MACHC
Weekly E-Blast:  
Voicing the latest news on Communities in Need
In This Issue

Next Enrollment Period starts
 November 15, 2014!!!
Have news to share with us? Want to be featured on our next E-Digest? Want to read about something in particular? Please email us at aneeqa@machc.com. 

Let's Stay Connected
    
April 28, 2014 
IMPORTANT: Be mindful of the 2015 FTCA Guidelines that have to be submitted this year and the Super Circular 2014.
 

The NEXT call/webinar will take place TODAY - Monday, April 28th from 10 AM - 11:30 AM. 

Here is the call- in information and webinar link:

Call 1-877-431-1883 Access #370 252 4147 password for the webinar is mhbe.  

MACHC SPOTLIGHT
MACHC Website Under Construction..... 

 

New Website Layout & Updates COMING SOON!!!!

 

Technical Assistance Request Form 
---to be submitted prior to receiving any TA from MACHC---
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Take Action: Collect Letters of Support from Your Local Elected Officials and Community Partners

We are asking Health Centers to collect 5 letters of support from local elected officials and 10 letters of support from community partners by the end of May.  Health Center Advocates kick-started the Access is the Answer campaign with an outpouring of support for Health Centers in the form of over 89,000 petition signatures, but there is still much work to be done to ensure adequate funding for Health Centers and to stop the FY2016 Health Center funding cliff. Click here to learn more about this crucial phase of the Access is the Answer campaign and to access support letter templates. As always, don't hesitate to contact grassroots@nachc.com with any of your advocacy questions.

Join the Access is the Answer Campaign and advocate for CHC Funding!

Health Centers are facing an unprecedented threat and a unique opportunity in 2014. Like every year, Health Centers will have to fight to secure annual funding from Washington. But unlike any year in Health Center history, this year we face a looming Health Center funding cliff - a potential 70% reduction in Health Center program funding scheduled to take effect in 2016. As Health Center Advocates we will also have to make sure that programs, like Medicaid, that are essential to our survival remain intact and strong in the face of efforts to save money.

These are threats to Health Centers AND to the more than 22 million patients Health Centers currently serve and the millions more that Health Centers will need to grow to serve in our communities. Your advocacy through the Access is the Answer campaign is essential if we are to ensure that Health Centers will be there for everyone who needs access to health care.

What can YOU do?

To make the Access is the Answer campaign a success, commit to taking 3 easy action steps:

Number 1: Sign the Access is the Answer petition. 

Number 2: Work with your Health Center leadership to collect Access is the Answer support letters from local elected officials. 

Number 3:  Work with your Health Center leadership to collect community support letters. 

The value of advocacy:

All politics is local. Congress and the President do really pay attention to the voices of those back home in the community. That means the most effective advocacy has to come from YOU back home.

The Access is the Answer Campaign will be asking Advocates to weigh in on many issues as the campaign goes forward, but if YOU and tens of thousands of Advocates take the 3 steps, we will be laying the foundation for success in a fight neither Health Centers nor our patients can afford to lose. Thanks for joining the Access is the Answer campaign and building the power of Health Center Advocacy.  
MACHC Happenings
MACHC EVENTS & WEBINARS
OTHER EVENTS & WEBINARS
(1) ACA Moving Forward - Webinar
Friday, May 2, 2014   I   10 AM- 11 AM

Guest Speaker: Matthew Molloy, Maryland State Director - Doctors for America 

The first open enrollment period for qualified health plans has come to a close.  How did Maryland do?  What's next? This webinar will review the successes and challenges of the first open enrollment period in Maryland and provide the numbers covered to date through the Maryland Health Connection and Medicaid expansion.  It will also take a look forward into the rest of 2014 and beyond to discuss the ways that the ACA will continue to impact patients, including the continued closing of the Medicare donut hole, the individual mandate, and how patients can qualify to enroll in qualified health plans before the next enrollment period in November.  The webinar will also discuss challenges, including issues of network adequacy and educating patients on how to use their health coverage.

* Check this column next week for registration link.

 

 

 

(2)  Outreach Team Conference Call
When: Friday, May 2, 2014
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

1-866-740-1260 Access Code: 4319483

Target Audience: Outreach staff members

Discuss latest Outreach and Enrollment resources, best practices, trends and issues. These issues are presented on HRSA reports and other platforms to find resolutions.

 

 

 

(3) Cultural Competency 

Where: Dover Downs Conference Center, Dover, DE

When: May 8th - May 9th (attend 1 of the two 1/2 day sessions for the conference)

 

The training will consist of didactic training and panel discussion and will offer:

*   Discussions on cultural competency techniques

*   Importance of utilizing culturally sensitive language and behavior

*   Strategies for health entities to foster greater engagement with clients and co-workers 

*   Excellent networking opportunity   

*   Continuing Education Credits for Nurses have been applied for 

Register HERE  

 

 

 

(4) Recent Hypertension Guidelines

May 7th   I   12:30 - 1:30

Target Audience:  Physicians, Nurse Practitioners & Nurses

This webinar will provide an overview of new guidelines including the 2014 Evidence-Based Guideline for the Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults: Report from the Panel Members Appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8).  Featuring Dr. Lawrence Fine, Eighth Joint National Committee Panel Member, the webinar will also offer considerations for health care providers and public health practitioners when selecting and supporting implementation of hypertension guidelines.
Presenter: Lawrence J. Fine, MD, DrPH, FAHA, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Member of Panel Appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee 

Register HERE

  

 

(5) SAVE THE DATE
MACHC's Annual Conference
When: Thursday, September 18th - Friday, September 19th, 2014 
Where: Dover Downs Conference Center, Dover, DE
  • (1) Webinar: Partners in Research: Patient and Community Collaboration in Reducing Health Disparities
  • Who Should Attend: Clinicians and health professionals, health care facility administrators, community organizations and others interested in patient-centered outcomes research and community-based participatory research
    When: April 28, 2-3 pm ET
    To join the event (no pre-registration needed):
    https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join/
    Conference number: RW2029726
    Passcode: 5780103
    Dial-in: 1-877-669-4124
  •  
    • (2) Save the Date:  BPHC All Programs Webcast - May 1, 2014, 2:00pm-3:00pm, ET. This webcast will be an opportunity for participants to hear updates on current BPHC activities.

     

    (3) Webcast: Glycemia Reduction Approaches in Diabetes Comparative Effectiveness Study (GRADE):

    Utilizing Novel Approaches for Recruitment and PCP Engagement in a Comparative Effectiveness Study
    Friday May 9, 2014 2:00-3:00 PM EDT 

    This webcast is pending for up to 1.0 Prescribed credits by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). 

    Click here to register.

    (4) 2014 NATIONAL FARMWORKER HEALTH CONFERENCE

    DELRAY BEACH MARRIOTT, DELRAY BEACH FL
    MAY 14 - 16, 2014

    Migrant Health Centers are the early pioneers of the Health Center Movement. The Migrant Health Program that was written into the Public Health Service Act of 1962 set forth new thinking in this country that health care is a basic human right. It was the precursor of major social change in a decade of the 60's when the nation awakened to the poverty and hardship of a population for outside the mainstream. Migrant Health Centers became the model for community health centers nationwide with their core components of outreach, patient education, bilingual services, culturally-sensitive care, and community action and empowerment.

    To register, click here.

      

    (5) National Conference on Tobacco and Behavior Health

    When: May 19 - 20th 

    Location: Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center

    5701 Marinelli Road, Bethesda, MD 20852

    ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

    Individuals with a behavioral health condition are nicotine dependent at a rate of 2 to 3 times higher than the general population and consume more than 34% of all cigarettes smoked in the United States.

    The goal of this conference is to provide a platform for attendees to share their perspectives on how the health system working collaboratively can decrease these statistics. Focusing on integration, interventions, and the impact of the ACA (insurance), participants will have the opportunity to hear from and exchange ideas with national leaders, public health cessation experts, policy makers, researchers, and behavioral health prevention and treatment experts on current cessation activities.

    Click HERE to register. 

      


    (6) Maryland Rural Health Association

    Call for Proposals The Call for Proposals is now open. The conference will gather rural health leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors to discuss the major issues facing rural Maryland. Past conference attendees have pointed toward the value of illustrating best public health and community level practices as most useful to participants. Additionally, the conference planning committee is hoping to illustrate how recent statewide programs and policies have been implemented or are impacting rural Maryland both in terms of health and the economy. Examples include, but are not limited to the following: behavioral health, CMS Waiver implementation, Community Transformation Grant, the Affordable Care Act, oral health. Every proposal will be given consideration by the Rural Health Conference Planning Committee and presenters will be notified by June 13, 2014. 

    Please submit proposals online at Call For Proposals Due Date May 23, 2014.

    Outline of Information Asked on Online Submittal: Link

     

    (7) Office of Women's Health Quick Health Data Online

    The Office of Women's Health has announced the availability of telephone trainings on their new online information system - Quick Health Data Online.  The system contains data on demographics, mortality, reproductive and maternal health, disease incidence, and access to care at the county level for all states and territories.  It also includes data on prevention, violence, and mental health at the state level.  Where possible the data provided includes race, ethnicity and gender and, if able, age.  It incorporates graphing and mapping features so that the data of interest can be used directly as tables, graphs/chart and maps.  There will be two one-hour trainings per month: a basic training of an overview of the system and mapping and a second training that will provide emphasis on mapping techniques.  To access the calls, use the toll-free number:  1-877-925-6129; passcode, 410171 and go to the Quick Health Data Online website.  

    Quick Health Data Online 101 Trainings:

    • Monday, May 19, 2-3 pm, ET (Basic)
    • Wednesday, May 21, 11-12 pm, ET (Focus on Mapping)
    • Tuesday, June 17, 3-4 pm, ET (Basic)
    • Thursday, June 19, 1-2 pm, ET (Focus on Mapping)

    (8) Community Guide for Community Health Centers Webinar

    The Public Health Foundation, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) are offering a webinar on May 12 at 1:00 pm highlighting The Guide to Community Preventive Services, or "The Community Guide."  Hear from a health center that used the Community Guide to improve their patient's cancer screening rates.  The web-based resource was developed to complement evidence-based recommendations of the US Preventive Services Task Force.  It can be used by health centers to develop evidence-based systems of population management, support care planning and coordination, and build partnerships with public health agencies and community resources.  Registration is required.

     

    (9) Enroll America's State of Enrollment Conference

    When: June 16th-18th

    Enroll America will be convening their first national conference in Washington DC . This conference will offer trainings, workshops, keynotes, and events to learn and exchange best practices and prepare for the next open enrollment period. Early-bird registration rates expire on Friday, April 11th. Click here for more information.

      

    (10) SAVE - THE - DATE 

    2014 COMMUNITY HEALTH INSTITUTE (CHI) & EXPO at MANCHESTER GRAND HYATT

    AUGUST 23-27, 2014

    REGISTRATION IS NOT YET OPEN!

    Community Health Institute (CHI) & EXPO is THE largest and most important annual gathering of 2000 community health center  managers, clinicians, employees, board members and leaders. Every aspect of the community health center movement is represented and  fully-vested at CHI, making it an excellent networking opportunity. CHI provides essential up-to-date information, training and technical  assistance on the latest community health center challenges, providing professionals in the industry with cutting-edge strategies for community health center success                                       

    Policy, Advocacy and Legislation
    National News
    Reminder: Maintain an Up-to-date Scope of Project - 
    Health centers must maintain an up-to-date and accurate scope of project, including service area, in their health center scope file. An accurate recording of scope is essential because, among other benefits, it is often used to determine eligibility for funding including under the Service Area Competition (SAC) funding process. The following resources can help with maintaining an accurate service area in Form 5B: Service Sites in the Electronic Handbook (EHB): 
    o  Policy Information Notice (PIN) 2008-01: Defining Scope of Project and Policy for Requesting Change describes health centers' responsibilities for establishing, approving, and changing the scope of project.

    o The Uniform Data System (UDS) report can inform a health center's service area and serve as a resource for determining if updates are needed to the listing of ZIP codes in Form 5B: Services Sites.
    Calendar Year (CY) 2015 Requirements for Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) Medical Malpractice Coverage for Health Centers Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2014-03 - HRSA has issued PAL 2014-03 to describe the process for Health Center Program grantees to submit FTCA deeming applications for CY 2015.
    Applications are due by Friday, May 23, 2014, 11:59 pm, ET.
    NACHC submitted comments on behalf of Community Health Centers on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed rule addressing requirements applicable to health insurance issuers and the Affordable Insurance Exchanges under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). NACHC's comments focused on the provisions of the proposed rule relating to Navigators, non-Navigator assistance personnel, and certified application counselors. For a summary of NACHC's comments and the proposed rule, check out the NACHC Policy Shop blog. 
    The bipartisan Stabenow-Wicker and Bilirakis-Pallone Dear Colleague letters closed with majorities in each chamber signing on to support FY2015 Health Center funding. The Senate letter garnered 54 signatures and the House letter closed with 226 signatures - the highest level of House signatories since FY2008. Please visit NACHC's Federal Affairs page to view the final signed letters and lists of signers.
    Waiting For Medicaid To Kick In 
    For most of Teresa Martinez's life, buying health insurance has been out of the question. She works at a Koreatown hair salon, earning about $10 per cut - not nearly enough to afford private coverage. With a long list of ailments including dizziness, blurry vision and leg pain, she eagerly applied last year for a county program that would cover her for free until Obamacare set in.
    Steve Huber, an affable salesman who is still paying off an unexpected medical bill, was not among the millions of Americans who signed up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act during the enrollment period that ended March 31. After seeing television ads for Kentucky's new online insurance marketplace, Mr. Huber, 57, made several attempts to explore the website but found it too complicated. Moreover, his income has dropped in recent years, he said, and he felt certain that he could not afford coverage. So he never priced plans or researched whether he qualified for financial assistance.
    The Fact Checker was on break last week, but did manage to pass a TV set that aired images of the President's announcement on April 17 that 8 million people had signed up for health insurance on the Affordable Care Act exchanges. We were struck by a headline in the TV ticker that amplified the president's message that 35 percent of the enrollees were younger than 35. Why is that important? The "young invincibles" are considered a key to the health law's success, since they are healthier and won't requires as much health coverage as older Americans. If the proportion of young and old enrollees was out of whack, insurance companies might feel compelled to boost premiums, which some feared would lead to a cycle of even fewer younger adults and higher premiums.
    The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) has issued Provider Quick Tips #173 to remind all Medical Assistance (MA) providers that they are required to enroll and update all service locations with DPW as well as with managed care organizations (MCOs).   All service locations must be enrolled with DPW prior to seeing any MA patients.  Also, please do not forget to close any service locations that are no longer valid as soon as possible.  Information on the DPW MA Provider Profile is the official record for the MA program. The information in your MA provider profile should be accurate and updated in a timely manner throughout your participation with the MA program. 
    In a case that could strengthen truth-in-labeling laws, Supreme Court justices on Monday voiced deep skepticism about Coca-Cola's Pomegranate Blueberry juice that is 99.4% apple and grape juice, saying the name would probably fool most consumers, including themselves. The high court is hearing an appeal from Stewart and Lynda Resnick of Los Angeles, makers of a rival pomegranate juice called Pom Wonderful, who complained that the name of the Coca-Cola product, sold under the Minute Maid brand, is false and misleading. ... At issue is whether federal law permits selling a product with a name or a label that is almost sure to mislead consumers, and how much latitude manufacturers have in marketing.
    Only two of the 36 states that relied on the federal insurance exchange this year -- Idaho and New Mexico -- plan to set up their own online marketplaces in time for the next open enrollment beginning Nov. 15. 
    Both those states had moved to run their own exchanges last year but couldn't get them working in time for the 2014 enrollment season so they used the federal exchange instead. No other states have announced similar plans and analysts say none is likely to be able to develop a detailed plan before the deadline in a little more than five weeks. 
    Use this National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) briefing to learn from Iowa's successes in linking primary care with comprehensive services in community-based settings. 
    State News
    DELAWARE

    State Obamacare enrollment tops federal goals

    Delaware ended its first enrollment period for the nation's new Obamacare health plans with 11,335 people enrolled - about 3,000 more than federal goals for the state.

    Another 3,411 people gained coverage through the state's expanded Medicaid coverage, which extended eligibility to 138 percent of the federal poverty level.  

    The numbers were released Thursday morning by Rita Landgraf, secretary of the state Department of Health and Social Services, during the monthly meeting of the Delaware Health Care Commission.  

     
    MARYLAND
    Md. exchange enrolls nearly 329,000 in health plans 
    Nearly 329,000 people have enrolled in insurance through the Maryland health exchange, officials reported Friday. 

    As of April 15, 262,619 people have gained Medicaid coverage and 66,203 enrolled in a private plan sold on the exchange website.

    Open enrollment ended March 31 for private plans, though some who notified the exchange that they were having trouble signing up were given more time. Those who have a change in family, residence, income, work status or other consideration may qualify for a special enrollment. Call 855-642-8572 for more information. Medicaid enrollment is year-round.
    Finance & Business
    Basel-based Novartis said it is acquiring the oncology unit of Britain's GlaxoSmithKline for around $14.5 billion. The Swiss pharmaceutical giant is also selling its vaccines unit to Glaxo for $5.25 billion. Both deals include provisions for milestone payments that could raise the total values. Novartis and Glaxo are also planning to combine their consumer divisions, which sell medicines that don't require a prescription
    People with relatively minor health problems-say, the flu or a deep cut-aren't the only ones getting relief from growing walk-in "urgent care" companies such as CityMD and PM Pediatrics. These companies also are providing a little tonic to retail landlords. In the last four years, more than 20 of these centers have opened in the New York region, offering a no-appointment alternative to the emergency room or doctor's office.
    Because health insurance premiums will be lower than expected for the next few years, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) revised its
    estimated cost of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to $1.4 trillion over the next 10 years--a decrease of about $100 billion. In its report published Monday, the CBO said premiums will fall because so many insurers are using narrow networks and lower reimbursement rates for plans sold on health insurance exchanges. The CBO lowered its subsidy estimate by $300 per enrollee from what it projected in February and now expects 24 million people will buy coverage through an exchange plan in 2016.
     
    USA Today reports that the number of patients cared for through telemedicine has risen to an estimated 10 million people in rural and urban settings. Now, under pressure from major telecommunications and healthcare firms that want to create nationwide telemedicine businesses, state medical licensing boards are set to consider an "interstate medical licensure compact" that would give doctors and patients legal protections in any state that signs on.
     
    The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) has scheduled a variety of financial and operational trainings for health centers, including: 
     
    April 30-May 1, 2014 - Miami Beach, FL   
     
    May 7-8, 2014 - Philadelphia, PA
     
    May 21-22, 2014 - Memphis, TN
     
    June 4-6, 2014 - San Diego, CA
     
    June 10-13, 2014 - Portland, OR
     
    June 25-26, 2014 - New Orleans, LA
     
    July 9-10, 2014 - Las Vegas, NV
     
    July 16-17, 2014 - San Diego, CA
     
    The
    Latest News on ACA

    OUR WORK IS NOT OVER
     

     
    The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently issued final regulations on the employer reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The ACA requires applicable large employers (ALE) to report information to the IRS and employees regarding the employer's health coverage. In short, an ALE is an employer who employed, on average, at least 50 full-time employees (including full-time equivalents) during the prior calendar year. This information is required to enforce both the individual and
    applicable large employer mandates in 2015, and is also necessary to administer the advanced premium tax credits for eligible individuals purchasing coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace. Additionally, the Department of Health & Human Services issued final rules on the reinsurance fee, including an exemption from the fee for certain self-administered, self-funded plans. The reporting rules are effective for coverage provided on or after January 1, 2015. The first information returns must be filed with the IRS and the employee statements provided in early 2016. The IRS has encouraged voluntary reporting for 2014 (to be filed in 2015) in an effort to smoothly transition to full implementation for 2015. Health centers and other employers should familiarize themselves with these requirements to ensure they are collecting all of the required information necessary to report in 2016.
     
    WEBINAR:
    Families USA Offers "Helping Consumers after Open Enrollment" Webinar - On April 30,
    Families USA will hold a webinar on helping consumers after open enrollment. The webinar will address changes to Healthcare.gov and continuing enrollment opportunities, resources that can help assist uninsured consumers with filing for exemptions and connecting with health care resources.  Presenters will include Lindsay Nelson, the State
    Coordinator for Outreach and Enrollment at the Kentucky Primary Care Association, and Suzanne Cohen with the Health Federation of Philadelphia. They'll talk about how their enrollment assistance programs are planning for the months ahead before the next open enrollment period begins in November.  In addition, Families USA's Jessica Kendall and Elaine Saly will discuss what types of assistance consumers need now, effective strategies to continue public education and assistance, and lessons learned that can help you build on the successes of the first open enroll  
    period.  The 60 minute webinar will begin at 2:00 pm EST on April 30.  Register online.

     

    RESOURCES:
    CMS Marketplace - Now that open enrollment has closed and the pace of things has slowed, it would be a good time to visit the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Health Insurance Marketplace website to catch up on: webinars and calls, frequently asked questions, assister resources, immigration issue resources, consumer and provider resources, training resources and Spanish resources.  

     

     

    For other helpful outreach and enrollment resources, please click here. 

    For General FAQs on HRSA Health Center Outreach and Enrollment Assistance Supplemental Funding, click here. 

    Transformational Team Talk & Outreach Upates

    New Outreach and Enrollment Resources -  

    Since the end of the enrollment period for health insurance on April 15, 2014, several changes have been made to 

    Healthcare.gov. Visit the Health Insurance Blog for the newest information and resources such as: 

     

    o Open Enrollment is over: Here are some options describes other means of obtaining health insurance.


    o Still open - Coverage in Medicaid and CHIP describes how to qualify for and enroll in Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).  

     

    Question: HRSA Supplemental O/E Grant Funding for next year?

    In accordance to recently updated FAQs located here, "In FY 2015 and beyond, HRSA anticipates that O/E funds will be annualized to the amount that matches the amount awarded in July 2013 (excluding the $5,000 in one-time funding). This is reflected as the Recommended Future Support (RFS) commitment on O/E awardees' most recent Notice of Award. Since the funds will become a part of grantees' base awards, no further applications are required."

     

    Exchange Updates for ACSE (CACs):

    For those application counselors that could not complete the previously scheduled Webinars, they will need to get in touch with mhc.trainingsupport@maryland.gov to un-enroll in order to be notified of future Webinar training.

     

    Exchange Call with ACSE:

    The Exchange has sent ACSE's an email around monthly webinar/calls with all to discuss the CAC Program and Maryland's Marketplace progress. The webinar.calls would take place every 4th Monday of the month and this will allow CHCs a platform to discuss success, obstacles and make suggestions for improvement. The first of these webinars/calls took place on March 24 at 10 am - 11:30 am. Slides from the webinar can be found here. 

     

    The NEXT call/webinar will take place TODAY - Monday, April 28th from 10 AM - 11:30 AM. 

    Here is the call- in information and webinar link:

    Call 1-877-431-1883 Access #370 252 4147 password for the webinar is mhbe.  
    Grants & Funding Opportunities

    HRSA:
    Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health:Improving Maternal Health and Safety (HRSA-14-134)
    Apply By: Mon, 16 Jun 2014 

    Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program States/Territories Part B Supplemental Grant Program (HRSA-14-048)
    Apply By: Wed, 28 May 2014 
     
    Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
    Funding for hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, healthcare, and education to those who are underserved. Pennsylvania is one of the eligible states.
     
    Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
    Provides seed funding to emerging nonprofits, or to new projects of established organizations in the areas of education; environment; health and human services; and hunger and nutrition. Pennsylvania is one of 13 eligible states.
    Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis 
    Enables certain nonfederal organizations to obtain property that the federal government no longer needs
     
    Application Deadline:  Applications Accepted on an Ongoing Basis
    The Community Response Fund supports organizations, activities, and events that address access to needed oral health care and community resources that improve oral health. Programs that address an immediate response to an urgent issue that impacts access to clinical care, provide short-term access to needed care for the underserved, or sustain organizations experiencing short-term challenges are the focus. A limited number of program concepts that provide longer term solutions or essential services for particularly underserved populations will also be considered. The program will also support Missions of Mercy clinics.
    Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Corner 
    • The AAFP has joined five other family medicine organizations in publishing the article "Joint Principles: Integrating Behavioral Health Care Into the Patient-Centered Medical Home" in the March/April 2014 Annals of Family Medicine. 
    • The behavioral health joint principles are intended to supplement, not replace, the original Joint Principles of the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) that were released in February 2007. 
    • The new document builds on the seven principles laid out in the PCMH joint principles, integrating elements of behavioral health care into each.
    Clinical Quality 
    ECRI Offers Free Webinar on Effective Triage Systems
    The ECRI Institute, on behalf of the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), will be presenting a free webinar, Building and Maintaining an Effective Triage System, on May 13 and again on May 14.  Safely and effectively triaging patients is a critical patient safety process, and health centers face significant risks if patient triage is not done in a consistent and effective manner.  The webinar will cover the basic principles of triage and address the following questions:
    What are the credentials for a triage person?
    Register for the webinar by clicking on the date and time below.
     
    Get ready for FTCA Redeeming CY15: Greater Board Involvement, Increased Documentation
     
    The HRSA Electronic Handbook (EHB) began accepting FTCA redeeming applications for Calendar Year 2015 on April 16th. What's new this year?  The requirements under PAL 2014-03 include Board approval of more policies and procedures, a new emphasis on documentation and additional questions. The PAL made changes to the following application sections: review of risk management systems, quality improvement/ quality assurance plan, review of professional liability history and additional information. Health centers must submit their redeeming applications on or before May 23, 2014.
     
    "Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns for Healthcare Organizations" from ECRI Institute PSO and the Healthcare Risk Control System.
     
    Click on the links below or copy and paste the URL into your web browser to download each item:
    For additional information about our patient safety, quality, and risk management resources, please visit www.ecri.org/pso, or contact us at pso@ecri.org or +1 (610) 825-6000, ext 5558.
     
    Registration is required, if you want to link to these resources, please use:


    Cultural Competency Program for Oral Health Professionals (CCPOHP) - HHS has released the CCPOHP, a free e-learning program that offers information about cultural and linguistic competency for oral health professionals and the opportunity to gain up to six continuing education credits.
    Health Observances This Week

    Remember......

     

    April is Alcohol Awareness Month!

     

    Drinking too much alcohol increases people's risk of health-related injuries, violence, drowning, liver disease, and some types of cancer.

    The good news? We can all do our part to prevent alcohol misuse or abuse.

    Make a difference: Spread the word about strategies for preventing alcohol misuse or abuse and encourage communities, families, and individuals to get involved.

      

    How can Alcohol Awareness Month make a difference?

    We can use this month to raise awareness about alcohol abuse and take action to prevent it, both at home and in the community.

    Here are just a few ideas:

    • Encourage friends or family members to make small changes, like keeping track of their drinking and setting drinking limits.
    • Share tips with parents to help them talk with their kids about the risks of alcohol use.
    • Ask doctors and nurses to talk to their patients about the benefits of drinking less or quitting.
    How can I help spread the word?

    We've made it easier for you to make a difference. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:
    Has your FQHC joined the National Branding Campaign?

     

    With more than 43 billion people  eligible to enroll in private insurance starting this October 1, FQHCs strive to create an identifiable unifying identity for themselves. This is where the National Branding Campaign for Our Health Centers comes into place. 

    The campaign is a national branding effort to strengthen recognition of our Health Centers as a unified and nationwide network of quality community-based primary care providers.  Initially created at the state level by the Pennsylvania Association of Community Health Centers (PACHC) and its membership, the National Association of Community Health Centers has expanded the campaign nationwide.

     

    The FQHC Brand Components  

    MACHC recently hosted a Branding Webinar for MD and DE Health Centers with CEO of PACHC, Cheri Reinhart and Event and Communications Coordinator, Kirsten Keyes, as guest speakers. If you missed the webinar and would like access, please click here.

    Mid-Atlantic Association of Community Health Centers | | aneeqa@machc.com |
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