***SHARS TELEHEALTH EXTENDED***

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SHARS expanded telehealth services are available until  November 30, 2020.   SHARS and special education guidance remain in effect and are eligible for the following service areas: Audiology services Counseling/ Psychological services * Occupational Therapy* Physician services Physical Therapy Speech Therapy* *these services are always billable Telehealth services must meet specific criteria: … Read More

Personal Care Services – Policy Changes

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Personal Care Services – Policy Changes – Effective October 2020 Release by Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) PCS are support services provided to clients who meet the definition of medical necessity and require assistance with the performance of ADLs, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and health maintenance activities … Read More

FAQ: SHARS Parental Consent – Digital Signatures

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Can a digital signature be used for the one-time SHARS parental consent and/or service logs? If certain conditions are met, an electronic signature is acceptable: Prior to accepting an electronic signature, a state agency shall ensure that the level of security used to identify the signer of a message and … Read More

Senate Bill 139, Notice to Families

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Special Education A notice from TEA.  In 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 139 (SB 139), which requires Texas local education agencies (LEAs) to distribute the following notice to parents: SB 139 Notice to Families (English version) SB 139 Notice to Families (Spanish version) LEAs must complete the … Read More

TEA 2019-2020 SHARS Audit Findings Report

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TEA 2019-2020 SHARS Audit Findings Report Onward is committed to ensuring Texas school districts understand and follow SHARS regulations in order to maintain a fully compliant Medicaid program.  Audit findings issued by TEA will help better understand necessary documentation updates and changes as it pertains to Medicaid reimbursement. We love … Read More

CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Deadline Date Reminder

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 CARES Act Provider Relief Fund Districts that provide SHARS services may consider applying for Federal COVID-19 Provider Relieve Fund. These funds can assist with district’s COVID-19 related expenses. Applicants are eligible to receive approximately 2 percent of reported gross revenue from 2018 or the most recent complete tax year. The … Read More

TEA is Offering Free Learning Management System

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TEA Will Offer Free Learning Management System to Texas Schools for Two Years to Help Bolster Remote and Classroom Instruction — This new offering will save school systems up to $40M, and reduce total taxpayer cost up to $22M AUSTIN, Texas – July 30, 2020 – The Texas Education Agency … Read More

TEA Issues 20-21 Safe Return Guidelines for Texas Schools

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TEA Issues Comprehensive Guidelines for a Safe Return to On-Campus Instruction for the 2020-21 School Year Agency to Ensure Remote Instruction is Available to All Who Need It or Request It AUSTIN, Texas – July 7, 2020 – TEA announced comprehensive guidelines for students to return to school, prioritizing their … Read More

The Top 8 Findings During TEA SHARS Audits.

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Significant Findings in 2019-2020 TEA SHARS Audits TEA conducted on-site and desk reviews during the 2019-2020 school year.  Some common areas for growth are listed below: 1. Though not required, written district SHARS procedures  support an effective program. 2. Third Party Liability (TPL) should be understood by staff responsible for … Read More