Volume XXX, Number 3,
March 2015

Focused dementia care survey pilot in Texas

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that they will partner with the State of Texas to expand upon the work of the recent Focused Dementia Care Survey Pilot.  The expansion project will involve a more intensive, targeted effort to improve surveyor effectiveness in citing poor dementia care and the overutilization of antipsychotic medications than was previously done in FY2014.  CMS will provide criteria for determining specific facilities to be surveyed and will work with Texas to identify dementia care experts to accompany surveyors for the first survey, whenever possible.

In partnership with the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) and Dallas Regional Office, a comprehensive survey effort was initiated in Texas.  Texas will be conducting focused reviews in selected areas of the state.  A CMS subject matter expert will accompany each survey team on their initial survey.  The surveys are expected to be completed by mid-summer.  In addition, CMS will work with DADS and other stakeholders to discuss key components of the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care to also provide additional discussion, training, and quality improvement opportunities for nursing home providers.  A Survey & Certification Memo, related to this topic, will be forthcoming.

President’s Report

Legislative Update

State News

Federal News

THCA Membership Contribution

Announcements & Recognitions

THCAPAC

Region News

Education

If you have suggestions for education sessions or questions about THCA education, please contact Sue Wilson at the THCA office swilson@txhca.org.

Calendar