• MJS Article: List will Critique Aged Care: Nursing Home Transparency is Goal

• PUBLIC HEARING \ MEETING NOTICES
• Public Hearing: Assembly Committee on Health and Healthcare Reform
• Public Hearing: Assembly Committee on Public Health
• Public Hearings: CR-07-095 (HFS 83 Administrative Rule Rewrite)

• STATE AGENCY MEMOS (DHFS, OQA, DDES, etc.)
• DLTC Memo 2007-22: Max. COP-W/CIP-II Service Reimbursement for Persons in RCACs
• DLTC Memo 2007-21: Alzheimer Family & Caregiver Support Program Allocation\Reports
• DLTC Informational Memo 2007-13: LTC Fiscal Updated Memo - #3
• DLTC Informational Memo 2007-12: LTC Fiscal Updated Memo - #2
• DLTC Informational Memo 2007-11: LTC Fiscal Updated Memo - #1

• MISCELLANEOUS LTC MEETING NOTICES
• WI Council on LTC Reform: Committee on State & Local Stakeholder Partnerships
• WI Council on LTC Reform: Comprehensive System Change Committee
• WI Council on Developmental Disabilities
• WI LTC Conference 2008

• LEGISLATIVE BILL WATCH (Bills, Resolutions, New Legislation & Administrative Rules)
• New: SB-319: Jury Sunshine Bill.
• New: SB-325: HIV Drug Reimbursement.
• New: SB-326: Respiratory Care Reimbursement Requirements.
• New: SB-328: DHFS Notice for Certain Licenses, Registrants or Holders of Certificates.
• New: CR 07-099 (Pharmacy) Transfer of Prescription Drugs by a Pharmacy Technician
• New: CR 07-097 (Pharmacy) Prescription Labels
• New: CR 07-095 (HFS 83) Administrative Rules Impacting CBRFs
• HFS 07-060: Home Health Care Agencies (Admin. Rule) Effective December 1, 2007.

List Will Critique Aged Care: Nursing Home Transparency is Goal
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Article (November 17, 2007)
Article: On Dec. 1, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will post on its Web site a list of 62 facilities that consistently offer poor care to nursing home residents and continually fail to comply with national standards. (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=687215&format)

PUBLIC HEARING \ MEETING NOTICES

Assembly Committee on Health and Healthcare Reform
Tuesday, November 20, 2007    10:00 AM    417 North (GAR Hall), State Capitol
The Committee will hold an Executive Session (Vote) on Assembly Bill 173 prior to the Public Hearing.

• AB-173: (Mental Health Council) membership of the Council on Mental Health.

The Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the following items:

• AB-71: Requiring that patients be informed of health care facility use charges and that the charges be identified separately on bills.
• AB-463: Mental health professionals who may provide outpatient services for the treatment of nervous and mental conditions and alcoholism and other drug abuse problems or who, under Medical Assistance, may provide psychotherapy and alcohol and other drug abuse services and exempting certain Medical Assistance benefits from physician prescription requirements.
• AB-497: Allowing certified advanced practice nurse prescribers to determine an illness or injury and complete forms for the purpose of granting assistance to needy veterans and of medical review related to motor vehicle operator's licenses, and allowing certified advanced practice nurse prescribers to determine disability for the purpose of issuing certain hunting permits.
• AB-545: The Physical Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board.
• AB-570: Anatomical gifts, granting rule-making authority, and providing a penalty.

Assembly Committee on Public Health
Wednesday, December 5, 2007   9:00 AM   328 Northwest, State Capitol
The committee will hold an executive session on the following items:

• AB-483: Abatement or removal of human health hazards, requirements for certain local health officers, personnel of a local health department, state agency status for certain physicians, community health improvement plans, emergency medical services, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and providing penalties.

Upon the conclusion of the executive Session the committee will hold a public hearing on the following:

• AB-556: The reporting of child abuse or neglect exemption for privileged information.
• AB-539: Allowing a 16-year-old to donate blood with parental consent.

Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS)
CR 07-095 (HFS 83 Administrative Rule Rewrite)
DHFS has announced the public hearings for the proposed rule (CR 07-095) re-writing HFS 83, relating to Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs).  DHFS has been working with various stakeholder groups on the rewrite of HFS 83.  To view the proposed rule: https://apps4.dhfs.state.wi.us/admrules/public/Rmo?nRmoId=4 

The deadline for submitting comments to the Department is 4:30 p.m. on December 26, 2007.  Written comments may be submitted at the public hearing or submitted to the contact person listed (Pat Benesh, Quality Assurance Program Spec-Senior, Division of Quality Assurance, 1 West Wilson St.  Room 1150, Madison, WI 53701  Phone: 608-264-9896  Fax:  608-267-7119  benespa@dhfs.state.wi.us).  Comments may also be made using the Wisconsin Administrative Rule Website at http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov. 

STATE AGENCY MEMOS (DHFS, OQA, DDES, etc.)

DLTC Memo 2007-22 (November 15, 2007)
Maximum COP-W/CIP II Service Reimbursement for Persons in RCACs
This memo increases the maximum COP-W/CIP-II service reimbursement for persons in RCACs to $88.22 beginning January 1, 2008.  The maximum funding limit that can be reimbursed for services in a RCAC has changed from $88.02 per day to  $88.22 per day effective January 1, 2008. This statutorily established reimbursement imposes a ceiling on the total cost of supportive, personal and nursing services that can be paid for by the Waiver for RCAC services  for a person residing in a certified RCAC.
(More: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/dsl_info/NumberedMemos/DDES/CY2007/2007-22.htm)

DLTC Memo 2007-21 (November 12, 2007)
Alzheimer’s Family & Caregiver Support Program 2008 Allocation and Reports
This memo provides information on CY 2008 county allocations, lead agency identification, required reporting of program budgets and CY 2008 maximum ability to pay schedule.
(More: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/dsl_info/NumberedMemos/DDES/CY2007/2007-21.htm)

DLTC Informational Memo 2007-13 (November 15, 2007)
LTC Fiscal Update Memo #3
This memo addresses the following: 1) The Department of Health and Family Services' (DHFS) review and  approval process for Community Options Program (COP) Exceptional  Expense requests beginning CY 2008; 2) Enrollment of new individuals in Home and Community Based Waivers (HCBWs)  immediately prior to and during a county's transition to managed  long-term care; and, 3) Development of community placements for individuals relocating from  institutions (nursing homes, ICFs-MR, and State Centers) immediately  prior to and during a county's transition to managed long-term care. (More http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/dsl_info/InfoMemos/DDES/CY2007/InfoMemo200713.htm)

DLTC Informational Memo 2007-12 (November 5, 2007)
LTC Fiscal Update Memo #2
This informational memo clarifies the Department of Health and Family Services (DHFS) policy on approving the use of Community Options Program  (COP) Risk Reserve and on awarding COP High Cost Funds as counties implement managed long-term care expansion. (More http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/dsl_info/InfoMemos/DDES/CY2007/InfoMemo200712.htm)

DLTC Informational Memo 2007-11 (November 5, 2007)
LTC Fiscal Update Memo #1
This memo serves as an informational memo to update counties on changes  to the CY 2008 contracts for COP and COP-W, CIP II, CIP 1a, CIP 1b and BIW,  referred to hereafter as the waivers. The Department plans to implement changes to the CY 2008 contracts in order to administratively simplify  areas of COP and the waivers, especially for counties that are  transitioning to managed long-term care. CY 2008 contracts for COP and the waivers will continue to be adjusted periodically throughout the year for all counties. For the counties transitioning to managed long-term care, COP and waiver contracts will be adjusted to reflect individuals who are no longer being served those programs; and are instead being served through the Family Care program. These adjustments will be made based on actual individuals leaving COP and the waivers and moving into Family Care. (More http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/dsl_info/InfoMemos/DDES/CY2007/InfoMemo200712.htm)

MISCELLANEOUS LTC MEETING NOTICES

Wisconsin Council on Long-Term Care Reform
Committee on State and Local Stakeholder Participation
Monday, November 19, 2007                 10:00 AM Coalition of WI Aging Groups (CWAG)
                                                                           2850 Dairy Drive - Madison 

• Please note that the time and location of meeting have not been established.  However, previous meetings have begun at 10:00 AM and were held at CWAG.

Wisconsin Council on Long-Term Care Reform
Comprehensive System Change Committee
Friday, December 14, 2007           9:00 AM    Coalition of WI Aging Groups (CWAG)
                                                                           2850 Dairy Drive – Madison

• Agenda not yet available.

Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities
January 23-24, 2008   201 W. Washington Ave. (WCDD Offices)
                                     Madison, WI  53703

• Agenda not yet available.

Wisconsin Long-Term Care Conference 2008
“Charting your Course and Successfully Navigating Long-Term Care”
April 14-16, 2008 in La Crosse
DHFS Bureau of Long-Term Support
DHFS Office of Family Care Expansion
DHFS Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources

• The conference will be held in La Crosse at the La Crosse Center in partnership with the Hotel Radisson connected to the conference center. We will offer more than 55 workshops with a focus on providing valuable information and education to:
• Care managers and nurses working with Community Options Program (COP), Waivers, Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS), Family Care, PACE, and the Wisconsin Partnership Program;
• COP and DD Coordinators, Long-Term Support (LTS) and CLTS supervisors;
• Family Care, Family Plus and Wisconsin Partnership Program supervisors and managers;
• Aging and Disability Resource Center staff;
• Other partners in long-term care reform

LEGISLATIVE BILL WATCH (Bills, Resolutions & New Legislation)

Senate Bills:

• SB 32: (Nursing Home Diversions) Diversions under a community integration program of Medical Assistance-eligible persons from imminent entry into nursing homes. (S-Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy Committee)

• SB 40: (State Budget) Wisconsin 2007-09 Biennial State Budget: finances and appropriations. (Joint Finance Committee): Signed into Law 10-26-2007.

• SB 60: (Tort Reform) Evidence of lay and expert witnesses (S-Judiciary and Corrections).

• SB 71: (Pharmacy) Prohibit certain substitutions by pharmacists dispensing epilepsy drugs (S-Health and Human Services).

• SB 76: (Prescription Drugs) Eligibility for and deductible amounts under the prescription drug assistance program for the elderly, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority (S-Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy).

• SB 85: (Tort Reform) Damages for frivolous claims (S-Judiciary and Corrections).

• SB 114 (MA Estate Recovery and LTC Insurance) Long-Term Care Partnership Program (S-Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy)

• SB 138 (Malpractice Claims) Claims for loss of society and companionship in medical malpractice cases.  (S-Health and Human Services)

• SB 144: Changes relating to assets and divestment for Medical Assistance eligibility. (S-Health and Human Services)

• SB 147: Requiring a disease management program and health risk assessments. (S-Health and Human Services)

• SB 153: (Protective Placements) Protective placements and protective services; involuntary administration of psychotropic medication; guardianships, conservatorships, and wards; and services for adults at risk and elder adults at risk. (S-Judiciary and Corrections)

• SB 246: (Mental Health Professionals) Mental health professionals who may provide outpatient services for the treatment of nervous and mental conditions and alcoholism and other drug abuse problems or who, under Medical Assistance, may provide psychotherapy and alcohol and other drug abuse services and exempting certain Medical Assistance benefits from physician prescription requirements.  S-Health and Human Services

• SB 250: (Sex Offenders) Persons registered as sex offenders. S-Judiciary and Corrections

• SB 268: (CBRF, AFH Community Oversight) Community oversight of residential care centers for children and youth, group homes, community-based residential facilities, and adult family homes.  (S-Economic Development, Job Creation, Family Prosperity and Housing)

• SB 269: (Terminating Tenancy) Terminating a tenancy for imminent threat of serious physical harm, making leases that restrict access to certain services void and unenforceable, and prohibiting the imposition of fees for local government emergency services.  S-Labor, Elections and Urban Affairs.

• SB 283: (Alzheimer Regulation) The care and treatment of persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia in residential care facilities, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority  (S-Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy).

• SB 289: (Carbon Monoxide) The installation of carbon monoxide detectors in certain buildings, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and providing penalties. (S-Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Workforce Development, Technical Colleges and Consumer Protection)

• SB 315:  (Credential Holders) Disciplinary actions against credential holders (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Regulation and Licensing).  (S-Ethics Reform and Government Operations).

• SB 316:  (Residential Facilities Council) The residential facilities council (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Commerce) (S-Ethics Reform and Government Operations).

NEW
•  SB 319: (Jury Sunshine) Providing the jury in civil actions with an explanation regarding the results of their findings. (S-Judiciary, Corrections, and Housing)
  

NEW
• SB 325: (HIV Drugs) Moneys used to reimburse the cost of drugs to treat HIV infections and making appropriations (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Health and Family Services) (S-Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy).

NEW
• SB 326: (Respiratory Care) Eliminating reimbursement rate requirements for certain respiratory care services (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Health and Family Services) (S-Health, Human Services, Insurance, and Job Creation).

NEW
• SB 328: (DHFS) Service of notice for certain licensees, registrants, or holders of certificates or applicants for licensure, registration, or certification (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Health and Family Services).  (S-Public Health, Senior Issues, Long Term Care and Privacy)

Assembly Bills:

• AB 94: (Publicly Financed Healthcare System) Establishing a publicly financed health care system for residents of this state, creating the Department of Health Planning and Finance, Health Policy Board, and regional consumer health councils, granting rule-making authority, and making appropriations (A-Health and Healthcare Reform).

• AB 121: (Tort Reform) Evidence of lay and expert witnesses (A-Corrections and Courts).

• AB 137: (Prescription Drugs) Eligibility for and deductible amounts under the prescription drug assistance program for the elderly, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority (A-Health and Healthcare Reform).

• AB 150: (Pharmacy) Prohibit certain substitutions by pharmacists dispensing epilepsy drugs (A-Health and Healthcare Reform).

• AB 213: (MA Estate Recovery and LTC Insurance) Long-Term Care Partnership Program (A-Aging and Long Term Care).

• AB 224: (Liability) Immunity from liability for a health care provider, health care facility, or employee of a health care provider or health care facility that, in good faith, reports a violation of the law or of a clinical or ethical standard by another health care provider, health care facility, or employee of a health care provider or health care facility.

• AB 247: (Medical Malpractice) Notification of the state regarding a medical malpractice claim. (A-Judiciary and Ethics)

• AB 274: (Minimum Wage) A state minimum wage and granting rule-making authority. (A-Jobs and The Economy)

• AB 279: (Protective Placements) Protective placements and protective services; involuntary administration of psychotropic medication; guardianships, conservatorships, and wards; and services for adults at risk and elder adults at risk. (A-Aging and Long Term Care)

• AB 385: (Timely Payment) Deadlines for payment of provider claims under the Medical Assistance and Badger Care programs and the prescription drug assistance program for elderly persons. A-Health and Healthcare Reform

• AB 413: (Respiratory Care) Temporary certificates to practice respiratory care. A-Public Health

• AB 440: (Pharmacy Students) A loan program for pharmacy students who agree to practice pharmacy in pharmacy professional shortage areas in this state, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and making an appropriation.  A-Public Health

• AB-497: (Nurse Pre-scribers) Allowing certified advanced practice nurse pre-scribers to determine an illness or injury and complete forms for the purpose of granting assistance to needy veterans and of medical review related to motor vehicle operator's licenses, and allowing certified advanced practice nurse pre-scribers to determine disability for the purpose of issuing certain hunting permits. A-Health and Healthcare Reform

• AB-493: (Alzheimer Provider Regulation) The care and treatment of persons with Alzheimer's disease or related dementia in residential care facilities, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority. A-Aging and Long Term Care

• AB 497: (Advanced Practice Nurse Prescriber) Allowing certified advanced practice nurse prescribers to determine an illness or injury and complete forms for the purpose of granting assistance to needy veterans and of medical review related to motor vehicle operator's licenses, and allowing certified advanced practice nurse prescribers to determine disability for the purpose of issuing certain hunting permits. A-Health and Healthcare Reform

• AB 509: (County Facility Reimbursement) Reducing reimbursement by county departments of community programs for inpatient facility care and services for mentally ill county residents and making an appropriation.  A-Health and Healthcare Reform

• AB 545: (Physical Therapists) The Physical Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board. (A-Health and Healthcare Reform)

LRB Co-sponsorship Memos: (Legislative Drafts Not Yet Introduced as a Bill, But Soon Will Be)

• LRB 3210/1:   (Healthcare Information) Require health care providers to disclose, upon request and at no cost to the consumer, the usual and customary charge for a specific service. Require insurance companies to provide consumers, upon request and at no cost to the consumer, with its allowable payment for a specific service with a specific provider.   In addition, the insurance company will be required to provide the consumer with his or her estimated out-of-pocket costs for the specific service.  Require health care providers to maintain a price list for their fifty most frequently performed services.  In order to ensure this information is understandable and relevant it will be broken down into usual and customary charges, Medical Assistance payment rates, and average allowable payments from third-party payers.