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** COMMUNITY CLINIC VOICE NEWS
** BUILDING CAPACITIES
** DISPARITIES
** FUNDING
** GREEN BUILDINGS
** HEALTH POLICY & TRENDS
** HIPAA
** IT & HEALTHCARE
** MEDI-CAL
** MEDICARE
** PATIENT CARE
** QUALITY
** REGS
** WORKFORCE
** UPCOMING EVENTS
** COMMUNITY CLINIC VOICE NEWS:
In June, the Community Clinic Voice moved to its new home. We have a new look and many new features, with all the same great news, resources, discussions and fellow community members, at the same address as ever: http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/
Your username and password for logging in remain the same as well. The previous Library and Discussion items are now organized under major topic areas: Financial, Clinical, Operations & IT. You are welcome to post an item or start a discussion in any of these areas.
One enhancement is that guests can now view the "public" areas of the site, News, Calendar & Job Postings, without logging in. So please invite your colleagues who are not yet members to check out the new Community Clinic Voice, but remember to log in for access to the full site.
COMMUNITY CLINIC VOICE TIPS & TRICKS - If you are wondering where to find something, post a discussion or how to keep up with new information on the site, please see this basic How To Guide:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea74cc
** BUILDING CAPACITIES:
MANAGING AMBULATORY HEALTH CARE: A PROGRAM FOR PHYSICIANS IN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS - Due to the success and strong reviews over the last four years of the program, CCI will support 10 community health center physician managers to attend the Harvard School of Public Health's course: Managing Ambulatory Health Care: A Program for Physicians in Community Health Centers in Portland (Oct 1-4) and Boston (Dec 3-6). The program will not be offered in California this year. Register by July 11.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea7267
** DISPARITIES:
CLOSING THE DIVIDE: MEDICAL HOMES PROMOTE HEALTH CARE EQUITY - When adults have health insurance coverage and a medical home—defined as a health care setting that provides patients with timely, well-organized care and enhanced access to providers—racial and ethnic disparities in access and quality are reduced or even eliminated, a new report from Commonwealth Fund finds. The results suggest that all providers should take steps to create medical homes for patients. Community health centers and other public clinics, in particular, should be supported in their efforts to build medical homes for all patients, the report concludes. A statement from National Association of Community Health Centers says some findings in the report that assess the effectiveness of community health centers as medical homes run contrary to previous studies that confirm health centers’ strong record in improving access to care for underserved people, providing high-quality health care, lowering costs, and saving money.
http://66.160.188.132/webx/.eea6bec
CHCs WORK TO NARROW HEALTH DISPARITIES - Minorities suffer a disproportionate share of chronic disease largely due to uninsurance and lack of accessible and affordable health care. The HRSA Diabetes Health Disparities Collaborative (HDC) for Community Health Centers gets top marks in a recent study for narrowing that gap. The "Minority Health Improvement and Health Disparity Elimination Act," (S. 1576) was introduced this month to address ethnic and racial disparities. The bill establishes for the first time direct funding for the HDC and also would help ensure that health centers have an adequate workforce.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea6b2b
CA COUNTY DATA BOOK FINDS WIDE DISPARITIES IN CHILDREN'S HEALTH - Wide disparities in children’s well-being from county to county are presented in a new report by Children Now that also provides county rankings for key indicators. These data illuminate the vast differences between counties that are masked by statewide figures. For example, while the percentage of children without health insurance is 7% statewide, percentages by county are as high as 17% in Shasta County.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea73ce
HEALTH CARE DISPARITIES LINKED TO WHERE PATIENTS GET CARE - Many studies have documented that minority patients receive lower-quality health care than non-minority patients at the same medical facilities. Relatively few, however, have attempted to explain the source of racial and ethnic disparities in care. According to a study supported by The Commonwealth Fund, disparities are largely the result of differences in where minority and non-minority patients seek health care. The authors say policy recommendations may need to focus on pay-for-improvement metrics for those under-resourced providers caring for the most disadvantaged populations.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea752a
** FUNDING:
LOCAL INITIATIVE FUNDING PARTNERS 2008 CALL FOR PROPOSALS NOW OPEN - A partnership program between the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and local grantmakers to fund promising, original projects to significantly improve the health of vulnerable people in their communities. Projects must be nominated by a local grantmaker interested in participating as one of the funding partners. Up to 14 matching grants of $200,000 to $500,000 per project will be awarded. Applications due July 10.
http://www.lifp.org/html/apply/cfp.html
STRENGTHENING STATE ADVOCACY NETWORKS TO EXPAND HEALTH COVERAGE - Consumer Voices for Coverage, a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, seeks to strengthen advocacy efforts to promote healthcare policies that will expand health insurance coverage. All applicant organizations must register online by July 13, 2007, in order to be eligible. Applications are due Sept 18. Optional Web conference call on July 11.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea76e7
BEST PRACTICES IN BREAST CANCER ADVOCACY - The National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund, a grassroots organization dedicated to ending breast cancer through the power of action and advocacy, will award seven consumer-led grassroots advocacy organizations $25,000 or $50,000 in recognition of strategic, high-impact programs that address critical issues in research, access to quality care, and public policy. Nominations due July 15.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea752c
ADA FOUNDATION SEEKS ORAL HEALTH PROPOSALS - Nonprofits are invited to outline an initiative designed to raise awareness of the importance of oral health via an access program, research project, or professional/public education effort. Letters of Intent due July 16.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea6be8
COMMUNITY ACCESS TO CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM PLANNING FUNDS - (CATCH) is a national program of the American Academy of Pediatrics designed to improve access to health care by supporting pediatricians and communities that are involved in community-based efforts for children. Grants from $2,500 to $12,000 are made for pediatricians to plan innovative, community-based initiatives that increase children’s access to medical homes or specific health services not otherwise available. Applications due July 31.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea72fb
UNION PACIFIC COMMUNITY-BASED GRANT PROGRAM - Nonprofits in municipalities located on Union Pacific lines may apply for one-time programs/projects that benefit the entire community. Healthcare is among their major priorities. Deadline for applications is August 15.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea6307
STATE AND PROVIDER PARTNERSHIPS FOR QUALITY ADDICTION CARE - Advancing Recovery is an $11-million national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation designed for innovative partnerships between provider organizations and single state agencies to promote the use of evidence-based practices by making "system" changes to regulatory, clinical and administrative practices. Applications due August 16, 2007.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea76e8
FUNDS FOR AIDS TREATMENT & PREVENTION - The M·A·C AIDS Fund supports programs focusing on the link between poverty and AIDS, Models of Care, Treatment adherence, and Prevention. Grant applications are accepted year-round and proposals are reviewed and awarded quarterly.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea76f0
SUTTER HEALTH AWARDS FIRST $1 MILLION IN SERIES OF IT GRANTS - CalRHIO has received a $1 million grant to help increase statewide access to electronic health records, particularly in rural areas, as part of a multi-million-dollar commitment to pass along savings from tax-exempt bonds to health care consumers. Sutter will invest another $8.5 million in technology grants to help rural hospitals connect with EHR infrastructure and support community clinics in Northern California.
http://66.160.188.132/webx/.eea73c9
** GREEN BUILDINGS:
HEALTH CARE TECHNICAL BRIEFS - In June, the Green Guide for Health Care debuted a series of briefs that provides in-depth information on green building topics of particular interest to the health care industry. (Free registration required). And see: Lessons Learned from the Green Guide for Health Care Pilot.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea5901
** HEALTH POLICY & TRENDS:
SENATE PANEL APPROVES RECORD INCREASE FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS - This month a Senate spending panel passed a record funding increase for continued expansion of America’s Community, Migrant, Homeless and Public Housing Health Centers in Fiscal Year 2008. The bill includes an increase of $250 million for Community Health Centers for a total funding level of $2.238 billion, and $40 million designated for Base Grant Adjustments for existing Community Health Centers. House lawmakers earlier this month approved an additional $200 Million for Health Centers in 2008. Health centers are in a strong position, writes NACHC, but holding those numbers may prove difficult, as President Bush is threatening to veto spending bills over his original budget request.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea752d
CALIFORNIA HEALTH REFORM UPDATE - California's Democratic legislative leaders have joined forces behind a single bill that has some provisions in common with Gov. Schwarzenegger's own proposal, but at a higher cost to employers. The Núñez/Perata measure would not require all California residents to obtain health insurance, a cornerstone provision of Schwarzenegger's proposal. Health care is the No. 3 priority for California residents, according to a survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, following immigration and the economy; 72% of Californians think the state's health care system is in need of major changes. Beginning July 1, San Francisco will begin enrolling some uninsured residents in the city's new Health Access Program, designed to provide access to health care services for all city residents.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea76f5
NEW SCORECARD RANKS ALL U.S. STATES ON KEY HEALTH SYSTEM INDICATORS - The Commonwealth Fund released the first-ever scorecard ranking all 50 states and the District of Columbia on key measures of health system performance, finding that there is wide variation among states, and that all states have room to improve. The five top-ranked states, Hawaii, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, all have high rates of insurance coverage, with nearly 90% of working-age adults insured. Overall, California ranked 39th among states, with indicators ranging from placing third in Healthy Lives to nearly last, number 50, on Quality.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea663a
DENTAL EXAM REQUIREMENT DRAWING MIXED RESPONSE - Calling the law "a mandate with no money," some children's health advocates say a new state requirement that alll students receive a dental exam before entering first grade is having difficulty succeeding because of inadequate funding and a shortage of dentists. Contra Costa County remains in a dire local oral health situation that requires immediate attention, according to a study released this month. Only 34 of the 785 private dentists in the county on a regular basis will treat children covered under Denti-Cal, due to inadequate reimbursement and a lengthy application process.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea73bb
LEGISLATION TO EXPAND DENTAL CARE IN COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS - Deamonte's Law, named for a 12-year-old who died after a tooth infection spread to his brain because he lacked access to dental care. would authorize $5 million annually for the next 6 years for grants to FQHCs to expand and improve pediatric dental care.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx?14@@.eea5695
** HIPAA:
NEW HIPAA RULE EXPECTED TO PREVENT SECURITY BREACHES - CMS is expected in July to introduce a new rule to boost security requirements in order to prevent the type of security breaches involving laptops and other mobile computing devices seen recently, Amendments to the HIPAA security rule are one of at least a dozen upcoming regulatory actions of interest to the health care information technology industry, including proposed rules to update HIPAA transactions standards, expected in December, and the HIPAA code sets, expected in August, as well as the long-awaited publishing of the data dissemination processes for the national provider identifier, which was slated for May. A proposed rule is expected in August to set standards for electronic prescribing under the Medicare Part D drug benefit program.
http://healthdatamanagement.com/html/current/CurrentIssueStory.cfm?articleId=15229
** IT & HEALTHCARE:
BREAKTHROUGH HEALTH INFORMATION EXCHANGE RESEARCH AND SUSTAINABILITY TOOLS - The eHealth Initiative Foundation has released study findings and a Value and Sustainability Model (VSM) that it says will transform the way HIE is understood and practiced, taking aim at what exchange organizers commonly say is their toughest problem: developing a business plan that will carry the organization through to sustainability. Collectively, these resources highlight that HIE sustainability is possible and, ultimately, the key to building a Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) from the ground up.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea590e
BIPARTISAN HEALTH IT BILL APPROVED DESPITE PRIVACY CONCERNS - The Wired for Health Care Quality Act passed in the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee would authorize $163 million in grant funds to low-income health providers to adopt IT and help states create low-interest loan programs for providers. Privacy advocates say the bill does not allow patients to control access to their EHRs, and not enough time was provided for public comment. The bill now goes to the full Senate for action.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea76ee
PRIVACY AND SECURITY AND RHIOs - Regional health information organizations have the potential to improve quality and efficiency in health care but significant privacy and security challenges remain, says a study from California HealthCare Foundation. Interviews with nine RHIOs found that most failed to include consumers in their policy decisions, although consumers are directly affected by privacy and security issues.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea670d
BILL TO FUND RURAL HEALTH IT - The House rural caucus introduced "The Health Care Access and Rural Equity Act of 2007" that would authorize $20 million to $30 million in grants annually for rural health providers to adopt health IT, including electronic health records. The legislation also would establish a rural health quality advisory commission that would develop and help create a national plan to improve rural health quality through five demonstration projects.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea76f4
HHS REPORT ON NHIN PROTOTYPE ARCHITECTURES; RFP FOR ROUND TWO - ONC released a Summary Report identifying key services and technical needs for the development of the Nationwide Health Information Network. The report catalogs the first year’s work and details common elements that will be used in the next step – “NHIN Trial Implementations.” The trial implementations will target state and regional health information exchanges in order to reflect the critical role of data exchange at the state level. The RFP for the NHIN Trial Implementations is available at: www.fedbizopps.gov. ONC will grant ten interested parties a one-year contract each, with the option for extensions.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea698b
THE VALUE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED DIABETES MANAGEMENT - A study funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and supported by HIMSS concludes that ITDM can improve care processes, delay Type-2 diabetes complications, and save healthcare dollars. Of existing technologies, electronic diabetes registries used by providers, followed by clinical decision support systems (CDSS) for providers, showed the greatest improvement in clinical outcomes, according to the study.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea76ea
HOW IT CAN FOSTER HEALTH CARE IMPROVEMENT - The Center for American Progress released a report calling for policy changes to facilitate the adoption of health IT and proposing a new health IT infrastructure improvement fund to increase the adoption of standard, interoperable and scalable IT systems. Physicians get about 11% of the savings from EHRs, and the rest goes mostly to private and public insurers who benefit from fewer unnecessary tests and electronic record keeping, according to the Center for Technology Leadership David Brailer, former national coordinator for health IT, said of the report, "The doctors bear all the costs, and others reap most of the benefit... The incentives are totally awry."
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea698c
AMERICAN HEALTH INFORMATION COMMUNITY TRANSITION TO PRIVATE SECTOR - HHS released plans and a timeline for transitioning the American Health Information Community (AHIC) to the private sector by January 2009. The plan calls for establishing an AHIC successor organization as "a voluntary public-private partnership" to lead national efforts for the integration and use of health information technology that is standards-based and interoperable, protected and portable. Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.) had harsh criticism for the plan to privatize AHIC.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea6b56
HIMSS: EMRs IMPROVE QUALITY WITH ROI - Most healthcare providers that adopted EMRs did so to improve patient care and workflow. Yet while return on investment (ROI) was not the initial impetus behind most transitions from paper, organizations could measure it post-implementation, said Pat Wise, vice president of Healthcare Information Systems at HIMSS, during the recent HIMSS Summit in southern California.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea76e6
AHIMA FREE GUIDE TO PURCHASING EHR SYSTEMS - American Health Information Management Association has produced a free guide to healthcare organizations on how to properly plan and contract for purchasing an electronic health-records system. The step-by-step guide can be used to set up a selection committee, create a request for proposals, develop an initial list of EHR vendors, evaluate vendor responses to the request for proposal and select the most appropriate vendor.
http://library.ahima.org/xpedio/groups/public/documents/ahima/bok1_034252.hcsp?dDocName=bok1_034252
PORTRAIT OF A LEGAL EHR - A June, 2007 practice brief from AHIMA reviews the progress of the Health Level Seven (HL7) Legal EHR Work Group in determining the functional standards needed for an EHR system to support a legal record and all that it entails. HL7 on June 18 released for public comment its Legal Electronic Health Record System Functional Profile, calling it a guide that can “help an organization maintain an EHR for legal and business purposes,” as well as reduce costs and inefficiencies.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea56a1
GREENWAY AND NEXTGEN AMBULATORY EHRS RECERTIFIED BY CCHIT FOR 2007 - Dozens of EMR products have received certification under CCHIT’s initial 2006 criteria. The Greenway and NextGen products are the first to be recertified under expanded criteria for 2007. New requirements this year include the ability of EHRs to electronically transmit prescriptions and refill requests to pharmacies, and to receive standards-based electronic laboratory result messages.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea7700
THE FUTURE OF PERSONAL HEALTH RECORDS - The ideal PHR holds tremendous potential, according to a report from California HealthCare Foundation in which six experts share their views on the future of PHRs, from the perspective of the technologist, informed patient, physician, employer, and public health professional. But some worry that PHRs might disrupt the doctor-patient relationship, saddle overburdened physicians with unreimbursed information-management duties, and overload consumers with data. And, unless consumers are given control over who has access to their medical information, the general public may resist the adoption of health information technology, while privacy are concerned as the nation's largest insurance companies finalize plans to allow millions more customers to post their health records online.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea698f
** MEDI-CAL:
CA BEGINS CITIZENSHIP VERIFICATION FOR MEDI-CAL - As of July 2007, the State of California will begin enforcing citizenship and identity verification requirements in Medi-Cal, imposed under the Federal Deficit Reduction Act. Studies have already shown that the citizenship and identity verification requirements have negative impacts.: a report from George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services reveals up to 319,000 health center patients are expected to lose Medicaid coverage, leading to losses of as much as $85 million for health centers. CPCA will conduct a web-based training July 10 on How FQHCs Verify Citizenship and Identity.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea76fe
MEDI-CAL FACTS AND FIGURES - New chartbook from California HealthCare Foundation provides information on enrollment, benefits and cost sharing, program spending, and comparisons with other states. California spends almost 30 percent less per beneficiary than the national average.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea590a
CA STUDY: LOW MEDICARE, MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT CAUSE OF HIGH INSURANCE COSTS - Inadequate reimbursements from Medicare and Medi-Cal drive up the cost of health insurance more significantly than the cost of treating the uninsured, according to new research from a California Chamber of Commerce think tank.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx?14@@.ee9a926
** MEDICARE:
MEDICARE PREVENTIVE CARE BENEFITS LITTLE USED - New statistics show that Medicare beneficiaries are not using the preventive care benefits that the program covers. Barely 10% of people enrolled use the full list of preventive benefits available to them: free flu shots and pneumonia vaccinations, low-cost screenings and physicals. The gap between potential care and actual care is particularly large for members of minority groups, where there often already is a pattern of health disparities. CMS resources to increase Medicare beneficiaries' use of prevention services are available online in both English and Spanish.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea76ff
AMA SURVEY: MEDICARE PAYMENT CUTS HARM SENIORS, HINDER DOCTORS' HEALTH IT ADOPTION - Medicare patients' ability to get in and see the doctor will be severely hampered next year by a steep Medicare cut to physicians, according to a survey released this month by the American Medical Association. The Sustainable Growth Rate formula, which determines how much Medicare pays physicians for services, calls for a 10% cut in 2008. Congress for the past five years has stepped in to overrule the formula but so far this year no bill to do so has been introduced.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea56a0
MAKING THE MEDICARE DRUG BENEFIT WORK BETTER - Although 13.2 million beneficiaries are eligible for a low-income subsidy to help pay for premiums and medication copayments, 3.3 million of this group are not enrolled in Part D and not receiving the subsidy. This report discusses some of the challenges vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries face in using Part D and makes specific recommendations, like using simpler, more standard procedures and ensuring that needed counseling support is provided.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea6990
** PATIENT CARE
COORDINATION BETWEEN FORMAL PROVIDERS AND INFORMAL CAREGIVERS - Successful coordination requires frequent, high-quality communication, shared goals and knowledge, and mutual respect. A Commonwealth Fund study found better communication prepares caregivers to effectively provide and manage care--which in turn leads to better outcomes for patients.
http://66.160.188.132/webx/.eea6992
UNDER ONE ROOF: PRIMARY CARE MODELS THAT WORK FOR ADOLESCENTS - Exemplary programs offer comprehensive, interdisciplinary physical, behavioral, and reproductive health care to teen patients. and tailor their services to adolescents’ unique needs through multidisciplinary staffing, team-based approaches, staff sensitivity, teen-friendly environments, and a focus on positive youth development.
http://66.160.188.132/webx/.eea73c2
CLINICS EDUCATE FAMILIES ON MANAGING CHILDREN'S ASTHMA - The Best Practices in Childhood Asthma program provides state funding to clinics throughout California to educate families on how to better manage their children's asthma. The program is offered in 21 facilities statewide.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea72fa
** QUALITY:
EHR's DISEASE-MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONALITY IMPROVES CARE FOR DIABETES PATIENTS - Darin M. Camarena Health Centers treats a high incidence of diabetes because of the highly concentrated Hispanic population in the region. They are attempting to reign in healthcare costs and improve patient care with an EHR system by InteGreat, selected specifically for its disease management capabilities. The clinic is an excellent example of using an EHR's disease-management functionality to take a leadership approach in enhancing compliance for its diabetic patients, which ultimately could result in a healthier population. writes writes Ken Bernstein.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea569b
STUDY: EMR NO GUARANTEE OF IMPROVED CARE - A recent study found that in offices that used electronic medical records actually offered poorer quality of care compared with those doctors who didn't use them. Researchers collected data on the care of 927 diabetic patients in 50 doctor's offices. Patient care in the 37 offices that didn't use electric medical records was more likely to meet guidelines for treatment and intermediate outcomes compared with the 13 offices using a computerized medical record system.
http://66.160.188.132/webx/.eea6994
AHRQ PUBLISHES LANDMARK FEDERAL HANDBOOK ON THE USE OF PATIENT REGISTRIES - Overall, the quality of current patient registries varies widely. AHRQ's new handbook identifies the best scientific practices for operating registries. to help researchers and others use patient registries to evaluate the real-life impact of health care treatments.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx?14@@.eea590f
**REGS:
NEW DEADLINE OF JULY 1, 2007 FOR FTCA RENEWAL APPLICATIONS FOR 2008 - HRSA/BPHC on June 5, 2007, issued a PAL 2007-02 requiring all health centers to submit annual Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) renewal applications (for malpractice protection) for 2008 deeming by July 1, 2007. FTCA deeming renewal applications will no longer be submitted as part of continuing grant applications. Centers with questions are urged to contact the FTCA Help Line at 866-382-2435.
http://bphc.hrsa.gov/policy/pal0702.htm
** WORKFORCE:
CHRONIC PHYSICIAN SHORTAGE AT CHCs - The Bush administration since 2002 has increased funding to community health centers by $645 million. However, some health centers say the administration has not done enough to curb the chronic shortage of physicians. Many centers rely on the National Health Service Corps to provide staff. National Association of Community Health Centers estimates that the organization needs at least $150 million to sustain the program next year and increases to bring funding to $300 million within seven years. President Bush has proposed $116 million for the program in FY 2008.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea73b9
REPRESENTING THE NEW MAJORITY: A STATUS REPORT ON THE DIVERSITY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA MEDICAL SCHOOL FACULTY - A new report partly funded by The California Endowment examines the racial and ethnic diversity of the University of California medical school system. The findings demonstrate that UC must respond to the current crisis of a healthcare workforce that is not representative of the racial and ethnic diversity of the state’s population. The report offers eight recommendations to increase the racial and ethnic diversity of faculty within the UC medical school system.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea770b
RWJF AWARDS GRANT TO BUILD DIVERSITY AND ACCESS IN HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION - The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has awarded a $672,000 grant to the American Dental Education Association to administer and expand www.explorehealthcareers.org, a free, interactive health careers Web site designed to explain the array of health professions and provide easy access to students seeking information about health careers.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx/.eea569f
HOUSE APPROVES INFORMATICS EDUCATION BILL - HR 1467 or the 10,000 Trained by 2010 Act, would authorize the National Science Foundation to award grants to institutions of higher education that would develop and offer educational and training programs for healthcare workers and professionals in applied health and medical informatics, a move federal lawmakers say will help advance the use of electronic health records and bring greater transparency and quality to the industry.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx?14@@.eea56a4
** UPCOMING EVENTS:
For information on all events, and to post your own announcements, see the Community Clinic Voice Calendar:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx?dispCal@@.eea464e!m=6&y=2007
Nursing Leadership Excellence Program - July 9-13 in Seaside, and Oct 15-19 in San Diego
Transforming the Health Center (QM-2) - July 10, Sacramento
How FQHCs Verify Citizenship and Identity - July 10, web
Engaging with Physicians in a Shared Quality Agenda - July 12-14, San Francisco
NACHC Financial Management Webcast Series - July 12: Incentive Compensation; July 26: Community Needs Assessment; Sept 6: Dashboard Reporting System; Sept 20: FQHC Medicare Cost Report
Public Health Congress - July 16-18, Washington, D.C.
On the Road to Interoperability: RHIOs, Patient Portals and EMRs - July 19-20, Boston, MA
NACHC Operations Management Webcasts Series - July 19: Managing Accounts Receivables; August 2: Revenue Cycle Reporting; Sept 13: Effectively Using Your Practice Mgt System; Sept 27: Denial Analysis & Using Results to Change Operations
Johnson & Johnson/UCLA Health Care Executive Program - July 22-August 3, Los Angeles
Annual 340B Coalition Conference: Improving Access to Pharmaceutical Care and Ensuring Compliance with Federal and State Laws - July 23-25, Washington, DC
National Health Center Week - August 5-11
Clinical Measures Group Teleconf - August 15
Clinical Systems Learning Community & AQIC - August 21-22, So. CA - TBD
Community Health Institute & Expo - August 24-28, Dallas, TX
Pediatric Telehealth Colloquium - September 6-8, San Francisco
Managing Ambulatory Health Care: A Program for Physicians in Community Health Centers - October 1-4 Portland, OR; December 3-6, Boston, MA
CPCA Annual Conference - October 4-5, Sacramento
eHealth Initiative's Fourth Annual National Conference - October 11-12, Washington, D.C.
For information on all events, and to post your own announcements, see the Community Clinic Voice Calendar:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/webx?dispCal@@.eea464e!m=6&y=2007