background and Purpose

The purpose of the amendment is to comply with the requirement of Senate Bill 1525, 79th Legislature, which amended the Texas Health and Safety Code by adding Chapter 256 concerning safe patient handling and movement practices. Under existing rules, a Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee (QAAC) is maintained by a nursing facility to identify issues regarding quality assessment and assurance activities and develop and implement appropriate plans to correct identified quality deficiencies.

Section-by-Section Summary

The amendment to §19.1917 adds a requirement that a nursing facility's Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee adopt and ensure implementation of a policy that addresses safe resident handling and movement practices. The policy must identify, assess, and develop strategies to control risk of injury to residents and nurses associated with the lifting, transferring, respositioning, or moving of a resident.

Fiscal Note

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for the first five years the proposed amendment is in effect, enforcing or administering the amendment does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Small Business and Micro-business Impact Analysis

DADS has determined that there is no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses or on businesses of any size as a result of enforcing or administering the amendment because a nursing facility already provides training regarding safe resident handling and, therefore, implementing the QAAC policy will not put an undue burden on the nursing facilty.

Public Benefit and Costs

Veronda Durden, DADS Assistant Commissioner for Regulatory Services, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of enforcing the amendment is the nursing facility's QAAC will have a policy in place to reduce the risk of injury to residents and nurses.

Ms. Durden anticipates that there will not be an economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendment. The amendment will not affect a local economy.

Takings Impact Assessment

DADS has determined that this proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, §2007.043.

Public Comment

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Hannah Ndika at (512) 438-2133 in DADS' Regulatory Services Policy Development and Support Unit. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-040, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Statutory Authority

The amendment is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 242, which authorizes DADS to license and regulate nursing facilities; and Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 256, which requires a policy for safe resident handling and movement practices.

The amendment affects Texas Government Code, §531.0055, Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, and Texas Health and Safety Code, §§242.001-242-852, 256.001, and 256.002.

§19.1917.Quality Assessment and Assurance.

(a) - (d) (No change.)

(e) The Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee must adopt and ensure implementation of a policy to identify, assess, and develop strategies to control risk of injury to residents and nurses associated with the lifting, transferring, repositioning, or moving of a resident. The policy must establish a process that includes:

(1) analysis of the risk of injury to both residents and nurses posed by the resident handling needs of the resident populations served by the nursing facility and the physical environment in which resident handling and moving occurs;

(2) annual in-service education of nurses in the identification, assessment, and control of risk of injury to residents and nurses during resident handling;

(3) evaluation of alternative ways to reduce risks associated with resident handling, including evaluation of equipment and the environment;

(4) restriction, to the extent feasible with existing equipment and aids, of manual resident handling or moving of all or most of a resident's weight to emergency, life-threatening, or otherwise exceptional circumstances;

(5) collaboration with and an annual report to the nurse staffing committee;

(6) specific procedures for nurses to refuse to perform or be involved in resident handling or moving that the nurse believes in good faith will expose a resident or a nurse to an unacceptable risk of injury;

(7) submission of an annual report by the nursing staff to the Quality Assessment and Assurance Committee on activities related to the identification, assessment, and development of strategies to control risk of injury to residents and nurses associated with the lifting, transferring, repositioning, or moving of a resident; and

(8) in developing architectural plans for constructing or remodeling a nursing facility or a unit of a nursing facility in which resident handling and moving occurs, consideration of the feasibility of incorporating resident handling equipment or the physical space and construction design needed to incorporate that equipment at a later date.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600803

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 30. MEDICAID HOSPICE PROGRAM

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), amendments to §§30.32, 30.62, 30.82, and 30.100, concerning disclosure, claims processing, sanctions, and additional requirements; new §§30.2, 30.30, 30.34, and 30.36, concerning purpose, general contracting, termination of a contract, and written information; and the repeal of §§30.2, 30.30, 30.34, and 30.36 concerning program basis, requirements for participation, change of ownership, and effective date of contracts, in Chapter 30, Medicaid Hospice Program.

Background and Purpose

The purpose of the amendments, new sections, and repeal is to require hospice contracts to follow additional requirements in the Contracting for Community Care Services chapter, clarify current hospice rules, and add a new rule covering voluntary termination of a contract. The rules will clarify that a hospice must have a contract before billing for Medicaid services and identify the requirements for general contracting, disclosure, contract termination, processing claims, and sanctions.

Section-by-Section Summary

New §30.2 establishes the purpose of the Medicaid Hospice Program chapter, which includes the contracting requirements for a hospice and the eligibility requirements for an individual electing Medicaid hospice.

The repeal of §§30.2, 30.30, 30.34, and 30.36 deletes requirements and contracting procedures that have been moved to the Contracting for Community Care Services chapter or reorganized within the Medicaid Hospice Program chapter.

New §30.30 requires a hospice to meet federal and state regulations in order to be approved for participation in the Medicaid Hospice Program. The new section also adds a requirement that a hospice must have a contract with DADS and an individual must elect the Medicaid hospice benefit before payment is made to the hospice. A hospice must also have a written contract with a nursing facility or intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation or related conditions before payment is made to the hospice, if services are provided in such a facility. The amendment to §30.32 moves the procedures for requesting a hearing and sanction requirement to §30.82. New §30.34 requires a hospice to notify DADS in writing at the address provided at least 10 days before the hospice terminates its contract. The new section also states the steps that a hospice must follow to help ensure the needs of individuals served by the hospice are met if the hospice terminates its contract. New §30.36 defines the acceptable methods for submitting written information to DADS.

The amendment to §30.62 requires a hospice to have a contract with DADS and to submit a complete and accurate claim. The amendment also adds that DADS will deny claims for hospice services and for room and board provided to an individual before the effective date of the Medicaid hospice contract.

The amendment to §30.82 removes the details of sanctions DADS may take against a hospice and adds a cross-reference to the rule governing sanctions in the Contracting for Community Care Services chapter. The amendment also updates the procedures for requesting a hearing. The amendment to §30.100 requires a hospice to document hospice services provided to an individual within the clinical or client record and removes a reference to the solicitation rule in the Contracting for Community Services chapter because a hospice must comply with the solicitation requirements in this chapter.

Fiscal Note

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for the first five years the proposed amendments, new sections, and repeal are in effect, enforcing or administering the amendments, new sections, and repeal does not have foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Small Business and Micro-business Impact Analysis

DADS has determined that there is no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro- businesses or on businesses of any size as a result of enforcing or administering the amendments, new sections, and repeal, because the rules are being updated to reflect the reorganization of DADS contracting duties without adding requirements that will have an adverse economic effect on a hospice.

Public Benefit and Costs

Barry Waller, DADS Assistant Commissioner for Provider Services, has determined that, for each year of the first five years the amendments, new sections, and repeal are in effect, the public benefit expected as a result of enforcing the amendments, new sections, and repeal is that the rules will clearly describe to a hospice the contract and claims procedures that DADS will monitor. The new rules will make it clear to a hospice that DADS will not make Medicaid payments until requirements within this chapter are met.

Mr. Waller anticipates that there will not be an economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the amendments, new sections, and repeal. The amendments, new sections, and repeal will not affect a local economy.

Takings Impact Assessment

DADS has determined that this proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, §2007.043.

Public Comment

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Maxcine Tomlinson at (512) 438-3169 in DADS' Community Services Policy Development and Support Unit. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-021, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714- 9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Subchapter A. INTRODUCTION

40 TAC §30.2

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Department of Aging and Disability Services or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

Statutory Authority

The repeal is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; and Texas Government Code, §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal funds and plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The repeal affects Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§30.2.Program Basis.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600823

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


40 TAC §30.2

Statutory Authority

The new section is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; and Texas Government Code, §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal funds and plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new section affects Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§30.2.Purpose.

This chapter establishes the requirements for the Medicaid Hospice Program in Texas, both for hospices contracting with the Department of Aging and Disability Services to provide hospice services and for Medicaid-eligible individuals who elect the Medicaid Hospice Program.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600824

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter C. PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRANCE INTO THE TEXAS MEDICAID HOSPICE PROGRAM; DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

40 TAC §§30.30, 30.34, 30.36

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Department of Aging and Disability Services or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

Statutory Authority

The repeal is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; and Texas Government Code, §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal funds and plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The repeal affects Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§30.30.Requirements for Participation as a Medicaid Hospice Provider.

§30.34.Change of Ownership.

§30.36.Effective Dates of Provider Contracts.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600825

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter C. CONTRACTING AND DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

40 TAC §§30.30, 30.32, 30.34, 30.36

Statutory Authority

The new sections and amendment are proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; and Texas Government Code, §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal funds and plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The new sections and amendment affect Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§30.30.General Contracting Requirements.

(a) A hospice participating in the Medicaid Hospice Program must comply with the requirements in this chapter and with all federal and state regulations that govern the Medicaid Hospice Program, including the federal regulations in 42 Code of Federal Regulations Part 418 (Hospice Care).

(b) To be approved by the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) for participation in the Medicaid Hospice Program and be awarded a contract, a hospice must:

(1) meet the provisions described in Chapter 49 of this title (relating to Contracting for Community Care Services), except for:

(A) §49.13(b) and (f)(1) of this title (relating to General Contractual Requirements);

(B) §49.14 of this title (relating to Provisional Contracts);

(C) §49.15(d)(2)(B) of this title (relating to Contract Assignment);

(D) §49.31(e) of this title (relating to Record Requirements);

(E) §49.41(c)(1) and (12) of this title (relating to Billings and Claims Payment);

(F) §49.42 of this title (relating to Method of Payment);

(G) §49.43 of this title (relating to Expedited Payments System);

(H) §49.61(a)(4) and (11) of this title (relating to Sanctions); and

(I) §49.63(a), (c), and (d) of this title (relating to Recontracting);

(2) be licensed in Texas as a home and community support services agency to provide hospice services; and

(3) maintain Medicare certification to provide hospice services through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

(c) A hospice participating in the Medicaid Hospice Program must not have restrictive policies or practices, including:

(1) requiring an individual to execute a will with the hospice named as legatee or devisee;

(2) assigning an individual's life insurance to the hospice;

(3) transferring an individual's property to the hospice;

(4) requiring an individual to pay a lump sum or make any other payment or concession to the hospice beyond the recognized Medicaid rate;

(5) controlling or restricting an individual or legal representative in using the individual's personal needs allowance while in a nursing facility or an intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation or related conditions (ICF/MR-RC);

(6) restricting an individual from transferring or withdrawing from the Medicaid Hospice Program at will, except as provided by state law;

(7) denying appropriate hospice care to an individual on the basis of the individual's race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, or source of payment; and

(8) preventing or requiring the execution of written or unwritten directives to reject life-sustaining procedures by an adult individual.

(d) If a hospice provides services to a resident of a nursing facility or an ICF/MR-RC, the hospice must have a written contract for the provision of services with the nursing facility or ICF/MR-RC.

(e) DADS does not pay for hospice services before the date:

(1) the hospice has a Medicaid hospice contract with DADS;

(2) the individual makes a valid election of the Medicaid hospice benefit as provided under subsection (f) of this section; and

(3) the hospice has a contract with a nursing facility or an ICF/MR-RC if hospice services are provided in a nursing facility or an ICF/MR-RC.

(f) For purposes of subsection (e)(2) of this section, a valid Medicaid hospice election must be dated on or after the requirements listed in subsection (e)(1) and (3) of this section have been met.

(g) If a hospice assigns its contract, it must be assigned in accordance with §49.15 of this title and the hospice to which the contract has been assigned must submit an updated Texas Medicaid Hospice Program Recipient Election/Cancellation/Discharge Notice form for each individual receiving Medicaid hospice services from the hospice.

(h) A hospice must allow legal representatives of DADS, the Texas Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to enter the premises at any time to make inspections or privately interview the individuals receiving Medicaid hospice services.

§30.32.Disclosure Requirements [ for a Medicaid Hospice Provider ].

[ (a) ] A hospice [ Medicaid providers ] must disclose information in accordance with 42 CFR Part 455, Subpart B.

[ (b) Failure to comply with 42 CFR Part 455. Subpart B, may result in suspension, termination, or other contract action including but not limited to holding Medicaid payments. To appeal a sanction, a Medicaid hospice provider must submit a written request for an appeal hearing to the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS), P.O. Box 149030, Mail Code W-613, Austin, Texas, 78714-9030. Hearings will be held in Austin, Texas. ]

§30.34.Voluntary Termination of Hospice Contract.

(a) If a hospice wishes to voluntarily terminate its contract with the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), regardless of the reason, the hospice must notify DADS in writing at least 10 days before the contract is terminated. The written notification must be sent to the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Community Services, Attention: Contracts, P.O. Box 149030, Mail Code W-517, Austin, Texas 78714-9030. Notification sent by overnight mail must be sent to the Department of Aging and Disability Services, Community Services, Attention: Contracts, 701 West 51st Street, Mail Code W-517, Austin, Texas 78751.

(b) At least 10 days before a hospice terminates its contract as provided in subsection (a) of this section:

(1) for each individual receiving Medicaid hospice services, the hospice must submit a Texas Medicaid Hospice Program Recipient Election/Cancellation/Discharge Notice form to DADS' claims processor indicating the individual has changed his designated hospice or revoked his election of hospice care; and

(2) for each individual receiving Medicaid hospice services who is changing his designated hospice, the hospice must ensure that a copy of the individual's active record is sent to the receiving hospice in order to ensure continuity of care and services to the individual.

(c) Submission of the Texas Medicaid Hospice Program Recipient Election/Cancellation/Discharge Notice form to DADS' claims processor is governed by §30.20 of this chapter (relating to Change of the Designated Hospice) and §30.18 of this chapter (relating to Revoking the Election of Hospice Care).

§30.36.Submission of Written Information.

A hospice must submit by mail, fax, or hand-delivery any written information that DADS requires of the hospice. DADS does not accept e-mail delivery.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600826

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter F. REIMBURSEMENT

40 TAC §30.62

Statutory Authority

The amendment is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; and Texas Government Code, §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal funds and plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The amendment affects Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§30.62.Medicaid Hospice Claims [ Processing ] Requirements.

(a) Requirement for payment.

(1) To receive Medicaid hospice payments, a hospice [ an entity ] must have a Medicaid hospice contract with the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) [ be licensed as a hospice, Medicare certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a hospice, and Medicaid certified by the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) ].

(2) To receive [ A hospice that seeks ] payment for providing Medicaid hospice services , a hospice must submit a complete and accurate claim for those services to DADS' [ which the hospice is entitled to payment that must be received by DHS's ] claims processor . The claim must be received by DADS' claims processor within 12 months after the date of service. For purposes of this section, the date of service is [ defined as ] the last day of the month in which the service was provided.

[ (A) ] If an individual's Medicaid eligibility for benefits is established after the provision of services, the 12-month period for submission of claims starts on the date the individual's Medicaid eligibility was [ is ] established.

[ (B) Medicaid hospice payments are subject to availability of state and federally appropriated funds. ]

[ (C) Claims for services delivered before the effective date of this section must be submitted within 12 months of the effective date of this section. ]

[ (D) Adjustment to claims must be received by DHS's claims processor during the applicable 12- month period. Claims and adjustments rejected or denied during the 12-month period through no fault of the hospice may be paid upon approval by DHS. ]

[ (E) The requirement to submit claims within 12 months of the date of service does not prohibit a provider from re-billing in the case of state-generated retroactive adjustments. ]

(b) Submittal and forms completion requirements. To receive Medicaid hospice [ Hospice ] payments, the hospice [ provider ] must submit the following documents to DADS' claims processor [ Provider Claims Payment ]:

(1) Texas Medicaid Hospice Program Recipient Election/Cancellation/Discharge [ Election/Cancellation ] Notice form , which must not have an election date that is earlier than the effective date of the hospice's Medicaid contract ;

(2) Medicaid/Medicare [ Texas Medicaid ] Hospice Program Physician Certification of Terminal Illness form;

(3) Texas Index for Level of Effort (TILE) Assessment form, if applicable; and

(4) level of need (LON) form, if available.

(c) Denials. DADS denies [ DHS will deny ] the following [ provider ] claims submitted by a hospice [ to the Medicaid Hospice Program and/or other DHS programs ]:

(1) claims for hospice services provided before the effective date of the Medicaid hospice contract;

(2) claims for room and board provided before the effective date of the Medicaid hospice contract;

(3) [ (1) ] claims for hospice services provided before the election date on the Texas [ service days prior to a valid ] Medicaid Hospice Program Election/Cancellation/Discharge [ Election ] Notice form and the Medicaid/Medicare [ a ] Physician Certification of Terminal Illness form [ Illness(es) ];

(4) [ (2) ] claims for services provided after the individual has revoked his [ which have been returned to the provider or recipients who have revoked the ] election of the Medicaid Hospice Program;

(5) [ (3) ] claims for individuals [ recipients ] who have been denied Medicaid eligibility and who were not eligible for Medicaid services when hospice services were provided ;

(6) [ (4) ] claims for individuals who are dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare and were [ Medicare-Medicaid recipients who are ] covered by the Medicare hospice [ Hospice ] benefit when services were provided ; and

(7) [ (5) ] claims for hospice services provided by a hospice after its [ providers whose ] Medicaid hospice contract has been terminated [ cancelled ].

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600827

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter H. ENFORCEMENT

40 TAC §30.82

Statutory Authority

The amendment is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; and Texas Government Code, §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal funds and plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The amendment affects Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§30.82.Sanctions.

(a) The [ Texas ] Department of Aging and Disability [ Human ] Services [ (DHS) ] may take sanctions against a hospice for failure to comply with the terms of the contract , [ or ] program rules , or both , as described in §49.61 of this title (relating to Sanctions) .

(b) To appeal a sanction, a hospice must request a hearing from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission according to the provisions outlined in 1 TAC, Chapter 357, Subchapter I.

[ (b) Sanctions may include one or more of the following at the discretion of DHS: ]

[ (1) Vendor hold. ]

[ (A) DHS may place a vendor hold upon one or all of a hospice provider's DHS contracts for reasons including, but not limited to: ]

[ (i) the hospice's failure to follow an agreed upon audit resolution payment plan; ]

[ (ii) the hospice's failure to provide service according to contract or program requirements; ]

[ (iii) the hospice's failure to comply with their corrective action plan; ]

[ (iv) DHS's recoupment of overpayments to a hospice and restitution of audit exceptions assessed against a hospice; or ]

[ (v) DHS's determination that client health and safety is jeopardized by the hospice's failure to comply with the terms of the contract or program requirements or both. ]

[ (B) DHS may accept an irrevocable letter of credit, in a format and an amount approved by DHS, to allow the release of all or a portion of vendor payments on hold. Vendor holds are released after resolution of all the reasons cited for the vendor hold. ]

[ (C) Held funds may be offset against any overpayments or audit exceptions attributable to the hospice. ]

[ (2) Contract termination. DHS may initiate contract termination for one or more reasons including, but not limited to: ]

[ (A) the hospice's failure to comply with the terms of the contract, rules, or program requirements; ]

[ (B) the hospice's failure to maintain a current required license; ]

[ (C) DHS's determination that client health and safety is jeopardized by the hospice's failure to comply with the terms of the contract or program requirements or both; ]

[ (D) the hospice's failure to comply with corrective action plans after receiving a warning from DHS that continued failure to comply with the corrective action plan, within 30 days of receiving the warning letter, could jeopardize their contract; ]

[ (E) the hospice's exclusion from contracting for Medicare or Medicaid services; or ]

[ (F) the hospice having validated reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation when the perpetrator is an employee, volunteer, or owner who has or will have access to clients served through the contract. ]

[ (c) If the hospice has outstanding overpayments or audit exceptions upon termination of its contract, DHS can place vendor hold upon one or all of the hospice contracts that DHS has with a hospice that have the same owner as the terminated hospice contract and take the balance owed from funds being held. ]

[ (d) The provider agency has the right to appeal any adverse action against its contract by filing a written request for a hearing so that DHS receives the request within 15 calendar days after the provider agency receives DHS's written notification of adverse action. The provider must send the request for a hearing to the Hearings Department, Texas Department of Human Services (DHS), P.O. Box 149030, Mail Code W-613, Austin, Texas 78714-9030. Hearings will be held in Austin, Texas. Overnight mail must be sent to the Hearings Department, Texas Department of Human Services, 701 West 51st Street, Mail Code W-613, Austin, Texas 78751. ]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600828

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Subchapter J. MISCELLANEOUS

40 TAC §30.100

Statutory Authority

The amendment is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS; and Texas Government Code, §531.021, which provides HHSC with the authority to administer federal funds and plan and direct the Medicaid program in each agency that operates a portion of the Medicaid program.

The amendment affects Texas Government Code, §531.0055 and §531.021, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§30.100.Additional Requirements.

(a) A hospice [ Hospice providers ] must document hospice services provided to an individual in a nursing facility or an intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation or related conditions (ICF/MR-RC) [ chart procedures ] in the nursing facility clinical record or the ICF/MR-RC [ intermediate care facility for persons with mental retardation or related conditions (ICF/MR-RC) ] client record, and advise the nursing facility or ICF/MR-RC staff of changes in the individual's [ recipient's ] condition as necessary.

(b) A [ The ] hospice [ provider ] must have joint procedures with the nursing facility or ICF/MR-RC for ordering medications that ensure the proper payer is billed and for reconciling billing between the nursing facility or ICF/MR-RC and hospice [ provider ].

(c) An individual [ The recipient ] has the right to refuse any service provided by a nursing facility, ICF/MR-RC, or [ a ] hospice [ provider ].

[ (d) The provider shall comply with the provisions of §49.23 of this title (relating to Advertising and Solicitation of Clients). ]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600829

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 68. BUSINESS SERVICES

Subchapter E. FLEET MANAGEMENT

40 TAC §68.501

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Department of Aging and Disability Services or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the repeal of Chapter 68, Business Services, consisting of §68.501, concerning restrictions on assignment of vehicles.

Background and Purpose

The purpose of the repeal is to delete a rule that is duplicative and, therefore, is no longer necessary. The consolidation of health and human services agencies in September 2004 and the resulting transfer of certain rules from Title 25 to Title 40 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) left DADS with two rules governing the assignment of vehicles. Texas Government Code, §2171.1045, requires a state agency to promulgate rules relating to the assignment and use of the agency's vehicles.

Section-by-Section Summary

The repeal is proposed to delete a duplicative rule governing the assignment of agency vehicles. The remaining section governing assignment of vehicles is found at 40 TAC §7.6. An amendment to 40 TAC §7.6 is proposed elsewhere in this issue of the Texas Register .

Fiscal Note

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for the first five years after the repeal, there are no foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Small Business and Micro-business Impact Analysis

DADS has determined that the proposed repeal will have no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses, or on businesses of any size, because the rule affects a state agency and imposes no requirements on businesses.

Public Benefit and Costs

Lawrence M. Parker, DADS Chief Operating Officer, has determined that, for each year of the first five years after the repeal, the public benefit expected as a result of repealing the section is that DADS will no longer have two rules governing the assignment and use of its vehicles.

Mr. Parker anticipates that there will not be an economic cost to persons who are affected by the repeal. The repeal will not affect a local economy.

Takings Impact Assessment

DADS has determined that this proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, §2007.043.

Public Comment

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Keith Romel at (512) 438-5140 in DADS' Administrative Management Services section. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-034, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

Statutory Authority

The repeal is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS.

The repeal implements Texas Government Code, §531.0055, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§68.501.Restrictions on Assignment of Vehicles.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600833

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734


Chapter 76. CRIMINAL HISTORY CHECK OF EMPLOYEES IN FACILITIES FOR CARE OF THE AGED AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

40 TAC §§76.101 - 76.106

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the Department of Aging and Disability Services or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) proposes, on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), the repeal of Chapter 76, consisting of §§76.101 - 76.106, Criminal History Check of Employees in Facilities for Care of the Aged and Persons with Disabilities.

Background and Purpose

The purpose of the repeal is to delete duplicative and obsolete rules from the DADS rule base. The requirements governing criminal history checks for employees working in facilities that care for the aged and persons with disabilities are contained in Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 250, Nurse Aide Registry and Criminal History Checks of Employees and Applicants for Employment in Certain Facilities Serving the Elderly or Persons with Disabilities. DADS licensing rules currently refer directly to Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 250, therefore Chapter 76 is duplicative. Chapter 76 is based on an earlier version of Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 250, so that some of its provisions are now obsolete.

Section-by-Section Summary

The repeal is proposed to delete duplicative and obsolete criminal history check rules for employees working in facilities that care for the aged and persons with disabilities in Chapter 76. The current introduction is found in Texas Health and Safety Code, §250.001; the current provisions concerning a pre-employment criminal history check and the application for and retention of a criminal history check are contained in §250.002 and §250.004; the current provisions concerning the result of a criminal history check are contained in §250.003 and §250.006; the current confidentiality provisions are contained in §250.007; and the material concerning the correction of a mistake is located in §250.005.

Fiscal Note

Gordon Taylor, DADS Chief Financial Officer, has determined that, for the first five years after the repeal, there are no foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of state or local governments.

Small Business and Micro-business Impact Analysis

DADS has determined that the proposed repeal will have no adverse economic effect on small businesses or micro-businesses, or on businesses of any size, because the repeal deletes a duplicative and obsolete chapter and does not affect current licensing requirements.

Public Benefit and Costs

Veronda Durden, DADS Assistant Commissioner for Regulatory Services, has determined that, for each year of the first five years after the repeal, the public benefit expected as a result of repealing the chapter is that the DADS rule base will no longer contain an obsolete chapter, thus minimizing the potential for confusion.

Ms. Durden anticipates that there will not be an economic cost to persons who are affected by the repeal. The repeal will not affect a local economy.

Takings Impact Assessment

DADS has determined that this proposal does not restrict or limit an owner's right to his or her property that would otherwise exist in the absence of government action and, therefore, does not constitute a taking under Texas Government Code, §2007.043.

Public Comment

Questions about the content of this proposal may be directed to Hannah Ndika at (512) 438-2133 in DADS' Regulatory Services, Policy Development and Support Unit. Written comments on the proposal may be submitted to Texas Register Liaison, Legal Services-041, Department of Aging and Disability Services W-615, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, Texas 78714-9030, within 30 days of publication in the Texas Register .

The repeal is proposed under Texas Government Code, §531.0055, which provides that the HHSC executive commissioner shall adopt rules for the operation and provision of services by the health and human services agencies, including DADS; Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021, which provides that the Aging and Disability Services Council shall study and make recommendations to the HHSC executive commissioner and the DADS commissioner regarding rules governing the delivery of services to persons who are served or regulated by DADS.

The repeal affects Texas Government Code, §531.0055, and Texas Human Resources Code, §161.021.

§76.101.Introduction.

§76.102.Pre-employment Criminal History Check.

§76.103.Application for and Retention of Criminal History Check.

§76.104.Result of Criminal History Check.

§76.105.Criminal History Confidentiality.

§76.106.Correction of Mistakes of Fact or Identity in Criminal History Record.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 15, 2006.

TRD-200600830

Phoebe Knauer

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Earliest possible date of adoption: April 2, 2006

For further information, please call: (512) 438-3734