Thursday, October 03, 2002
Changes to Final Privacy Rules Welcomed by Most Doctors Medscape Money & Medicine article on response to the final HHS rule announced August 9 "that was welcomed by many doctors, hospitals, and health organizations but criticized by privacy advocates." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].
Interventions to Improve Medication Adherence in Schizophrenia American Journal of Psychiatry abstract of an article which concludes that "Psychoeducational interventions without accompanying behavioral components and supportive services are not likely to be effective in improving medication adherence in schizophrenia." Full text is only available to subscribers or for a fee.
First national survey of mental illness points to need for more research (Canada)
Canadian Press story - "Young adults, especially women, seek treatment for mental illness in Canada's hospitals more than any other group, according to the first national survey of mental health released Thursday. The national snapshot, developed by a broad coalition of health professionals, also found that 86 per cent of treatment is administered in general hospitals rather than psychiatric institutions."
Survey Forecasts Higher U.S. Health Costs for 2003 Reuters Health story at
Yahoo - "Next year, large employers will see the highest annual percentage increase in healthcare costs in a decade, according to preliminary survey results showing a 15% average increase in health benefit costs for 2003." See also the
Fortune magazine piece by David Stires,
The Coming Crash in Health Care, which notes that the stocks of managed care companies are doing quite well, but that "the managed-care industry is dying."
HHS Approves Expanded "Independent Choices" in Arkansas HHS press release - "HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today approved Arkansas' request to expand a Medicaid demonstration to allow all eligible beneficiaries with long-term disabilities to directly control their personal care services and expenses. Under the Arkansas program, 'Independent Choices,' Medicaid beneficiaries who qualify for personal care services because of long-term disabilities can choose to receive a monthly allowance for those costs instead of accepting traditional agency-provided attendant care services. This provides beneficiaries and their families with greater choice and control over the supportive services needed to live at home and participate fully in community life." See also the HHS web site
Centers for Medicaid and Medicaid Services, which is designed to share innovative practices and approaches to strengthen their community long-term support systems.
$7 Million Awarded to Expand Treatment Services in Communities with Serious Drug Problems SAMHSA press release - "Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced over $7 million for 15 awards to expand or enhance substance abuse treatment capacity in local communities. The program is designed to provide funding for substance abuse treatment service needs in communities that are suffering increased drug abuse or new instances of drug abuse problems."
Pataki proposes medicaid break for all New York state counties Story in
The Ithaca Journal on a proposal by Gov. George Pataki that counties not have to pay back $172 million in Medicaid money owed the state. The story indicates that under the plan, counties that have been advanced money by the state over the years to help with cash-flow problems in some mental-health programs wouldn't have to repay it."
Recovery road paved with new help (Connecticut) East Hartford Gazette story on the opening in mid-September of Recovery-United (For-U), an office which is "the first of its kind in Connecticut to offer training which focuses on personal responsibility, empowering those who have experienced psychiatric and/or substance abuse symptoms to take charge of their own lives." The story notes that FOR-U employees and volunteers were trained in the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) developed by mental health recovery educator and author Mary Ellen Copeland.
Wasatch Mental Health might be restructured (Utah) Story in
The Daily Herald - "Utah County may have to restructure Wasatch Mental Health if Wasatch County decides it is better to withdraw from the organization. Jerry D. Grover, Utah County Commission chairman, said Tuesday that Wasatch County is doing a feasibility study to see if it should handle mental health issues under its own health department. If Wasatch County pulls out, then Utah County will either need to find a new partner or make Wasatch Mental Health part of the county health department."
County merger's savings questioned (New York) Democrat & Chronicle story - "The head of the local company that prepared a report predicting millions in savings next year by revamping the delivery of Monroe County’s social services came under questioning by lawmakers Tuesday."
