UPDATE Weekly

Recently, the Division of Medical Assistance announced a series of trainings for providers in the Medicaid Personal Care Services (PCS) program. These trainings will cover the most up-to-date information available concerning the changes being made to the PCS program. For more information on these changes, go to http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/pcs/pas.html.

Register at http://www.thecarolinascenter.org/default.aspx?pageid=194.

SESSIONS:

• Monday, October 22, 2012 – Raleigh, NC
• Wednesday, October 24, 2012 – Fayetteville, NC
• Friday, October 26, 2012 – Greenville, NC
• Thursday, November 1, 2012 – Charlotte, NC
• Friday, November 2, 2012 – Asheville, NC

TOPICS:

• PCS Policy 3L
• Transition assessments: Eligibility determinations, beneficiary notices, and appeal rights
• Reporting and request processes for new admissions, provider changes, and status changes
• Requirements for plan of care development and aide documentation
• Billing: Program billing codes and modifiers, and the CMS-1500

Information is also available online in the following locations:

What’s New – http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/index.htm

What’s New Information – http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/pcs/pas.html

Seminars and Trainings – http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dma/provider/seminars.htm

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Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance on Fall 2012 Part D low-income subsidy reassignment timelines in addition to new resources on the reassignment process. Below is a short summary of key bulletin elements:

• CMS Guide to Part D Mailings — This guide will summarize each notice’s message, explain when it will be sent, and include the color of the paper on which the notice will be printed. This guide is available on the CMS Limited Income and Resources Web page at http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prescription-Drug-Coverage/LimitedIncomeandResources/LIS-Notices-and-Mailings.html.

  The model beneficiary letters also will be posted on this Web page, as they become available.

• State Notification – In October, CMS will send each state files containing the names of individuals who have been reassigned. On October 17, 2012, CMS will send two files, if applicable, to each state. The first will list the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) eligible individuals in their state who will receive a blue PDP reassignment letter and the second file will list the LIS-eligible individuals who will receive a blue MA reassignment letter. Customer service representatives at 1-800-MEDICARE will be prepared to answer questions about the reassignment process and about beneficiaries’ full range of options. In addition, plan information will be available at http://www.medicare.gov. The reassignment files that CMS sends to states will contain a list of full duals, partial duals, Supplemental Security Income (SSI)-only eligible individuals, and approved LIS applicants residing in their state who will be receiving blue notices from CMS informing them that they will be reassigned. Individuals whom a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program has requested that CMS carve-out of the reassignment process, under its authority to enroll on behalf of its members, will not be included in this file. This exclusion will ensure that such beneficiaries are reassigned only once. These reassignments appeared on the states’ normal monthly MMA response file starting on or after October 15.

Additional information, including the notification to beneficiaries, can be found in the on the types of notices, can be found in the CMS Informational Bulletin by clicking here.

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AHRQ has released a set of training modules on patient safety, Improving Patient Safety in Long-Term Care Facilities. Components address detecting changes in residents’ conditions, communicating change in condition, and falls prevention/management. The format for using these modules is supported by an instructor’s guide and student workbook. These modules may be accessed at http://www.ahrq.gov/qual/ptsafetyltc.

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Leading the Way: The Busy Nurse’s Guide to Supervision in Long-Term Care, is written by a team of experts in management and in long term care, Dr. Karl Pillemer and Rhoda Meador. This easy-to-read handbook supplies nurse managers with practical, easy-to-grasp management skills. This useful guide covers such invaluable topics as the essentials of leadership and team building, the secrets of supervision, teaching and mentoring, and dealing with conflict.

To order visit http://www.AHCApublications.org, or call (800) 321-0343.

Product #5086

AHCA MEMBERS $23.95

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Important information for residents and families. This brochure outlines what physical restraints are, when they should be used, rules and regulations concerning restraints, and making decisions about using them. Contact Jan Williams at janw@nchcfa.org to order brochures for your facility.

NCHCFA Member: $30.00 per 100 brochures plus tax and shipping

Non-Members: $60.00 per 100 brochures plus tax and shipping

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Lifelong Red Sox fan Bill Hogan Jr. celebrated his 100th birthday by throwing out the first pitch at Fenway Park. Hogan was born six days before the park opened in 1912.

http://www.aarp.org/videos.id=1563715297001

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Some of the crude oil being pumped for use today can be as old as 180 million years.

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