Navigating Long-Term Care Options in Texas: Utilizing the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search

Finding the right long-term care solution for yourself or a loved one is a critical decision. While visiting facilities and meeting providers in person offers invaluable insight, the Texas Health And Human Services Commission (HHSC) Long-term Care (LTC) Provider Search tool serves as an essential resource for gathering comprehensive information about providers and facilities across Texas. This online tool, managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed choices about long-term care.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission’s LTC Provider Search encompasses a wide spectrum of care options, providing details on:

  • Nursing Homes: Facilities offering skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services.
  • Assisted Living Facilities: Residential settings providing personal care services and support.
  • Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD): Facilities offering specialized care and support for individuals with IDD.
  • Daytime Programs for Adults: Day activity and health services programs offering daytime care and activities.
  • Home Health, Hospice, and Personal Assistance Services: Agencies providing care within the individual’s home or community.
  • Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers (PPECCs): Non-residential facilities offering specialized care for medically dependent minors.

Understanding the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) LTC Provider Search categorizes long-term care providers into two primary types: residential and home or community-based. This distinction helps users refine their search based on the type of care setting they are considering.

Search results for residential providers, often referred to as facility-based providers, offer detailed information including inspection reports, contact details, and whether the facility accepts Medicaid or Medicare. These residential facilities include:

  • Assisted Living Facilities: Providing housing and personal care services for adults needing assistance with daily living.
  • Daytime Programs for Adults (Day Activity and Health Services): Offering structured daytime activities and health services for adults.
  • Nursing Homes: Providing 24-hour skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, and custodial services.
  • Intermediate Care Facilities for People with IDD: Specialized facilities providing care and active treatment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers: Licensed facilities providing care for medically fragile children during the day.

Home and community-based programs, overseen by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, are designed to support individuals in maintaining their independence within their communities, avoiding or delaying the need for institutional care in nursing homes or hospitals. These programs include:

  • Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs): Encompassing home health, hospice, and personal assistance services delivered in the home or community setting. These agencies are regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to ensure quality and safety.

Requesting Further Information from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission

For those seeking more in-depth information beyond what is available on the Texas Health and Human Services Commission LTC Provider Search, HHSC provides avenues to request additional records.

Residential Facility Information Requests

The following information concerning residential facilities can be obtained by contacting the Texas Health and Human Services Commission via fax, email, or mail:

  • Complaint History: Records of complaints filed against the facility.
  • Investigation Reports: Reports detailing investigations conducted by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission in response to complaints or incidents.
  • Ownership Details: Information about the ownership and management structure of the facility.

To submit a request to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, please include your name, address, and clear details of the specific information you are requesting.

Email: [email protected]
Fax: 512-438-2738

Mail:
Texas Health and Human Services
LTC-R Open Records Mail Code E-349
P.O. Box 149030
Austin, Texas 78714-9030

Home and Community-based Services Information Requests

Similarly, requests for additional information about home and community-based services can be directed to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Please include your name, contact information, and a precise description of the information needed.

Email: [email protected]
Fax: 512-424-6586

Mail:
Texas Health and Human Services
Open Records Coordinator Mail Code 1070
4900 N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, Texas 78751-2316

Step-by-Step Guide: Utilizing the Provider Location Search

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission LTC Provider Search offers a user-friendly interface for locating providers based on geographic location and service type. Follow these steps to conduct a location-based search:

  1. Enter Location: Input the city, county, or ZIP code where you are seeking long-term care services.
  2. Select Service Type: Utilize the drop-down list to choose the specific type of service you require, such as “nursing home” or “home health provider.”
  3. Review Results: The results page will display a sortable list of providers or facilities that match your selected criteria.

Important Note: The Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search allows searches for only one provider or facility type at a time. For instance, you cannot simultaneously search for nursing homes and assisted living facilities, or home health and adult day programs. Perform separate searches for each provider type.

Step-by-Step Guide: Utilizing the Provider Name Search

If you already know the name of a provider, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search enables you to search directly by name. Here’s how:

  1. Enter Provider Name: Type at least three letters of the provider’s name. These letters do not need to be the first three letters of the name.
  2. Optional: Select Provider Type: If you know the provider type (e.g., assisted living center), select it from the drop-down menu to refine your search. If you leave this field blank, the search will include all providers matching the name.
  3. View Results: The search results will be presented in a table. You can sort the results by clicking on the blue column headers (Name, Address, Type, etc.) to organize the information according to your needs.

Background on Inspections and Surveys by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of long-term care facilities and providers in Texas. The LTC Provider Search website provides access to survey and inspection information for facilities and providers listed in the Inspections section, categorized as follows:

  • Federally Certified and State Licensed: Nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and Medicare-certified home health and hospice agencies. These are subject to rigorous oversight by both state and federal authorities, including the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
  • State Licensed: Assisted living facilities, day activity and health services facilities, non-Medicare/Medicaid nursing facilities, and non-Medicare certified home health and hospice services. These are primarily regulated at the state level by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
  • Certified Waiver Programs: Texas Home Living and Home and Community-based Services waiver programs, certified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
  • Contracted Waiver Programs: Medically Dependent Children Program, Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities, and Community Living Assistance and Support Services waiver programs, contracted with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

When the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) inspects certified facilities and providers, it’s termed a survey. During a survey, HHSC inspectors assess compliance with federal standards to ensure quality of care and resident safety.

For licensed and certified facilities and providers, HHSC conducts inspections or surveys to verify adherence to both federal and state standards. If a provider holds both licenses and certifications, HHSC conducts these evaluations concurrently.

Reviews of certified providers by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission are known as certification reviews. HHSC typically does not review contracted providers unless they also hold licenses or certifications under other provider types.

Assisted Living Facilities: Types and Licensing by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Assisted living facilities, overseen by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, range from smaller private homes to larger apartment-style complexes. They provide housing, meals, and personal care services to four or more residents unrelated to the owner, and may also administer medications. To determine if a facility is certified to care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, direct contact with the facility is recommended.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission licenses assisted living facilities based on residents’ physical and cognitive ability to evacuate in emergencies and their nighttime supervision needs.

  • Type A Facilities: Designed for residents who are physically and mentally capable of unassisted evacuation, do not require routine nighttime attendance, and can follow emergency directions.
  • Type B Facilities: Cater to residents who may need evacuation assistance, may not follow emergency directions, require nighttime staff attendance, and may need help transferring to and from wheelchairs.
  • Type C Facilities: Four-bed facilities meeting minimum standards for enrollment with HHS as adult foster care facilities, regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Provider Search Summary for Assisted Living Facilities

The initial results page of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search provides an overview of assisted living facilities matching your criteria. Results can be sorted by provider name, city, or ZIP code for easy navigation.

Individual Facility Pages for Assisted Living Facilities

General Information

This section includes details about facility ownership, chain affiliation (if applicable), and the maximum resident capacity, providing a snapshot of the facility’s operational scale and structure as reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Inspections Information

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission conducts inspections of each assisted living facility approximately every two years to ensure compliance with regulations aimed at protecting resident health and safety. Inspections focus on two key areas:

  • Health: Evaluating aspects like resident supervision levels, employee background checks, facility management practices, and other factors impacting resident health.
  • Life Safety Code: Assessing the facility’s construction and safety features designed to protect against hazards such as fire and smoke, in accordance with standards set by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

The search results page indicates the date of the last full inspection and the number of violations identified. A statewide average is provided for comparison, allowing users to benchmark facility performance. This section also lists specific violations and citation dates, offering transparency into compliance history as recorded by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Right to Appeal for Assisted Living Facilities

Facilities cited for violations by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have the right to appeal. Successful appeals may result in the amendment or removal of the violation from the facility’s official record, as maintained by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Day Activity and Health Services: Daytime Care under Texas Health and Human Services Commission Oversight

Licensed day activity and health services facilities, regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, offer daytime services to community-dwelling adults as an alternative to institutional care. These adult day services, typically provided Monday through Friday, address participants’ physical, mental, medical, and social needs, promoting well-being and independence under the guidelines of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Provider Search Summary for Day Activity and Health Services

The initial search results page, part of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search, offers an overview of day activity and health services facilities meeting your search criteria. Results can be sorted by provider name, city, or ZIP code for user convenience.

Individual Provider Pages for Day Activity and Health Services

General Information

This section of the provider page includes details about facility ownership, chain affiliation, and maximum participant capacity, providing essential context about the facility’s operation and scale as reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Inspections Information

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission inspects each day activity and health services facility roughly every two years to ensure compliance with state regulations designed to protect participant health and safety. The search tool reports on compliance in two primary areas:

  • Health: Evaluating factors such as medication administration accuracy, employee background checks, facility management, and other elements that could affect participant health, all in accordance with Texas Health and Human Services Commission standards.
  • Life Safety Code: Assessing the facility’s structural integrity and safety features to prevent hazards like fire and smoke, ensuring a safe environment as per Texas Health and Human Services Commission requirements.

The results page displays the date of the most recent inspection and the number of violations found, with a statewide average provided for comparison. The section also details specific violations, offering transparency into the facility’s compliance record as assessed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Home Health Agencies: Care in the Community Supervised by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission

Home and community support services agencies (HCSSAs), licensed and certified by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, provide a range of services to individuals in their homes or communities. These services include:

  • Skilled Nursing: Professional nursing care delivered at home.
  • Therapies: Physical, occupational, speech, respiratory, and intravenous therapies provided in-home.
  • Social Services: Support and resource navigation to address social and emotional needs.

HCSSAs licensed solely for personal assistance services offer personal attendant care, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting, but are not authorized to provide skilled care like therapies or nursing services under their Texas Health and Human Services Commission license.

HCSSAs also provide hospice services for individuals nearing the end of life, which can be delivered at home or in a hospice facility, all under the regulatory framework of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Medicare certification for an HCSSA signifies that the agency meets federal health and safety requirements, ensuring a high standard of care as recognized by both federal guidelines and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Provider Search Summary for Home Health Agencies

The initial results page of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search offers a summary of home health agencies matching your search criteria. Results can be sorted by provider name, city, or ZIP code for ease of use.

Individual Provider Pages for Home Health Agencies

General Information

This section includes details about agency ownership, types of services offered, client census at the time of license renewal, and Medicare acceptance status, providing a comprehensive overview of the agency’s operational characteristics as reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Surveys Information

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission surveys each home health provider approximately every three years to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations designed to protect the health and safety of clients in their care. Surveys assess compliance in two main areas:

  • Health: Evaluating aspects such as adherence to client care plans, employee background checks, management practices, and other factors that could affect client health, all in accordance with Texas Health and Human Services Commission standards.
  • Life Safety Code: Applicable to hospice services provided in a facility setting (not in-home hospice or home health services), assessing facility construction and safety features against hazards like fire and smoke, as per Texas Health and Human Services Commission requirements.
Right to Appeal for Home Health Agencies

Providers cited for deficiencies by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have the right to appeal. Successful appeals may result in the amendment or removal of the deficiency from the provider’s record, as maintained by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Home Health Compare Resource

Home Health Compare is a federal website offering information about the quality of care provided by Medicare-certified home health agencies nationwide. This resource, external to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission website but valuable, helps users:

  • Assess agency performance in patient care.
  • Learn about agency adherence to best practices and patient improvement rates in key care areas.
  • Review patient feedback on recent home health care experiences, offering a patient-centric perspective to supplement Texas Health and Human Services Commission data.

Individualized Skills and Socialization: Day Habilitation Services Under Texas Health and Human Services Commission Oversight

Licensed individualized skills and socialization services facilities, overseen by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, provide day habilitation services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in the community. These services, typically offered Monday through Friday, focus on:

  • Person-centered activities: Tailoring activities to individual needs and preferences, as emphasized by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
  • Employment Support: Assisting individuals in pursuing and achieving employment goals, aligning with Texas Health and Human Services Commission initiatives for community inclusion.
  • Personal Assistance: Providing support for individuals who cannot independently manage personal care needs, ensuring dignity and well-being under Texas Health and Human Services Commission guidelines.

Provider Search Summary for Individualized Skills and Socialization Services

The initial results page of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search provides an overview of facilities offering individualized skills and socialization services that meet your search criteria. Results can be sorted by provider name, city, or ZIP code for user convenience.

Individual Provider Pages for Individualized Skills and Socialization Services

General Information

This section includes details about facility ownership, chain affiliation, and maximum participant capacity, providing key operational details about the facility as reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Surveys Information

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission surveys each facility every two years, on average, to ensure compliance with state regulations aimed at protecting participant health and safety. The search tool reports on survey results, including:

  • Medication errors, employee background checks, facility management practices, and other factors that could impact participant health, all assessed against Texas Health and Human Services Commission standards.

The results page displays the date of the most recent survey and the number of violations found, along with a statewide average for comparison. Specific violations are also listed, providing transparency into the facility’s compliance history as evaluated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs/IID) and State Supported Living Centers: Comprehensive Care Under Texas Health and Human Services Commission Auspices

ICFs/IID, ranging from small group homes to large state supported living centers managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, provide comprehensive care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Residents in ICFs/IID receive assistance with:

  • Active treatment: Programs designed to maximize independence and skill development, as mandated by Texas Health and Human Services Commission regulations.
  • Medication management: Ensuring safe and accurate medication administration.
  • Daily living activities: Support with dressing, cooking, bathing, and other personal care tasks.

Texas also operates 13 state supported living centers, directly managed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, specializing in 24-hour care for individuals with IDD who require intensive support.

Individual Facility Pages for ICFs/IID and State Supported Living Centers

General Information

This section includes details about facility ownership, chain affiliation, maximum resident capacity, and Medicaid acceptance status, providing a comprehensive overview of the facility’s operational and financial characteristics as reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Inspections/Surveys Information

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission inspects/surveys each ICF/IID and state supported living center approximately annually to ensure resident health and safety. Inspections/surveys focus on two key areas:

  • Health: Evaluating medication error rates, employee background checks, facility management, and other factors affecting resident health, all assessed against Texas Health and Human Services Commission standards.
  • Life Safety Code: Assessing facility construction and safety features designed to protect against hazards like fire and smoke, ensuring a safe environment as per Texas Health and Human Services Commission requirements.

The search results display the date of the last inspection/survey. Deficiencies, if found, are explained, along with citation and correction dates, offering transparency into the facility’s compliance history as documented by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Right to Appeal for ICFs/IID and State Supported Living Centers

Facilities cited for deficiencies by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have the right to appeal. Successful appeals may lead to the amendment or removal of the deficiency from the facility’s record, as maintained by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Nursing Homes: High-Level Medical Care Under Texas Health and Human Services Commission Regulation

Nursing homes, regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, offer the highest level of care outside of a hospital setting for most individuals. In addition to extensive medical care, residents receive assistance with mobility, feeding, bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living.

While most Texas nursing homes accept both Medicare and Medicaid, some are private pay only. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission ensures consistent standards of care across all licensed facilities.

Provider Search Summary for Nursing Homes

The results page of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search provides an overview of nursing homes meeting your criteria. Results can be sorted by city or ZIP code for user convenience.

Individual Facility Pages for Nursing Homes

General Information

This section includes details about facility ownership, chain affiliation, maximum resident capacity, and Medicare/Medicaid acceptance status, providing essential operational and financial information as reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Inspections/Surveys Information

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission inspects/surveys each nursing home approximately annually to ensure resident health and safety. Inspections/surveys focus on:

  • Health: Assessing medication errors, employee background checks, facility management, and other factors impacting resident health, all evaluated against Texas Health and Human Services Commission standards.
  • Life Safety Code: Evaluating facility construction and safety features to protect against hazards like fire and smoke, ensuring a safe environment as per Texas Health and Human Services Commission requirements.

The search results display the date of the most recent inspection/survey, and any deficiencies found, along with citation and correction dates, providing a transparent view of the facility’s compliance history as documented by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Right to Appeal for Nursing Homes

Facilities cited for deficiencies by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have the right to appeal. Successful appeals may result in the amendment or removal of the deficiency from the facility’s record, as maintained by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Nursing Home Compare Resource

Nursing Home Compare is a federal website providing quality of care and other information for Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing homes. This resource, while external to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission website, offers valuable supplementary data for evaluating nursing home options.

Hospital-based Nursing Homes: Specialized Post-Hospital Care Under Texas Health and Human Services Commission Standards

Hospital-based nursing homes, regulated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, are nursing facilities located within hospitals. They provide care for patients discharged from the hospital who are not yet ready to return home, often referred to as skilled nursing or rehabilitation care.

It is important to note that hospital-based nursing homes do not typically accept general admissions; patients must be specifically admitted following a hospital stay, under the oversight of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Provider Search Summary for Hospital-based Nursing Homes

The results page of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search offers an overview of hospital-based nursing homes meeting your criteria. Results can be sorted by facility name, city, or ZIP code for user convenience.

Individual Facility Pages for Hospital-based Nursing Homes

General Information

This section includes details about facility ownership, chain affiliation, maximum resident capacity, and Medicare/Medicaid acceptance status, providing key operational and financial details as reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Right to Appeal for Hospital-based Nursing Homes

Facilities cited for deficiencies by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission have the right to appeal. Successful appeals may result in the amendment or removal of the deficiency from the facility’s record, as maintained by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Nursing Home Compare Resource

Nursing Home Compare is a federal website that includes quality of care and other information on nursing homes that are Medicare- or Medicaid-certified, offering supplementary information to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission data.

Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers: Specialized Care for Medically Dependent Minors Under Texas Health and Human Services Commission Licensing

Prescribed pediatric extended care centers (PPECCs), licensed by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission since January 1, 2015, are non-residential facilities providing physician-prescribed basic services to seven or more medically or technologically dependent minors (age 21 or under). Maximum capacity is capped at 60 minors. Minors can receive up to 12 hours of daily basic services, including:

  • Medical services
  • Nursing care
  • Psychosocial support
  • Therapeutic interventions
  • Developmental services, all within the regulatory framework established by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Provider Search Summary for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers

The results page of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Provider Search provides an overview of PPECCs meeting your search criteria. Results can be sorted by facility name, city, or ZIP code for user convenience.

General Information

This section includes details about facility ownership, chain affiliation, and maximum participant capacity, providing essential operational information about the PPECC as reported to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Inspections Information

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission inspects each PPECC approximately every two years to ensure compliance with state regulations designed to protect participant health and safety. The search tool reports on compliance in two areas:

  • Health: Evaluating medication errors, employee background checks, facility management, and other factors impacting participant health, all assessed against Texas Health and Human Services Commission standards.
  • Life Safety Code: Assessing facility construction and safety features to prevent hazards like fire and smoke, ensuring a safe environment as per Texas Health and Human Services Commission requirements.

The results page indicates the date of the last inspection and the number of violations found, with a statewide average for comparison. Specific violations are also listed, offering transparency into the facility’s compliance history as evaluated by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Resources

For further information and resources related to long-term care in Texas, please refer to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission website and related state and federal resources.

Contact

For any questions or assistance regarding the LTC Provider Search or long-term care services, please contact the Texas Health and Human Services Commission directly through the contact information provided in relevant sections above or on their official website.

Need Long-term Care Services?

Visit Your Texas Benefits or call 1-855-937-2372 to find long-term care services in a specific area, connecting you with resources managed and overseen by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

Note: The LTC Provider Search is a tool provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to aid in your long-term care selection process. It does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific provider by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. The information is updated monthly and reflects data from a limited timeframe, and may not include very recent or older events. Always conduct thorough and up-to-date due diligence when selecting a long-term care provider.

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