Below are the materials used during the BVCOG Case Management Subcontractor Training held July 22-23, 2010.

Agenda Download file

HRSA HAB Measures: Introduction
Presentation on HAB Measures Download file
HRSA HAB Measures Link Click here
ARIES Reporting Capabilities Chart Download file
HRSA HAB Measures Companion Guide Download file
Progress on Tier 1 Measures Download file

HRSA HAB Measures: A Clinical View
Presentation Download file

Quality Management Plans
QM Plans Presentation Download file
BVCOG QM Plan Sample Download file
BVCOG QM Work Plan Sample Download file
BVCOG QM Annual Evaluation Download file

Using Data in Quality Management
Presentation Download file
Data Review Activity Download file
Instructions for Creating Data Reports Download file

PDSA Cycles for Documenting Improvements
Presentation Download file
PDSA Documentation Form Download file

HIV Services Taxonomy
Taxonomy Download file
Taxonomy Quiz (with answers) Download file

Best Practices
Using Acuity and Transitioning Clients from Case Management to Self-Management, Presented by Central Texas Support Services, Temple
BVCOG Minimum Components Required for Policy Download file
CTSS Nonmedical CM Policy Download file
CTSS Acuity Level Policy Download file
CTSS Acuity Charting Tool Download file

Medication Adherence: Screening and Interventions for Improvement, Presented by Shannon Supportive Health Services, San Angelo
SSHS Medication Screening Policy Download file
SSHS Adherence Screening Tool Download file
SSHS Adherence Data Download file

Fostering Client Participation and Strategies for Successful Support Groups, Presented by Project Unity, Bryan
Support Group Flyer Download file
Lunch N Learn Flyer Download file

Internal QA/QI of Client Files, Presented by Community Action, Inc. of Hays, Caldwell, and Blanco Counties, San Marcos
Chart Review Section of QM Plan Download file
Quarterly Chart Review Form Download file

Needs Assessments, Care Plans, and Case Notes
DSHS Policy on Case Notes Download file
DSHS Policy on Case Notes - Appendix Download file
Care Planning Guidance Download file
Care Plan Example Download file
Case Note Documentation Download file
Case Notes Based on DSHS Policy Download file

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 01:41 PM | Permalink

Please find below the documents necessary to complete the renewal applications for 2010-2011 Ryan White Part B, State Services, and HOPWA. All items are due to BVCOG by close of business on Friday, January 15, 2010. If you have any questions, please contact Crystal Crowell at ccrowell@bvcog.org

Renewal Guidance
Download file

Narrative Forms
Download file

Ryan White Budget Forms
Download file

State Services Budget Forms
Download file

HOPWA Budget Forms
Download file

Ryan White Attachment C
Download file

State Services Attachment C
Download file

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 11:24 AM | Permalink

BVCOG HIV Program policies and procedures were last updated in August 2008. This includes policies and procedures for the Administrative Agency and HIV subcontractors regarding contracts, monitoring, planning, and data management. To download the policies, click here.

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:23 PM | Permalink

This table presents results for the time period October - December 2008 (Ryan White B Third Quarter) of the HRSA/HAB Tier 1 Clinical Performance Measures. Please note there are many reasons for variation and the values posted. More information is posted below the table.

Many things might wildly affect your scores at this point: Bad or missing data in ARIES; Lack of consistency between agencies in how data is entered in ARIES. This is a baseline measurement and is intended for informational purposes. Comparisons between providers are not entirely possible because of limitations in data entry and differences in processes.

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 09:24 AM | Permalink

NQC has announced the schedule for the 2009 National TA Conference Calls. NQC hosts monthly National TA Calls on a variety of topics to highlight key quality improvement concepts and methodologies. Using webcasting technologies, participants can review the actual presentation slides and engage presenters in the Q&A session during the TA Call. Part-specific examples are provided and fellow grantees share their experiences and best practices.

2009 TA Call Schedule
- February 12, 3-4pm ET: Overview of Quality Improvement Learning Opportunities (new)
- March 12, 3-4pm ET: Effective Quality Improvement Meetings and Teams (new)
- April 9, 3-4pm ET: Writing and Updating Your Quality Management Plan
- May 14, 3-4pm ET: Developing a QM Action Plan (new)
- June 11, 3-4pm ET: Integrating HAB Core Measures Into your QM Program
- July 9, 3-4pm ET: Engaging Consumers in Quality Improvement
- August 13, 3-4pm ET: Quality Management for Case Managers and Non-Clinical Care (new)
- September 10, 3-4pm ET: Supporting Patient Self-Management
- October 8, 3-4pm ET: Improving Patient Retention
- November 12, 3-4pm ET: Health Literacy (new)
- December 10, 3-4pm ET: Lessons Learned from the Cross-Part Collaborative (new)

Participants must register for calls in advance. Registration for the calls opens several weeks before the call takes place. To learn more about the TA calls or to register, click here

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 08:42 AM | Permalink

The following PowerPoint presentation was provided for a technical assistance conference call held by DSHS on January 26, 2009. The topic for the call was Managing Acute HIV Infection: Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAAT) and was presented by Nick Curry, MD, MPH of the Infectious Diseases Prevention Section of the Texas Department of State Health Services.

NAAT Presentation Download file PPT

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 09:08 AM | Permalink

DSHS has revised the HIV Taxonomy (Glossary of Services). In this update, a change has been made to the Housing Services category to clarify the 24 month lifetime limit per household (HRSA HAB policy 99-02). The notation on that service has been changed to clarify that the 24 month limit applies only to housing services funded by Ryan White monies and does not apply to housing services funded utilizing State Services funds. Please note: this does not affect HOPWA services in any way.

January 2009 HIV Glossary of Services: Download file PDF

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:15 PM | Permalink

Following are the revised and most current monitoring tools for BVCOG subcontractors.

Core Site Review Download file MS Excel
Personnel File Review Download file MS Excel
Payor of Last Resort Download file MS Excel
Data Monitoring Tool Download file MS Excel
Priority Assessment Tool Download file MS Word

Client file review tool for agencies not contracted for case management Download file MS Excel

Case Management Monitoring Tool for Clinical Monitor Download file MS Word
Clinical Case Management File Review Download file MS Excel
Client File Review Download file MS Excel
Food Pantry Download file MS Excel
Health Insurance Download file MS Excel
Pick up and delivery of medications Download file MS Excel
Transportation Download file MS Excel

HOPWA Tool Download file MS Excel
STRMU Client File Review Download file MS Excel
TBRA Client File Review Download file MS Excel

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 02:07 PM | Permalink

The following three documents are for the HOPWA renewal application for the grant year February 1, 2009 to January 31, 2010. The application and forms are due by 5 p.m. November 21, 2008.

HOPWA Renewal Guidance Download file MS Word
HOPWA Narrative Forms Download file MS Word
HOPWA Budget Forms Download file MS Excel

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 11:20 AM | Permalink

The following PDF file is the Texas Department of State Health Services HIV services taxonomy for data collection/reporting and unit cost calculation of HIV related medical and support services, released July, 2008.

Download file

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 10:00 AM | Permalink

Following is the Excel version of the acuity charting tool. If you do not have Excel, you can obtain a free version from www.openoffice.org

Acuity Charting Tool MS Excel

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 05:02 AM | Permalink

Following are the scoring tools for the Substance Abuse and Mental Illness Symptoms Screener

SAMISS scoring key Download file (MS Word)

SAMISS manual scoring instrument Download file (MS Excel)

SAMISS electronic scoring instrument Download file (MS Excel)

Presentation from Nick Curry, M.D., M.P.H., FACPM, on Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and HIV - Relationships and Outcomes. Download file PDF

If you do not have Microsoft Excel, you can download a free version from http://www.openoffice.org

Visit the DSHS website http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/hivstd/qm/documents.shtm for all the SAMISS documents including the Spanish translation.

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 10:40 AM | Permalink

Data management and ARIES user resource documents:

Monitoring and Quality Management
Data Management Monitoring Tool (updated March 2007)
ARIES Desktop Review Tool

Forms:
ARIES New User Form
ARIES Certificate Request Form
New Agency Form
Contract Form
Service Category Worksheet Use with Contract Form
ARIES Laptop Agreement
ARIES Client Consent Form
Spanish ARIES Client Consent Form
Authorization to Revoke Sharing Form

BVCOG Technical Assistance:
ARIES Certificate Installation
Requesting a Certificate (Flash required)
Ensuring Secure ARIES Access
Case Management Service Units Guidance
Quick Reference ARIES Taxonomy (Updated April 2008)
ARIES Basics
ARIES Care Plans
Care Plan & Referral Expecations - DSHS & BVCOG
ARIES Crosstab Reports

DSHS Technical Assistance Documents
Taxonomy
Case Management Definitions and Explanations (Dec 2005)
Ambulatory/Outpatient Care TA Bulletin
Reporting Health Insurance in ARIES

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 11:00 AM | Permalink

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments has awarded the following funds for the provision of HIV/AIDS services in each of the five HIV service delivery areas (HSDAs) of the Central Texas Planning Area:
Austin HSDA
Four agencies in the Austin HSDA were awarded a total of $1,007,564 in the following service categories:
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services $772,564
Mental Health Services $70,000
Oral Health Care $80,000
Health Insurance Premium and Cost Sharing Assistance $20,000
AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance - Local $65,000

The following agencies were awarded funding:

City of Austin Community Care Services Department
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services $671,455
AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance - Local $53,000

AIDS Services of Austin
Oral Health Care $80,000

Waterloo Counseling Center
Mental Health Services $70,000

Community Action, Inc.
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services $101,109
Health Insurance Premium and Cost Sharing Assistance $20,000
AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance - Local $12,000

Case Management - Non-Medical $160,252
Medical Case Management $38,706
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services $38,500
AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance-Local $14,500
Oral Health Care $15,000
Medical Transportation $3,000
Health Insurance Premium & Cost Sharing Assistance $6,500
Mental Health Services $2,000
Substance Abuse Services - Outpatient $1,000

Case Management - Non-Medical $21,000
AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance-Local $22,000
Oral Health Care $11,574
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services $106,686
Mental Health Services $3,500
Health Insurance Premium & Cost Sharing Assistance $15,015

Case Management - Non-Medical $143,500
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services $16,832
AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance - Local $76,831
Oral Health Care $19,000
Health Insurance Premium & Cost Sharing Assistance $46,682

Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services $56,000
Case Management - Non-Medical $98,558
Medical Case Management $80,000
AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance - Local $30,000
Oral Health Care $54,000
Health Insurance Premium & Cost Sharing Assistance $25,000
Mental Health Services $3,000

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:23 PM | Permalink

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments has awarded the following funds for the provision of HIV/AIDS services in each of the five HIV service delivery areas (HSDAs) of the Central Texas Planning Area:

Austin HSDA

Four agencies in the Austin HSDA were awarded a total of $476,909 in the following service categories:

Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services $102,729
Mental Health Services $20,000
Health Insurance Premium and Cost Sharing Assistance $57,000
AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance - Local $21,837
Case Management - Non-Medical $238,699
Food Bank/Home Delivered Meals $10,000
Non-Medical Transportation Services $26,644

The following agencies were awarded funding:

City of Austin Community Care Services Department
Outpatient Ambulatory Health Services $102,729
Mental Health Services $20,000
AIDS Pharmaceutical Assistance - Local $21,837

AIDS Services of Austin
Health Insurance Premium and Cost Sharing Assistance $57,000

Community Action, Inc.
Case Management - Non-Medical $238,699
Food Bank/Home Delivered Meals $10,000
Non-Medical Transportation Services $26,644

Case Management - Non-Medical $46,698
Medical Transportation $17,795
Food Bank/Home Delivered Meals $5,000

Case Management - Non-Medical $44,467
Medical Transportation $9,553
Food Bank/Home Delivered Meals $5,000

Case Management - Non-Medical $60,502
Non-Medical Transportation $10,818
Food Bank/Home Delivered Meals $3,081

Case Management - Non-Medical $37,793
Oral Health Care $10,000
Non-Medical Transportation $18,249
Food Bank/Home Delivered Meals $19,960

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:21 PM | Permalink

BVCOG will be contacting funded agencies with information regarding contract negotiations within the next couple of weeks.

Funding decision awards for SS and RWSD will be announced at a later date. Applicants will be notified of the new award announcement date. Please check back later for details.

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 03:08 PM | Permalink

Below is the 2007 HOPWA Manual from DSHS (MS Word). This manual will go into effect on February 1, 2008. Until then, the 2005 manual is still in effect.
Download file
The following files accompany the 2007 HOPWA Manual. The Income eligibility packet must be completed to see if a client is eligible for HOPWA. If so, they must complete the Enrollment packet. Also included is the 21 week tracking chart for STRMU, which assists agencies in tracking the number of days that a client has received assistance.

° Client Enrollment Download file (MS Word)
° Income Eligibility Download file (MS Word)
° STRMU Tracking Download file (MS Excel)

° Power Point Slides from HOPWA Conference call on 12.04.07 regarding the STRMU 21 week tracking chart Download file (MS PowerPoint)

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 01:43 PM | Permalink

DSHS began revising the Payor of Last Resort policy sometime in 2006. After several publicized revisions, the final policy was adopted in June 2007. This later-than-planned adoption date has led to some confusion around timelines for implementing the policy's required elements. DSHS has therefore crafted a memo to help clarify expectations. Also included is DSHS' payor of last resort policy and waiver form, and BVCOG's revised subcontractor policies (which includes a payor of last resort policy)

Download file DSHS TA Bulletin regarding Payor of Last Resort Changes - PDF
Download file DSHS Policy 590.001 Payor of Last Resort - PDF
Download file DSHS Policy 590.001A Payor of Last Resort Waiver Form - PDF

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 10:06 AM | Permalink

The following PDF file is from a presentation at the DSHS HIV/STD Conference in December 2006 from the National Center for Farmworker Health. It was presented by Alicia Gonzales and Monica Saavedra-Embesi. The document contains power point slides from the presentation, activities, and links to other resources. The topics include understanding the problems with literacy, how to assess a person's literacy level, and providing clear communication in both written and verbal mediums.
Download file

HRSA has launched a new Web-based health communications training tool designed to improve interaction between health care providers and their patients. The interactive training course, "Unified Health Communication: Addressing Health Literacy, Cultural Competency, and Limited English Proficiency," aims to raise the quality of provider-patient interactions by teaching providers and their staff how to gauge and respond to their patients' health literacy, cultural background, and language skills.

The course's five modules take four to five hours to complete. Modules 1 through 4 provide an introduction to health communication, health literacy, cultural competency, and limited English proficiency. In Module 5, participants can apply information learned in previous modules to test their ability to communicate effectively with patients. Self-paced instruction allows participants to complete one or more modules at a time. The modules' textual information is enhanced by colorful graphics, interactive elements, and video vignettes.

Continuing education credits for completing the course will be made available from the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the American Association for Health Education, the American Pharmacists Association, and the National Committee for Quality Assurance.

To access the course go to: http://www.hrsa.gov/healthliteracy/training.htm

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 10:29 AM | Permalink

Questions and answers from the bidders conference and those received by email.
Download file PDF

Please also see the posting for the RFP for more information and updates.

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 10:06 AM | Permalink

PUBLIC NOTICE
Request for Proposals for Ryan White Part B, HIV Health and Social Services (State Services), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)

On August 31, 2007, the Brazos Valley Council of Governments will release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Ryan White Part B, HIV Health and Social Services (State Services), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds to contract for the initial contract year of 2008-2009. Proposals are requested from eligible entities in the Central Texas HIV Administrative Service Area to provide health and social services to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS. Eligible applicants must be public or private nonprofit health care or social services organizations doing business within one of the five HIV Service Delivery Areas (HSDAs): Austin, Bryan/College Station, San Angelo, Temple/Killeen, and Waco.

A complete set of specifications and documents is available for download at http://hiv.bvcog.org or by calling (979) 595-2830.

A letter of intent should be submitted by September 14, 2007. A Pre-Proposal Conference on completion of the proposal will be held on October 3, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be held at the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (3991 East 29th Street, Bryan, Texas 77802) in the Board Room. Attendance at the conference is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged. To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on October 26, 2007.

Download file FY08 RFP Guidance Document - MS Word
Download file FY08 RFP Narrative Forms - MS Word
Download file FY08 RFP Budget Forms - MS Excel
Download file FY08 RFP Public Notice - MS Word

9.17.07 A new services taxonomy was released by the Texas Department of State Health Services on September 17, 2007. Please note the service category changes and use this taxonomy for the application. Download file PDF

9.20.07 This RFP was amended on September 20, 2007. Please download this file for the new HOPWA funding amounts. Download file - MS Word

10.15.07 Questions and Answers from the bidders conference and those received by email. PDF

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 02:56 PM | Permalink

The following PDF files contains the proposed Ryan White Part B and State Services allocations for the Central Texas HIV/AIDS Planning Area. Today, August 22, 2007, begins a 30 day comment period. Please email comments or suggestions to chamilton@bvcog.org, or use the anonymous feedback form located at http://hiv.bvcog.org/feedback.html. You may also contact Christopher Hamilton at 979-595-2830 (or toll free 866-841-7288). Comments must be received by September 22, 2007.

08-09_CTHPA_Proposed_Allocations.pdf This has been rescinded, and an update is below

Download file PDF 20 KB Updated allocations as of September 6, 2007

All amounts listed are based on a level funding scenario and are subject to change based on the actual award to the State of Texas and the DSHS allocations to each HSDA.

Ryan White funding year: April 1, 2008 - March 31, 2009
State Services funding year: September 1, 2008 - August 31, 2009
HOPWA funding year: February 1, 2008 - January 31, 2009

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:08 PM | Permalink

Following are the Ryan White Title II and State Services Quarterly Report form and instructions.

Download file Subcontractor Quarterly Report: Revised May 2007 - MS Word

Download file Instructions for Subcontractor Quarterly Report: Revised May 2007 - MS Word

Download file Sample Quarterly Report: Revised May 2007 - MS Word

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:57 PM | Permalink

These duties are a guide for your agency to develop your administrative capacity. BVCOG expects to find that the agency is incorporating everything listed into its administration. Monitors will ask to see all or part of the following at any time during a site review.
Download file MS Word Document

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 11:08 AM | Permalink

Following is the Comprehensive HIV Services Plan for the Central Texas Planning Area 2007-2009
Download file PDF 300KB

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 03:08 PM | Permalink

Below you will find the continuation RFA and related forms for Ryan White Title II, State Services, and HOPWA due February 23, 2007. Please note that all of these contracts will start April 1, 2007. Since there have been a couple of questions about this, I want to clarify that the amended contract years for State Services and HOPWA are only applicable for this year and will not be permanent changes.

Please read all documents carefully as there are some different requirements for this application, as well as some new contractual requirements. If you have any questions related to the application or any requirements, please do not hesitate to contact Crystal Crowell.

Please note, there is an error in the previous RFA Program Guidance allocation tables (pages 3 - 4) that showed State Services funds spanning from April 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008. The correct date range is April 1, 2007 to August 31, 2007, a 5 month period. The file available for download below has been corrected.

Download file - Cover Memo RFA 2007 PDF
Download file - Program Guidance and Instructions - MS Word
Download file - Combined Forms for All Contractors (all applicants must submit regardless of funding received) - MS Word
Download file - Forms Specific to Ryan White Title II Funds - MS Word
Download file Forms Specific to HIV Health and Social Services (State Services) Funds - MS Word
Download file Forms Specific to Housing Opportunities for People With AIDS (HOPWA) Funds - MS Word

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 02:59 PM | Permalink

Following is information from the DSHS HIV/STD Conference presentation by Christopher Hamilton, "Planning for Change: Ryan White Services in Texas"
Power Point Slides from presentation PDF
(presented 12.12.06)

Links to resources for the RWTMA 2006

House Report 109-695 PDF

GAO-05-841T "Ryan White CARE Act - Factors That Impact HIV and AIDS Funding and Client Coverage" PDF

GAO-06-332 "HIV/AIDS Changes Needed to Improve the Distribution of Ryan White CARE Act and Housing Funds" PDF

GAO-06-646 "Ryan White CARE Act: Improved Oversight Needed to Ensure AIDS Drug Assistance Programs Obtain Best Prices for Drugs" PDF

GAO-06-703T "Ryan White CARE Act: Changes Needed to Improve the Distribution of Funding" PDF

Institute of Medicine - Measuring What Matters: Allocation, Planning, and Quality Assessment for the Ryan White CARE Act read online in HTML for free

Public Financing and Delivery of HIV/AIDS Care: Securing the Legacy of Ryan White read online in HTML for free

HRSA Historic Funding Information

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 02:30 PM | Permalink

Target has developed a discount generic drug program like that of Wal-Mart. The PDF below lists 300+ generic drugs that can be purchased for $4.00. The program is for a 30 day supply. The drug must be the exact name, dose, and form specified to qualify for the program.

Click here to find a Target pharmacy

List of drugs on the $4 generic formulary Download file PDF updated 1.11.07

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 10:25 AM | Permalink

The following service category priorities for the Central Texas HIV/AIDS Planning Area have been set. The 30 day comment period opened July 30, 2006 and ended August 30, 2006.
Methodology for setting priorities Download file PDF
Austin HSDA Priorities Download file PDF
Bryan - College Station HSDA Download file PDF
Concho Plateau HSDA Download file PDF
Temple - Killeen HSDA Download file PDF
Waco HSDA Download file PDF

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 08:38 AM | Permalink

The following files are the updated reallocation policy (part of subcontractor policies, section 2.09) and the accompanying reallocation request form.
Reallocation Request Policy - updated August 2007 (PDF)

Download file Reallocation request form - updated November 2008 (MS Word)

Download file Blank Table 1 (Excel)

Download file Budget Revision - (Excel)

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 03:37 PM | Permalink

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a policy on April 26 regarding changes to a formulary during a plan year. Previous, a drug plan could drop a drug from its formulary with 60 days notice to the beneficiary. The beneficiary would then be stuck in the plan until the next open enrollment period (November 15, 2006). The policy that was issued now protects beneficiaries.

The new policy says, "No beneficiaries will be subject to a discontinuation or reduction in coverage of the drugs they are currently using." It says an insurer can remove a drug from its formulary, increase copayments for a drug or impose new coverage restrictions "only if enrollees currently taking the affected drug are exempt from the formulary change for the remainder of the plan year." The policy allows some exceptions. For example, an insurer could remove a drug from its formulary if new research shows the drug was unsafe or if a new generic equivalent becomes available.

See the Medicare Part D resources page http://hiv.bvcog.org/2005/11/medicare_part_d_resources.html

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 09:06 AM | Permalink

Please see the following documents for instructions and forms for the 2006-07 State Services renewal application. You will notice a few changes to the application process. First, there is one document with program guidance, instructions, and examples of forms. There is a separate document that contains all of the forms needed for the application. There are also no longer the Budget Forms G through G-5 from previous applications. Hopefully, this will make things a little easier for this application. Unfortunately, we do have to ask for separate performance measures and budget documents for a 7-month and 5-month contract period. This is due to the re-competition of AA contracts this year. Although by submitting them all at once, this will avoid re-submitting a separate application for the 5-month period at a later time. You are also only asked to submit one work plan and one set of assurances. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

**PLEASE NOTE: DSHS is requiring for the 7-month and 5-month contracts to be treated as completely separate, meaning that there will be no carry over from the first (7-month) contracts to the second (5-month) contracts. All funds must be spent down or turned back in when the first contracts end on March 31, 2007. Please plan your applications and budgets accordingly.

You will see the allocations separated into 7-month and 5-month amounts for your convenience. Please see the allocations on pages 2-3 of the program guidance and follow the amounts for your area. Austin agencies - you must submit budgets for the proportion of funding that your agency was awarded for State Services 2005-06. You will receive separate e-mails shortly with those amounts.

The application is due June 1, 2006 by 5:00 p.m. Please submit any questions you have to me in writing via e-mail ccrowell@bvcog.org or fax (979) 595-2815.

Download file SS 2006 Cover memo - PDF
Download file SS 2006 RFA Program Guidance - Word Doc
Download file SS 2006 RFA Forms Word Doc

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:28 PM | Permalink

The Central Texas HIV Planning Council approved the Ryan White allocations for 2006-2007 at its meeting on November 15, 2005 and the SS allocation for 2006-2007 at its April 11, 2006 meeting.

Continue reading "Approved Allocations for 2006-2007" »

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:28 PM | Permalink

The Kaiser Family Foundation held a panel discussion on March 28, 2006 in which ADAP was discussed. Dwayne Haught, director of the Texas ADAP THMP, was a panelist.

Slides from the presentation as well as other materials presented may be found at the Kaiser Family Foundation website http://www.kff.org/hivaids/hiv033006pkg.cfm

Additionally, the video and podcast are available for download at http://www.kaisernetwork.org/health_cast/hcast_index.cfm?display=detail&hc=1686

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 05:40 PM | Permalink

Overall, the Central Texas Planning area went down 0.72% from 2005.
Austin HSDA: down 2.00%
Bryan-College Station HSDA: up 0.74%
Concho Plateau HSDA: down 0.80%
Temple-Killeen HSDA: up 1.33%
Waco HSDA: up 2.49%

This Excel file contains the amounts for all HSDAs in Texas. BVCOG will release the RFA for contractors after the Planning Council has made adjustments to allocations to reflect the amounts from DSHS.

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 08:57 AM | Permalink

From Ann Robbins at DSHS,
"I know some folks have been interested in the use of client data in the formula allocation for state services for 2007 (sept 2006 - august 2007) given the rawness of ARIES data and the issues with imports that we have. In light of this, the formula was run with client data from 2004 (specifically, the months of January, August and December of 2004). These data are more stable"

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 10:13 AM | Permalink

The Brazos Valley Council of Governments HIV Administrative Services held a training for case managers on February 13, 2006. Dwaye Haught, Director of the Texas HIV Medication Program, presented an overview of the program. Norma Almanza, from the Texas Department of Insurance, discussed issues related to enrollment and the waiver process. Elizabeth Bowlin, Pharmacist with Walgreens, added information from the standpoint of the pharmacy.

The following link is to listen to the audio from the presentations. It is an MP3, 11 MB in size. You may right click on the following link to download and save, or regular click to listen now.

Click here to see the other Medicare Rx (Part D) resources available

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:43 PM | Permalink

See the continued post for 2005 CADR documents that accompany the emailed instructions. Contact Megan at mwright@bvcog.org with questions.

Important deadlines to remember:
January 24: list of clients with insurance info to change due via email
February 3: applicable non-ARIES fields due completed to BVCOG
February 10: ARIES data corrections due

Continue reading "2005 CADR Information" »

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 03:11 PM | Permalink

Following is the Ryan White Service Delivery Request for Applications for 2006. The due date is February 17, 2006.
Download file MS Word - 1.25 Mb

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 08:39 AM | Permalink

Following is a PDF document with the minimum computer specifications for purchasing a new computer. This applies to BVCOG and its contractors.
Download file PDF
Revised 6.1.07

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 08:37 AM | Permalink

New documents for HOPWA reporting:
Blank HOPWA FSR Download file Excel
FSR attachment, exhibit A Download file Excel
HOWA Quarterly Report Download file Word

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:27 PM | Permalink

Following are the documents for the 2006-2007 HOPWA RFA.
Download file PDF - Cover Letter

Download file Word document - RFA

Download file Excel document - New detailed expenditure report (FSR), Exhibit A in the RFA

Click "continue reading..." to read the cover letter

Continue reading "HOPWA 2006-2007 RFA" »

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 04:29 PM | Permalink

Electronic files for the previously released DSHS Case Management and Ambulatory Outpatient Care reporting guidelines are linked below.

Case Management reporting

AOMC reporting

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 11:43 AM | Permalink

Below are links to resources about the Medicare Rx / Part D prescription drug program.
° HRSA and how part D pertains to HIV and Ryan White

° HIV Medicine Association PDF file - an enrollment toolkit specifically for HIV/AIDS

° Official web site for people with Medicare from the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services

° Download file PDF FAQ Sheet from the Texas Department of State Health Services

° Link to the Texas HIV Medication Program home page. They will have updates regarding MCR part D.

° DSHS - THMP presentation on Medicare Part D - by THMP Manager Dwayne Haught Download file PDF

° DSHS - Medicare Part D manual and FAQ

° HRSA CARE Action Newsletter from October 2005 includes some good information regarding the program, visit http://hab.hrsa.gov/publications/october2005/

° Some patients have experienced problems in obtaining medications at the pharmacy due to computer problems. A list of "what-if" scenarios has been compiled. The PDF can be downloaded here.

° The Treatment Access Expansion Project has provided a list of resources for HIV and Medicare Part D.

° Texas Medicare Rx - a web site specifically for Texas residents and Medicare Part D issues.

° Texas HHSC press release announcing the decision for the Texas Medicaid to continue to fill prescriptions for dual eligibles that are having trouble filling perscriptions under their new Part D plan.

° A Word document that has many links to Medicare websites and publications Download file

° Case Manager Talking Points from NASTAD

° Case manager training and presentations on February 13, 2006

° 03.22.06 The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services are adding 1.2 Million additional people automatically to the prescription drug program, Part D. Read the CMS Announcement

° 04.26.06 CMS issues policy to protect beneficiaries from changes to a drug plan formulary. A drug plan could change its forumlary with 60 days notice to a beneficiary, but the person would be stuck with the plan until the next open enrollment period. The policy now says "No beneficiaries will be subject to a discontinuation or reduction in coverage of the drugs they are currently using." It says an insurer can remove a drug from its formulary, increase copayments for a drug or impose new coverage restrictions "only if enrollees currently taking the affected drug are exempt from the formulary change for the remainder of the plan year."
See the articles at Kaiser Family Foundation or NY Times

° 05.31.06 This is an update from DHHS-CMS. The key messages:
   ° If you serve Medicare patients, you need to obtain a National Provider Identifier;
   ° For FQHCs and RHCs that serve Medicare patients where Medicare Advantage (managed care) plans are available to patients in your area, there are steps you must take to continue receiving reimbursement for serving them;
   ° If you offer pharmacy services to Medicare patients, you need to sign contracts with Medicare Part D plans to obtain reimbursement;
   ° If you offer pharmacy services, you can save up to 77% on drug and supply costs by signing up with 340B and the Prime Vendor.
Download file PDF

° 06.12.06 The HIV Medication Association (HIVMA) published their last newsletter with an article about exceptions and appeals for Medicare Part D. Download file PDF - this is the page taken from the Spring 2006 HIVMA newsletter. It has some very good information about the appeals and exceptions process.

° 08.03.06 The Kaiser Family Foundation Published a new report: The Role of Part D for People With HIV/AIDS: Coverage and Cost of Antiretrovirals Under Medicare Drug Plans. Visit the web site to download a free PDF of the report.

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 10:37 AM | Permalink

The Ryan White Title II allocations for grant year 2006-2007 are now available.
The following Excel file contains the awards amounts for all planning areas in the State of Texas.
Download file

Overall, the Central Texas Planning area went down 1.99% from 2005.
Austin HSDA: down 5.00%
Bryan-College Station HSDA: up 1.56%
Concho Plateau HSDA: down 3.87%
Temple-Killeen HSDA: up 0.16%
Waco HSDA: up 1.91%

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 02:39 PM | Permalink

Included in this section is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Housing Opportunities with AIDS program. The following is a fact sheet compiled by the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) based on the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) HOPWA Manual, as well as training received by HUD and clarification from DSHS. This fact sheet is merely meant to provide some general clarification and guidance and is not a comprehensive source for information on HOPWA in Texas. For more information, please refer to the most recent DSHS HOPWA Manual at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/hivstd/fieldops/hopwa.shtm

Continue reading "HOPWA FAQ" »

Posted by BVCOG-HIV at 01:55 PM | Permalink