As of Jan. 1, 2021, Texas implemented Electronic Visit Verification for all Medicaid personal care services, including services that are managed through the Consumer Directed Services option.
- EVV is a computer-based system that electronically documents and verifies service delivery information, such as date, time, service type and location for certain Medicaid service visits.
- The CDS option is a service delivery option in which a member or Legally Authorized Representative employs and retains a service provider and directs the delivery of a service described in Section 354.4005 of Chapter 354, Subchapter O (relating to Applicability).
The CDS option has three primary roles:
- Financial management services agency: An entity that contracts with Texas HHSC or a managed care organization to provide financial management services, such as payroll, to a CDS employer as described in 40, Texas Administrative Code Chapter 41 (relating to CDS option).
- CDS employer: A member or LAR who chooses to participate in the CDS option. A CDS employer, the member or LAR, is responsible for hiring and retaining a service provider who delivers a service described in Section 354.4005 of Chapter 354, Subchapter O (relating to Applicability).
- CDS employee (service provider): A person who provides a service required to use EVV and who is employed by a CDS employer.
Getting Started with EVV
- EVV Training
- CDS employers are required to complete EVV Policy Training and EVV System Training initially and then once a year after, per 4200 EVV Training policy (EVV Policy Handbook).
- EVV Training Requirements Checklists (PDF)
- Self-paced EVV Policy Training for CDS employers is available on the HHS Learning Portal. Webinars with question and answer sessions are scheduled throughout the year.
- The responsibility of each role is established in Form 1722, Employer's Selection for Electronic Visit Verification Responsibilities, and in the EVV Policy Handbook.
- CDS employers must ensure CDS employees use the EVV system to clock in and clock out for EVV-required services.
- CDS employers will use the EVV system selected by their FMSA.
- CDS employers can contact their FMSA to assist with questions about EVV requirements.
Complete the following steps within the CDS option when starting with EVV:
- Complete Form 1722 - Employer’s Selection for EVV Responsibilities.
- Complete required EVV trainings:
- EVV system training
- EVV Policy training
- Train CDS employees on the clock in and clock out methods and document training through Form 1732.
- The CDS employee must:
- Clock in at the beginning of service delivery and clock out at the end of service delivery using an approved clock in and clock out method.
- CDS employers who chose Option 1 on Form 1722 (or an FMSA on behalf of those who chose Option 2 or 3), must complete visit maintenance to:
- Correct any exceptions or critical errors.
- Adjust Bill Hours, if needed.
- Reason Codes as required.
- Enter manual EVV visits, if necessary.
- CDS employers must review and approve time worked after visit maintenance is complete depending on the option chosen on Form 1722:
- If Option 1 or 2 is chosen, time will be approved using the EVV system.
- If Option 3 is chosen, time will be approved using the method selected by the FMSA and CDS employer.
Reference the following Getting Started with EVV Guides for more information:
Resources
- EVV Compliance Job Aid for CDS Employers (PDF)
- EVV Contact Information Guide for CDS Employers (PDF)
- EVV Frequently Asked Questions for CDS Employers (PDF)
- EVV Visit Maintenance Unlock Request for CDS Employers (Excel)
- EVV VMUR Job Aid for CDS Employers (PDF)
- Guidance for FMSAs When CDS Employers Do Not Perform EVV Responsibilities (PDF)
- HHS Consumer Directed Services webpage
- The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that may save people money on internet services and computers. Visit the Affordable Connectivity Program website for more information.
- The Lifeline program is offered by the FCC and helps make communications services more affordable for people with low income. Visit the Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications webpage for information about eligibility requirements.