Please help build participation on the CCV by forwarding or printing this Digest for your colleagues.

** BUILDING CAPACITIES:

COMMUNITY CLINIC INITIATIVE MAJOR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN GIFT RFP #10 - Released on December 20, this RFP includes the fifth and final opportunity for Major Capital Campaign Gifts funding, as well as a one-time Green Building Grants program, focused on environmentally sustainable renovations of clinics’ buildings, spaces and/or operations. Letters of Interest and Requests to Apply are due February 2. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44105

BUILDING GREEN: FROM PRINCIPLE TO PRACTICE - A website from The Natural Resources Defense Council offers building professionals a five-step guide to planning a green building project, from inception and design through marketing. And, The Center for Health Design supports healthcare and design professionals all over the world in their quest to improve the quality of healthcare through evidence-based building design. They host an annual Healthcare Design conference, scheduled for Nov 3-7, 2007 in Dallas, TX, and publish Healthcare Design magazine, which includes a Clean Design Supplement, with articles on such topics as Minimizing Chemical Hazards in Healthcare, The Business Case for Green Buildings, Healthy Food in Healthcare, Next-Generation Materials and more. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_ID=44158

RICHMOND WILL ADDRESS PUBLIC HEALTH IN FUTURE LAND USE PLANNING - The California Endowment is funding a breakthrough analysis that could improve the health of people in urban environments statewide. Health factors to be analyzed for the City of Richmond’s General Plan Update, in consultation with Contra Costa Health Services, include nutrition, bicycle and pedestrian safety, physical health and wellness, hazardous materials and contamination, air and water quality, homelessness, and crime and violence. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43943

COMMUNITY CLINICS SEE INCREASING DEMAND - The Council of Community Clinics in San Diego is preparing for increased patient demand because of the county's growing population. The clinics also face Medi-Cal reimbursement rates that are among the lowest in the nation. New CEO Kathlyn Mead hopes to implement partnerships with the business community, and a council task force is investigating available computer systems to share medical records among the clinics. Community Health Centers of the Central Coast, a network of 18 nonprofit clinics stretching from Lompoc to Cambria, reports its patient volume is increasing 11% annually. The California Endowment is helping them open a new clinic in San Miguel; they plan to add a dental clinic in San Luis Obispo, and others in Paso Robles and Five Cities. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44024

THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT: TEN YEARS LATER… ON IMPACT, LEARNING AND SALUTING OUR GRANTEES - The California Endowment marks its 10th anniversary of service to the vast and diverse communities of California by reflecting upon the extraordinary work of The Endowment’s grantees during this first decade and the insights gained from this much valued health partnership. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43942

CAPITAL NEEDS SURVEY - Capital Link requests the help of Health Center staff in updating the nationwide capital needs for health centers survey. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=44153

** COMMUNITY CLINIC VOICE NEWS

2006 COMMUNITY CLINIC VOICE YEARBOOK IS HERE! Thank you to everyone who has helped make 2006 another great year on the Voice. The yearbook includes facts, figures, and a sampling of the year's top news stories... Take a look to see what's been happening in 2006 and sign the yearbook! http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/discussion/discussion_list_flat.htm?parent_doc_id=43976

CONGRATULATIONS to Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County, CCV's Clinic of the Month for January, 2007. And our thanks to all the cliniics and consortia who filled this role during the year!

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/discussion/discussion_list_thread.htm?attrib_id_list=1958

If you would like to share information about your mission and work as a 2007 clinic of the month, please contact Sarah at: sfrankfurth@tides.org

** DISPARITIES:

GATHERING DATA ON RACE AND ETHNICITY TO ADDRESS DISAPARITIES IN CARE - A new study from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and America’s Health Insurance Plans suggests significant progress addressing disparities in care using a data-driven, quality improvement approach, but companies continue to cite barriers to data collection. AHIP's online tool kit "Data as Building Blocks for Change" is available to health care organizations interested in taking the first steps to using data as the foundation for quality improvement. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43738

CULTURAL COMPETENCY: MOVING THE AGENDA FORWARD - A series of reports from the National Conference on Quality Health Care for Culturally Diverse Populations explores how cultural competency can improve quality and outcomes for patients, reduce disparities, and help patients become more active and engaged in their care. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=43723

Call to Release Migrant Health Study - After nearly three years, HHS has failed to issue a Congressionally-mandated report making recommendations to address barriers limiting health care access for America's migrant farm workers. National Association of Community Health Centers has issued a letter of concern, urging release the report. http://nachc.com/press/files/Leavitt%20Farmworker%20Report%20Letter%20122006%20pdf.pdf

** FUNDING:

CDHS HEALTH CARE COVERAGE INITIATIVE - The Coverage Initiative is a component of the five-year section 1115 Medi-Cal Hospital/Uninsured Care Demonstration that makes available $180 million of federal funds each year for years three, four, and five of the Demonstration. The application due date has been extended to 5pm on January 5, 2007. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43266

AHRQ AMBULATORY HEALTH IT INITIATIVE PROVIDES $25.8M IN GRANTS - The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has launched four new grant programs to improve quality through clinician use of health IT; enable patient-centered care through HIT; enable quality measurement through HIT; and perform ambulatory care patient safety proactive risk assessments. Letters of intent are due Jan. 19. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44048

COMMUNITY BASED MINI-GRANTS FOR HEALTHIERUS INITIATIVE - Seed money for a local level projects in physical fitness, preventive screening, nutrition, and healthy choices is available from the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44046

CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND PREVENTIVE CARE GRANTS - The Commonwealth Fund accepts letters of inquiry on a rolling basis. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43975

CHILDHOOD OBESITY PREVENTION - Healthy Eating Research is a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation that supports research on environmental and policy strategies to promote healthy eating among children to prevent childhood obesity, especially among low-income and racial/ethnic populations at highest risk for obesity. Applications are due Feb 13, 2007. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44152

** HEALTH POLICY & TRENDS:

CONGRESS LEAVES HHS, HEALTH CENTER FUNDING UNFINISHED - The Republican-controlled 109th Congress failed to pass nine of 11 spending bills needed to fund government operations before coming to its close, relying on a stop-gap resolution to keep the government running through Feb. 15, 2007. Neither chamber was able to pass the FY07 Labor-HHS measure, which funds health centers and other HHS programs. Unfinished funding matters will be swept over to incoming Democratic leaders, who take control when the 110th Congress convenes in January. In its final hours, the outgoing Congress did approve a reprieve of the scheduled 5% cut in Medicare physician payments, reauthorization of Ryan White CARE Act, and enacted needed SCHIP funding. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43941

HEALTH CARE REFORM AMONG PRIORITIES AS STATE LEGISLATURE SWORN IN - Interest in universal health care strategy is seen among some Democratic Assembly members. Democratic legislators also unveiled proposals that would require human papillomavirus vaccinations for girls entering the sixth grade, establish a new state distribution tax of 95 cents per cigarette and ban smoking in cars when children are present. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43945

AMERICA’S HEALTH RANKINGS: A CALL TO ACTION FOR PEOPLE AND THEIR COMMUNITIES - The 2006 edition from United Health Foundation once again documents the lack of significant progress in improving health status, a trend first noticed in 2000. State snapshots show California falling to 23rd place among the states. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_ID=43692

THE TOP 10 HEALTH STORIES OF 2006, FROM THE HARVARD HEALTH LETTER - The newly approved HPV vaccine, trans fat, and MA's plan for universal health coverage top the list. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=43697

PHR RESEARCH & FUNDING - A survey from the Markle Foundation finds that 65% of U.S. residents are interested in accessing their personal health information online, but they are concerned about privacy and security. Meanwhile, a grant program from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation aims to develop consumer-centric personal health information applications. The news was announced in conjuction with the Connecting Americans to ther Healthcare Conference hosted by the Markle Foundation December 7-8 in Washington, D.C. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43764

TOP SEVEN HEALTH INDUSTRY TRENDS OF '07 - The Markle survey seemed in some aspects at odds with a recent study from the PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute that found consumers aren't convinced EHRs improve quality of care. The PricewaterhouseCoopers report reveals a significant gap between consumer attitudes on major healthcare topics and perspectives of the health industry. Nine out of ten consumers believe greed is a major factor in rising healthcare costs. The survey also foresees states taking the initiative, price pressure on prescription drugs, and a growing focus on obesity, the "new smoking." http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=43666

INSURERS TO PROVIDE PORTABLE PERSONAL HEALTH RECORDS - Health insurance industry representatives in December announced that they have developed a portable, Web-based personal health record model that contains members' claims and administrative data, as well as core health information. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and America's Health Insurance Plans will ask their member companies by 2008 to provide their customers with the new standard-based PHRs. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43950

MEDICAL HOMES: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO CARE - Although many Americans may be unfamiliar with the term, medical homes are the foundation of patient-centered care, designated by the Institute of Medicine as one of the six aims for the health care system. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44103

TOBACCO PREVENTION: A BROKEN PROMISE TO OUR CHILDREN - Only three states are funding tobacco prevention programs at CDC minimum recommended levels. California’s tobacco prevention program, which ranks 17th among the states in spending, has been cut to barely half the CDC’s minimum. Beginning in 2008, the states will have a critical second chance to adequately fund tobacco prevention programs due to little-known "bonus" payments provided in 1998 state tobacco settlement. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=43743

** HELP WANTED:

CPCA has openings for an Associate Director-Clinical Affairs, Associate Director of Health Information Technology, Regional Advocate, and Director of Programs. The County of Monterey Health Department is looking for a Clinic Nurse and a Senior Clinic Nurse. For more information or to post your own openings, visit the Help Wanted Topic in the CCV Discussion area. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/discussion/discussion_list_flat.htm?parent_doc_id=43667

** HIPAA:

HHS UPDATES STATUS OF HIPAA RULES IN SEMI-ANNUAL AGENDA - In January, HHS expects to publish a follow-up notice to describe the data dissemination processes under the National Provider Identifier (NPI). In March, HHS plans to issue a proposed rule to revise some of the HIPAA Transactions and Code Sets (TCS) standards. In June, HHS plans to propose streamlining the adoption process for modifications to existing electronic TCS regulations. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44042

** IT AND HEALTHCARE:

ENSURING THE INCLUSION OF CLINICAL RESEARCH IN THE NHIN - To aid in the discovery of new treatments, clinical research should be incorporated into the Nationwide Health Information Network, says a report released this month by FasterCures, a nonprofit think tank focused on accelerating medical treatments. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44049

FREE EHRs IN EXCHANGE FOR DATA? - A San Francisco-based vendor says it will offer a free, "completely hosted, community-based model" of online access to EHRs, to be subsidized by the selling of de-identified data to insurance groups, clinical researchers and pharmaceutical companies. While the plan could help address the heavy cost to physicians of EHR adoption, data-sharing remains controversial, posting philosophical, ethical, political, technical, and economic challenges, says a report from AMIA. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=43688

LARGE EMPLOYERS UNVEIL "MEDICAL INTERNET" FOR PHRs - "Dossia," will be rolled out in mid-2007 to cover more than 2.5 million employees of five major corporations. Privacy advocates say strict federal protections are needed before the nation embraces electronic records. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43762

ONLINE HEALTH IT TRAINING COURSE - The American College of Physicians will offer a 15-week online health information technology training course in conjunction with AMIA and the Oregon Health & Science University. The "10 x 10 Partner" course is part of an AMIA program aimed at training 10,000 healthcare professionals in applied health and medical informatics by 2010. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43589

HL7 TO ADOPT ELINCS FORMAT - The health information standard-setting organization Health Level Seven (HL7) will begin adopting and maintaining the electronic health-record data format known as the EHR-Lab Interoperability and Connectivity Specification, or ELINCS, which was developed with funding from the California Healthcare Foundation. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44115

THE SERVICE-ORIENTED SOLUTION FOR HEALTH IT - Service-oriented architecture, though still in its early stages, has the potential to significantly reduce the time and expense of application development and integration, according to one recent analysis. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43588

SPAM-FILTERING METHODS - TechSoup explains how 10 popular anti-spam methods work and briefly outline some of their pros and cons. http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/page6028.cfm

CONTINUITY OF CARE DOCUMENT UP FOR VOTE - Balloting began Dec. 6 on a long-awaited compromise healthcare data-transmission standard created by the American National Standards Institute. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43696

** LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:

VILLERS FELLOWSHIP FOR HEALTH CARE JUSTICE - The Villers Fellow works as a full-time policy analyst in Families USA’s Health Policy Department, conducting primary and secondary research on a range of health care issues. Applications are due Feb 2, for one-year fellowship running from August 2007 through July 2008. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43732

** PATIENT CARE:

PROVIDERS QUESTION NEW FEDERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON HIV SCREENING - The recommendations to conduct routine HIV testing for all patients ages 13 to 64 did not provide extra funding, causing medical providers to decide whether routine testing of low-risk patients is cost effective. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=41900

RETHINKING WELL-CHILD CARE IN THE UNITED STATES: AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON - In this Commonwealth Fund–supported study, researchers compared well-child care processes across 10 countries to identify practices that might be transferable to the U.S. A key finding is that unlike the U.S., where physicians provide the lion's share of a child's health care, most countries divide responsibilities among several professionals, each with specific training and expertise and funded through a variety of sources. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43690

ASSURING BETTER CHILD HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT SCREENING ACADEMY: REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS - Applications are due March 1 for an initiative by the National Academy for State Health Policy to make the use of standardized screening tools a "standard of practice" in well-child care. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44035

NEW PHDS MANUAL FOR CHILD HEALTH CARE PROVIDERs - The parent-completed Promoting Healthy Development Survey (PHDS) is a highly effective way for pediatric care providers to determine whether their youngest patients are getting recommended care. To help health systems use the PHDS to improve the quality of services they deliver, The Commonwealth Fund has made available a new manual for implementing the PHDS. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=44112

PRIMARY CARE CLINICIANS OFTEN LACK COMFORT, SKILLS IN DISCUSSING ALCOHOL USE - Brief alcohol counseling -- an evidence-based practice -- has been poorly disseminated into primary care practice. This exploratory study suggests that clinicians' discomfort and limited skills in assessing and advising patients with unhealthy alcohol use are partly to blame. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=43758

BEYOND REFERRAL: PEDIATRIC CARE LINKAGES TO IMPROVE DEVELOPMENTAL HEALTH -Two new reports available from The Commonwealth Fund explore strategies for improving the delivery of developmental services to children in their first three years of life. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44143

PERFORMANCE SNAPSHOTS: A NEW TOOL FOR TRACKING HEALTH SYSTEM PERFORMANCE - A new resource from The Commonwealth Fund gives easy access to charts and narratives that tell the story of the health system's shortcomings and progress in key areas, along with suggestions for improving health care practice or policy. Currently featured snapshots include diabetes management and an international comparison of patient-centered care. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43977

BUILDING PEER SUPPORT PROGRAMS TO MANAGE CHRONIC DISEASE - Seven Models for Success are explored in new CHCF-funded report. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43927

** QUALITY:

QUALITY OF CHRONIC DISEASE CARE IN U.S. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS - Chronic disease care at community health centers compares favorable to that received in other settings for underserved populations, but gaps exist for uninsured patients, according to a study in Health Affairs that also reported fewer than half of patients were given proper care for a number of conditions. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43621

MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES LESS LIKELY TO RECEIVE RECOMMENDED CARE - According to a study of patients with acute coronary syndrome, Medicaid beneficiaries were less likely to receive aspirin, beta-blockers, and other blood thinning and anticholesterol medications than participants who had private health insurance. Medicaid beneficiaries also waited longer for initial electrocardiograms, as well as for heart catheterizations or bypass surgeries, and had a 30% higher risk for death than those who had private coverage. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43593

LITERACY AND MISUNDERSTANDING PRESCRIPTION DRUG LABELS - Instructions on medication labels are hard for patients to understand, especially people with low levels of literacy, a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine found. Even those with adequate literacy skills had difficulty understanding label instructions, says the report that recommends standardization of text and making instructions more simple and explicit. http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/short/145/12/887

INSTITUTE FOR HEALTHCARE IMPROVEMENT LAUNCHES 5 MILLION LIVES CAMPAIGN - Initiative to protect patients from five million incidents of medical harm over the next two years includes a component that calls on governance bodies to accept responsibility for reducing harm. Providers also are urged to develop their own interventions. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=43940

** SAMPLE DOCUMENTS, POLICIES & PROCEDURES

During the past month, CCV Members have contributed new resources on Board Policy and Bylaws, Pain Management Protocols and intake forms in English and Spanish. To access these and to share your own resources with your colleagues, visit the CCV Library and click on the "Sample Documents, Policies & Procedures" links at the bottom left of the page. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library.htm?startrow=11

** UPCOMING EVENTS:

For information on all events, and to post your own announcements, see the CCV Calendar page: http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/calendar/calendar.htm

Online Health IT Training Course - Begins January 3

Measuring Patient Cycle Time and Waiting Time - NACHC Webcast, January 4

Federal Expectations for Completion of the FSR - NACHC Webcast, January 11

CCALAC's Training Program Development Workshop - January 17-18, Los Angeles

California Working Families Policy Summit 2007 - January 18, Sacramento

Executive Oversight of the Revenue Cycle - NACHC Webcast, January 18

CPCA Tele-Training Series - The California Primary Care Association begins a series of six tele-trainings on community clinic and health center issues, including Adult Day Health Centers on January 23; Federal Tort Claim Act coverage for FQHCs (Feb 27); HRSA Grant Expectations March 27); Clinic Licensing (April 24); Staffing Regulations (May 22); and Billing Compliance (June 19)

Customer Service in Health Centers - NACHC Webcast, January 25

Third Nationwide Health Information Network Forum - January 25-26, Washington, DC

Families USA's Health Action 2007 - January 25-27, Washington, D.C.

Budgeting for the 330 Grant Application - NACHC Webcast, February 1

Pediatric Oral Health Access Program - February 3-4; also offered Feb 10-11, Sacramento

Improving Handoffs to Reduce Patient Harm - February 5, San Francisco

CSLC 2 Plenary Convening - February 7, Sacramento

Council Connections Annual Conference - February 8-9, San Diego, CA

HIMSS Annual Conference - February 25-March 1, New Orleans

CPCA Tele-Training Series: Federal Tort Claim Act coverage for FQHCs February 27

2007 National Conference on Health and Domestic Violence - March 15-17, San Francisco

Reproductive Freedom Day - March 21, Sacramento

National Hispanic Medical Association Annual Conference - March 22-25, San Antonio, TX

CCI Collaborative Leadership Program for Medical Directors and their Executive Directors/CEOs - March 26-29, San Francisco