Revised Guidance for COVID-19 Flexibility for Registered Nursing Services Provided by Telehealth for CLASS, DBMD, HCS, TxHmL

During the COVID-19 pandemic, flexibilities were put in place to allow comprehensive nursing assessments to be provided by telehealth (synchronous audio-visual technology).

This revised guidance applies to:

  • Community Living Assistance and Support Services
  • Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities
  • Home and Community-based Services
  • Texas Home Living

At the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency, this flexibility will end, and a registered nurse will be required to complete the comprehensive nursing assessments in person.

HHSC is notifying providers now so they can prepare for in-person activities as soon as the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. HHSC will notify providers of that date as soon as the federal government determines the end date. HHSC will be making updates to waiver handbooks to reflect this policy. Until handbook updates are completed, this interim guidance will serve as official HHSC policy.

For questions, email one of the policy mailboxes below: