Category Regulatory 487 articles to read

HHSC: The e-Health Advisory Committee (eHAC)

Meeting Summary. The e-Health Advisory Committee (eHAC) gathered for their quarterly meeting. The eHAC advises the HHS executive commissioner and HHS agencies on strategic planning, policy, rules and services related to the use of health information technology, health information exchange systems, telemedicine, telehealth and home telemonitoring services. The eHAC is comprised of professionals in specific fields of specialization, plus 2 ex-officio HHSC representatives, and 1 ex-officio Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) representative.  The HHS executive commissioner appoints members to serve on the eHAC for two-year terms. Per statute, the eHAC includes these representatives from each of the following categories:
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HHSC: Policy Council for Children and Families

MEETING SUMMARY. The Policy Council for Children and Families gathered for their quarterly meeting. The Policy Council for Children and Families (PCCF) works to improve the coordination, quality, efficiency and…
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HHSC: Executive Council

The executive Commissioner convened the meeting providing an update on:

  • The 1115 waiver which has been approved by CMS
  • The receipt of $27.4 million for opioid programs
  • Progress in addressing the cost containment initiatives of the Legislature
  • $300 million appropriation for expansion and renovation of hospitals
  • Influenza where there have been a total of 4,153 pneumonia/influenza-related deaths; nine of which were children.

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HHSC: Value-Based Payment and Quality Improvement Advisory Committee

Meeting Summary. The Value-Based Payment and Quality Improvement Advisory Committee gathered for their quarterly meeting. [The Committee] provides a forum to promote public-private, multi-stakeholder collaboration in support of quality improvement and value-based payment initiatives for Medicaid, other publicly funded health services and the wider health care system. It was established in accordance with Texas Government Code §531.012. The Quality Committee studies and makes recommendations regarding:
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HHSC: Medical Care Advisory Committee

MEETING SUMMARY.

The Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC) gathered for their quarterly meeting. MCAC is a federally mandated committee that reviews and makes recommendations to the state Medicaid director on proposed rules that involve Medicaid policy or affect Medicaid-funded programs. Introduction Gilbert Handal, M.D., Medical Care Advisory Committee Chair stated that a quorum was established. The minutes from the meetings on August 24, 2017, and November 16, 2017, (vote required) were approved as written.
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HHSC: Drug Utilization Review Board

MEETING SUMMARY. 

The Drug Utilization Review Board (link is external) gathered for its quarterly meeting. [The Board] develops and submits recommendations for the preferred drug list, suggests clinical prior authorizations on outpatient prescription drugs, recommends education interventions for Medicaid providers, and reviews drug usage across Medicaid programs. Introduction The meeting was called to order by the Chair, Robert Hogue. The minutes from the meeting on November 3, 2017, were approved with minor edits.
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HHSC: Hospital Payment Advisory Committee

MEETING SUMMARY.

The Hospital Payment Advisory Committee met, in an informational session, to receive an update on the 1115 demonstration waiver. [HPAC is] a sub-committee of the Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC), advises MCAC and HHS about hospital reimbursement methodologies for inpatient hospital prospective payment and on adjustments for disproportionate share hospitals. Introduction Diana Strupp, Hospital Payment Advisory Committee Chair convened the meeting. The minutes from the meeting on November 9, 2017, were approved as written.[1]
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HHSC Combined Hearing: Rates & Nursing

The Health and Human Services Commission conducted two public hearings today using a combined hearing format. The first was related to Proposed Medicaid Payment Rates for the Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review. The second was related to Private Duty Nursing Services. First Hearing.  The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) conducted a public hearing to receive public comment on proposed Medicaid payment rates for the Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review.  The hearing was held in compliance with Texas Human Resources Code §32.0282, which requires public notice of and hearings on proposed Medicaid reimbursements. Proposal.  The payment rates for the Medicaid Biennial Calendar Fee Review are proposed to be effective April 1, 2018, for the following services:
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