** COMMUNITY CLINIC VOICE NEWS
** CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
** CLINICAL
** EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
** FLU
** FUNDING
** GREEN HEALTH CARE
** HEALTH POLICY & TRENDS
** HEALTH REFORM
** IT & HEALTH CARE
** MEDI-CAL/MEDICARE
** OBESITY PREVENTION
** OPERATIONS
** QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
** WORKFORCE
** UPCOMING EVENTS
** COMMUNITY CLINIC VOICE NEWS:
PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE VOICE - If you're attending the Tri-County Health Care Symposium in Huntington Beach on 1/29, please bring your colleagues by for a guided tour of the Voice at table 25 in the Exhibits area. You can download a Voice brochure to distribute at your meetings by clicking the "About" link at the top right of any Voice page. And please help spread the word about the newly-redesigned Voice by running an article in your newsletters, publications or website - contact Sue, sdormanen@tides.org, if you'd like a sample draft to adapt.
NEW HOSTED DISCUSSIONS - New this month in the Voice Discussions area is a Q&A on Strategic Restructuring for Community Health Clinics that introduces a Feb 4th webinar sponsored by CHCF. Andra Lichtenstein has launched a new topic on Debt Financing Options for Capital Projects, and Beth Greenwood begins a conversation on Quality Improvement. Sarah Stegemoeller of Public Counsel continues her Q&A on Legal Issues that Impact Clinics, and Lynn Miner writes about Successful Grantseeking in a Tough Economy. You'll find these discussions and many more by clicking the "Discussions" tab at the top of any page on the Voice site. Please add your thoughts, or start a new discussion at:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/discussions
** CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT:
$5 MILLION LOAN FUND LAUNCHES $75 MILLION CAPITAL PROGRAM FOR CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS - NCB Capital Impact's $75 million, three-year “Healthier California” program aims to get more capital to community health facilities throughout California.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec453d
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS: A VITAL STRATEGY FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT - As community development investments, health centers have an excellent track record of responsibly using debt to finance their growth. This report from NCB Capital Impact examines the link between health centers and community development. CHCs could use material from this report in their funding proposals.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4582
NEW JOBS BILL MAY MEAN ADDITIONAL FACILITY INVESTMENTS FOR HEALTH CENTERS - NACHC requests that Congress include an additional $2 billion for facility investments in health centers. Directing additional resources to health centers in the form of additional FIP awards is a fast, effective way to generate meaningful employment.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec365d
DEBT FINANCING OPTIONS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS - Andra Lichtenstein of Capital Incubator launches a new Voice discussion with a comparison of the pros and cons of the four most prevalent financing options available to health centers: 1) Commercial bank loans; 2) New Markets Tax Credits; 3) Tax-exempt bond financing; and 4) Alternative and community loans. Post your questions for Andra here, and look for future posts on financing readiness, how to choose an adviser and lender, and more.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4910
** CLINICAL:
FIRST CLINICAL MEASURE DEFINITIONS FROM STANDARDIZED MEASURES GROUP - The measure set includes: HbA1c Control in Diabetics; Hypertensive Patients with Blood Pressure under Control; LDL Control in Patients with Diabetes; Cervical Cancer Screening; Mammography Test; and Colorectal Cancer Screening.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec44ed
TRANSFORMING THE PRIMARY-SPECIALTY CARE INTERFACE BY CLARIFYING SPECIALISTS’ ROLES - CPCA has added the powerpoint presentation from their Dec 14 webinar to the Voice Library:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec34cd
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CALLS ON IMPROVING PRIMARY CARE - Margo Maida, Hal Yee, Lisa Johnson, Michael Aratow and Chester Kunnappilly are presenters in this series hosted by National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems and The Safety Net Institute. Now available online.
http://communityclinicvoice.org/.eec493d
THE WARM HAND OFF TRAINING VIDEO ON INTEGRATED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE - Sierra Family Medical Clinic describes how patients who come in for primary care can be referred on the same day to the behavioral health counselor. Now available on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/sierrafamilymedical
PEDIATRIC PRACTICE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT TRAINS PARENT CONSULTANTS ON SPECIAL NEEDS COORDINATION - Parents of special needs children assist physicians in providing comprehensive, coordinated medical homes. Evaluation showed fewer inpatient admissions and less intensive resource use by participations in the program.
http://communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4919
STANFORD'S NEW APPROACH TO CME COURSES - An unbiased program of postgraduate education on campus will operate separate from drug industry influence.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec452c
* EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS:
HHS DELIVERS THE NATION'S FIRST HEALTH SECURITY STRATEGY - The nation’s first comprehensive strategy focused on protecting people’s health during a large-scale emergency outlines 10 objectives to achieve health security.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec42c2
READY OR NOT? H1N1 EXEMPLIFIES U.S. STRUGGLE WITH PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES - Complications with fall 2009 production and distribution of influenza A(H1N1) vaccine reveal just how unprepared the nation is to respond to public health emergencies. A pattern of underfunding is cited as a key factor in why state and federal health departments are largely unprepared for crisis response, in an annual report Trust for America's Health. In the state-by-state scores, CA achieved 8 out of 10 key indicators of public health emergency preparedness.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec40b1
** FLU:
H1N1 FLU'S HIGHER TOLL AMONG CALIFORNIA'S MINORITY COMMUNITIES - Black and Hispanic Californians are more likely to be hospitalized or die as a result of H1N1 influenza compared with the state's white population, according to new data from the California Department of Public Health. The cause may be higher rates of chronic health conditions and poorer access to health care compared with other populations.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec46ed
CPCA ALERT: DO NOT USE THE N-95 MASK, MODEL 8000 FROM THE STATE STOCKPILE - These respirators are unable to be fit-tested to most individuals.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec42e9
** FUNDING:
NETWORKING FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH RFP #2 - The second Networking for Community Health Request for Proposals from the Community Clinics Initiative is designed to help clinics strengthen and expand their working relationships with both traditional and non-traditional partners toward the goal of improving community health. Letters of Interest due Feb 12.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec4472
AND SEE: NETWORKING FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH RFP FAQs - Read Q&A from the bidders conferences, and post your own questions for CCI staff:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4927/2
NEW $10 M FUND TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY CLINICS AND HEALTH SAFETY NET IN MARIN COUNTY - Sutter Health has contributed $10 million to Marin Community Foundation to establish the Sutter Health Access to Care Fund to support Marin County's community clinics and health care safety net. The first grants from this new fund at MCF are expected to be announced in May. Nonprofit organizations eligible for support will be contacted soon and invited to apply for grants.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec49c6
COMMUNITY IMPACT GRANTS FROM CONAGRA FOOD - Grants between $10,000 and $100,000 to impactful, grassroots organizations that leverage innovation and creativity to address childhood hunger and nutrition. LOIs due Jan 29.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec46ec
NEW STIMULUS FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH IT FROM HHS BEACON COMMUNITIES PROGRAM - HHS announced $235 million in stimulus funding will be available to 15 "Beacon Communities" to accelerate and demonstrate the benefits of health information technology. Applications due Feb 1. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec2386
FORD FOUNDATION SEEKS PROPOSALS ON SEXUALITY, HEALTH, AND RIGHTS AMONG YOUTH IN U.S. - The goal of this new program is to strengthen the capacity of social science researchers to inform public policy and public understanding of sexuality-related issues from a human rights perspective. Letters of Intent due February 1.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec36d0
CALL FOR PROPOSALS TO EVALUATE DISPARITIES INTERVENTIONS - Finding Answers: Disparities Research for Change, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, will make up to 5 awards of up to $400,000 to evaluate interventions with the potential to reduce racial and ethnic health care disparities in the treatment of cardiovascular disease, depression or diabetes. Humboldt Co., CA, is among target areas. Brief proposals due Feb 4.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec32bd
HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION FOR HEALTH CENTER CONTROLLED NETWORKS (HCCN) - Guidance on $88 million HCCN Investments has been published. The application deadline is Feb 5.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec3052
HHS ANNOUNCES $27 MILLION FROM RECOVERY ACT TO HELP OLDER AMERICANS FIGHT CHRONIC DISEASE - This competitive initiative gives every state Aging and Health Department and U.S. territory the opportunity to implement rigorously tested Chronic Disease Self-Management Programs. Application deadline is Feb 12.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec32b7
THE CALIFORNIA WELLNESS FOUNDATION 2010 SABBATICAL PROGRAM - TCWF will fund up to eight $35,000 grants to nonprofit health organizations, to provide their executive directors with up to six months away from the workplace. Applications due Feb 19.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec4213
RFA: SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND HIV PREVENTION READY-TO-RESPOND INITIATIVE - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention is accepting applications for fiscal year 2010 grants through Feb 23.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec486e
COMMUNITIES CREATING HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS ROUND 2 - A national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation aims to prevent childhood obesity by increasing access to healthy foods and safe places to play in communities of color. Apply by Feb 25.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec493c
ACTIVE AGING: SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS AND ENHANCING COMMUNITY-BASED CARE THROUGH HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY - AHRQ solicits applications to develop a specialized center to carry out community-based participatory research on the use of communication and information focused technologies on improving the health status of, and health-related services provided to, older adults. Letters of Intent due Feb 25.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec48d6
COUNTY MEDICAL SERVICES PROGRAM LOCAL HEALTH CONNECTIONS PILOT PROJECT RFP - Testing the effectiveness of providing local-level services and support to designated CMSP enrollees and likely CMSP enrollees that have complex medical and/or social conditions. Proposals due March 5.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec4572
AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL FOUNDATION GRANTS - Priority areas are understanding and fostering the connection between mental and physical health to ensure well-being; reducing stigma and prejudice; preventing violence; and supporting programs that address the long-term psychological needs of individuals and communities in the aftermath of disaster. Apply by March 15.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec485f
MAC AIDS FUND U.S. COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM - Grants for programs that are providing food and nutrition and housing services to people living with HIV and AIDS. Applications due March 15 for food and nutrition; June 15 for housing.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec485e
AND SEE: SUCCESSFUL GRANTSEEKING IN A TOUGH ECONOMY - In this ongoing discussion, Lynn Miner writes on the elements of systemic infrastructure building, finding potential collaborators, and other current grantseeking trends. Please add your comments and questions:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb2e04/42
** GREEN HEALTH CARE:
GREEN GUIDE FOR HEALTH CARE OPERATIONS PILOT PROGRAM ACCEPTING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST BY FEb 15 - The intent of the Operations Pilot is to create a learning community of peers to share best practices across the different areas that comprise sustainable health care operations using web-based tools and resources. The brief expression of interest form is free and non-binding.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec48dd
** HEALTH POLICY & TRENDS:
GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED 2010-11 BUDGET - The plan released this month makes $4.6 billion in spending reductions with deep cuts to health and human service programs, including total savings of $1.1 billion in the Medi-Cal Program for 2009-10 and 2010-11. Some of the proposals have been rejected by the Legislature in previous years. The Governor proposes up to $4.6 billion additional spending cuts and certain tax increases if the state does not receive $6.9 billion in additional federal funds assumed in the Proposed 2010-11 Budget.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec448b
DAMAGE ALREADY DONE: A REPORT ON THE 2009 HEALTH CARE STATE BUDGET CUTS- Aix months into the 2009 budget, hundreds of thousands of Californians have been denied care or coverage for key services, and we see indications of the health system we all rely on crumbling, with five clinics closing, says a report from Health Access California detailing the impact of nearly $2 billion in cuts already made to the state’s healthcare system in the current budget year.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4449
HEALTH CENTERS RESPOND TO GOVERNOR’S STATE OF THE STATE AND SPEAKER BASS’S COMMENTS ABOUT CALIFORNIA’S SAFETY NET - California’s health centers have endured two years of devastating budget cuts and are on the brink of catastrophe at a time when demand has never been higher. We applaud Speaker Bass for refusing any further cuts, says CPCA.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec42bf
REPORT CARD GIVES CALIFORNIA LOW GRADES FOR KIDS' HEALTH, ORAL HEALTH CARE - Children Now gave California D+ grades on both its efforts to provide children's health care and children's oral health services in its annual California Report Card, attributing the low scores to state cuts in children's health programs.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec42c0
FUNDING FOR HEALTHY KIDS UNRAVELING IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY - Local leaders acknowledge if circumstances don't improve within the next two years, Healthy Kids may be forced to close. In conjunction with the California HealthCare Foundation Center for Health Reporting, the Santa Cruz Sentinel produced a series of articles about the future of children's health insurance in California.
http://communityclinicvoice.org/.eec492b
SANTA ROSA COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS EXPANDING MISSION - With an ever-larger role in caring for those with low pay or no pay at all -- and with little or no insurance -- the health center is nearing the end of a capital campaign and on the verge of a major expansion to a state-of-the-art medical campus in Fountaingrove.
http://communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4923
NEW ORLEANS SUCCESS STORY: SAFETY-NET CLINICS MAKING HEALTH CARE MORE EFFICIENT AND AFFORDABLE - The new model developed post-Katrina relies primarily on a loosely affiliated network of independent, local clinics funded by federal and local government and includes financial incentives for providers to improve care. It could serve as a national model for providing health services to vulnerable populations, according to a new Commonwealth Fund report.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec46f7
SACRAMENTO COUNTY EFFORT CREDITED WITH DROP IN SENIORS' EMERGENCY DEPT USE- A case management program identifies frequent users of hospital EDs to a team of specialists, who then connect seniors with a host of services in more appropriate settings. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec448f
CREATION OF SAFETY-NET BASED PROVIDER NETWORKS UNDER THE CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE COVERAGE INITIATIVE - Interim findings suggest that safety-net provider networks can help expand health care access and coverage for low-income and indigent residents. Based on the experiences of 10 California counties, the reports make several recommendations for developing and implementing effective safety-net provider networks.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4457
U.S. RELEASES FUNDS FOR HEALTHY FAMILIES FOR DOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS - Previously, California covered the cost of Healthy Families coverage for documented immigrant children, but the CHIP reauthorization bill of February, 2009 made federal funds available to cover documented immigrant children.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec415d
ADVOCACY TRAINING CAN GIVE MED STUDENTS, RESIDENTS SKILLS TO IMPROVE COMMUNITY HEALTH - The result is happier residents who are adept at developing relationships with government officials and local leaders and who can successfully collaborate with other stakeholders to achieve community health goals, acording to an assistant professor of community and family medicine at Dartmouth Medical School.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec49b6
** HEALTH REFORM:
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? - Last week's election result in Massachusetts was both a serious blow and a potential opportunity for the progressive agenda, writes Deepak Bhargave of the Center for Community Change. The real and imminent risk is paralysis by fear. A post-election poll from Kaiser Family Foundation suggests that health reform became a reflection of, and in some ways a proxy for, deeper concerns about how Washington works today.
http://communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4938
HEALTH REFORM IN THE STATE OF THE UNION - While Obama did not offer a plan to restart the reform debate or a timeline, he vowed not to give up on passing health care reform legislation. A January poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation found Americans remain unaware of key provisions in the legislation and often become more supportive when told about them.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec49c8
CALIFORNIA'S STAKE IN THE HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL - Daniel Zingale of The California Endowment, a former senior advisor to Governor Schwarzenegger, discusses the impact on California's financial situation.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec44e3
CALIF. DEMOCRATS REVIVE SINGLE-PAYER HEALTH CARE - As national health care reform grew more uncertain, the California Legislature revived a bill to create a universal health care system in the state. SB 810 works by pooling together the money that government, employers and individuals spend on health care each year and using that money more efficiently by greatly reducing administrative costs, say its supporters.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4907
** IT & HEALTH CARE:
VIEW PUBLIC COMMENTS ON PROPOSED 'MEANINGFUL USE' OF EHRS RULES - A 60-day public comment period for newly proposed regulations on the "meaningful use" of electronic health records opened on Jan 13, 2010; CMS is posting comments for public viewing as they are received. The rules describe how physicians and hospitals can qualify for financial incentives by meeting three stages of progressively more demanding sets of measures when using health IT in their practices. The initial set of criteria would concentrate on collecting data electronically, sharing information with other providers and patients, and reporting quality measures to the government.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec4585
MEANINGFUL USE RULES CAP YEAR-END FLURRY OF HEALTH IT ACTIVITY - While the meaningful use rules released in December were one of the most anticipated health IT developments, the federal government also is moving ahead with various other programs spelled out in the federal stimulus package.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec48d7
CCHIT PLANS SITE CERTIFICATION PROGRAM FOR EHRS ALREADY IN USE BY PROVIDERS - CCHIT expects to launch a site certification program this summer after HHS announces its final rules on meaningful use of electronic health records, to inspect and certify any mix of EHR technologies in place, whether commercial, open source, or self-developed. eClinicalWorks became the latest vendor to guarantee its EHR software will meet meaningful use criteria.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec488d
MAKING A CONNECTION: CLINICS COLLABORATE ON EHR DEPLOYMENT - The California Networks for Electronic Health Record Adoption (CNEA) initiative promotes networks by helping to develop centralized support hubs that provide technology, training, vendor management, and other services that community clinics require for EHR adoption.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec32ed
FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDS TO HELP MEDI-CAL PROVIDERS ADOPT ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS - California will receive about $2.5 million to encourage EHR adoption among health care providers who serve beneficiaries of Medi-Cal.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec36a0
ARE ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS HELPFUL FOR CARE COORDINATION? Experiences of Physician Practices - EMRs help to facilitate care coordination within a practice, but are less helpful for exchanging information between practices and settings because of interoperability issues, according to a study of small- and medium-sized physician practices.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec40f0
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: NEW CALIF REGIONAL EXTENSION CENTERS - CPCA is hiring an Executive Director for the newly formed Cal-REC whose purpose is to help priority primary care providers meaningfully use certified EHR technology to improve the quality and value of healthcare.
http://communityclinicvoice.org/.eec45bb
CALIFORNIA eHEALTH COLLABORATIVE FRONT-RUNNER TO OVERSEE FEDERAL STIMULUS DOLLARS FOR STATE HIT - CalRHIO is disbanding after failing to be named the lead. The first wave of federal money -- about $40 million -- is expected to begin flowing into California early this year. The existing Health Information Exchanges in California that make up CAeHC seem to be ready for the challenge, writes Mark Street.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4475/0
WHAT MAKES HIES VIABLE?- Results from a national survey of regional health information organizations show simplicity and early funding commitments from participants improve viability of the initiatives.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec34c0
KP & VA BEGIN HEALTH DATA EXCHANGE PROJECT IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY - The partnership marks the first time a federal agency has linked its EHR system with a private medical organization.
http://communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec420f
CISCO ANNOUNCES $10M GIFT TO TELEMEDICINE PROJECT INVOLVING CHCs - The San Jose-based company is partnering with Molina Healthcare, Mountain Health and Community Services and La Maestra Community Health Centers, both based in San Diego, and the state to provide health and wellness services to underserved communities throughout the state. And, UC Davis broke ground on a California TeleHealth Resource Center at its Sacramento campus.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec485d
POLITICAL EARTHQUAKES, HEALTH CARE REFORM AND HEALTH IT - Health IT policy and funding can shape a reformed health care system, writes Bruce Fried for iHealthBeat.
http://www.ihealthbeat.org/perspectives/2010/political-earthquakes-health-care-reform-and-health-it.aspx
CDC: 43.9% OF OFFICE-BASED PHYSICIANS USED EHRS IN 2009 - 20.5% reported having EHRs that included basic features; 6.3% reported using fully functional EHRs.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec44e2
** MEDI-CAL/MEDICARE:
STATE CONVENES MEDI-CAL WAIVER STAKEHOLDER COMMITTEE - The California HealthCare Foundation, the California Endowment, and the Blue Shield of California Foundation have agreed to fund five meetings, which will take place through July. Four technical workgroups also will convene. Comments or questions may be emailed to
WaiverRenewal@dhcs.ca.gov.
All meeting materials and recordings are available online.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec452d
MEDI-CAL MANUAL OF CRITERIA & PROVIDER BULLETINS/MANUAL - Access the now very important Medi-Cal “Manual of Criteria” as well as the Medi-Cal Manual and Bulletins and other resources at:
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/Pages/Medi-CalPubs.aspx
L.A. COUNTY HEALTH PLANS EXTEND DENTAL COVERAGE FOR MEDI-CAL ENROLLEES - After last year's budget cuts eliminated Medi-Cal coverage for adult dental care, L.A. Care Health Plan and Health Net have initiated efforts to extend dental coverage to their Medi-Cal members. L.A. Care Health also granted more than $700,000 to help 10 community clinics provide dental care for its approximately 200,000 adult Medi-Cal beneficiaries.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec49c7
EQUALITY OF MEDICAID/MEDICARE RATES FOR PRIMARY CARE - More than 100 national and state organizations joined to send a letter to House and Senate leaders supporting equality of Medicaid and Medicare rates for primary care services. Medicaid rates average about two-thirds of Medicare rates for primary care services, according to the letter.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec46b9
BIG INCREASE IN MEDI-CAL NUMBERS SINCE 2000; 1 IN 5 IN U.S. LACKED INSURANCE IN PAST YEAR - While the number of Californians who are uninsured increased only slightly from 2000 to 2008, the percentage of state residents enrolled in Medi-Cal has jumped by more than 25%, according to a California HealthCare report that also found significant increases in health insurance premiums from 2002 to 2009. CDC reports that nearly 20% of the population lacked health insurance at some point in last year.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec3437
MEDICAID HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE PROGRAMS - The Kaiser Family Foundation summarizes the main trends to emerge from the latest expenditures and participant data for the three main Medicaid Home and Community-Based Service programs.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec36d1
** OBESITY PREVENTION:
PROGRAM TO REVERSE CHILDHOOD OBESITY EXPANDS NATIONWIDE - Fifty communities across the country are part of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 's landmark "Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities " to improve access to affordable healthy foods and opportunities for physical activity for children and families. California sites are:
Oakland, the Central Valley, Baldwin Park, Watsonville/Pajaro and Rancho Cucamonga.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4972
HHS SECRETARY, SURGEON GENERAL JOIN FIRST LADY IN PLANS TO COMBAT OBESITY AND SUPPORT HEALTHY CHOICES - The First Lady recently announced that she will launch a major initiative on childhood obesity in the next few weeks and has asked HHS to play a key role. Today, HHS released The Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy and Fit Nation.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec49ee
** OPERATIONS:
COMMENT ON STANDARDIZED MEASURES GROUP OPERATIONAL MEASURES- Following the release of its first clinical measure set, the SMG has drafted three operational measures on Cycle Time; Third Next Available Appointment; and Failure to Keep/No-Show Rate. The public comment period is open through January 31.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4855
NEW FEDERALLY QUALIFIED HEALTH CENTER LOOK-ALIKE GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION - In an effort to strengthen the FQHC Look-Alike Program and align it with the Health Center Program, HRSA has made extensive changes to the requirements for securing and maintaining FQHC Look-Alike designation. Replays of Q&A conference calls are now available.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4852
PROVIDER AND NURSE PEER REVIEW - Shasta Community Health Center has posted an explanation of the four part system they use, along with related process tools.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec48d1
BUSINESS ASSOCIATE AGREEMENTS AND NEW HITECH HIPAA REQUIREMENTS - Sarah Stegemoeller, Senior Staff Attorney at Public Counsel, writes on amending business associate agreements to comply with the new Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act. The HITECH statutory obligations have been in place for several months, the enforcement component will be triggered in February, 2010.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4488
SHARED SERVICES: NEW GUIDE HELPS NONPROFITS INCREASE ORGANIZATIONAL EFFICIENCIES DESPITE TIGHT BUDGETS - This new guide from Tides on creating collaborative solutions showcases innovative ways nonprofits can do more with less.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec496c
AMA RESISTS FTC RED FLAGS RULE - After several delays, the rules to counter identity theft are now set to be enforced beginning on June 1, 2010. The AMA is working to convince lawmakers that these rules should not apply to health care providers.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec48d0
AND SEE: Regina M. Boyle, Attorney at Law, has recommended a collection of useful Operations tools for the Voice Library. Click the Library Tab at the top of any Voice page, expand the "Operations" bar at right, and click "Corporate Compliance."
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
:
THE ROLE OF SHARED RESOURCES IN MEDICAL HOMES AND INTEGRATED SYSTEMS OF CARE - A Commonwealth Fund webcast describes how primary care practices can gain assistance in becoming medical homes through shared practice supports, such as technical assistance for implementing electronic medical records or the sharing of clinical services, like a community-based care coordination system.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4451
STATES IN ACTION: PATIENT SAFETY INITIATIVES - The Commonwealth Fund's latest newsletter looks at state patient safety initiatives, including a comprehensive Quality Improvement program in Minnesota. There is also a Q&A with safety expert Lucian Leape.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec4918
$6 M PATIENT SAFETY FIRST EFFORT - Anthem Blue Cross of California announced a three-year collaborative project o boost patient safety and curb health care costs in the state.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec488b
AND SEE: A NEW VOICE DISCUSSION ON QUALITY IMPROVEMENT - In this new discussion, Beth Greenwood of Shasta Health asks: What is the basic minimum "tool set" you think you need to do quality improvement in health care? Let's assume cost is no object. What would you buy? What sort of training would you get? Who would you want on your team?
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec487d
** WORKFORCE:
GREATER ACCESS THROUGH WORKFORCE INNOVATION - A new report from California HealthCare Foundation reviews workforce initiatives designed to increase access to care for Californians, highlighting the California Health Workforce Pilot Project (HWPP) administered by the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. The project offers the opportunity to safely assess new approaches to the delivery of care.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec34d5
** UPCOMING EVENTS:
For information on all events, or to post your own notices, visit the Voice Calendar:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/calendar
January 29 - Annual Tri-County Health Care Symposium, Huntington Beach
January 29 - Stakeholder Input on State's Mental Health Services, Sacramento
January 30 - FQHC Basics for CHC Board Members, San Francisco
February 1-3 - 340B Coalition Winter Conf, San Francisco-
February 2 - Importance of Coding in CHCs, CPCA Webinar
February 2-5 - National HIPAA Summit, D.C. & Online
February 4 - Strategic Restructuring for Community Clinics, Free CHCF Webinar and Q&A Discussion
February 4 - Social and Economic Context of the Governor's Proposed 2010-11 Budget Briefing, Sacramento
February 4 - Fundraising: Creating a Strong Case Statement Webinar
February 4-5 - National Health Information Exchange Summit, DC & Online
February 5 - Seminar on Billing Issues and Filing Medi-Cal Claims, Fremont
February 9-10 - Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP) Annual Conference, Sacramento
February 10-12 - CA Mental Health Policy Forum, Riverside-
February 11 - H1N1 Impacts Every Workplace: Launch of CPCA HR Directors Peer Network
February 16 - California Legislative Rural Caucus Informal Hearing, Sacramento
February 16 - Anna Deavere Smith at the Center for Healthy Communities, L.A.
February 16 - Sliding Fee Scale. CPCA Webinar
February 16-19 - Nonprofit Technology Conference Webinar Series: IT & Communications Tracks
February 17 - CCHC Board Development, CPCA Webinar
February 17-18 - CPCA 2010 Health Information and Technology Summit, Napa-
February 19 - Project TEACH Smoke-free Policy Training, Tarzana
February 24 - CCHC Board Member Responsibilities and Challenges Webinar
February 24 - Job Fair @ Council of Community Clinics, San DIego
February 24-28 - NACHC 2010 Policy & Issues Forum, Washington, D.C. February 25 - Relationships: The Behavioral Health Consultant, Primary Care Physician, and Psychiatrist Webinar
February 28 - March 2 - Tenth Population Health/Disease Management Conf & Internet Event, Philadelphia & online
March 1-2 - National Medical Home Summit, Philadelphia & Online
March 1-4 - HIMSS 2010, Atlanta
March 3 - Financial Compliance for CHC Board Members Webinar
March 9-10 - National Pay for Performance Summit, San Francisco
March 10-11 - Billing Manager Basics Bootcamp, CPCA Sacramento
March 17-19 - Health Care Volunteer Leadership Conference, Sacramento
March 19-20 - Californians for Pesticide Reform Annual Conf: Healthy Harvest From Field to Table, Sacramento
March 25 - Warm Hand Offs Webinar
April 8-10 - Nonprofit Technology Conference, Atlanta
April 14-15 - 10th Annual Behavioral Health Information Management Conference and Exposition: Addressing the Needs of Mental Health, Alcohol, and Other Drug Programs, Hollywood
CPCA's On-Demand Trainings - Take courses online at your convenience.
http://www.cpca.org/programs/ondemand
For information on all events, or to post your own notices, visit the Voice Calendar:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/calendar