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An Evolving Semi-Monthly Update on Community Behavioral Health in New York
HAPPY NEW YEAR! December 20, 2007 |
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IN THIS EDITION
Coalition Responds to CQC Executive Compensation Survey The Coalition voiced its concern with both the principle and the design of a statewide survey of non-profit executives who contract with, or are licensed by, the State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and/or the State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities (OMRDD). The survey, issued by the State’s Commission on the Quality of Care and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (CQC), asks providers to complete an on-line survey regarding salary and other compensation for the executive and the four next highest paid employees. It's difficult to tell how the CQC will take into account the nature of multi-service agencies which derive funding from numerous sources. It's also difficult to see how the CQC will address portions of salaries which come from private philanthropic dollars, since this falls outside the domain of State oversight. Because the survey itself provides no space for comments, providers aren’t given the opportunity to offer relevant explanation or nuance. With respect to executive compensation, it's clear that the authority for determining them rests with Boards of Directors of agencies who should be guided by national and regional surveys. Coalition Member Agencies Win State Grant to Bridge Gap in Diabetes Care for Individuals with Serious Mental Illness In response to data showing that individuals with serious and persistent mental illness die up to 25 years earlier than their counterparts in the general population, the New York State Health Foundation will fund a number of Coalition member agencies to address the risks associated with Type 2 diabetes among people with serious mental illnesses. The two-year grant, worth $572,419, will go to a consortium of agencies including the Institute for Community Living, The Bridge, F.E.G.S., the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Services for the Underserved and the William F. Ryan Heath Center. The initiative will be coordinated by the Urban Institute for Behavioral Health. The Coalition Mourns the Loss of Alan Menikoff – September 12, 1947 – December 10th. We are truly saddened by the loss of our dear friend and colleague, Alan Menikoff, who passed away earlier this week after an enduring and courageous battle with cancer. Alan worked at the Coalition in the capacity of Deputy Director of the Center of Rehabilitation and Recovery, during the program’s start up years in 2001 and 2002. He worked on many key projects including the Statewide Educational Advisory Board and the development of the first edition of the WORKbook- our guide to NYC’s Mental Health Employment Programs. Alan’s business background and expertise in information technologies and data and system design was instrumental in developing the Center’s organizational infrastructure. Prior to his work at the Coalition, Alan worked at many executive positions in the non-profit and academic communities. As a clinician, administrator and manager of programs and services, Alan’s contributions have been deeply felt both among staff persons and consumers of services. We are reminded of Alan’s many passions in life and his altruistic nature each day when we view his photographs of New York City which adorn the walls of our conference room.
SOMH Clinic Rate Restructuring Project – Update In an attempt to solicit recommendations for restructuring Article 31 mental health clinics, the State Office of Mental Health (OMH) is convening workgroups nearly each week to address the financial and programmatic concerns of a diverse array of stakeholders. These workgroups help define the services provided in clinic treatment, identify outcome measures and develop alternative reimbursement and funding models. Most recently, the Coalition submitted a list of regulatory changes to OMH that would provide immediate mandate relief without a budgetary impact. For example, the Coalition recommended reducing the number and frequency of treatment planning reviews and sign-offs, or reducing the number of required treatment plan reviews for stable “medication only” consumers. Allowing providers to bill for more than one Medicaid services per day would be enormously helpful in ensuring good outcomes for many mental health consumers. Meanwhile, OMH may now be looking to replicate the clinic workgroup approach with other modalities, including Continuing Day Treatment Programs. The Coalition applauds OMH for its inclusiveness in these projects, and looks forward to playing a leading role in reforming the way in which clinics and other treatment modalities are funded and structured. Center Presents: Ask the Expert & Benefits Management for Individuals with Criminal Justice Involvement The Coalition’s Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery will be presenting the following training: Ask the Expert & Benefits Management for Individuals with Criminal Justice Involvement* Date: January 15th, 2008 Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm Location: The Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, 90 Broad Street, 8th Floor Facilitator: Ed Lopez, Esq. | Fee: $25 This highly interactive full day training will include updates on legislative and policy changes relevant to benefits management. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss their current cases, allowing for both expert guidance and input from colleagues. Participants will also learn how to address the special needs of consumers involved with the criminal justice system. An emphasis will be placed on coordinating care with other service providers, and methods to promote consumer independence in the community. To register for this training, please visit the Center’s webpage at www.coalitionny.org/the_center. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register yourself or your staff as soon as possible. * All Center trainings qualify for credit hours toward the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) credential. BRC Earns Kudos The American Institute of Philanthropy and New York Magazine both recently recognized the effective programming and the efficient use of charitable donations of the Bowery Residents’ Committee (BRC), a multi-service agency providing mental health and substance abuse treatment and transitional and permanent housing to scores of homeless and formerly-homeless New Yorkers. The Coalition congratulates the dedicated staff of BRC for this well-deserved recognition. Coalition Hosts Suicide Prevention Symposium Examining Suicide in Minority Populations On December 4, the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, in collaboration with the State Office of Mental Health, hosted a suicide prevention symposium, “Back From The Edge: Deriving Strength From Group Culture”. The symposium, which took place at the Hudson Guild, examined the heightened risk of suicide in minority populations. Presenters included former OMH Commissioner Sharon Carpinello, Antonio Almoguera Abad, Alvin Poussaint and our own Peter Yee from Hamilton-Madison House. Over 90 individuals attended the symposium, and the Coalition thanks all of the presenters for sharing their broad expertise and personal experiences. Coalition DVDs – the Perfect Stocking Stuffer
Forget iPods and iPhones…the real gift everyone wants this holiday season is the iDDT DVD series, comprised of nine trainings over 27 DVDs, featuring nationally-recognized experts discussing key components of Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment. Each training set comes with relevant handouts and/or power point presentations. From Motivational Interviewing to Cognitive Behavioral Counseling to working with adolescents and families, this is one DVD set you can’t go without. Where can you find this set? Not at Best Buy or Amazon…to order, visit http://www.coalitionny.org/prof_learn_ctr/iddt/order.php?attendee_org_id=0 Also, the Coalition’s Medicaid Billing Series is still available on both DVD and VHS. This series covers important topics you should be aware of when billing Medicaid, including compliance, documenting and coding. To order, visit http://www.coalitionny.org/prof_learn_ctr/medicaid_billing.html Happy shopping! Center Presents: Introduction to Mental Health, Rehabilitation and Recovery The Coalition’s Center for Rehabilitation and Recovery will be presenting the following training: Introduction to Mental Health, Rehabilitation and Recovery* Date: January 16th – January 17th, 2008 Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm Location: The Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies, 90 Broad Street, 8th Floor Facilitator: Marie Sabatino | Fee: $50 This two day interactive training is designed for direct care staff working in community support programs requiring basic knowledge of mental health, psychiatric rehabilitation and evidence-based practices that promote recovery. Participants will explore the value and guiding principles of recovery and how these translate for consumers, practitioners, programs and mental health systems. The facilitator will use a combination of training techniques that encourage staff to become actively involved in the learning process. To register for this training, please visit the Center’s webpage at www.coalitionny.org/the_center. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register yourself or your staff as soon as possible. * All Center trainings qualify for credit hours toward the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) credential. The Professional Learning Center's January / February Calendar of Trainings January 2008
February 2008
All trainings take place at The Coalition, 90 Broad St, 8th Fl. Register on-line now!
Coalition Job Boards Coalition Members advertise staff positions for free on The Coalition’s Job Board! Here's a sample:
We also have a job board for psychiatrists only. APA members regularly look at this listing for potential hourly or per diem positions.
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