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 [email protected]

Let's Stay Connected
    
October 27, 2014
MACHC HAPPENINGS

MACHC EVENTS

 

 

(1THE NEW BEHAVIORAL HEALTH & DENTAL SUITE IN

CHASE BREXTON HEALTH CARE AT COLUMBIA IS OPEN 

Join Chase for the Community Open House:
Chase Brexton Health Care at Columbia
October 28, 2014 | 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
5500 Knoll North Drive, Suite 400, Columbia, MD 21045
Enjoy delicious treats, music, learn about our services,
& discover what Chase Brexton Health Care is all about
RSVP Requested (but not Required).

 

 

(2) Outreach Team: Creating an Earned Media Strategy: Simple Ways to Engage the Ethnic Media

October 31, 2014

Please join us to hear from the national nonprofit, Enroll America, about simple things you can do to engage the media in your efforts to get the word out about your program and connect people to coverage. This webinar will present the benefits of working with local radio, television, and print media outlets to get the word out. This will be an opportunity for you to hear about how this strategy can be effective in engaging non-English speaking individuals and minority groups in general, free of charge. You will learn about ways you can engage local media and use this powerful tool to educate and motivate consumers to take action. There are many lessons learned to be shared and tools and tips to apply when amplifying your reach, some of which have been captured in this outreach toolkit. During this hour long webinar you will hear practical suggestions that you can run with now to make the most of your time and outreach efforts.

Speaker: Dayanne Leal, Deputy Director of the Best Practices Institute at Enroll America

To register: 

https://cc.readytalk.com/r/wosz9dn7yeed&eom 



 

(3) Delaware Outreach & Enrollment (O&E) Event

Monday November 3, 2014  ;  1:00-4:00pm

Location: Currently have Edgehill Training Center in Dover reserved. (Look under this section for updates)

Email [email protected] should you have any questions.


 (4) 
Transformational Call (*bi-weekly) 
November 4th; 10 am - 11 am

To get on call listserv, email [email protected]

Audience: MD MACHC Leadership

Topic: Discuss State and FQHC updates, trends, best practices, obstacles and issues. These are disc ussed and issues are brought to the respective official's attention. These topics are included in MACHC's advocacy efforts on behalf of FQHCs.

 

(5) Maryland Department on Aging Living Well Program - Diabetes 

November 12th, 12 PM- 1:30 PM
Pam Toomey, Master Trainer of Standford's Living Well Program, will explain how this evidence based, self-management workshop that is available in your community is available for your patients. This 6 week workshop is led by trained facilitators throughout Maryland and administered by the Maryland Department of Aging. This program teaches participants how to manage their chronic conditions like diabetes as well as improve their quality of life. Participants who partake in the program see improvements in exercise, cognitive symptom management, communication with physicians, health distress, fatigue and social limitations.
  • OTHER EVENTS

  •  

  • (1)  Uniform Data System (UDS) Training Series - Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, November 6, 2014. BPHC is hosting TA webinars to provide UDS training opportunities to health centers completing a 2014 UDS report. Each webcast will focus on a different UDS objective. All webinars will be recorded and posted on the UDS Reporting Webpage
    , but health centers are strongly encouraged to attend the live sessions.
     
  • + Introduction to UDS for Look-Alikes, October 22, 2014, 1:30pm - 3:00pm, ET.
    Objectives: Review of differences in reporting requirements and overview of review process.  
  • To participate in this session, use the following link:  UDSOctober22. Connect to the audio line using 1-800-857-5012; Participant Code: 9413383.   
     
  • + UDS Sampling Methods, including Randomizer.org, November 6, 2014, 1:30pm - 3:00pm, ET.
    Objectives: Review purpose of random sample and correct methods for generating random sample and chart substitutions.   
  • To participate in this session, use the following link:  UDSNovember6. Connect to the audio line using 1-800-857-5012; Participant Code: 9413383


  • (2) Caring for Gender Dysphoric Children and Adolescents Webinar - Tuesday, October 28, 2014, 1:00pm - 2:00pm, ET.
    The National LGBT Health Education Center is hosting this webinar to review specific health and mental health needs in gender dysphoric children and adolescents to provide effective and innovative ways to support their gender dysphoric patients. 
  • View more information and register for this webinar.


  • (3) 340B Audit Readiness Webinar Series: Confirming and Documenting Eligibility - Wednesday, October 29, 2014, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, ET. HRSA is hosting a series of webinars focused on 340B audit readiness.  The first webinar will present a systematic approach to verifying, documenting and maintaining covered-entity eligibility for participation in the 340B program. 
  • View more information and register for this webinar
  •  

  • (4) Behavioral Health Integration in School-Based Health Centers and National Health Service Corps Enrichment Webinar
    - Thursday, October 30, 2014, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, ET
    BPHC is hosting this webinar to provide an overview of current health trends and needs of school-aged children, adolescents, and youth served at health centers, particularly School-Based Health Centers. 
  • View the webinar the day of the session. Connect to the audio line using 1-800-369-1157; Participate Code: 87539. 
  •  

    (5) AHRQ Co-Sponsors ECRI Conference On Care For "New" Complex Patients November 6-7

    ECRI Institute's 21st Annual Conference on the Use of Evidence in Policy and Practice will be held November 6-7 in the nation's capital. The title of the free conference, co-hosted by AHRQ, is "The 'New' Complex Patient: The Shifting Locus of Care and Cost." The purpose is to explore how America's health care system is changing to care for complex patients, how this care is being financed and how and where this care takes place. The conference will be held at the National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. Continuing education (CE) credits will be available to participants at no cost. Registration is open.

     

    (6) 2015 NACHC Policy & Issues Forum

    Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, DC

    March 18-22, 2015

     

    Emergency Preparedness Events: 

     

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is ramping up efforts to ensure that providers are prepared in case more cases of the Ebola virus are detected.  A second healthcare worker at the Texas Presbyterian Hospital has now tested positive for the virus after coming into contact with a patient who died from Ebola. CDC and its partners are taking precautions to prevent the spread of Ebola within the United States.  Among the resources coming out from CDC is a resource/checklist for Outpatient/ Ambulatory Care Settings.   Representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services are also hosting a conference call for hospital executives, hospital emergency management directors, and safety officers to describe how to prepare healthcare systems to protect health and safety should an Ebola patient be present at the facility on Monday, October 20th at 1 pm, ET. We will post the call information as soon as its available.

    In the meantime NACHC is also urging health centers to work directly with local public health departments to ensure an effective and coordinated response.   NACHC is advising health centers to ramp up their front desk/scheduling operations to ensure appropriate screening of patients.  If a patient is concerned that they are exhibiting symptoms of Ebola, the protocol for telephone screening should first and foremost rule out whether the patient has traveled to any of the countries affected by the Ebola Virus Disease.   If appropriate, the patient should be referred to a facility that is equipped and prepared to handle such cases without presenting to the health center and possibly exposing others.  Call ahead of time to alert the facility that a suspected case will be presenting, so that they can prepare for their arrival.

    NACHC's Chief Medical Officer Ron Yee, MD, also offers some cautionary advice:  "While we are greatly concerned about the protection of our communities, patients and staff from the Ebola virus, taking the appropriate measures, we need to make sure that we are also protecting our populations from influenza and addressing enterovirus cases.  These conditions will affect a great number of individuals and are also very important, from a public health standpoint.  We should not let the fear of Ebola distract us from the important work of prevention.  While taking the proper steps to address Ebola, make sure you and your loved ones get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, and cover your coughs.  These are things everyone can do now to stay healthy."

    Finally, don't forget to include communications in your response planning.  The primary goal is to educate and to allay fears about Ebola and emphasize to the community and patients that staff are trained and prepared to deal with public health threats.

     

     

    DHMH continues to monitor the situation surrounding the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa. There are currently no known cases of EVD in Maryland, and EVD poses little risk to the U.S. general population at this time. However, healthcare workers are advised to be alert for signs and symptoms of EVD in patients with compatible illness who have a recent (within 21 days) travel history to countries where the outbreak is occurring, and should consider isolation of those patients meeting these criteria, pending diagnostic testing. Maryland clinicians who suspect Ebola virus in a traveler should contact their local public health department immediately.

     

    See the attached letter from Lucy Wilson, MD, ScM, Chief of the Center for Surveillance, Infection Prevention and Outbreak Response at DHMH. It contains guidance on epidemiology and identification of potential Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases and web links for additional information. Additional guidance for clinicians can be found at the CDC's Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) website [ http://emergency.cdc.gov/coca ].

     

    For specific information regarding infection control recommendations and other healthcare-related resources, go to [http://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/calls/2014/callinfo_080514.asp ] and scroll down to the Additional Resources section.

     

      

    A folder has been created on the Maryland Health Alert Network (HAN) website where new and updated information will be posted. To access the folder, log in to HAN, click on the Documents tab, and select the folder "Ebola Virus". We recommend that you "watch" this folder in order to receive automatic notifications when new content has been added. (Simply select the folder and click the "Watch" link by the star icon in the panel on the right.)


     Pediatric Disaster Preparedness and Planning Program (TEEX)

    DateTime: 
    Mon, 01/12/2015 - 8:00am - Tue, 01/13/2015 - 5:00pm
    Thu, 01/15/2015 - 8:00am - Fri, 01/16/2015 - 5:00pm

    Enrollment is through the Commonwealth of Virginia Knowledge Center (KC). There are two options for enrollment (please see below).

    * For students who are comfortable using the Knowledge Center: If you have an existing account with any state agency, click here  for enrollment procedures. For students who do not already have an existing KC account, click here  for enrollment procedures.

    * For those who do not feel comfortable using the Knowledge Center, you may access an online enrollment form at this link. Our Help Desk will use the form to verify/create your account and enroll you in the course.

    This course, taught by the Texas Engineering and Extension Service, is a two day performance level course that addresses pediatric emergency planning and medical response considerations. The course addresses the need for emergency responders, first receivers, and emergency management personnel to increase their effectiveness in responding to pediatric patients and their unique needs/considerations. This course provides participants with skills and knowledge necessary to make pediatric considerations/accommodations while planning and preparing for community all-hazards events. Those who should attend include hospital staff and planners, public health, school administrators, American Red Cross, fire service, law enforcement, emergency management, military personnel and others that deal with children on a daily basis.

    Individuals who need an accommodation of a functional or access need to attend the training should contact the LMS Help Desk via telephone at 804-897-9995 or via email at [email protected]

    . at least two weeks prior to the course start date.

    DatesTimesLocationEnrollment Deadline
    Jan 12-13, 20158:00-5:00FairfaxDec 30, 2014
    Jan 15-16, 20158:00-5:00RoanokeDec 30, 2014

     

     

    MSAT Satellite Phone Maintenance Check-up Visits Underway

     

    MSAT preventive maintenance visits to health departments and healthcare organizations are now underway. For detailed information to assist you in preparing for your facility's visit, see the attached handout: "MSAT Satellite Phone Preventive Maintenance Visits".

     

    We thank you in advance for your cooperation as we work to ensure that all of our state partners have functional redundant communications capabilities.

     

     

    HPP Facility Inventory Assessment Project Update

     

    The Facility Inventory Assessment sponsored by OP&R is now underway. Multiple vendors are assisting with this project. A goal has been set to complete the inventory assessment of all HPP-funded supplies and materials by December 31, 2014. HPP Regional Coordinators are contacting each facility to schedule inventory assessment visits.

     

    To ensure an efficient and effective inventory process, please notify all appropriate personnel at your facilities. It is essential that the vendor has safe access to all relevant HPP supplies and materials during the assessment visit.

     

    Preparedness News

     

     

    Governor's Cabinet-Level Tabletop Exercise Addresses Ebola Virus

     

    Governor O'Malley convened several state agencies, including the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) in partnership with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, to participate in a Cabinet-level tabletop exercise (TTX). The goal of the exercise was to test Maryland's operational readiness for preparing and responding to a significant public health crisis impacting the broad community of emergency responders, stakeholders, partners and residents. A variety of capabilities were tested during this exercise, including information sharing across several governmental levels and disciplines, public messaging and notification protocols, law enforcement operations in support of public health interventions, and biosurveillance.

     

    TTX participants included DHMH; the Governor's Office of Homeland Security (GOHS); Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS); Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA); US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR); and the CDC's Division of Global Migration and Quarantine.

    For additional details, visit:

     

     

    Upcoming Training Opportunities  ------------- 

     

    Community Psychological First Aid.

    The MD Responds MRC is pleased to announce Psychological First Aid training opportunities to be held on multiple dates and locations throughout Maryland. Take this free, half-day training and learn about how to improve your mental health! In Coping in Today's World-Community Psychological First Aid, the Red Cross will provide information about mental health and emergencies, including about how to prepare, respond, and recover from trauma. Participants will also receive information on community resources for coping with stress.

     

    Intended Audience: this course is open to the general community (healthcare background not required). Bring your friends or neighbors!

     

    For additional information and registration details, see the attached flyer.

     

    Preparedness Resources

     

    Guidance for Infection Prevention and Respiratory Protection.

    1. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released a guidance document containing CSC guidance for respirators. This document, titled "Infection Prevention for Ambulatory Care Centers During Disasters," has been posted to the ASPR Communities of Interest (COI) website. To download, visit http://www.phe.gov/coiand scroll down to the "Tools" section.

     

     

    2. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Occupational Health Branch (OHB) has developed a useful guide and template for healthcare organizations to employ in developing and implementing effective respiratory protection programs, with an emphasis on protecting healthcare workers from aerosol transmissible diseases. The template is not copyright protected; rather, it is intended to be modified and tailored by the end user to suit their individual facility's needs. The CDPH guide and templateare included here.

     

    ------------

     

    FEMA National Incident Management System (NIMS) Online Training Courses.

    FEMA's Emergency Management Institute (EMI) offers a variety of interactive, web-based NIMS training courses. For additional information and access to these free online courses, visit:

     

    https://training.fema.gov/IS/NIMS.aspx

     

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     

    ATTENTION MD FQHCS - Thank you for joining the MACHC Emergency Preparedness & Management Call on Wednesday, July 23rd at 10 AM. 

     

    1. MACHC's Table Top Exercise (see slides attached) After Action Report Improvement Plan (AARIP). Please find AARIP attached here. Additionally, the Situational Manual discussed during the discussion is attached here

     

    2. DHMH Satellite Phone Recall FQHCs that still have the satellite phones distributed by DHMH 4 years ago, please send them back to: 
    L. Kay Webster, MPH

    Office of Preparedness & Response

    Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

    300 W. Preston Street, Ste. 202

    Baltimore, MD  21201 

    3. Please get in touch with your Regional Coordinators if you have not already done so and be more active in your Regional Coalition. You should already have their contacts in emails I have sent within this year numerous times. Please find them below: 

     

    Regions I and II Health Care Coalition 

    [Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington Counties]

    Alison Robinson

    Allegany County Health Department

    12501 Willowbrook Road
    Cumberland, MD  21502
    301-759-5238 (Office)

    443-934-2232 (Mobile)

    301-777-2069 (Fax)
    [email protected] 

     

    Region III  Health and Medical Task Force

     

    [Baltimore City; Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard Counties]

    Edward Johnson

    Harford County Health Department

    120 S. Hays Street, Suite 230
    Bel Air, MD  21014 
    410-877-1031 (Office)

    443-388-6290 (Mobile)

    410-420-3448 (Fax)
    [email protected]

     

    Region IV -

    [Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico and Worcester Counties]

    Aniket Telang

    Kent County Health Department

    A.F. Whitsitt Center

    300 Scheeler Road

    P.O. Box 229
    Chestertown, MD  21620

    410-778-4861 (Office)

    443-690-3091 (Mobile)

    [email protected]

     

    Region V  Emergency Preparedness Coalition

    [Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's Counties]

    Kamelah Jefferson

    Prince George's County Health Department

    9201 Basil Court, Suite 318

    Largo, MD  20774

    301-883-7632(Office)

    443-462-0230 (Mobile)

    [email protected] 

     

     

    4. Find ATTACHED (Please click here) the guide was developed to provide hospitals in California with a useful tool for developing and implementing effective respiratory protection programs, with an emphasis on protecting health care workers from aerosol transmissible diseases. It was prepared by the Occupational Health Branch (OHB) of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) with funding from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOS H) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL).  It sure looks like something that we can perhaps modify for Maryland.  
    Also attached, you will find the template for setting up a respiratory protection program in hospitals.  

    5. Upcoming: Assisting two FQHCs with Planning for Onsite Drill/Exercise in October 2014. The FQHC sites will be announced in the coming weeks. MACHC INVITES ALL FQHCS to participate during both or at least one of the drills as observers to take notes back to your own shop.
    N95 Masks POD (training) are in the horizon after the drill and release of After Action Report.
     
    Please look for the latest EP related updates RIGHT HERE!
    MACHC SPOTLIGHT

    Access is the Answer: 

    Campaign to Fix Health Center Funding Cliff

    This week, the national Modern Healthcare news service outlined the funding cliff facing Community Health Centers in the 2016 federal Fiscal Year.  The following article also highlights that NACHC will initiate an advocacy effort in the "lame duck session" following the election to urge Congress to take legislative action to circumvent the financial calamity facing health centers. Health centers should expect to begin outreach initiatives to our congressional delegation as early as October 27. If you haven't already, please join the Campaign for America's Health Centers for regular updates.

    Congrats La Red Health Center on the NEW WEBSITE at 

    Use you refresh button if necessary!   

    Congrats to Abid Jamil, Junior Associate of the MACHC Team on participating on the Baltimore Running Festival last weekend. Here is a blurb he provided for us:

     

    "The 2014 Baltimore Running Festival  was a major success by all accounts. I took part in the Team Relay, which consists four participants per team with each runner selecting a portion of the marathon course to run. Despite some very anxious days before the event, the powers above cleared the calendar and allowed the race to go off as originally planned.  I had an absolute blast as the citizens of Baltimore showed up in force on the streets of Charm City to cheer me, my team, and the rest of the runners who had taken to their neighborhoods for a few hours. I ran the first leg of the marathon, which was 5.9 miles, in 58:01 minutes. All in all, I loved the experience, and perhaps we can see some more participation from some of our members in Baltimore City next year!"

     


    Have you checked out the NEW MACHC website?

    ***If there are any job openings at any of MD or DE health centers, please email them to us at [email protected] to be posted on our website.
    Policy, Advocacy and Legislation
    National News
    Integrating 340B Drug Pricing Program Assessment with Health Center Program Site Visits
    In an effort to coordinate across HRSA programs, effectively utilize HRSA resources, and reduce burden on health centers, all Operational Site Visits (OSVs) conducted on or after October 1, 2014 for health centers that also participate in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, will now include a brief assessment of compliance with 340B program requirements.
    OSV consultants will assess 340B compliance using a set of standard questions. The responses to these questions will be shared directly with HRSA's Office of Pharmacy Affairs for review and follow up as needed. Health centers can direct any questions about 340B compliance to [email protected].

    Be Ready To Take Action October 27th-31st 

    The last week in October is tsunami week for Health Center Advocates! Get ready to email your Members of Congress between October 27th and October 31st asking them to FIX THE CLIFF during the lame duck session of Congress before the end of the year. The more emails Members get that week, the better! We need to show Congress the overwhelming support for Health Centers across the country and the crucial need for a prompt fix to the cliff. Don't forget to tell your colleagues, friends, and family members to email their Members of Congress as well between October 27th and 31st. To learn more about why the last week in October is the right time to be emailing your Members about the cliff, check out the most recent post on the Health Centers on the Hill blog. Look for more information and calls to action coming soon!

    As 2014 comes to a close, many who purchased health insurance with the help of premium tax credits are wondering whether or not they will be facing large bills come tax time.
    Promised savings from ACOs look increasingly unlikely to occur
    Despite reassurances that newly formed Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) would do wonders to curb health care spending, recent CMS reports suggest they could be less effective than promised.  
    HHS advances development of Ebola vaccine
    Hoping to put an end to the spread of Ebola across the globe, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is working diligently to support all efforts to create a vaccine for the deadly disease.  "We are pushing hard to advance the development of multiple products as quickly as possible for clinical evaluation and future use in preventing or treating this deadly disease," said BARDA Director Robin Robinson, Ph.D.  "Our goal is to close the global gap in vaccines and therapeutics needed to protect the public health from Ebola as highlighted by the epidemic in West Africa."

    Expanding its reach into the world of health care, Google is looking to connect those surfing the web for health care information with health care providers.  According to Google, "When you're searching for basic health information -- from conditions like insomnia or food poisoning -- our goal is provide you with the most helpful information available. We're trying this new feature to see if it's useful to people."
    ACA exchange enrollees in almost every state will find that chiropractic care is a covered benefit under their health plan, but they won't have as much luck with acupuncture and weight loss programs, a new report from University of Pennsylvania researchers shows. The report, which was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, finds that significant state variation exists in the ACA essential health benefits that insurers must cover to offer plans on the exchanges 

    Feds Outline Plan To Pay States For Basic Health Program In 2016
    The federal government will continue to fund an optional health insurance program for the working poor in 2016 with the methodology it used for 2015, according to a proposed notice from the CMS.  The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act established the Basic Health Program. The initiative is a form of managed care that gives people younger than 65 who earn between 138% and 200% of the federal poverty level and are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid a chance to obtain affordable health coverage. The Basic Health Program is voluntary, and it's an alternative to the widely followed insurance marketplaces. States that move forward with the Basic Health Program must offer plans that at least cover the 10 essential health benefits required by the healthcare law, such as hospitalization, lab tests and mental health services 
     

     Looking to improve the overall patient experience, Providence Hospital has reduced the size of waiting rooms, with a plan to register and triage patients in private rooms.  According to Providence's Emergency Care Center Director, Dr. William Strudwick, "The goal is to provide patients with comfortable, world-class emergency care unlike any other in the vicinity." 

    Stepping up efforts to prevent the spread of Ebola, officials are requiring all travelers coming from Ebola-hit nations to report out daily temperatures for three weeks following their arrival in the U.S.  
     
    With open enrollment right around the corner, those looking to renew or sign up for insurance coverage should pay extra attention to coverage limits, while many providers and employers are looking to cut costs by capping coverage for some services.  

    State News
    DELAWARE
    Because of the diagnosis of individuals in Dallas with Ebola virus and the subsequent intense media coverage, I know people are concerned. As Delaware's State Health Officer, I want to help Delawareans separate the facts from fiction and to know what is being done in Delaware in the event that we have the Ebola virus in our state. And I want people to know where to turn if they have concerns or questions.
    MARYLAND
    Md. Is In Good Shape For Health Exchange, Official Says
    Less than three weeks before uninsured Marylanders get their first look at health plans offered under the Affordable Care Act, officials say preparations are on track. The state's health exchange website crashed on its first day last year and tangled thousands in technological troubles for months. But in a briefing to members of the exchange board Tuesday, the site's top technical officer said it has been fully revamped and appears to be working properly. Though preparations continue, tests show it can handle thousands of users at a time and complex cases 

    University of Maryland confirms multiple cases of meningitis
    There are confirmed and suspected cases of viral meningitis and viral syndromes on campus, wrote David McBride, director of the University Health Center, in an email last night.

    Maryland to keep testing health exchange website

    Maryland's information technology secretary says the state will be testing how well its revamped health exchange website can handle thousands of users over different periods of time.

    Continue reading

    Isabel FitzGerald gave an update on Tuesday about how work is going. The state has incorporated new technology from Connecticut to revamp the website, which crashed on the day it opened last year.

    FitzGerald says endurance tests will be run on the system to check how it operates under high loads for long periods. She also says the state will be testing how well the system works under complex scenarios, such as for accommodating different needs for different households.

    The new website is set to open for people to browse on Nov. 9. People are scheduled to be able to enroll Nov. 15.

     

    Md. to help monitor fliers from Ebola-stricken countries
     
    Maryland health officials will soon begin working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor the health of people who just arrived in the U.S. from West Africa. 

    Finance & Business
    Obamacare's Small-Business Exchanges To See Major Changes In The Coming Months
    One year in, the new small-business insurance marketplaces born out of the new federal health-care law have fallen short of their promise in nearly every state, both in terms of functionality and enrollment. However, many are scheduled to see some important updates heading into year two - ones that health officials say should make them much more useful and appealing to small employers and their worker

     

    Seven Recommendations for States 

    A new brief, Sustaining Multi-Payer Medical Home Programs: Seven Recommendations for States, 

    examines how states and the federal government are increasingly looking to primary care as a foundation for broader payment and delivery system reforms to improve quality and control costs. State Medicaid programs, recognizing the potential of multi-payer models to maximize the impact of these reforms, are investing in multi-payer medical home models. This brief, supported by The Commonwealth Fund, offers seven recommendations for states seeking to sustain their multi-payer medical home programs beyond the pilot phase.
     
     

    UDS Sampling Methods, including Randomizer.org, November 6, 2014, 1:30pm - 3:00pm, ET. 

    Objectives: Review purpose of random sample and correct methods for generating random sample and chart substitutions.  
    To participate in this session, use the following link: UDSNovember6. Connect to the audio line using 1-800-857-5012; Participant Code: 9413383.
    The
    Latest News on ACA
     
    OUR WORK IS NOT OVER

    CMS Assister Fall Webinar Schedule

    CMS has resumed their weekly webinar schedule in advance of the upcoming open enrollment period. Below is a list of dates for webinars in October. 

    October Webinar Schedule:

    • Friday, October 24 at 2:00 pm EDT
    • Friday, October 31 at 2:00 pm EDT

    NOTE: The webinar schedule is subject to change in order to deliver late-breaking information.

     

    II. REMINDER: Upcoming Supplemental CMS Webinar on Outreach Strategies in Rural Communities

    Date: Thursday, October 30, 2014

    Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. EDT 

    The Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign invites you to attend a Campaign webinar on reaching and enrolling families in rural communities. As many of you are aware, reaching rural communities presents unique challenges, but there are effective strategies being used to successfully find and enroll eligible families in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Join  to learn about tips, techniques and Campaign resources that you can use in your efforts.

     More about the Connecting Kids to Coverage National Campaign

    • Follow the Campaign on Facebook and Twitter. On Twitter, use our #Enroll365 hashtag.
    • Share our 50 National Campaign materials to use in outreach and enrollment efforts.
    • Contact us to get more involved at [email protected] or 1-855-313-KIDS (5437).
    • Sign up to receive the National Campaign Notes eNewsletter directly to your inbox. 

    III. NEW REPORT: Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Grows by 8.7 Million Additional Americans
    On Friday, HHS released the latest Medicaid enrollment report, which shows approximately 8.7 million additional Americans now have coverage through Medicaid and CHIP, many for the very first time. Medicaid enrollment grew to more than 67.9 million in August 2014, which shows nearly a 15 percent increase over the average monthly enrollment for July through September 2013.  For more information please check out: http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/blog/2014/10/medicaid-chip-enrollment-august.html
    Transformational Team Talk & Outreach Upates

    MHBE -ACSE Monthly Meeting 

    Please be advised that the ACSE Status Meeting for next Tuesday at 10 has been changed to Wednesday at the same time due to a scheduling conflict at MHBE.  

    Conference Call 877-431-1883 code 370 252 4147 (map)


     

    Message from MHBE:

    The current CAC training is for Certified Application Counselors, if you are not certified you need to wait until the training schedule is posted. As of today, we are waiting for approval from Maryland Insurance Administration and will let you as soon as approved.

    People are showing up at the CAC training that are not registered and do not belong. These classes are for Certified Application Counselors only and you may be turned away. There will be no benefit to you in attending these classes.

    Share this message with your staff.

     

    Maryland Health Connection Update

    for LHD and LDSS Caseworkers, Call Center representatives and Connector Entities

     

    Effective October 18, 2014, in preparation for the new open enrollment period, the current HIX will not process new Medicaid/ MCHP applications or changes. PLEASE follow the INTERIM procedures listed below:     

    October 18th  - November 18th

    • If a new Medicaid/MCHP application or eligibility change is added to the HIX after October 17th, the system will still show a Medicaid or MCHP determination, but it WILL NOT be sent to MMIS and the enrollment will never be completed.

    o   Call Center and Connector Entities must submit New Medicaid/MCHP applications via SAIL at https://www.marylandsail.org/.  LHD and LDSS caseworkers will continue to process all applications in CARES. 

    o   If a navigator or call center representative does not have access to CARES and a customer is requesting a status update on their SAIL application, they should be referred to the DHR Constituent Services hotline: 1-800-332-6347.

    Beginning November 18th

    •          All new MAGI Medicaid/MCHP applications must be submitted via the new Maryland Health Connection (HBX). 
    Grants & Funding Opportunities

    FY 2015 SAC Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOA)  

    HRSA has released the next two rounds of FY 2015 SAC FOAs (HRSA-15-012 and HRSA-15-013), covering service areas with March 2015 and April 2015 project period start dates. 
    Contact [email protected] for questions.


     USD
    A Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Grants

    Application Deadline:  November 12, 2014

    Awards to provide financial and technical assistance to subrecipients to develop and strengthen their capacity to carry out housing, community facilities and community and economic development projects. Rural communities may be interested in applying for these grants to fund health infrastructure. Recipients must be non-profit organizations, low-income rural communities, or federally recognized tribes. Intermediary organizations are required to provide matching funds at least equal to the RCDI grant. 

     

    National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Students to Service Application Cycle Closes on November 13, 2014 at 7:30pm, ET -NHSC Students to Service Loan Repayment Program is open to medical students (MD and DO) in their final year of school. Medical students can receive an award of up to $120,000 (tax-free) towards their qualifying educational loans.  
     

    USDA Funding to Promote Healthy Eating Choices

    Application Deadline:  December 15, 2014

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through its National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), is making up to $31.5 million in funding available to help participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) more easily afford healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. The Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) program, a new Farm Bill program, brings together stakeholders from distinct parts of the food system and fosters understanding of how they might improve the nutrition and health status of SNAP households. Under FINI, applicants may propose relatively small pilot projects, multi-year community-based projects, or larger-scale multi-year projects. Funded projects will test community based strategies that could contribute to our understanding of how best to increase the purchase of fruits and vegetables by SNAP participants through incentives at the point of purchase, supported by effective and efficient benefit redemption technologies, that would inform future efforts. 

    HRSA began issuing FY 2014 base adjustments last week for health center grantees in accordance with program statute and the FY 2014 budget as enacted by Congress. Health Center grantees should see new Notice of Awards in EHB in the near future. To compute base adjustments, HRSA is using a base amount for all grantees, and providing additional amounts based on each cCenter's total patient population, uninsured patient population and Patient Centered Medical Home recognition status.

     

    Reminder: Outreach and Enrollment (O/E) Ongoing Funding 

    Health centers that received O/E grant funds in July 2013 have already received the ongoing O/E funds in their base award to cover the months between July 1, 2014 through the end of their FY 2014 budget period. Health centers should be preparing for the upcoming open enrollment period that begins on November 15, 2014. Contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns related to O/E.

     


     
    Federal Surplus Personal Property Program 

    Application Deadline: None  

    Eligible state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations, including health centers, can obtain property that the federal government no longer needs through the Federal Surplus Personal Property Donation Program.

     

    BJ's Charitable Foundation

    Application Deadline: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
    Funding for hunger prevention, self-sufficiency, healthcare, and education to those who are underserved. 
     
    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
    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 
    PCMH Resources

    The Safety Net Medical Home Initiative

    The focus of this initiative is to develop a replicable and sustainable implementation model for medical home transformation in safety net practices. Listed are links to key articles, tools, and resources on patient-centered care, medical home and quality improvement topics. Register for the Medical Home Digest, a quarterly newsletter on updated issues and tools specific to the safety net populations. The November 2012 issue is devoted to vulnerable populations.

     

    Paying for the Medical Home: Payment Models to Support Patient-Centered Medical Home Transformation in the Safety Net

     Safety Net Medical Home Initiative. Bailit M, Phillips K, Long A.  Bailit Health Purchasing and Qualis Health, Seattle, WA: October 2010. This publication provides an introduction to a series of policy briefs focused on payment reform opportunities to support and sustain the medical home.

     

    Patient Centered Primary Care Collaborative PCMH Resources

    The Patient Centered Medical Home Purchaser Guide developed by the Patient Centered Primary Care Collaborative (PCPCC) provides insightful overviews of the patient centered medical home including supplemental resources such as detailed case studies, descriptions of pilot programs, and a draft request for information (RFI) and contract language for employers/purchasers to use with their health plans.

    Clinical Quality 
    The latest issue of AHRQ's Health Care Innovations Exchange features three programs that used innovative strategies to enhance behavioral health services for veterans. One of the profiles describes the Vets Prevail project, in which veterans reluctant to seek behavioral health services can use an anonymous online program to reduce symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The program contains seven self-paced modules based on cognitive behavioral theory and features avatars, messages and vignettes customized to the user's experience and stage of life. In various studies, Vets Prevail has enhanced access to behavioral health services - in part by reducing the stigma associated with using such services - and has generated significant improvements in symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder and depression and high levels of satisfaction among users. The symptom reductions are comparable to those seen with in-person therapy at a fraction of the cost.

     

    Expanded Roles for Non-Clinicians
    Strong evidence exists that team-based primary care has significant benefits for patients and providers. Some care teams now include non-clinicians, such as medical assistants, care coordinators, or community health workers. This requires both a financing source to support non-clinicians' services and training for integration into clinical care teams.  A new paper from NASHP, Strategies to Support Expanded Roles for Non-Clinicians on Primary Care Teams, outlines strategies and resources - based on information from 9 different states and localities - for states and primary care practices interested in supporting the inclusion of non-clinicians on primary care team s. 

    Health Observances This Week


     

    The Red Ribbon Campaign� is the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week�, October 23-October 31 each year.


    HISTORY OF RED RIBBON WEEK:
    * Shortly after Kiki's death, Congressman Duncan Hunter and Kiki's high school friend
    Henry Lozano launched "Camarena Clubs" in Kiki's hometown of Calexico, California.
    Hundreds of club members pledged to lead drug-free lives to honor the sacrifice made by
    Kiki Camarena.
    * These pledges were delivered to First Lady Nancy Reagan at a national conference of
    parents combating youth drug use. Several state parent organizations then called on
    community groups to wear red ribbons during the last week of October as a symbol of their
    drug-free commitment.
    * The first Red Ribbon Week celebrations were held in La Mirada and Norwalk, California.
    * In 1988, the National Family Partnership coordinated the first National Red Ribbon Week,
    with President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary chairpersons.

    HOW TO CELEBRATE RED RIBBON WEEK:
    * The National Family Partnership estimates that more than 80 million
    people participate in Red Ribbon events each year.
    * Red Ribbon Week educates individuals, families, and communities
    on the destructive effects of alcohol and drugs and encourages the
    adoption of healthy lifestyle choices.
    * The campaign is a unified way for communities to take a stand against drugs and show
    intolerance for illicit drug use and the consequences to all Americans.
    * Wearing a red ribbon during the last week of October has come to symbolize zero
    tolerance for alcohol, drug, and tobacco use and a commitment to substance abuse
    prevention.
    * Schools, businesses, the faith community, media, families, and community coalitions
    join together to celebrate Red Ribbon Week in many ways, such as: sponsoring essay and
    poster contests; organizing drug-free races; decorating buildings in red; handing out red
    ribbons to customers; holding parades or community events; and publicizing the value of a
    drug-free, healthy lifestyle.
    * DEA joins with community coalitions and prevention groups to plan and carry out Red
    Ribbon Week activities, ranging from classroom events to stadium-sized rallies.
    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 | | [email protected] |
    4319 Forbes Blvd. Lanham, MD 20706    |    www.machc.com    |    301.577.0097
     

    Copyright � 2013. All Rights Reserved.