Providers and the Health Information Technology Planning Process

June 3rd, 2010 by Clarissa Goodlett

Where are the Treatment Providers and State Agencies in the Health Information Technology Planning Process?

From Join Together blog:

One of the major goals of health reform is to improve the quality of care through better use of clinically relevant information. To be compliant with emerging reimbursement incentives, providers will have to demonstrate that they are managing the health of their patients through the meaningful use of data available through Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems.

The definitions and rules for this major innovation are being worked out now, and final decisions about what patient information will and will not be in standardized data depositories called health information exchanges (HIE) and in the Medicaid Management Information Systems will be made in every state in a matter of months. These decisions and the enormous systems that will be built based on them will dominate virtually all aspects of health care delivery, finance and research for a long time.

These two system transformation initiatives will result in healthcare reimbursement systems moving toward integration with certified, standards-based electronic health records. This will require the transmission of both claims and qualitative patient information. Those providers unable to do so will become increasingly marginalized.

For more on this story click HERE.

Posted in NCSAPA No Comments »

Public Comment Request for Addressing Key Behavioral Health Issues

June 3rd, 2010 by Clarissa Goodlett

HHS Requests Your Comments on Draft Strategic Framework for Addressing Key Behavioral Health Issues

From SAMHSA:

Individuals with behavioral health disorders often experience multiple co-occurring, long-term, or chronic health conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, other behavioral health disorders) that can result in increased early mortality, greater functional loss, unnecessary hospitalizations, and increased costs. Addressing these issues is a key U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretarial strategic initiative.

For the past year, SAMHSA has been an active member in the HHS Interagency Workgroup on Multiple Chronic Conditions. Recently, the workgroup released a draft strategic framework for the Department that provides a roadmap for improving the health status of persons with these conditions.

HHS is requesting comments from the public and other stakeholders on this draft strategic framework. For more guidelines/information about the request or to make a comment, click HERE.


Posted in NCSAPA No Comments »

2010 Budget Overview and Status Update

May 25th, 2010 by Clarissa Goodlett

Below you will find the latest documents, news and opportunities to take action on the 2010 state budget process. This post will be updated regularly.  You can also check the NC Legislature website at:  www.ncleg.net for up-to-date news.

Current Budget Status:

The budget was passed and signed into law by Governor Perdue on June 30.  You can view the complete text of the budget HERE.  You can view the money report HERE.

For Highlights and Breakdowns of the 2010 Budget, please visit the 2010 Budget Page HERE.  (You can also find links and information from previous 2010 Budget process postings on the 2010 Budget Page).

News Articles about the Budget:

State budget offers ammo for all (7.1.10)

Gov. Perdue signs $19 billion budget (6.30.10)

Posted in NCSAPA No Comments »

Division of MH, DD, and SA Services Strategic Plan posted for comment

May 20th, 2010 by Clarissa Goodlett

The North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services is seeking your input on its new strategic plan.

The State Strategic Plan for 2010-2013 has been posted for comment to the DMH/DD/SAS web site.  You can access the plan HERE.

Comment should be send to Rebecca Carina, Planning Team Leader by email at Rebecca.Carina@dhhs.nc.gov or by mail at 3003 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-3003.  The deadline to submit comments and/or questions is Sunday, June 13, 2010.


Posted in NCSAPA No Comments »

Legislative Oversight Committee Report on MH, DD, and SA

May 20th, 2010 by Clarissa Goodlett

The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse released its report to the 2010 General Assembly.  The report includes the committee’s findings, recommendations and proposed legislation.  You can download the report HERE.

Highlights Include:

  • Restoration of LME Community Service Funds
  • Support Initiatives to Strengthen LMEs
  • Leadership Academy for LME Managers
  • Implementation of Tiered CAP-MR/DD Waiver Program
  • CABHA Implementation and Certification Process
  • Support Regionally-Purchased and Locally-Hosted SA Services
Posted in NCSAPA No Comments »
Enter your email address to join our mailing list:

Funded wholly or in part by the federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant Fund (CFDA #93.959) as a project of the NC Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities & Substance Abuse Services.