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 remains invaluable, the Texas Department Of Health And Human Services (TDHHS) offers a powerful online tool: the Long-Term Care (LTC) Provider Search. This resource is designed to empower you with information, helping you to make informed choices about care options in Texas.
The LTC Provider Search is a comprehensive database providing details on a variety of care providers, including:
- Nursing Homes: Facilities offering skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services.
- Assisted Living Facilities: Residential communities providing personal care and support services.
- Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD): Facilities offering specialized care and support for people with IDD.
- Daytime Programs for Adults: Also known as Adult Day Care or Day Activity and Health Services, these programs offer daytime support and activities for adults.
- Home Health, Hospice, and Personal Assistance Services: Agencies providing care and support in the comfort of your own home.
- Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers (PPECCs): Specialized centers offering care for medically-dependent or technologically-dependent children.
Understanding the LTC Provider Search: Your Gateway to Information from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services understands the complexities of navigating the long-term care landscape. The LTC Provider Search is designed to simplify this process by offering a user-friendly platform to access crucial information.
This invaluable tool categorizes long-term care providers into two main types: residential and home or community-based. This distinction helps users quickly narrow down their search based on care setting preferences.
Residential Providers, often referred to as facility-based providers, offer care within a dedicated facility setting. The search results for these providers, managed and overseen by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, include essential details such as:
- Inspection Reports: Information on facility compliance with health and safety regulations, conducted by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
- Contact Information: Direct contact details for each facility.
- Medicaid and Medicare Acceptance: Indication of whether the facility accepts these government assistance programs.
Residential facilities included in the search are:
- Assisted Living Facilities
- Daytime Programs for Adults (Day Activity and Health Services)
- Nursing Homes
- Intermediate Care Facilities for People with IDD
- Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers
Home and Community-based Programs, in contrast, are designed to support individuals in maintaining their independence within their own communities. These programs, also regulated and monitored by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, aim to prevent unnecessary institutionalization in nursing homes or hospitals. These programs encompass:
- Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs): These agencies offer a range of services including home health, hospice, and personal assistance services, all vital components of the healthcare network supported by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Requesting Further Information from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
While the LTC Provider Search offers a wealth of information, you may require more in-depth details. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services facilitates access to additional records upon request.
Accessing Residential Facility Information
For more detailed information about residential facilities, you can directly request records from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHSC) via fax, email, or mail. The types of information available include:
- Complaint History: Records of complaints filed against the facility.
- Investigation Reports: Detailed reports from investigations conducted by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
- Ownership Details: Information regarding the ownership and management structure of the facility.
To submit your request, ensure you include:
- Your Name and Contact Information (address, email, phone number)
- A Clear and Specific Description of the Information You are Requesting
Submit your requests via:
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
Accessing Home and Community-based Services Information
Similarly, for detailed information regarding Home and Community-based Services, you can also request records from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. Follow the same guidelines as above, ensuring your request is clear and includes your contact information.
Submit your requests via:
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 by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
The Location Search feature of the LTC Provider Search, provided by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, is designed for users who know the geographic area where they need services. Follow these simple steps:
- Enter Location: In the search bar, type the City, County, or ZIP code where you are seeking long-term care services.
- Select Service Type: From the drop-down list, choose the specific type of service you are looking for (e.g., Nursing Home, Home Health Provider).
- Review Results: The results page will display a sortable list of providers or facilities matching your location and service type criteria.
Important Note: The LTC Provider Search allows you to search for only one type of provider or facility at a time. For instance, you cannot simultaneously search for both nursing homes and assisted living facilities, or home health and adult day programs in a single search query. For a broader search, you will need to perform separate searches for each provider type.
Step-by-Step Guide: Utilizing the Provider Name Search by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
If you know the name of a specific provider or facility, the Provider Name Search, offered by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, is the most efficient way to find it. Here’s how to use it:
- Enter Provider Name: Type at least the first three letters of the provider’s name. These letters do not need to be the starting letters of the name.
- Optional: Select Provider Type: If you know the provider type (e.g., Assisted Living Center), you can refine your search by selecting it from the drop-down menu. If you leave this blank, the search will include all provider types matching the name.
- View Results Table: The search results will be presented in a table format. You can sort the results by clicking on the blue column headers (Name, Address, Type, etc.) to organize the information in a way that is most helpful to you.
Background on Inspections and Surveys Conducted by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and safety of long-term care facilities and providers across the state. The LTC Provider Search website provides access to survey and inspection information for facilities and providers listed under the Inspections section, which fall into several categories:
- Federally Certified and State Licensed: This includes nursing homes, intermediate care facilities, and Medicare-certified home health and hospice agencies. These facilities undergo rigorous scrutiny to meet both federal and state standards.
- State Licensed Only: This category includes assisted living facilities, day activity and health services facilities, nursing facilities not accepting Medicare or Medicaid, and non-Medicare certified home health and hospice services. These are licensed and regulated at the state level by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
- Certified Programs: Texas Home Living and Home and Community-based Services waiver programs are certified by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to ensure adherence to specific service standards.
- Contracted Programs: Medically Dependent Children Program, Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities, and Community Living Assistance and Support Services waiver programs contract with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to provide services, although direct review by HHSC may be limited unless they also hold another license or certification type.
When the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (HHSC) inspects certified facilities and providers, it’s termed a survey. During a survey, HHSC employees assess whether facilities and providers are meeting federal standards of care and operation.
Inspections or surveys conducted by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services for licensed and certified facilities and providers ensure compliance with both federal and state standards. If a provider holds both a license and certification, HHSC conducts these surveys and inspections concurrently for efficiency.
A certification review is specifically conducted by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services when reviewing certified providers, focusing on their adherence to certification requirements.
It’s important to note that the Texas Department of Health and Human Services typically does not directly review contracted providers unless they also possess a license or certification under another provider type, in which case they would be subject to the corresponding survey or inspection processes.
Assisted Living Facilities: Detailed Insights from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Assisted living facilities, as overseen by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, offer a spectrum of residential options, from smaller private homes to larger apartment-style complexes. These facilities provide housing, meals, and varying levels of personal care services, including medication administration, to four or more residents unrelated to the owner. To determine if a facility is certified to provide specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, direct contact with the facility is recommended.
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services licenses assisted living facilities based on resident capabilities, specifically considering their physical and mental ability to evacuate in an emergency and their need for nighttime supervision. This categorization leads to different facility types:
- Type A Facility: Designed for residents who are physically and mentally capable of self-evacuation, do not require routine nighttime attendance, and can follow emergency directions.
- Type B Facility: Caters to residents who may need evacuation assistance, may be unable to follow emergency directions, require nighttime staff attendance, and need help transferring to and from wheelchairs.
- Type C Facility: A smaller, four-bed facility type meeting minimum standards for enrollment with HHS as an adult foster care facility, regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Provider Search Summary for Assisted Living Facilities
The initial search results page provides a summary of assisted living facilities matching your search criteria. Results can be sorted by provider name, city, or ZIP code for convenient browsing.
Individual Facility Pages for Assisted Living Facilities
General Information
Each facility’s individual page provides general details such as ownership information, chain affiliation (if applicable), and the maximum resident capacity, all data points monitored and recorded by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Inspections Information
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services conducts inspections of each assisted living facility approximately every two years. These inspections ensure compliance with regulations designed to protect resident health and safety. Inspections assess compliance in two key areas:
- Health: This encompasses aspects like resident supervision levels, employee background checks, facility management practices, and other factors impacting resident health, all areas of regulatory focus for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
- Life Safety Code: This focuses on the facility’s construction and safety features designed to protect residents from hazards like fire and smoke, ensuring adherence to safety codes mandated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
The search results page clearly indicates the date of the last full inspection and the number of violations found, providing transparency and accountability as enforced by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. A statewide average for violations is also provided for context and comparison. This section also lists specific violations cited and the date of citation, offering detailed insight into facility compliance history as tracked by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Right to Appeal
Facilities cited for violations by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services have the right to appeal. If an appeal is successful, the violation may be amended or removed from the facility’s official record, reflecting the due process built into the regulatory framework of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Day Activity and Health Services: Information from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Day Activity and Health Services facilities, licensed by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, offer daytime services to community-dwelling adults. These programs serve as an alternative to institutional care like nursing homes and are often referred to as adult day services. Typically operating Monday through Friday, these services address participants’ physical, mental, medical, and social needs, aiming to enhance quality of life and independence under the oversight of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Provider Search Summary for Day Activity and Health Services
The initial search results page for Day Activity and Health Services facilities provides a summary of facilities matching your criteria. Results can be sorted by provider name, city, or ZIP code for easy navigation.
Individual Provider Pages for Day Activity and Health Services
General Information
Each facility’s individual page includes general information like ownership, chain affiliation, and maximum participant capacity, all data points registered and monitored by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Inspections Information
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services inspects Day Activity and Health Services facilities roughly every two years to ensure compliance with state regulations protecting participant health and safety. Inspections cover two primary areas:
- Health: This includes aspects such as medication errors, employee background checks, facility management, and other factors affecting participant health, all areas of regulatory concern for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
- Life Safety Code: This focuses on the facility’s structural safety features against hazards like fire and smoke, ensuring adherence to safety standards set by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
The search results page displays the date of the last inspection and the number of violations found, promoting transparency and accountability as mandated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. A statewide average for violations is provided for comparison. The section also lists specific violations, offering detailed information on facility compliance history as recorded by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Home Health Agencies: Resources from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs), licensed and certified by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, provide a range of services to individuals in their homes and communities. These services may include:
- Nursing Care: Skilled nursing services provided in the home.
- Therapies: Physical, occupational, speech, respiratory, and intravenous therapies.
- Social Services: Support and resource navigation provided by social workers.
HCSSAs licensed solely for personal assistance services offer personal attendant care like bathing, dressing, and toileting but are not authorized to provide skilled care such as therapies or nursing services, as defined by their licensing through the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
HCSSAs can also provide hospice services for individuals nearing the end of life, either in their homes or in dedicated hospice facilities. Medicare certification for an HCSSA signifies that the agency meets federal health and safety requirements, assuring a certain standard of care recognized by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services and federal guidelines.
Provider Search Summary for Home Health Agencies
The initial search results page for Home Health Agencies provides a summary of providers matching your criteria. Results are sortable by provider name, city, or ZIP code for user convenience.
Individual Provider Pages for Home Health Agencies
General Information
Each provider’s page includes general details such as agency ownership, service types offered, the number of clients served at license renewal, and Medicare acceptance status, all data points monitored and tracked by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Surveys Information
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services surveys each home health provider approximately every three years to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations protecting client health and safety. Surveys assess compliance in two areas:
- Health: This includes aspects like adherence to client care plans, employee background checks, agency management, and other factors affecting client health, all areas of regulatory oversight by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
- Life Safety Code: This applies to hospice services provided within a facility setting (not hospice or home health services in a private home) and focuses on structural safety features against hazards like fire and smoke, ensuring safety standards are met as mandated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Right to Appeal
Providers cited for deficiencies by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services have the right to appeal. Successful appeals may result in the amendment or removal of the deficiency from the provider’s record, reflecting the due process within the regulatory system of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Home Health Compare
For additional information on Medicare-certified home health agencies, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services recommends utilizing Home Health Compare, a federal website. This resource provides data on the quality of care provided by Medicare-certified home health agencies nationwide, offering insights into agency performance and patient experiences beyond the information directly available from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Individualized Skills and Socialization: Services Offered and Monitored by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Licensed individualized skills and socialization services facilities, overseen by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, 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: Activities tailored to individual needs and preferences.
- Employment Support: Assistance in pursuing and achieving employment goals.
- Personal Care Assistance: Support with personal care needs for individuals unable to manage independently.
Provider Search Summary for Individualized Skills and Socialization Services
The initial search results page for Individualized Skills and Socialization Services provides an overview of facilities meeting your criteria. Results can be sorted by provider name, city, or ZIP code for easy browsing.
Individual Provider Pages for Individualized Skills and Socialization Services
General Information
Each facility’s page includes general details such as ownership, chain affiliation, and maximum participant capacity, all data points tracked and regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Surveys Information
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services surveys these facilities approximately every two years to ensure compliance with state regulations protecting participant health and safety. Surveys assess various aspects, including medication errors, employee background checks, facility management, and other factors affecting participant health, all areas of regulatory focus for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
The search results page displays the date of the last survey and the number of violations found, promoting transparency and accountability as enforced by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. A statewide average for violations is provided for comparison. The section also lists specific violations, offering detailed information on facility compliance history as recorded by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs/IID) and State Supported Living Centers: Resources from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
ICFs/IID, ranging from smaller group homes to larger state-supported living centers managed by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, provide 24-hour residential care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Residents in ICFs/IID receive assistance with:
- Active Treatment: Programs and therapies aimed at maximizing independence.
- Medication Management: Assistance with medication administration.
- Daily Living Activities: Support with dressing, cooking, bathing, and other personal care tasks.
Texas also operates 13 state-supported living centers, managed directly by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, specializing in comprehensive 24-hour care for individuals with IDD, offering a crucial safety net within the state’s long-term care system.
Individual Facility Pages for ICFs/IID and State Supported Living Centers
General Information
Each facility’s page includes general details such as ownership, chain affiliation, maximum resident capacity, and Medicaid acceptance status, all data points monitored and regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Inspections/Surveys Information
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services inspects/surveys each ICF/IID and state-supported living center approximately annually to ensure resident health and safety. Inspections/surveys assess compliance in two key areas:
- Health: This includes aspects such as medication errors, employee background checks, facility management, and other factors affecting resident health, all areas of regulatory focus for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
- Life Safety Code: This focuses on the facility’s structural safety features and systems designed to protect residents from hazards like fire and smoke, ensuring adherence to safety codes mandated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
The search results display the date of the last inspection/survey. If deficiencies are found, the results provide details of the deficiency, the date cited, and the date corrected, offering a clear picture of facility compliance history as tracked by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Right to Appeal
Facilities cited for deficiencies by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services have the right to appeal. Successful appeals may lead to the amendment or removal of the deficiency from the facility’s record, reflecting the due process within the regulatory system of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Nursing Homes: Quality Information from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Nursing homes, regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, offer the highest level of care outside of a hospital setting for most individuals. In addition to comprehensive medical care, residents receive assistance with mobility (getting in and out of bed), feeding, bathing, dressing, and other essential daily activities.
While most Texas nursing homes accept both Medicare and Medicaid, some operate as private pay facilities, accepting neither government program. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services monitors all types of nursing homes to ensure consistent quality of care.
Provider Search Summary for Nursing Homes
The search results page for nursing homes provides an overview of facilities meeting your criteria. Results can be sorted by city or ZIP code for user convenience.
Individual Facility Pages for Nursing Homes
General Information
Each facility’s page includes general details such as ownership, chain affiliation, maximum resident capacity, and Medicare/Medicaid acceptance status, all data points tracked and regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Inspections/Surveys Information
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services inspects/surveys each nursing home approximately annually to ensure resident health and safety. Inspections/surveys assess compliance in two key areas:
- Health: This includes aspects such as medication errors, employee background checks, facility management, and other factors affecting resident health, all areas of regulatory focus for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
- Life Safety Code: This focuses on the facility’s structural safety features and systems designed to protect residents from hazards like fire and smoke, ensuring adherence to safety codes mandated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
The search results display the date of the last inspection/survey. If deficiencies are found, the results provide details of the deficiency, the date cited, and the date corrected, offering a clear picture of facility compliance history as tracked by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Right to Appeal
Facilities cited for deficiencies by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services have the right to appeal. Successful appeals may lead to the amendment or removal of the deficiency from the facility’s record, reflecting the due process within the regulatory system of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Nursing Home Compare
For further information on Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services recommends utilizing Nursing Home Compare, a federal website. This resource provides quality ratings and detailed information on nursing homes certified by these government programs, offering a broader perspective on facility quality beyond the information directly available from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Hospital-based Nursing Homes: Specialized Care Under the Oversight of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Hospital-based nursing homes, overseen by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, are nursing facilities located within a hospital setting. They provide care for individuals discharged from the hospital who are not yet ready to return home, often referred to as skilled nursing or rehabilitation care.
It’s important to note that these facilities typically do not accept general admissions. Patients must be specifically admitted following a hospital stay, indicating a specialized level of care within the long-term care spectrum overseen by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Provider Search Summary for Hospital-based Nursing Homes
The search results page for hospital-based nursing homes provides an overview of facilities meeting your criteria. Results can be sorted by facility name, city, or ZIP code for easy browsing.
Individual Facility Pages for Hospital-based Nursing Homes
General Information
Each facility’s page includes general details such as ownership, chain affiliation, maximum resident capacity, and Medicare/Medicaid acceptance status, all data points monitored and regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Right to Appeal
Facilities cited for deficiencies by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services have the right to appeal. Successful appeals may lead to the amendment or removal of the deficiency from the facility’s record, reflecting the due process within the regulatory system of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Nursing Home Compare
For further information on Medicare and Medicaid-certified hospital-based nursing homes, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services again recommends utilizing Nursing Home Compare. This federal resource provides quality ratings and detailed information, offering a broader perspective on these specialized facilities.
Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers (PPECCs): Specialized Care for Children, Regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services
Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers (PPECCs), licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, began operating in Texas on January 1, 2015. PPECCs are non-residential facilities, operating for profit or non-profit, providing physician-prescribed basic services to seven or more medically-dependent or technologically-dependent minors aged 21 or under. The maximum capacity for a PPECC is 60 minors. Minors can receive up to 12 hours of basic services per day, including:
- Medical Services
- Nursing Care
- Psychosocial Support
- Therapeutic Services
- Developmental Therapies
Provider Search Summary for Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers
The search results page for PPECCs provides an overview of centers meeting your criteria. Results can be sorted by facility name, city, or ZIP code for convenient browsing.
General Information
Each facility’s page includes general details such as ownership, chain affiliation, and maximum participant capacity, all data points monitored and regulated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Inspections Information
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services inspects PPECCs approximately every two years to ensure compliance with state regulations protecting participant health and safety. Inspections assess compliance in two key areas:
- Health: This includes aspects such as medication errors, employee background checks, facility management, and other factors affecting participant health, all areas of regulatory focus for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
- Life Safety Code: This focuses on the facility’s structural safety features and systems designed to protect participants from hazards like fire and smoke, ensuring adherence to safety codes mandated by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
The search results page displays the date of the last inspection and the number of violations found, promoting transparency and accountability as enforced by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. A statewide average for violations is provided for comparison. The section also lists specific violations, offering detailed information on facility compliance history as recorded by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
Resources
Your Texas Benefits – A helpful resource for finding various Texas benefits and services, including long-term care assistance.
Nursing Home Compare – Federal website with detailed information on Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing homes.
Home Health Compare – Federal website providing quality data on Medicare-certified home health agencies.
Contact
For any inquiries or further assistance, please contact the Texas Department of Health and Human Services directly through the contact information provided in the “Requesting Additional Information” sections above.
Need Long-term Care Services?
Visit Your Texas Benefits or call 1-855-937-2372 to find long-term care services in your area. This service is supported by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services to help Texans access the care they need.
Note: The LTC Provider Search, provided by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, is intended as an informational tool and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific provider. It is essential to conduct thorough due diligence and consider individual needs when making long-term care decisions. The information presented in the LTC Provider Search is updated monthly and reflects data from a limited time period, so it may not capture all recent events or historical information. Always verify information directly with the provider and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services when making critical care decisions.
