To help agencies stay informed, HCL has compiled a quick reference list of websites and documents for your convenience. Please note it is the responsibility of each agency to stay current of all state and federal requirements during this time of national emergency.

Home Health:

• Home Health Agencies: CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19
  • Homebound Definition
  • Certification/Recertification Patient Eligibility
  • Initial Assessments
  • Waive On-Site Visits for HHA Aide Supervision
  • Requests for Anticipated Payments (RAPs)
  • Reporting
  • Allowable Telehealth Visits
• CMS Relief for Participation in Quality Reporting Programs in Response to COVID-19
• CMS Section 1135 Waiver Flexibilities – Texas
• CMS Blanket Waivers & Flexibilities for Health Care Providers

Hospice:

• Hospices: CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19
  • Waive Requirements for Hospices to Use Volunteers
  • Comprehensive Assessments
  • Waive Non-Core Services
  • Waive On-Site Visits for Hospice Aid Supervision
  • Allowable Telehealth Visits
• CMS Relief for Participation in Quality Reporting Programs in Response to COVID-19
• CMS Section 1135 Waiver Flexibilities – Texas
• CMS Blanket Waivers & Flexibilities for Health Care Providers

Texas Useful Websites:

• Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS)
• Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)
  • Provider (PL) and Information (IL) Letters
    • Provider Letter 2020-16 (PL 20-16)
  • Screening Tool for Community Attendants and In-Home Caregivers
  • Spanish Screening Tool for Community Attendants and In-Home Caregivers
  • Existing EVV Users: Temporary Policies for COVID-19
• Texas Association of Home Care & Hospice (TAHCH)
  • Template Example Letter of an Essential Critical Workforce Personnel Designation
• Texas & New Mexico Hospice Organization (TXNMHO)

Other Useful Websites:

• National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC)
• National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO)
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
• Palmetto Government Benefits Administrator (PGBA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• US Department of Health & Human Services - ASPR TRACIE
• World Health Organization (WHO)
• Coronavirus.gov