loader image
Saturday, April 26, 2025
76.6 F
McAllen
We Welcome your Press Release
- Advertisement -

Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce $3.6 Million To Connect Nursing Facility Residents And Families

Translate to Spanish or other 102 languages!

Image for illustration purposes only

Mega Doctor News

- Advertisement -

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) today announced $3.6 million in funding for nursing facilities to purchase tablets, webcams, and headphones to connect residents with their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas is encouraging nursing facility providers to submit applications to HHSC to receive up to $3,000 in federal funding per facility for purchasing communication technology devices.

“This program will help Texans in nursing homes stay connected to their loved ones while protecting the health and safety of our most vulnerable populations,” said Governor Abbott. “As we continue to respond to COVID-19 and mitigate the spread of this virus, we are committed to developing effective strategies that protect Texans while keeping them connected.”

“Staying connected to families and friends is vitally important to Texans who live in nursing facilities during this unprecedented situation,” said David Kostroun, deputy executive commissioner for HHSC’s Regulatory Services Division. “We want facilities to know this option can help connect residents to their loved ones virtually, while still protecting everyone’s health and safety.”

- Advertisement -

HHSC is allocating Civil Money Penalty (CMP) funds for this project. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) imposes CMPs against Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities found out of compliance with federal requirements. CMP funds can be used for projects and activities that benefit nursing facility residents by improving their quality of care or quality of life.

Any Texas nursing facility can apply for this funding. Purchased devices must be cleaned and disinfected between every use by a resident. CMS has established guidelines for facilities on proper use and requirements: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/provider-portals/long-term-care-providers/nursing-facilities/civil-money-penalty-funds-nf-projects

HHSC also has encouraged facilities to implement a communication plan to help families, residents, and others stay informed and connected, noting they are legally obligated to maintain privacy and HIPAA protections.

HHSC continues to work closely with long-term care providers statewide and has issued multiple guidance letters, emergency rules and alerts, and rule waivers to give them the flexibility and information they need to protect Texans from COVID-19. Guidance provided by HHSC is posted here, and HHSC also regularly updates its FAQs for nursing facilities. Texas residents can dial 2-1-1 to learn about programs and services.

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

More Articles

STHS ​Heart’s Special Flag-Raising Ceremony for National Donate Life Month, April 30th

Mega Doctor News Making all the difference for individuals who have life-threatening conditions that impair...

RGV Boxing Champions Bring Excitement to STHS Pediatric Patients

Mega Doctor News Designed to provide the medical attention necessary to heal...

Shattered Dreams Project at Rivera Early College High School

Mega Doctor News BROWNSVILLE, Texas - As the month of April is “Distracted...

College of Pharmacy Expands Program to McAllen to Address Shortage of Pharmacy Technicians

Mega Doctor News Texas A&M University’s Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy is responding...
- Advertisement -
×