Thursday, January 08, 2004

Experts Question Baker Act Practices
Tampa Tribune story reprinted at the NAMI web site - " Florida's growing practice of using the Baker Act to lock up emotionally disturbed children is poorly understood and needs review, a University of South Florida study suggests. The study raises particular questions about children who are committed repeatedly, saying research into their lives could answer questions about how to reduce or prevent these crises...."  
  

NAMI Policy Research Institute Study Describes State Medicaid Disease Management Approaches
An "Issue Spotlight" at the NAMI web site - " Disease management (DM) is becoming the new trend in health care service and delivery as public and private sector health care purchasers grapple and respond to rising health care costs and health insurance premiums. It is an intervention intended to reduce health care spending and improve health outcomes through better management of one or more chronic conditions. DM programs focus on patient education, patient self management and physician feedback..." See also NAMI's Policy Research Institute Study that Describes State Medicaid Disease Management Approaches.  
  

End discrimination against mentally ill in Ohio health plans
Morning-Journal editorial - "The cruelest injustice in health care for Ohioans is the discrimination against people with mental illnesses in most medical insurance coverage. Gov. Bob Taft, instead of providing a remedy, has placed himself squarely in the path of progress. Mental illnesses, such as depression or schizophrenia, now are recognized to be physical brain disorders or chemical imbalances in the brain and every bit as genuine as cancer. Marvelous new drugs have been developed that can help overcome the symptoms of mental illnesses, but they're not reasonably affordable without insurance."  
  

County to give update on mental health reform; group opposes plan (North Carolina)
Herald-Sun story - "County officials are calling a town hall-style meeting today at the downtown library to update residents about the ongoing state-mandated overhaul of Durham's mental health system. Meanwhile, Durham Citizens for Sensible Mental Health Reform, a loosely formed citizens group, has come forward to oppose the local plan. Members of the group say it will result in a fragmented mental health system that is difficult for clients to navigate."  
  

Probe mental health facilities: coalition (Canada)
CBC Montreal story = "A coalition of patients' rights groups is calling for a government inquiry into living conditions at mental health care facilities in Quebec, saying the province's health minister did not go far enough in his probe of abuse at a Montreal hospital. Aimée Turcotte, a patients' rights advocate, called on the government to do more to protect the mentally ill, who she said are among the most vulnerable members of society."