Wednesday, November 05, 2003

Supreme Court to Rule Over Denied Treatment
Washington Post story from Monday - "The Supreme Court said Monday it will settle a fight over patients' legal rights when their HMOs refuse to pay for recommended medical treatment. The case involves an issue that has stymied Congress, which has tried and failed to pass national patients' rights legislation. Some states have their own laws, but the question of where patients can sue and what they can ask for in court still is unresolved.  
  

Medicare Program; Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System for FY 2004
From the Federal Register (in Adobe Acrobat format) at the Open Minds web site - "This proposed rule updates the prospective payment rates forinpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) for Federal fiscal year 2004 as required under section 1886(j)(3)(C) of the Social Security Act (the Act). Section 1886(j)(5) of the Act requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services (the Secretary) to publish in the Federal Register on or before August 1 before each fiscal year, the classification and weighting factors for the IRF case-mix groups and a description of the methodolog and data used in computing the prospective payment rates for that fiscal year. In addition, in this proposed rule, we are proposing new policies, and changing or clarifying existing policies regarding the prospective payment system (PPS) within the authority granted under sections 1886(j) and 1886(d) of the Act."  
  

Action on Drug Reimportation Moves to States: A Newsmaker Interview
An interview at Medscape with Brian Osberg, Minnesota Department of Human Services - "Joining a growing chorus of state officials distressed by skyrocketing prices of drugs their constituents need but can't afford, Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R, Minn.) announced a plan last week to help Minnesotans buy U.S.-manufactured brand-name drugs from Canadian pharmacies. ... Under the Minnesota proposal, the state's Department of Human Services would develop a Web site that would list the prices for specific brand-name drugs at selected Canadian pharmacies. The state would also negotiate drug prices with pharmacies that meet safety criteria, although individuals, not the state, would purchase the drugs directly from the pharmacy. Initially, the program would be available to residents who are uninsured, covered by Medicare, or who do not have prescription drug coverage." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].  
  

Hope, the Key to Ending Homelessness
Information at the National Resource Center on Homelessness and Mental Illness on a national training conference December 3-6 in Phoenix - " Our conference theme this year is “Hope, the Key to Ending Homelessness” for people with mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders. We can end homelessness by creating responsive service systems built on evidence–based treatment and promising practices." A full conference brochure is available (Adobe Acrobat format).  
  

Texas’ Governor Perry Hears – and Responds to – Cries of Injustice
NMHA news release - "Last summer, Texas moved to virtually eliminate mental health benefits under the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), ignoring the needs of tens of thousands Texas youth who received mental health services through the program. The National Mental Health Association (NMHA), the Mental Health Association in Texas (MHAT) and other advocates fought at the federal and state levels to block this proposed cut, and as a result, Texas Governor Perry has proposed to restore funding for a portion of mental health and substance abuse services previously available under this critical program."  
  

The Nation Celebrates Recovery 2003: A National Showcase of Events
Information on a Center for Substance Abuse Treatment webcast today at 3PM hosted by Ivette Torres, Associate Director for Consumer Affairs, CSAT - "In this program, we will look at the tremendous educational and awareness raising events conducted in communities large and small across our great Nation in celebration of this year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Health.” We will highlight Recovery Month community forums, walks and runs for recovery, Major League Baseball games, music-based activities, and other events that helped to increase the understanding that addiction is treatable and recovery is possible."  
  

Youth shelter use declines (Washington)
Seattle Post Intelligencer story - "...for reasons that aren't clear, fewer homeless youths under 18 are coming in from the cold these days, prompting three Seattle youth shelters recently to close. ... Whether youths have been scared into hiding by the 1995 Becca Bill -- which requires shelters to notify parents, police or state Child Protective Services within eight hours -- or whether it has persuadedwould-be runaways to stay home is being debated by advocates and public-policy experts. But they know one thing: The dwindling numbers, combined with less funding, have prompted youth shelter closures just as winter approaches. ... Few advocates believe the decrease reflects fewer young people on the street or less need."