** COMMUNITY NEWS
** CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
** DISPARITIES, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
** FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT, CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
** FUNDING
** HEALTH POLICY & TRENDS
** HEALTH REFORM
** INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
** MEDICAL HOME MODEL; INTEGRATED CARE
** LEGAL ISSUES: SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICIES
** QUALITY,br> ** UPCOMING EVENTS

** COMMUNITY NEWS:

NEW COMMUNITY CLINIC VOICE SITE NOW LIVE! - The redesigned Voice site offers a cleaner layout and some exciting new social networking tools. You'll find one centralized place to join and start Discussions, a new peer-reviewed Library of clinic tools and resources, a personal home page you can customize to track the topics that interest you, and more. For a quick introduction, click the "Help" link at the top of any page.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org
Be sure to Log In to explore the whole site. If you've forgotten your log-in information, click Log In, then "Problems logging in?" to be emailed a new password.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?lostPassword

CSRHA “RURAL CHAMPION” AWARD - Sierra Family Medical Clinic (SFMC) physician and founder Dr. Peter Van Houten received a California State Rural Health Association “Rural Champion” award at their annual conference in Nov.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec26d8

NACHC COLLECTING STORIES FOR 45TH ANNIVESARY OF HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM - NACHC plans to highlight CHCs that opened their doors in 1965 or earlier in their Community Health Forum Magazine issues throughout 2010.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2920

** CORPORATE COMPLIANCE:

SECURITY COMPLIANCE PLAN, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES - This new Library resource provided by Shasta Community Health Center is complete with all of the necessary formats and policies and procedures.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec29fe
AND SEE: Compliance Resource Materials from the HHS Office of Inspector General
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2894

** DISPARITIES, HEALTHY COMMUNITIES:

PREVENTING DISPARITIES IN HEALTH CARE REFORM - Both the House and Senate health reform bills would allot billions of dollars for unprecedented programs to help address health disparities, including opening grocery stores in neighborhoods without one, hiring security guards for dangerous neighborhood parks, extending hours for school gyms or playgrounds, or providing nutritionists to help students make healthy food decisions.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2ff0

SUCCESS STORIES FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT'S CHILDHOOD OBESITY PREVENTION PROGRAMS - From schools to neighborhood corner markets, The California Endowment's Central California Regional Obesity Prevention Program and Healthy Eating Active Communities initiative are changing the food and physical activity environments across the state for the better.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec29f0

STUDY: DIABETES POPULATION TO DOUBLE IN 25 YEARS - Research from the University of Chicago forecasts the number of Americans living with diabetes will rise from 23.7 million in 2009 to 44.1 million in 2034.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a47

HEALTH DISPARITIES AMONG CALIFORNIA LOW-INCOME WOMEN - UCLA research finds low-income women ages 40 to 64 are more likely to go without routine preventive cancer screenings than women who are eligible for Medicare. Prevention practices, the expansion of insurance coverage and the waiver of out-of-pocket expenses and premiums are among the policy recommendations. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2a1e

CONFRONTING HEALTH INEQUITIES IN LATINO HEALTH CARE - The Network for Multicultural Research on Health and Healthcare produced a special supplement of the Journal of General Internal Medicine examining Latinos and health care. Nine studies examine hypertension, diabetes, health insurance coverage, discrimination, quality of care, spirituality, preventive care, and other topics. http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a6a

IMPROVING CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY - A study supported by The California Endowment suggests that systems for providing language services in California public hospitals are continuing to evolve, and despite environmental challenges and ongoing financial and budget constraints, California public hospitals are making great strides.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a51

KP ENDOWS CENTER FOR HEALTH EQUITY AT UCLA - The center will support partnerships with community-based organizations to conduct innovative research and develop effective programs and strategies to eliminate health disparities.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a5d

** FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT, CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT:

FIP RECOVERY ACT AWARDS TO COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS; HCCN GUIDANCE - President Obama announced nearly $600 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) awards to support major construction and renovation projects at 85 community health centers nationwide and help Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCN) adopt Electronic Health Records (EHR) and other Health Information Technology (HIT) systems. Eleven Facility Investment Program awards were made in California.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec28c3

HRSA has issued an Updated Quarterly Reporting Manual including guidance on this new funding.
http://www.bphc.hrsa.gov/recovery/hcqr

NEW BUILDING PROJECTS WITHOUT STIMULUS FUNDING - Clinics are forced to make tough decisions to meet the growing demand for services. Andra Lichtenstein of Capital Incubator has opened a discussion of different funding and financing options.
http://communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2bcc

KP TO LAUNCH CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR CHCs - Kaiser Permanente’s National Facilities Services this month launches a Capital Improvement Technical Assistance Program for Community Health Centers who have received funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a5e

NEW MARKETS TAX CREDITS FOR CHCs - The US Treasury Department announced $5 billion dollars in awards to spur private sector investment in communities facing economic challenges. NCB Capital Impact was awarded $90 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC) for disbursement to community health care centers, charter schools, and other innovative development projects in low-income communities across the nation.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a7a

NONPROFIT SUSTAINABILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS INITIATIVE: $6 Million to Bolster Los Angeles Nonprofits - Nonprofit Finance Fund is working with the California Community Foundation and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation to launch a new "Nonprofit Sustainability and Effectiveness Initiative" in Los Angeles. This initiative provides local nonprofits facing financial challenges with working capital loans and financial consulting services.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a6e

A GUIDE TO NAVIGATING THE RECESSION - Nonprofit Finance Fund provides FAQs for the Nonprofit Sector and a "Tough Times" Package of Services.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec32a9

** FUNDING:

COMING SOON: NETWORKING FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH v.2 - In January, The Community Clinics Intiative plans to release the RFP for the second round of Networking for Community Health grants, an opportunity to think creatively and explore new opportunities to be a voice for social justice and promote the health of your community. Watch for the announcement at:
http://www.communityclinics.org

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 are due Feb 1. And, ONC announced $80 million in stimulus funding to create training programs for health information technology professionals at community colleges
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec2386

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, 2010.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec3052

HEALTH IT REGIONAL EXTENSION CENTER PROGRAM - Program cycles have been consolidated and available funding was increased. For Cycle 2 funding the preliminary application deadline is Dec. 22, 2009, with full applications due Jan. 29, 2010. The anticipated award date for Cycle 2 is March 31, 2010. Announcement of the Cycle 1 awards has been delayed to Jan. 21, 2010.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec3054

CHILDREN'S DENTAL HEALTH GRANTS - Competitive grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded solely for prenatal and postnatal oral health instruction for mothers/caregivers. Applications are due Jan 8.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eeb65fe

$10 MILLION IN HHS GRANTS TO ENROLL AMERICAN INDIAN, ALASKA NATIVE KIDS IN HEALTH COVERAGE - These new grants are part of a broader effort to find and enroll uninsured children who are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP but not enrolled. The Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA) set aside $100 million for fiscal years 2009-2013 expressly to help find and enroll eligible uninsured children, including $10 million specifically for Indian health providers. Applications due Jan. 15, 2010.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb684c

HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION FOUNDATION MENTAL HEALTH LOAN ASSUMPTION - This program works to retain qualified mental health professionals working within the Public Mental Health System. Practitioners in community health centers may qualify, so long as their position, facility, program, and/or services are contracted through the Department of Mental Health or the County. Applications ]accepted through January 24, 2010.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eeb6706

2010 AMERICORPS GRANTS - Approximately $363 million will be available to award new, re-competing, and continuation AmeriCorps State and National grants. FY2010 national service priority areas: are Education, Clean Energy/Environment, Healthy Futures, Veterans. Opportunity. Applications are due January 26, 2010.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eeb67be

THE CALIFORNIA WELLNESS FOUNDATION'S RESPONSIVE GRANTMAKING PROGRAM - Seeks to balance a Foundation-directed approach with responses to unsolicited letters of interest. Funding direct preventive health services is a major Foundation; they also encourage requests for core operating support. A one to two-page letter of interest is the first step.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eea5818

$8 MILLION IN GRANTS FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENDOWMENT HELPS STATE MAXIMIZE FEDERAL MATCHING FUNDS AND CONNECTS STRUGGLING FAMILIES TO SAFETY-NET SERVICES - TCE in December announced its grant-making strategy to help maximize struggling families’ access to the safety-net services they need.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec3055

HIT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CA RURAL PROVIDERS WITHIN ARRA: STATUS REPORT - Speranza Avram has compiled Health Information Technology (HIT) Opportunities for California Rural Providers Within ARRA.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec29bc

RESOURCE INVENTORY FOR FOSTERING COLLABORATION - This inventory from Lynn Miner of Miner and Associates helps you think about things you have access to that might be of value to others concerned about community health issues.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/?14@@.eec26d7

INDIRECT COST RECOVERY - Some foundations do not allow including indirect costs (also known as administrative, overhead, or facility and administration costs) in grant budgets. As a consequence, many non-profits end up absorbing those costs. However, there is an alternative, writes Lynn Miner. While you will never get rich off of grants, you should not lose money either. If you are not recovering indirect costs, either as a percentage of your total budget or as line item direct costs, then you are leaving money on the table.
http://communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2bfb

** HEALTH POLICY AND TRENDS:

OMNIBUS SPENDING BILL: LEVEL FUNDING FOR HEALTH CENTERS - The House and Senate passed bill includes an additional $650 billion in mandatory spending for federal programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. The Health Centers program was level funded at FY 2009 levels, resulting in FY 2010 appropriations totaling $2.2 billion, which does not include a base grant adjustment.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec3053

BIGGER INCREASE IN CMS 2010 MEDICARE CAPS FOR FQHCs - Thanks to a provision in the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008, health centers will see a $5 increase in addition to the 1.2% increase in MEI in the caps, which will take effect January 1, 2010. The new rates will be $125.72 for urban centers, up from $119.29 in 2009, and $108.81 for rural centers, up from $102.58 in 2009.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2683

CMS ISSUES PAYMENT RATES FOR DOCTORS, CHANGES IN PHYSICIAN QUALITY REPORTING & ePRESCRIBING; COMMENT BY DEC 29 - Physicians will see their Medicare Physician Fee Schedule payments drop by 21.2% absent Congressional action. CMS published fact sheets explaining the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative pay-for-performance and e-prescribing programs and changes for 2010.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a79

HEALTH CENTERS AND THE STIMULUS: AN INTERACTIVE MAP FROM NACHC - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 included an historic investment in Community Health Centers of $2 billion. Read about how the funding is being put to work in health center communities across the U.S., and add your own health center to the map.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a60

CALIFORNIA'S SAFETY NET: THE ROLE OF COUNTIES IN OVERSEEING CARE - CHCF has published new reports that explore themes from the regional health care market studies. One issue brief explores how California counties finance and deliver safety net health care services for their lowest-income residents.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2ff4

REPORT CONFIRMS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS - A highly-regarded health care research and economic analysis firm finds that CHCs reduce utilization and spending for other, costlier types of care, noting that “CHC users in fact receive more disease screenings, better monitoring and treatment of chronic disease, and improved frequency and timing of well visits.” The report concludes that Chcs were associated with lower overall health care costs, fewer avoidable hospitalizations, and more preventive care.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a68

COMMISSION TO BUILD A HEALTHIER AMERICA PUBLICATIONS - After a year-long investigation, the Commission identified a range of successful ways to improve health at the local, state and federal levels - practical, feasible and effective solutions often hiding in plain sight. The Commission's recommendations, major reports from its fact-finding journey around the country, and a series of issue briefs on the links between key social factors and America's health are now available.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2325

** HEALTH REFORM: HEALTH REFORM IN THE SENATE - As Democrats await a final cost analysis from the Congressional Budget Office on the latest version of the health reform bill, they appeared ready to compromised on a proposal to expand Medicare to uninsured people as young as 55 in order to gain the 60 votes necessary to pass the chamber's reform bill. Negotiators earlier agreed to drop a public option. An attempt to expand Medicaid failed in favor a maintaining the Children's Health Insurance Program for an additional two years. Several Senators are advocating for proposals to aid CHCs, CPCA reports. Governor Schwarzenegger has said current Senate proposals would lead to a $3 billion increase in costs for California. Families USA holds a conference call on next steps Dec 17th.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec28c2

COMMUNITY CLINIC SURVEY RESULTS FEATURED IN NEJM - An article titled, “America’s Safety Net and Health Care Reform -- What Lies Ahead?” emphasized the important role that community clinics and health centers play in providing quality healthcare services to millions of Americans each year. A survey conducted by Direct Relief USA earlier this year – completed by 562 community clinics and health centers across all 50 states – regarding the increase in the number of uninsured patients seen in the clinic setting was cited in this article.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2388/0

HEALTH REFORM: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR HEALTH CENTER BOARDS, STAFF AND PATIENTS? - NACHC provides two fact sheets for health center Board Members & Staff and health center Patients.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2323

MEDICARE BUY-IN AND IMPLICATIONS FOR WOMEN, IMMIGRANTS - Updated issue briefs from The Kaiser Family Foundation look at key aspects of the health reform debate.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2a02

** INFLUENZA: H1N1 FLU GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS - A comprehensive guide from HHS assists community and faith-based organizations in preparing for and responding to H1N1. And, a Human Resources Kit for Pandemic Flu, prepared by the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, is a guide on Doing Business During an Influenza Pandemic.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec26db

FLU ESSENTIALS: ONE PAGE INFO SHEETS IN 11 LANGUAGES - Downloadable one page flu essentials are available to help educate patients, staff, friends, and family on at-risk populations for H1N1, ways to avoid illness, and how to care for sick family members.
http://www.flu.gov/know.html

** INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: $2.48 MILLION FOR STATE EHR EFFORT - CMS announced that California will receive a matching grant of about $2.48 million to lay the groundwork for the state's administration of incentive payments for electronic health record usage by health care providers who participate in Medi-Cal. Under the federal economic stimulus package, Medicaid providers will be eligible for $63,750 in incentive payments over six years if they demonstrate "meaningful use" of EHRs.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec29ef

MEANINGFUL USE RULES, REGIONAL EXTENSION CENTER AWARDS COMING SOON - David Blumenthal, National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, announced that meaningful use rules would be coming within weeks, with electronic health records certification rules in early 2010. He also notes that, due to a strong response for applications, there will be approximately 30 Regional Extension Center awards made in January and the remainder in March. These will support providers looking to become meaningful users of EHR systems leading up to 2011.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec291f

NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN FOR NATION’S TOP HONOR IN PUBLIC INTEREST COMPUTING - Nominations for Tides' $10,000 Antonio Pizzigati Prize will be accepted through February 1, 2010.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb88ee

ARRA GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN HIT WORKFORCE - The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology announced $80 million in new grants to help develop and strengthen the health information technology workforce. The grants include $70 million for community college training programs and $10 million to develop educational materials to support these programs. Application deadlines are in January, 2010.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a4e

HHS ISSUES RULE ALIGNING HITECH PRIVACY LANGUAGE WITH HIPAA - The "interim final rule" takes effect Nov. 30, but the public has until Dec. 29 to comment on it.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a5c

HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE GUIDE: NEW UPDATE - Full Circle Projects has newly updated the HIT Guide as of November, 2009.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb6970

** LEGAL ISSUES: SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY:

SOCIAL NETWORK MEDIA POLICIES FOR COMMUNITY CLINICS - Sarah Stegemoeller of Public Counsel’s Community Development Project describes some considerations that need to be addressed.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb632f/6

** MEDICAL HOME MODEL; INTEGRATED CARE:

MEDICARE FQHC ADVANCED PRIMARY CARE PRACTICE DEMONSTRATION INITIATIVE - The White House announced a new medical home demonstration initiative to evaluate the impact of the advanced primary care practice model on access, quality and cost of care provided to Medicare beneficiaries served by community health centers.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec3051

FREE MANUAL HELPS SAFETY NET PROVIDERS QUALIFY AS MEDICAL HOMES - Provided by Primary Care Development Corporation.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a55

MEDICAL HOME DIGEST: NEWS FROM THE SAFETY NET MEDICAL HOME INITIATIVE - The Commonwealth Fund recently launched a five-year national initiative to help primary care safety-net clinics become high-performing patient-centered medical homes. The Safety Net Medical Home Initiative aims to develop a replicable and sustainable implementation model for medical home transformation.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a4f

PRIMARY CARE AND ACCOUNTABLE CARE: TWO ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF DELIVERY-SYSTEM REFORM - Two promising models of care delivery -- the patient-centered medical home and the accountable care organization 00 together promise to redirect the U.S. health care delivery system toward reduced cost growth and improved quality, according to a NEJM study.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2a1f

CLINICALLY INFORMED CONSENSUS GUIDELINES FOR IMPROVED INTEGRATION OF PRIMARY CARE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN CALIFORNIA - Clinical guidelines developed by the California Institute for Mental Health address a common and growing problem in contemporary health care practice: how can people’s coexisting general health and mental health care needs be best addressed with optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eeb7a62

** QUALITY:

IMPLEMENTING ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD-BASED QUALITY MEASURES FOR DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING - A study published in Pediatrics found that EHRs can facilitate the screening of young children for developmental delays and can help flag patients with abnormal results. The results suggest that the widespread adoption of EHR systems could improve monitoring and follow-up for children.
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/.eec2454

** UPCOMING EVENTS:

For more information on all events, see the Voice calendar:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/calendar

December 14 - HHS Beacon Community Program Technical Assistance Call (transcript available after the call)

December 17 - Moving Health Reform Through the Senate: Next Steps - Conf Call

December 17 - California Health Alert Network Expansion Webinar

December 17 - Everything You Wanted To Know About the State Budget...But Were Afraid To Ask, Sacramento

December 17 - Addressing the Health Impacts of Climate Change: What Progress Is California Making? Sacramento

December 21 - Regional Extension Centers: The Key to Meaningful Use? Free eHI webinar (and Dissecting the Meaningful Use Proposed Rule, TBA - Register to be notified when date is set)

December 25 - Benefit for the Jewish Community Free Clinic: Chinese Food and a Movie Event. Cotati

January 7 - ARRA Reporting, CPCA webinar

January 12 - E-Prescribing 2.0: Electronic Health Records and Care Coordination, eHI webinar (rescheduled from December)

January 21 - Fundraising in a Challenging Economy, Free Class from The Foundation Center, San Francisco

January 25-26, 2010 - eHI Annual Conference: Delivering on the Promise of eHealth, Washington, DC

January 25-27 - NRHA's Rurah Health Policy Institute, DC

January 28-30 - Health Action 2010, Washington, DC

January 29 - Annual Health Care Symposium, Huntington Beach

February 2-5, National HIPAA Summit, D.C. & Online

February 4-5, National Health Information Exchange Summit, DC & Online

February 9-10 - Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP) Annual Conference, Sacramento

February 17-18 - CPCA 2010 Health Information and Technology Summit, Napa

February 24-28 -NACHC 2010 Policy & Issues Forum, DC

March 1-2 - National Medical Home Summit Online

March 1-4 - HIMSS 2010, Atlanta, GA

March 17-19 - Health Care Volunteer Leadership Conference, Sacramento

April 8 -10 - Nonprofit Technology Conference, Atlanta, GA

CPCA Launches On-Demand Trainings - New format lets you take courses online at your convenience:
http://www.cpca.org/programs/ondemand

For more information on all events, see the Voice calendar:
http://www.communityclinicvoice.org/calendar