Slusher Consulting

04/01/2026

Is your PAS Agency "Survey-Ready?"

Training attendants in Texas doesn't have to be a nightmare, but many agency owners get tripped up by mixing PAS rules with Home Health rules. If you want to stay compliant without the headache, you MUST document these 7 key areas during orientation:

1️⃣ Client Rights – Choices, decision-making, and the right to file a complaint.
2️⃣ Abuse, Neglect, & Exploitation – Professional boundaries and recognition.
3️⃣ Drug Testing Policy – Setting clear expectations from day one.
4️⃣ Emergency Preparedness – Understanding notification protocols.
5️⃣ Infection Control – Universal precautions, handwashing, and PPE.
6️⃣ HIPAA & Texas HB 300 – Privacy is a top priority for state surveyors.
7️⃣ Health Screenings – Ensuring TB questionnaires and Hep B forms are on file.

💡 Pro-Tip: You don’t need a fancy training lab to verify skills! Texas allows you to use prior work history, CNA registries, or simple competency checklists.

Stop over-complicating your training and start focusing on growth. Check out our latest blog for the full breakdown: https://bit.ly/4rFACzu.

03/25/2026

Stop holding your PAS agency to Home Health standards!

One of the biggest headaches for Texas PAS agency owners is the confusion surrounding caregiver training. Many agencies mistakenly adopt a policy requiring 12 hours of annual training.

The reality? That’s a Home Health Aide rule, NOT a PAS requirement.

If your internal policy says 12 hours, state surveyors will hold you to it, even if the law doesn't. Simplify your life by focusing on what the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) actually requires:

✅ Orientation: Client rights, abuse/neglect, drug policy, and infection control.
✅ Skill Verification: Confirming competency via prior experience (CNA/References) or agency training.
✅ Annual Essentials: Performance evals, updated registry checks, and HIPAA/Infection control refreshers.

Don’t let unnecessary paperwork slow down your growth. Keep it simple, keep it compliant.

Need a streamlined New Hire Packet to make this easy? https://bit.ly/4bQTqaa

Training caregivers in a Texas Personal Assistance Services (PAS) agency can be confusing—especially when many policies and consultants mix home health rules...

03/18/2026

Running a PAS agency is a balancing act. Which part of the "act" is giving you the most trouble lately? 🤹‍♂️

Whether you're prepping for a survey or just trying to get your digital policy manual in order, Slusher Consulting is here to simplify the process. From the PAS Playbook to in-person mock surveys, we have the tools to help you grow.

Check out our current focus areas:
🔹 Initial 8-Hour & 16-Hour CEs (PAS-specific!)
🔹 Full Day Mock Surveys & QAPI Simplification
🔹 RN Delegation Programs
🔹 Complete Digital Editable Policy Manuals
🔹 TULIP Assistance & Strategic Planning

Which of these would take the biggest weight off your shoulders today? Let’s chat: candyce@slusherconsulting.com

03/11/2026

Are you 100% sure your staff isn't accidentally crossing the line into medication administration?

In the PAS world, "crossing the line" is one of the quickest ways to fail a state survey. That’s where RN Delegation comes in. Slusher Consulting has been helping agencies implement successful delegation programs since 2012. Programs that have passed state surveys time and time again.

Don’t wait for HHS to notice a violation. Learn how to add this valuable, enhanced care to your services properly.

📺 Watch the full breakdown here: https://bit.ly/4cFvbwJ
📧 Let’s talk strategy: candyce@slusherconsulting.com

03/04/2026

📬 Compliance Alert: Is Your "Postmarked" Mail Actually On Time?

Home care agency owners need to be aware of a significant shift in USPS operations that could put your compliance at risk. As of late 2025, a postmark is no longer a guaranteed indicator of the date the USPS first took possession of your mail. For providers relying on postmarks to prove they’ve met strict federal, state, or tax deadlines, this change is a potential minefield.

The USPS now suggests that if you need a specific date "locked in," you must either request a manual postmark at a retail counter (which often means long lines) or send your filings significantly earlier than usual.

At Slusher Consulting, we advocate for proactive architecture in your business. Don't leave your licensure or filings to chance. Whether you switch to a different carrier or adjust your internal mailing KPIs, ensure your strategy extends to your administrative safeguards.

This information comes from Elizabeth E. Hogue.

02/25/2026

Is your agency’s referral pipeline a leaking faucet or a flowing fountain? ⛲

Most home care owners blame "market conditions" when the census drops. But the truth? Growth isn't about the market; it’s about consistency and the architecture of your network.

In this month’s PAS Playbook deep dive, we break down the "Deep and Wide" referral strategy:

🔹 WIDE prevents collapse: You need 10–15 different referral categories so one "no" doesn't break your business.
🔹 DEEP creates consistency: It’s about the strength of the relationship within those categories.

If you aren't hitting your weekly outreach KPIs or dedicating enough leadership time to marketing, your visibility is suffering. And in this industry, visibility, not licensure, drives your census.

Are you ready to build a network that actually holds water?
🎥 Watch the breakdown video below!

How is your agency handling referral expansion this quarter? Let’s discuss in the comments!

In early 2026, cuts by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs exposed a major weakness in many home care agencies: overreliance on a single referral source....

02/16/2026

Surveyors have a "sixth sense" for the scramble.

If you’re panicked when the door opens, you’re already behind. Staying ready means more than just following rules. It’s about the QAPI cycles, emergency preparedness, and having the policies to back them up. A policy gap can turn one mistake into a "double-deep" violation.

It’s also critical to know who is at your door: A site visit from TMHP or an MCO is a contract check for billing, it is NOT a licensure survey. Don't confuse the two and leave yourself vulnerable.

Watch the breakdown to audit your prep before the surveyor does!

02/15/2026

I’m honored to be on the planning committee for HRC San Antonio’s Equality in Bloom Garden Party to
Thank you to Bertsch & Boze Elder Law, PC and San Antonio Home Care along with H-E-B for their sponsorship and support!

02/11/2026

Is your agency prepared for a DNR situation in the home?

One of the most common risks in home care is assuming a DNR is "on file." Did you know a hospital DNR often does not automatically apply once the client is back in their own home?

Without a valid, properly signed Out-of-Hospital DNR posted visibly in the home, emergency responders are legally required to perform CPR, regardless of the family's verbal requests. Additionally, if Guardianship is involved, your agency must have a copy of the court order on file to know who is legally authorized to make decisions.

Don't leave your staff or your clients at risk. Catch the details in our latest blog post: https://bit.ly/3NOuNkZ

For professional consulting and training, visit us at slusherconsulting.com.

02/04/2026

Advance Directives: Are you protecting your clients (and your agency)?

For home care agencies, advance directives are much more than just a checklist item during intake; they are the bedrock of ethical, client-centered care. Whether you operate in a regulated state or not, documenting a client’s wishes is a critical step in protecting the client, their family, and your business.

Understanding the difference between these documents is key:
✅ Living Wills: Outline specific life-sustaining measures.
✅ Medical Power of Attorney: Designates a healthcare advocate.
✅ Financial Power of Attorney: Identifies who is authorized to handle billing.

Want the full breakdown on how to handle these in your agency? Read the full blog here: https://bit.ly/3NOuNkZ

And if you need personalized guidance, visit slusherconsulting.com to schedule a consultation!

01/29/2026

Attention Texas Home Care Owners! 📣

Are you looking for a community that helps you grow, lead, and scale? The PAS Playbook is back with its monthly virtual meeting, and I am the February guest speaker.

I am on a mission to help you build a smarter and more profitable agency. Come get the operations training and growth strategies you need to take your business to the next level.

🗓 Save the Date: February 24th | 10am CT.
📍 Location: Zoom (Register for the link!).
✅ Sign Up: Text or call (214) 226 - 4542.

Let's grow together. See you there! 🤝

01/20/2026

Caregiving requires more than just physical support; it requires emotional intelligence.

We are seeing a rise in mental health challenges within the home care setting. Whether these issues are out in the open or underlying, they cannot be ignored.

It is vital that our caregivers are trained to:
✅ Identify underlying mental health needs.
✅ Understand the "why" behind agitation.
✅ De-escalate tense situations with clients or family members.

When we empower caregivers with these skills, we create a safer, more compassionate environment for everyone involved.

Knowledge is the best tool in a caregiver's kit. Watch the full video for more info on how we’re elevating care standards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yad7oaY7EHU