Sec. 161.081. LONG-TERM CARE MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS: STREAMLINING AND UNIFORMITY. (a) In this section, "Section 1915(c) waiver program" has the meaning assigned by Section 531.001, Government Code.

(b) The department, in consultation with the commission, shall streamline the administration of and delivery of services through Section 1915(c) waiver programs. In implementing this subsection, the department, subject to Subsection (c), may consider implementing the following streamlining initiatives:

(1) reducing the number of forms used in administering the programs;

(2) revising program provider manuals and training curricula;

(3) consolidating service authorization systems;

(4) eliminating any physician signature requirements the department considers unnecessary;

(5) standardizing individual service plan processes across the programs;

(6) if feasible:

(A) concurrently conducting program certification and billing audit and review processes and other related audit and review processes;

(B) streamlining other billing and auditing requirements;

(C) eliminating duplicative responsibilities with respect to the coordination and oversight of individual care plans for persons receiving waiver services; and

(D) streamlining cost reports and other cost reporting processes; and

(7) any other initiatives that will increase efficiencies in the programs.

(c) The department shall ensure that actions taken under Subsection (b) do not conflict with any requirements of the commission under Section 531.0218, Government Code.

(d) The department and the commission shall jointly explore the development of uniform licensing and contracting standards that would:

(1) apply to all contracts for the delivery of Section 1915(c) waiver program services;

(2) promote competition among providers of those program services; and

(3) integrate with other department and commission efforts to streamline and unify the administration and delivery of the program services, including those required by this section or Section 531.0218, Government Code.

Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 759 (S.B. 705), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.

Redesignated from Human Resources Code, Section 161.077 by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 91 (S.B. 1303), Sec. 27.001(38), eff. September 1, 2011.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., 1st C.S., Ch. 7 (S.B. 7), Sec. 1.06(a), eff. September 28, 2011.