Dear Members:

We hope you all are surviving this winter that never seems to end. Despite the long, cold days, The Collaborative has been hard at work to ensure the full and fair implementation of Chapter 257. We are now moving into a critical period as we work with the Patrick Administration to fully implement Chapter 257.

Collaborative communications have addressed broad principles that involve the implementation of Chapter 257. There is, however, a great deal of "pick and shovel" work that The Collaborative initiates - along with its provider volunteers and all of you. Some of these efforts go "unsung," but you should be aware of them.  They include:

Collaborative Steering Committee 

• The Collaborative has a volunteer Steering Committee of providers that works with the three trade executives who are active daily in advancing the full and fair implementation of Chapter 257.

• The Committee's advice and consultation is critical to ensure the best interests of our provider members are represented.

• Committee members include:  Scott Bock, Chair, Riverside Community Care; Bruce Bird, Vinfen; Gary Blumenthal, ADDP; Gail Brown, New England Village; Vic DiGravio, ABH; Deborah Ekstrom, Community Healthlink; Bill Lyttle, Key Program; Jackie Moore, North Suffolk Mental Health Association; Andy Pond, Justice Resource Institute; Bill Sprague, Bay Cove; Michael Weekes, Providers' Council; Katherine Wilson, Behavioral Health Network. The committee is assisted by Ben Fierro, Lynch & Fierro; Patricia Lynch, Lynch & Fierro; and Michael Ripple, 257 Coordinator.

 Research

• We have developed extensive documentation to track the actions of EOHHS as they set and renew rates relative to legislatively mandated schedules. It is clear that some proposed rates have not been acted upon and that there are also significant delays in developing new rates.
• It is equally clear that EOHHS has not met the 100% legal mandate for setting 100% of rates by January 1, 2014.
• The Collaborative is exploring all means to see that the state complies with the statutes which detail the rate setting requirements of Chapter 257. Our legal counsel has held two forums to inform our members and provider groups about legal options.

  Legislative Advocacy

• Be sure your legislators are aware of your work and what the full and fair implementation of Chapter 257 means to you. This is critical pick and shovel work; historically, these diligent efforts have paid off. We will be in contact soon with more details about this effort. Please be sure to present them with our one page What is Chapter 257? flyer.

Member Support 

• The Collaborative works closely with our members and other member organizations in an effort to better expand providers' understanding of the Chapter 257 process. We are prepared to help you in any of these efforts. 
• Similarly we work with a variety of providers who request assistance as they prepare for testimony for EOHHS rate hearings. Please think of us as a resource and contact any of us if we can be of help on your rate testimony. 
• Questions?  Email Michael Ripple, The Collaborative's 257 Coordinator.

Working with EOHHS

• The Collaborative continues to monitor all policy moves by EOHHS and responds accordingly.
• The Collaborative is active on the Provider and Consumer Advisory Council of EOHHS to provide input on issues that impact Chapter 257 implementation.
• Gary Blumenthal, Vic DiGravio and Michael Weekes meet with EOHHS Secretary John Polanowicz to discuss provider concerns.

We will keep you posted on any developments that move all of us to our goal - the full and fair implementation of Chapter 257.

Best regards,

Gary Blumenthal, ADDP 

Vic DiGravio, Association for Behavioral Healthcare

Michael Weekes, Providers' Council