Most Common Citations in TxHmL

Part 2

Or....... The Strange and Mysterious World of TxHmLiving Regs

Table of Contents

Introduction

Ok, so maybe it’s not totally strange and mysterious, but the rules aren’t always easy to decipher!  Here at Focused Software, we strive to support YOU, the Program Provider, to operate meaningful, quality services while maintaining compliance with those rules.  Here’s how we can help with the TOP 5 Most Frequently Cited TxHmL principles:

#5. TxHmL Services Provided: 40 TAC §9.578(d)(1) — The program provider failed to provide TxHmL Program Services in accordance with an individual's Person Directed Plan, Individual Plan of Care, Transportation Plan, and Appendix C of the TxHmL Program Waiver Application.

While we can’t help you ensure that you’re providing the services on the Plan, we CAN help you to ensure those services are documented appropriately.  Using Focused Software’s EHR provides immediate access to the documentation submitted by Direct Care staff, so YOU can have peace of mind knowing that you’re always in the loop and can respond anytime, anywhere.

#4. Background Checks: 40 TAC §9.579(r) — The program provider failed to complete the required background checks for employees.

Documenting background checks, qualifications, and staff training has never been simpler.  Focused Software’s Personnel Checklist provides customizable items complete with effective dates, expiration dates and storage for maintaining copies on our staff profile pages.  Supervisors can even be alerted in advance when documents are about to expire!

#3. Staff Training: 40 TAC §9.579(d)(1)(A) — The program provider failed to conduct initial and periodic training that ensured staff members and service providers are trained and qualified to deliver services as required by the current needs and characteristics of the individual to whom they deliver services.

Documenting background checks, qualifications, and staff training has never been simpler.  Focused Software’s Personnel Checklist provides customizable items complete with effective dates, expiration dates and storage capacity for maintaining copies on our staff profile pages.  Supervisors can even be alerted in advance when documents are about to expire!

Special Needs is already included in each consumer’s chart!  Use the Special Needs link (just above the tabbed section of the chart, next to Add’l Info) to document individual-specific information, create a comprehensive report, print it out to present to the staff member, have them sign the form, then document in the Personnel Checklist.

#2. Inform Individual of Provider Obligations: 40 TAC §9.580(a)(20)(B) — The program provider failed to inform the individual or legal representative of the provider obligations upon revision.

Since the same document was listed previously on #7 (for the witness signature), the solution is the same.  Use Focused Software’s Consents feature to document and sign the TxHmL Provider Obligations acknowledgment, and rest assured that it’s done!  The document is securely stored in your EHR and can’t be lost or misfiled, so you’re safe from this citation next year!

#1. Report Critical Incident Data: 40 TAC §9.580(r) — The program provider failed to enter critical incident data in the DADS data system no later than 30 calendar days after the last calendar day of the month being reported.

And finally, the MOST frequently cited compliance item for TxHmL is the same as for HCS! Just as we informed you last month, FS development staff are working on an integrated report that will simplify this task!  In the meantime, Offline Documents includes a handy, fillable form to make reporting easier.   Now, you just need to set a reminder on your calendar to perform the CARE entry!

Final Points.....

Remember citations DON’T have to happen! Neither do we have to be averse to audits; they can actually be a good thing! Contact us today – we’ll be happy to provide a free, no-obligation demonstration of the Focused Software Electronic Health Record, discuss provider operations and brainstorm with you so you can discover how FS can help address your challenge areas!

Schedule A Demo

Call NOW – (281) 884 3537 ext. 117

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