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CCV NEWS DIGEST FOR FEBRUARY, 2007
** BUILDING CAPACITIES
** DISPARITIES
** FUNDING
** GREEN BUILDINGS
** HEALTH POLICY AND TRENDS
** HELP WANTED
** IT & HEALTHCARE
** LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
** MEDICARE, MEDI-CAL
** NONPROFIT ADVOCACY
** OPERATIONS
** PATIENT CARE
** RESEARCH AND DATA
** SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CARE
** UPCOMING EVENTS

** BUILDING CAPACITIES:

CENTER FOR NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT AND NONPROFIT RESOURCE LIBRARY AT CENTER FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES IN L.A. - Seminars, consulting, an annual salary survey, helpline and resource library help nonprofit organizations more effectively fulfill their missions.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45607

** DISPARITIES:

REDUCING DISPARITIES IN MEDICAID MANAGED CARE - A new Commonwealth Fund-supported toolkit, developed by the Center for Health Care Strategies offers case studies, as well as "key lessons" on using data to identify disparities; developing patient-centered approaches to care; and collaborating with key stakeholders.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45162

THE DISPARITIES LEADERSHIP PROGRAM - A year-long executive education program designed for leaders from hospitals, health plans and other health care organizations who want to implement practical strategies to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health care, particularly through quality improvement. Applications due March 1.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45318

EFFECT OF MEDICAID MANAGED CARE ON RACIAL DISPARITIES IN HEALTH CARE ACCEss - A study from Mathematica Policy Research suggests that recent shifts in Medicaid policy toward managed care plans have benefited minority enrollees.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45495

KEY FACTS: RACE, ETHNICITY AND MEDICAL CARE - The Kaiser Family Foundation's 2007 Update serves as a quick reference source on health disparities, presenting the best available data and analysis. This report includes data on the uninsured and access to care by race/ethnicity as well as information about the disproportionate effect that specific conditions such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and asthma have on racial and ethnic minority populations in the U.S.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45416

** FUNDING:

LOCAL INITIATIVE FUNDING PARTNERS 2008 CALL FOR PROPOSALS NOW OPEN - A partnership between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and local grantmakers funds promising, original projects to significantly improve the health of vulnerable people in their communities. Applications due July 10, 2007.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45399

FUNDING FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS AND EDUCATION EFFORTS - The American Psychiatric Foundation seeks innovative ideas and programs that promote public education, information, and outreach initiatives that promote the early recognition and treatment of mental illness. Applications due August 30, 2007.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45085

AVON FOUNDATION "SUPPORTING THE SAFETY NET" BREAST CANCER CARE PROGRAM: L.A. PRIORITY - Grants for public, community, and safety net hospitals and healthcare systems that provide breast care to low-income, at-risk, uninsured, and underinsured individuals. Application deadline is May 1, 2007.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45527

CALIFORNIA WELLNESS FOUNDATION INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR SABBATICAL PROGRAM - Up to eight grants will be provided to nonprofit health organizations to allow their executive directors to go on sabbatical. Apply by March 14, 2007.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45491

UNITEDHEALTHCARE CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION OFFERS MEDICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS - Support to meet the needs of children across the United States with assistance grants for medical services not fully covered by health insurance. Open-ended applications.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45405

GRANTSTATION SPECIAL PROMOTION: Feb 28 only on TechSoup Stock - For one day only - February 28,2007, GrantStation fundraising tools will be available at TechSoup Stock for a very low admin fee of $90.

http://www.techsoup.org/stock/promo/

KAISER PERMANENTE AWARDS $7 MILLION TO SAFETY NET PROVIDERS - Kaiser Permanente this month announced 57 grants to Northern California safety net providers. Its Northern California Region Community Benefit plans to award more than $28.5 million in grants for community programs this year, a nearly 24 percent increase from the $23 million it donated in 2006. A similar program serves the Southern California Region.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45301

** GREEN BUILDINGS:

GREEN HOUSE REPLICATION INITIATIVE ON LONG-TERM CARE - With grant funding from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), NCB Capital Impact is working to replicate the Green House model, a new and innovative approach to long-term, skilled nursing care, on a national level. The Green House is intended to de-institutionalize long-term care by eliminating large nursing facilities and creating home-like, social settings.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=45592

THE GREEN DIRECTORY - Sustainable Design Forum's Green Directory is a comprehensive resource for those seeking environmental products and services, everything from eco-friendly materials to green designers and builders for your next project. Kaiser Permanente, which is vigorously promoting environmentally responsible purchasing as well as sustainable construction and operations was recently cited as a model for creating value through green design and operations in Environmental Sustainability: Collaboration and Marketing Best Practices in the Building Industry, a free e-book published in January 2007 by the Sustainable Design Forum.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45316

COMPUTER REFURBISHING MOVEMENT GAINS MOMENTUM - TechSoup provides information and resources on refurbishing programs, which maintain, update, and restore computers so that they can be repurposed or donated. Refurbishing a computer, which costs about $70 and takes about five hours of a technician's time, saves five to 20 times more energy than recycling over its lifetime.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45398

SAN FRANCISCO JOINS GREEN BUILDING TREND - S.F. aims to be one of the nation's first large cities to require that new, privately developed buildings meet rigorous standards of environmental friendliness. The decision to pursue such standards, which will need Board of Supervisors approval, follows similar actions taken in Boston and Washington. Smaller cities also have adopted such mandatory rules, including several in the Bay Area. A McGraw-Hill study sees 2007 as a "tipping point," and predicts green building will comprise 10% of the nonresidential construction market.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45183

** HEALTH POLICY AND TRENDS:

FY 07 CONTINUING RESOLUTION WITH $207 MILLION INCREASE FOR HEALTH CENTERS SIGNED INTO LAW - The funding increase includes $25 million designated for Base Grant Adjustments to help existing health centers cover the costs of caring for a burgeoning patient population. The omnibus appropriations bill would fund most federal agencies until Sept. 30, the end of FY 2007.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44995

PRESIDENT RELEASES FY2008 BUDGET - Although the proposed budget calls for continued funding for a second expansion initiative that aims to put a health center in every poor county in America that lacks one, the $1.988 billion for Community Health Centers next year looks like a funding freeze compared to the current year, reports NACHC. The President’s budget also calls for cuts to Health Professions Training programs and key rural health programs, and it eliminates funding for the Urban Indian Health Program. In Medicare and Medicaid, the Bush budget proposes nearly $100 billion in savings over the next five years, the single largest set of proposed health spending reductions during his Presidency. The move may well de-stabilize many health care safety net providers, writes NACHC. The president's proposed budget for the entire health IT agenda in fiscal year 2008 is $165 million, a 43% increase from FY 2007. California Budget Project reports on what the president's budget means for California.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=45251

RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR'S HEALTHCARE PROPOSAL: A Low-Income Perspective - The Health Consumer Alliance's analysis finds that, in its current form, the Governor’s health proposal does not provide affordable coverage and cuts services and eligibility for some Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Meanwhile, two reports raised stark concerns about funding health care in California, and the nation as a whole

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45321

REVIEW OF CA HEALTHCARE REFORM PROPOSALS - Governor Schwarzenegger’s proposal stresses the need for universal coverage of all Californians and "shared responsibility" between employer and employee. Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata has proposed a similar plan, but would only apply to working, legal residents. The third major health care reform scheme, introduced by Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez would offer coverage to all children in California regardless of residency status but would not require an individual mandate. All three proposals insist on an expansion of Medi-Cal and the Healthy Families Program. California State Rural Health Association provides a full review and comparison chart of the three proposals.

http://csrha.org/advocate/3.25/healthreform.html

BIPARTISAN CHILDREN'S HEALTH PLAN UNVEILED - Democratic and Republican House members, backed by a broad industry and consumer coalition, announced a $60 billion plan intended to provide health insurance to most American children without it. It would combine an expansion of SCHIP and Medicaid, to cover more low-income children, with a new tax credit to help middle-income families purchase health insurance policies.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45563

HELPING COVER CALIFORNIA'S KIDS - Two new reports commissioned by The California Endowment highlight the challenges faced by children and families enrolling in public programs, such as Healthy Families and Medi-Cal.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45413

PARTNERSHIP FOR MEDICAID URGES CONGRESS TO ADDRESS TOP SAFETY NET ISSUES - National non-partisan coalition urges the 110th Congress to make the right choices this year on several critical issues affecting safety-net providers and the health and well-being of our nation’s vulnerable and underserved populations. Recommendations include: Preserve Medicaid’s Integrity in any Reform Efforts; Reauthorize and Fully Fund the State Children Health Insurance Program; Prevent Cuts to Medicaid Reimbursement for Safety Net Providers; Eliminate Negative Impact of Medicaid Citizenship Documentation Requirements, among others.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=44957

SCHIP REAUTHORIZATION: WEIGHING THE OPTIONS - At the end of the 2007 fiscal year, congressional authorization for the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) is set to expire. For SCHIP, the reauthorization process is historically a chance to review, refine, and revamp programs.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45330

EDWARDS HEALTH PLAN CITES HEALTH CENTERS - Even in a system of universal coverage, a health care safety net including public hospitals, clinics, and community health centers remains necessary, says Edwards, the first presidential candidate out with a health plan.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45429

AUTHORITATIVE CENTER URGED FOR COMPARING VALUE OF TREATMENTS - Research comparing the effectiveness of drugs, devices, and medical procedures for given medical conditions would provide a way to bring spending down to sustainable levels, said a panel of health policy analysts.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45536

** HELP WANTED:

CENTRAL VALLEY HEALTH NETWORK in Sacramento seeks a qualified Quality Improvement Coordinator.

LA CLINICA DE LA RAZA in Oakland is hiring for a Clinic Supervisor, Senior Planner, Mid-Level Practitioner, and Health Educator II.

QUEENSCARE FAMILY CLINICS in L.A. needs a Project Director for their Pediatric Asthma Disease Management Program.

CALIFORNIA PRIMARY CARE ASSOCIATION in Sacramento has openings for a Associate Director, Federal Affairs and Health Data Analyst.

LIFELONG MEDICAL CARE, a Berkeley-based multi-site community health center, seeks a competent, highly organized IT Director.

For more information on these opportunities, or to post your own job announcement, see the "Help Wanted" Topic in the CCV Discussion area.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/discussion/discussion_list_flat.htm?parent_doc_id=10318&startrow=1

** IT AND HEALTH CARE:

CONTINUITY OF CARE COMPROMISE DATA STANDARD - The compromise reached this month could have far-reaching implications for the development of a national healthcare information network,

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45407

HIT STANDARDS AND INTEROPERABILITY - The above compromise is a far better outcome for both HL7 and ASTM then back in July of 2005 when they were threatening to sue each other, writes Will Ross in a related discussion. He thinks the most interesting new development is WikiHIT from Tolven Health.

http://communityclinicvoice.org/discussion/discussion_list_flat.htm?parent_doc_id=45443

HIT PRIVACY CONCERNS - During a congressional hearing on Feb 1, 2007, federal lawmakers voiced concern that HHS is not acting fast enough to implement privacy protections in its health information technology initiatives. The hearing coincided with release of a GAO report that warned implementation of new technology has moved ahead of the development of privacy and security policies under the federal government's current health IT efforts -- a move that could prove difficult and costly to reverse. The Markle Foundation proposes a comprehensive privacy and security framework developed by the Foundation's Connecting for Health Collaborative. Paul Feldman resigned as co-chairman of the Confidentiality, Privacy and Security (CPS) work group of the American Health Information Community, citing lack of progress in developing a privacy policy. Peers in the privacy community called Feldman's departure a "wake up call" for HHS.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=45172

SURVEY: U.S. RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT PRIVACY RISKS OF EHRs - 42% of adults say privacy risks associated with electronic health records outweigh expected benefit. But as only 29% of adults report knowing anything about the current EHR campaign, mass public opinion remains to be formed, according to Harris Interactive.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45440

COMMENTARY: "FOUR CORNERSTONES" WILL TRANSFORM HEALTH - HHS Secretary Leavitt is on the right course, moving health care toward a "value-based system," centered on information technology, performance measures, transparency and payment reform, according to commentary in Forbes.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45139

CCHIT RELEASES REVISED CRITERIA FOR AMBULATORY EHRs - The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology released its proposed 2007 criteria and certification test script for ambulatory electronic health records; a public comment period closes Feb 28, and the new criteria will take effect May 1.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45447

CALIFORNIA TO DEDICATE STATE OFFICE TO HEALTH IT - Governor proposes new deputy secretary position to oversee the state's health IT efforts.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45439

FIRST TABLET PC DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR CLINICIANS - The $2,200 C5 Mobile Clinical Assistant introduced by Intel at a UCSF Medical Center news conference has the ability to store, access and update patient medical records wirelessly. It comes with a built-in bar-code scanner for tracking patients and medications, a video and still camera for documentation, RFID tracking technology, and a fingerprint reader to improve security and simplify clinician authentication.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45550

MICROSOFT OFFICE 2007: FAQs for Nonprofits - TechSoup on the potential pros and cons of upgrading now.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45585

** LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT:

CHCF HEALTH CARE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM - The California Health Care Foundation is accepting applications for 2007-2009 fellows. Clinically trained health care professionals who live and work in California are eligible to apply for this part-time fellowship. Applications are due May 15, 2007.

http://futurehealth.ucsf.edu/Program/chcf/

A CONVERSATION ON BOUNDARY-CROSSING LEADERSHIP - The California Endowment convened a discussion on how to better equip leaders to work across communities in efforts to create collaborative solutions to health.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45393

** MEDICARE, MEDI-CAL:

PROOF-OF-CITIZENSHIP POLICY FOR MEDI-CAL CLOSER TO ENFORCEMENT - California has issued draft regulations in compliance with the new federal law. 1.7 million of the states 6.5 enrollees will need to provide citizenship and identification documents such as birth certificates, passports or driver's licenses.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45564

CMS TO PUBLICIZE PHYSICIAN PERFORMANCE DATA - Public reports will combine Medicare data with information from private insurers. CMS will use quality measures adopted by the AQA, an alliance of health care providers, health plans, senior groups, employers and unions, to rate physicians

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45493

** NONPROFIT ADVOCACY:

CAPWIZ: LEVERAGE THE INTERNET FOR SOCIAL CHANGE - A free tool you can add to your organization or agency’s Web site that makes it easy for stakeholders to join advocacy and public policy efforts.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45438

** OPERATIONS:

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45625

** PATIENT CARE:

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION RELEASES 2007 GUIDELINES ON HEART DISEASE PREVENTION FOR WOMEN - Healthcare professionals should focus on women’s lifetime heart disease risk, not just short-term risk, according to the updated guidelines. Included are new directions for using aspirin, hormone therapy and vitamin and mineral supplements in heart disease and stroke prevention in women. The new guidelines include expanded recommendations on lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition and smoking cessation, as well as more in-depth recommendations on drug treatments for blood pressure and cholesterol control.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45539

STUDY STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF CARE COORDINATION TO PATIENTS' HEALTH, SATISFACTION -The Commonwealth Fund reports that Improving coordination across the continuum of care will require changes in how providers are rewarded, how performance is measured, and how clinicians are trained.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45257

SURVEY FINDS WIDE COMMUNICATION GAP BETWEEN PHYSICIANS AND ELDERLY PATIENTS - A 50-state study finds an alarmingly high number of America's seniors are not talking to their physicians about problems they are having with prescription medications, including unwelcome side effects, affordability, or perceived efficacy.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45412

RELIGION, CONSCIENCE, AND CONTROVERSIAL CLINICAL PRACTICES - A study in the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that many physicians do not consider themselves obligated to disclose information about or refer patients for legal but morally controversial medical procedures.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=45353

AAFP URGES REPEAL OF MID-LEVEL PROVIDER RULE FOR RURAL HEALTH CLINICS - The law, originally intended to increase rural residents' access to health care services, is now seen as limiting staffing flexibility.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=45419

** RESEARCH AND DATA:

LARGE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES IN THE U.S., CANADA, AND ABROAD - Multi-national surveys find U.S. and Canada compare unfavorably with other countries on the use of information technology, access, and "pay for performance" incentives to improve quality.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_ID=45442

U.S. RANKS LOW ON UNICEF CHILD WELL-BEING STUDY - The United States was near the bottom among 21 wealthy nations, and ranked worst in health and safety, largely due to infant mortality, accidental death/injury, and obesity.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45562

CALIFORNIA UNINSURANCE RATES VARY GREATLY BY COUNTY - Overall, 20% of Californians, or 6.5 million people, lacked insurance coverage for all or part of the year in 2005. The highest proportions of uninsured were located in several rural counties in the San Joaquin Valley and Northern and Sierra Counties regions, according to a fact sheet based on the 2005 California Health Interview Survey.

http://www.healthpolicy.ucla.edu/pubs/publication.asp?pubID=215

THE OBESITY REPORT CARD: HOW DO STATES MEASURE UP? - California wins high marks for legislative and public policy work to control obesity. An Action Kit on Combating Childhood Obesity is available from the National League of Cities.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/library/library_resources_show.htm?doc_id=45436

GAO REPORT ON POVERTY IN AMERICA - Research shows adverse impacts from individual health status to the U.S. economy as a whole.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45004

** SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH:

SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CLINIC ESTABLISHMENT ACT INTRODUCED - S. 600 creates a new program - one that is completely separate and unique from the federal Health Centers program. The legislation makes several types of organizations eligible to apply for funding - including health centers.

http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/news/news_show.htm?doc_id=45532

** UPCOMING EVENTS:

For information on all events, and to post your own announcements, see the CCV Calendar:

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

ONC Town Hall Meeting - Feb 26 (at HIMSS), New Orleans

Mental Health Services Act Statewide Conf Call on Education & Training - February 26

Third Annual 340B Coalition Winter Conference - February 26-28, Salt Lake City

Rural Health Policy Institute - February 26-28, Washington, D.C.

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

Green Building Teleconference Series - March 2

CPCA Intermediate Billing Management and Collections Training - March 5, Sacramento

CPCA Intermediate Coding Training - March 6, Sacramento

Public Relations Training for Health Advocates - March 7 Los Angeles

Major Gifts Workshop - March 7, San Rafael

Southern California Rural Roundtable Meeting - March 8, 2 El Centro,

Health Care Job Forum: Networking for Job Seekers and Health Care Providers - March 10 in Berkeley and March 24 in Clovis.

California Budget Project Conference: How Can We Build a Better Future for All Californians? - March 15, Sacramento

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

NACHC Policy and Issues Forum - March 16-21, Washington, D.C

CDHS Medi-Cal Managed Care 2007 Quality Conference - March 19, Sacramento

6th Annual Forum for Improving Children's Health Care - March 19-21, San Francisco

Reproductive Freedom Day - March 21, Sacramento

Central California Rural Roundtable Meeting - March 22-23, Fresno

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

Health Information Technology/HIPAA Summit - March 26-31, Washington, D.C.

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

CCI Medical Directors Alumni Session - March 28-29, San Francisco

CPCA Tele-Training Series #3: HRSA Grant - March 27

Mental Health: Policies, Practices, and Partnership Training Conference - March 29, Sacramento

CPCA Day at the Capitol - April 11-13, Sacramento

Cover the Uninsured Week - April 23-29

CPCA Tele-Training #4: Clinic Licensing - April 24

Nursing Informatics - April 27-29, Las Vegas

Billing and Compliance Workshop - May 1-3, Reno, NV

Core Privileging Essentials - May 2, Las Vegas

Farmworkers Health Conference - May 9-11, Newport Beach, CA

Collaborating for Success National Conference - May 16-18, San Francisco

Transforming the Health Center - May 17-18, Sacramento

TEPR '07 (Towards the Electronic Patient Record) - May 19-23, Dallas, TX

2007 CPCA Tele-Training #5: Staffing Regs - May 22

2007 CPCA Tele-Training #6: Billing Compliance - June 19

Johnson & Johnson/UCLA Health Care Executive Program - June 18-29, Los Angeles