TITLE 40. SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE

PART 1. DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES

CHAPTER 9. MENTAL RETARDATION SERVICES--MEDICAID STATE OPERATING AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES

SUBCHAPTER E. ICF/MR PROGRAMS--CONTRACTING

DIVISION 4. PROVIDER SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

40 TAC §9.228

The Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), on behalf of the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS), adopts new §9.228, in Chapter 9, Mental Retardation Services--Medicaid State Operating Agency Responsibilities, without changes to the proposed text published in the April 17, 2009, issue of the Texas Register (34 TexReg 2499).

The new section is adopted to allow an Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR) program provider to request authorization to purchase an augmentative communication device (ACD) and, if such authorization is granted, receive full reimbursement for the ACD, without any specific limitations on the cost. The rule provides requirements that a program provider in the ICF/MR Program must comply with to request authorization from DADS to purchase an ACD for an ICF/MR resident and to receive reimbursement for the ACD. The new section also makes the ICF/MR Program rules consistent with Nursing Facility Program rules regarding ACDs.

DADS received no comments regarding adoption of the new section.

The new section is adopted 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.

This agency hereby certifies that the adoption has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on July 6, 2009.

TRD-200902774

Kenneth L. Owens

General Counsel

Department of Aging and Disability Services

Effective date: August 1, 2009

Proposal publication date: April 17, 2009

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