Public Policy Updates for Maryland Nursing Homes

DHR and DHMH Suspend Stuck Case Process

In a letter to LifeSpan and HFAM, DHR and DHMH announced the suspension of the stuck case process for Medicaid eligibility determinations. As you will recall, the State instituted this process in April to try to deal with the number of cases over 30 days where all information was submitted but no determination had occurred. The letter states that DHR and DHMH will continue to work with providers to establish a more simplified process. Rosemary Malone has been assigned to work on "very old cases with serious situations." LifeSpan recommends that any provider that does not have a timely response from the local departments of social services on a pending case contact Ms. Malone at rmalone@dhr.state.md.us or at 410-767-7949. You can read the entire letter HERE.

OHCQ Releases Transmittal on Licensure Regulations

Last week, OHCQ released a transmittal regarding the licensure regulations that went into effect last year. Revised initial and renewal licensure applications can be downloaded on the OHCQ website. Remember, OHCQ no longer mails out applications. The transmittal references the new requirements for licensure, including a requirement for an "audited financial statement." LifeSpan has contacted OHCQ regarding the cost implications that this new requirement would have on nursing homes during this challenging, economic time and is in discussions with them. LifeSpan will keep you posted on the final outcome for this requirement.

DHMH Scheduled to Release Infection Control and Staff Immunization Survey This Week

Medicaid will be sending out the Infection Control and Staff Immunization Survey this week. The survey will be on-line and nursing home providers will be receiving memos regarding the Survey from both Medicaid and the Maryland Health Care Commission. Nursing homes will be required to report on all paid, full-time and part-time employees and medical staff such as physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners paid by the nursing home who received FluMist or injectable seasonal influenza vaccine (excluding Novel H1N1) on-site or off-site between September 1, 2009 and April 15, 2010 and annually thereafter. DHMH is collecting this information to support the Medicaid Pay-for-Performance Program, which is expected to begin July 1, 2010. The Maryland Health Care Commission is coordinating with DHMH on this survey and will be placing the information in a facility specific report format which will be shared with each nursing home for review and comment. The information collected in 2010 will not be published as part of MHCC's Long Term Care Guide. However, MHCC will publish facility specific vaccination information on the Long Term Guide beginning 2011.

Carol Christmyer is the contact for the Maryland Health Care Commission cchristmyer@mhcc.state.md.us and Christa Spreicher is the contact for Medicaid Spreicherc@dhmh.state.md.us.

Providers Sent Information Re: Smith v. Colmers

Last week, Plaintiffs' attorneys sent information (either through email or U.S. mail) regarding the settlement and claims process to the 313 providers that had responded to the July 2008 subpoenas. The information packet included cover letters, a roadmap, date card and a spreadsheet for providers, where applicable. For more information on the settlement and the process for filing a claim, go to https://www.marylandpemesettlement.com/peme/.

Save the Dates ---

LifeSpan will be holding a Legislative Wrap-Up for members on April 23rd and April 29th from 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM. The 23rd event will be held at Charlestown in Catonsville, Maryland and the 29th event will be held at Country Meadows in Frederick, Maryland. Both events will also feature a presentation on the federal health care reform bill and its implications for senior care providers. A separate notice and registration form will be sent out.

Questions/Concerns???

Contact Danna Kauffman at 410-279-5572 or at dkauffman@lifespan-network.org.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!