News from Policy If you have questions about CHCANYS' policy and advocacy work, please contact Beverly Grossman, bgrossman@chcanys.org.
USA Today Publishes Article on Community Health Centers On April 17th, USA Today published an article by Phil Galewitz on health centers and quality of care entitled, “Community Health Centers Under Pressure to Improve Care.” Kaiser Health News (KHN) worked in conjunction with Galewitz to post the article and additional resources on their website, including health center identifying quality data. The KHN “Interactive Chart: Quality Of Care At Community Health Centers” lists, individually by health center, six of the clinical quality indicators reported in the 2010 UDS and compares them to national general population outcome data. Tom Van Coverden, President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers, responded to the KHN story by highlighting the fact that health centers bring transparency and accountability to the health care marketplace, and that we continue to use data for continuous quality improvement of health outcomes for our patients and communities.
CHCANYS has analyzed the 2010 UDS quality indicators data for New York State health centers and compared that data to the national population data. Click here to access this analysis. Health centers in New York State Health compared quite favorably to the nation at large, based on the number of measures (out of six) for which a center failed to match the national population. Only one in five NYS FQHCs fell short of the national values on a majority of the six measures.
Office of Health Insurance Programs Releases Policy/Guidance for Transition of Homeless Population into Medicaid Managed Care The NYS Department of Health will begin mandatory enrollment of the homeless population in April 2012. The Department has had several stakeholder workgroup meetings with managed care plans, providers, shelters, State agencies and local districts to identify obstacles and opportunities that will affect the enrollment of this population. The main issues have been broken into four major areas: Enrollment and Phase-in, Care Management, Access to Services, Contract and Credentialing. Click here for more details regarding the policy decisions that have been developed to respond to issues raised.
NACHC Launches Community Health Vote 2012 At its annual Policy & Issues Forum on March 21-25, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) launched Community Health Vote 2012, an initiative designed to establish voter engagement as an ongoing effort at as many health centers as possible. More than just a voter registration drive, Community Health Vote provides tools that anyone coming into a health center can use to register to vote and to get as much encouragement and information as possible to cast his or her vote in 2012 and beyond.
Join this important movement today! Visit the Community Health Vote page on the NACHC website for a toolkit that includes how-to guides and templates for providing voter registration and education at your health center.
News from Health Center Support If you have questions about CHCANYS' health center support, please contact Rebecca Gaige, rgaige@chcanys.org.
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Releases 2012 UDS Measures HRSA has released Program Assistance Letter (PAL) 2012-03 entitled, “Approved Uniform Data System Changes for 2012.” Four changes are outlined in this PAL:
A new staff tenure table;
Three new clinical measures;
Reporting on all (versus primary) diagnoses for selected conditions; and
Questions about electronic health record capabilities and national quality recognition.
CHCANYS' 2012 Statewide Conference & Clinical Forum – Proposals Accepted Today! CHCANYS is accepting proposals from health centers and partner organizations today through June 15, 2012. To review proposal guidelines, deadlines and recommended topics please click here. The conference will take place October 24-26, 2012 at The Saratoga Hilton Hotel and City Center in Saratoga Springs, NY. To register for the conference, click here.
National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) to Offer Two HIT-Focused Webinars
Find Health Information Technology (HIT) Talent for your Health Center Webinar Date/Time: May 10, 2012, 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST Online Registration Deadline: May 8, 2012
This one-hour webinar is designed to help NACHC members and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) grantees in becoming familiar with Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) offerings and free services available in support of HIT workforce development programs and initiatives in community health centers. The Health IT Workforce Development Program Job Board, powered by HIMSS JobMine, is open to all NACHC members and HRSA grantees for posting job openings, viewing resumes, and taking advantage of career development services. Job postings and resume searches are provided free of charge exclusively to NACHC members and HRSA grantees, compliments of HIMSS for a limited time introductory period.
Registration Rate: There is no charge for this webinar, but you must register in advance online. Click here for more information and to register.
Your Meaningful Use Questions Answered - A Federal Expert Panel on Meaningful Use Date/Time: May 11, 2012, 2:00 - 3:30 PM, EST Online Registration Deadline: May 9, 2012
Have you adopted an Electronic Health Record? Have you attested for incentive payments, or are you in the process of doing so? Do you know what attestation means? Are you ready for AIU, Stage 1, and Stage 2? Are you experiencing problems getting paid? No matter where your center stands with regard to the Meaningful Use program, this webinar will help you to learn more and to break through some of the most common challenges and barriers confronting community health centers. Speak with and hear from key representatives from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) about the strategic priorities of the health center program and why Meaningful Use should matter to you. Tune in for an overview of the Medicaid EHR incentive program, learn how to attest for incentive payments, identify lessons learned from the involvement of community health centers in the Regional Extension Center program, and find out how you can prepare your center now for Stage 1 and Stage 2 requirements.
Registration Rate: There is no charge for this webinar, but you must register in advance online. Click here for more information and to register.
New Funding Opportunities Available
Building a Medical Home for Multiply Diagnosed HIV Positive Homeless Populations – Demonstration Sites Deadline: May 7, 2012 Number of Awards and Amount: Eight awards, $300,000 each
This funding opportunity announcement solicits applications for a new Special Project of National Significance (SPNS) multi-site initiative entitled Building a Medical Home for Multiply Diagnosed HIV Positive Homeless Populations - Demonstration Sites. This initiative will award funds for up to five years to support organizations that will design, implement and evaluate innovative interventions to improve timely entry, engagement and retention in HIV care and supportive services for HIV positive homeless populations. The interventions are expected to implement models of care that build and maintain sustainable linkages to mental health, substance abuse treatment and HIV/AIDS primary care services to HIV positive individuals who are homeless or unstably housed. Funding for an evaluation and technical assistance center to coordinate the initiative will be made available under a separate announcement (HRSA-12-104).
National Support for Title V/Maternal and Child Health Oral Health Services Grant Program Deadline: May 7, 2012 Number of Awards and Amount: One award, $600,000
The purpose of this Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) Federally-funded project is to provide funds for the National Support for Title V/ Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Oral Health Services (MCHOHS) Grant Program. The goal of this ongoing national effort is to help in the development of effective strategies aimed at improving maternal and child oral health status. The MCHOHS grant program will provide support to health professionals, program administrators, educators, policymakers, researchers, and others who seek to address current and emerging public oral health issues in their efforts to achieve sustainable oral health services for the MCH population (defined as women, infants, children, adolescents, including those with special health care needs, and their families). Such efforts will augment and/or stabilize oral health services within Title V programs as well as other State, community and local safety-net programs serving the oral health needs of the MCH population, including but not limited to those focused on perinatal services, newborn home-visiting efforts, and school-based health centers (SBHCs).
McDonald's New York Tri-State Owners Launch Local Nutrition Network to Support Community Programs Applications due: June 1, 2012
McDonald's New York Tri-State area restaurants have announced the launch of the McDonald's New York Metro Nutrition Network, a new community outreach initiative to provide funds to local organizations for grassroots nutrition programs. Through the program, New York Tri-State McDonald's restaurant owners are offering seed money to help local organizations bring nutrition information and guidance to the communities they serve. Funds will be awarded to jumpstart or enhance projects designed to bring an understanding of good nutrition and healthy eating to tri-state area communities. Applications will be evaluated based on the impact of the proposed program on nutrition awareness in the community, the sustainability of the effort, the organization's program track record (i.e., past successes), and the creativity of the program design.
Applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. This year, five organizations will be selected and each winning organization will receive $5,000 in funding for their community nutrition project. Complete program information and the application form are available at the McDonald's New York Metro Nutrition Network web site.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Proposes New International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) Deadline A proposed rule from the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) pushes back by one year the compliance deadline for conversion to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision of diagnostic and procedural codes to October 1, 2014. To review the details, click here.
Sponsor/Exhibit and Associate Member Opportunities Now Open for CHCANYS' 2012 Statewide Conference & Clinical Forum CHCANYS' 2012 Conference will once again be held at The Saratoga Hilton Hotel & Saratoga Springs City Center. Please hold the dates of October 24-26, 2012.
This conference provides an opportunity to learn and network with 400 health center participants and partners serving 1.4 million patients annually. There will be one large exhibit hall this year, where some meals/breaks are scheduled to take place. Vendors will receive complimentary registrations to participate in sessions based on their level of support. Don’t wait – spaces are limited! Sponsors/exhibitors who become Associate Members will receive a special designation and additional benefits. To learn more about sponsor/exhibit opportunities and the new Associate Membership discount for first-time members, click here.
News from Clinical Quality Initiatives If you have questions about CHCANYS’ Clinical Quality Initiatives, please contact Kathy Alexis, kalexis@chcanys.org.
Planned Parenthood to Offer Public Insurance and Reproductive Health Care Training Date/Time: Thursday, May 10, 2012, 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM Address: 26 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012
Hosted by Planned Parenthood, this training will provide a detailed overview of all New York State (NYS) public health insurance programs that cover family planning services and reproductive health care. Among the topics discussed will be eligibility and enrollment, covered benefits and differences in coverage, NYS Free Access and Direct Access policies, adolescent eligibility, immigrant eligibility, and confidentiality issues. Health care options for uninsured New Yorkers will also be discussed. At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to describe the various NYS public health insurance programs that cover reproductive health care and family planning, educate clients about programs for which they are eligible, and help already-enrolled clients to understand their rights to reproductive health care. Space is very limited, and you must register to attend. Click here to register online.
New Guidelines for Cervical Cancer Screening On March 14, 2012, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released new guidelines for cervical cancer screening. New recommendations were also recently released by a multi-disciplinary group from the American Cancer Society, American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology, and the American Society for Clinical Pathology. Click the links below for more information.
The NYS Diabetes Campaign The National Committee for Quality Assurance and the Bridges to Excellence (BTE) Diabetes Recognition Program (DRP) are voluntary programs for practices to receive recognition for delivering quality diabetes care. Recognized health centers enjoy benefits such as being acknowledged as leaders in the community of practice and leveraging NCQA DRP data abstraction efforts for incentives such as that received through the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition. CHCANYS staff is available to provide technical assistance to those submitting for these recognition programs and to explore opportunities to improve clinical care outcomes.
For more information regarding the Campaign and for tools and resources available, visit the Half the Care website.
To begin your application for Diabetes Recognition, contact Kathy Alexis at kalexis@chcanys.org.
Free Programs at the NYU Cancer Institute The NYU Cancer Institute is hosting programs that are open to the public and free of charge to patients, family members, future healthcare professionals and the NYC community at large. For more information, please click here.
News from Emergency Management If you have questions about CHCANYS' Emergency Management work, please contact Matthew Ziemer, mziemer@chcanys.org.
CHCANYS’ Director of Emergency Management to Speak as Part of Health Resource Services Administration (HRSA) Health Information Technology and Quality Webinar Date/Time: Friday, April 27, 2012, 2:00 PM EST
CHCANYS’ Director of Emergency Management Matthew Ziemer will participate as a presenter in a Health Information Technology and Quality webinar sponsored by HRSA entitled, Continuity and Resiliency for Health IT Systems: Preparing for Unforeseen Events. Speakers will share insight and experiences with preparing and responding to emergencies that affect health centers. To learn more about the webinar, click here. To register, click here.
News from Workforce Development If you have questions about CHCANYS’ Workforce Development Program, please e-mail us at workforce@chcanys.org.
Accepting Applications! FREE CUNY Program: Certificate in Health Coaching and Care Coordination
The City University of New York (CUNY) is sponsoring a free 5-course training program which will culminate in a “Certificate in Health Coaching and Care Coordination.” The curriculum is aimed at health center staff with a HS diploma or GED, particularly those who may wish to begin moving through the CUNY system for an Associate or Bachelor degree program. Applicants must be NY State residents. The certificate program is an introduction to college work that does not require the financial commitment of college. Click below to access details about the program, the courses, the application process, and to download the application materials.
Certificate in Health Coaching and Care Coordination, PDF
Certificate in Health Coaching and Care Coordination, Microsoft Word
Please note: The application materials include a “Partnership Agreement Form” via which employers are asked to indicate “ways in which your agency will provide additional support for your staff members enrolled in the program.” Completion of this form is mandatory; applicants must communicate with their employers and ask them to determine how they plan to demonstrate support.
Highlights of this opportunity are as follows:
The Application deadline is May 4, 2012.
CUNY will conduct rolling admissions, so applications should be submitted ASAP.
Completed application materials must be submitted by US Mail or hand delivered.
CUNY will accept only 50 students City-wide for the June 2012 start date.
The first classes are from June 4 or 5, 2012 to July 25 or 26, 2012.
The first class, “College Bridge,” will help students develop, sharpen and improve their skills needed for college work. After successful completion of this course, students will move on to the credit courses.
The full program will include day or evening courses offered over a period of 15 months.
Students who complete the program will obtain a Certificate of completion in August 2013 and will earn a total of 10 college credits.
The application is competitive and the materials required are substantial. Applicants may need assistance preparing and submitting the complete packet of information. We recommend that interested staff ask their HR Departments for assistance, if needed. Applicants needing assistance may also contact Amanda Brown at CHCANYS at abrown@chcanys.org or 212-279-9686 x112. If you have questions regarding the program or eligibility, please contact Abigail Nelson at the CUNY JFK, Jr. Institute for Worker Education at Abigail.Nelson@mail.cuny.edu or 212-652-2053.
If your health center has a training or technical assistance program that you'd like to share with others around the state, or if you would like to subscribe others at your health center to Your CHCANYS, please email the pertinent information to Rebecca Gaige-Troxell at rgaige@chcanys.org. We welcome your feedback and comments.
