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Hearing. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will conduct a public hearing to receive public comments on the proposed Title 1, Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §355.8443, concerning the Reimbursement Methodology for School Health and Related Services (SHARS).
Due to the declared state of disaster stemming from COVID-19, this hearing will be conducted online only. To join the hearing from your computer, tablet, or smartphone, register for the hearing in advance using the following link:
Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8182888113535930126
Webinar ID: 238-233-203
Phone number for Phone Audio Option: 1 (562)247-8422
Phone Access Code: 798-638-786
Audio PIN: (Please note, in order to receive a PIN to speak, registration is required.)
The hearing will be held in compliance with Texas Human Resources Code §32.0282, which requires public notice of and hearings on proposed Medicaid reimbursements. A recording of the hearing will be archived and can be accessed on demand here.
Background And Purpose
The proposed rule update to 355.8443 adds text to allow SHARS providers to bill and receive reimbursement for allowable audiology services provided to Medicaid-eligible children as prescribed in a plan created under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. §794). House Bill (H.B.) 706, 86th Legislature, Regular Session, 2019, required HHSC to adopt rules necessary to implement Texas Education Code Section 38.033 SHARS Program, titled “Seizure Recognition and Related First Aid Training,” in consultation with the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Section 38.033 was added to the Texas Education Code by H.B. 706, effective September 1, 2019. This section was redesignated as Section 38.034 by H.B. 3607, 87th Legislature, Regular Session, 2021, titled “School Health and Related Services Program; Eligibility for Audiology Services.”
The proposal will also implement changes to increase the integrity of the program and allow for additional detail to be collected to increase the specificity of submitted data related to services reimbursed through the SHARS program for both individual recipients and specific services. This rule update adds detail to increase transparency and clarity in definitions and processes for the SHARS program and includes a new section on informal review processes and further information on appeals.
Written Comments. Written comments regarding the proposed payment rates may be submitted instead of, or in addition to, oral testimony until 10 p.m. the day of the hearing. Written comments may be sent by U.S. mail, overnight mail, special delivery mail, hand delivery, fax, or e-mail:
U.S. Mail
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Attention: Provider Finance, Mail Code H-400
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, Texas 78714-9030
Overnight mail or special delivery mail
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Attention: Provider Finance, Mail Code H-400
North Austin Complex
4601 W Guadalupe St.
Austin, Texas 78751
Phone number for package delivery: (512) 730-7401
Fax
Attention: Provider Finance at (512) 730-7475
E-mail
providerfinanceSHARS@hhs.texas.gov
Preferred Communication. During the current state of disaster due to COVID-19, physical forms of communication are checked with less frequency than during normal business operations. For quickest response, and to help curb the possible transmission of infection, please use e-mail or phone if possible, for communication with HHSC related to this rate hearing.
Persons with disabilities who wish to participate in the hearing and require auxiliary aids or services should call Provider Finance at (512) 730-7401 at least 72 hours before the hearing so appropriate arrangements can be made.