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Provider NewsSEPTEMBER 2005E PCPA NE W SPCPA Benchmarking Project AdvancesMeasuring organizational performance in the absence of a contextis like taking your temperaturewithout knowing that 98.6 is normal. Tobetter illuminate the meaning of measuredoutcomes, PCPA is sponsoring a comprehensive statewide benchmarking initiative. This initiative encompasses a broadrange of benchmarks from the clinical,operational, and financial realms. PCPA haspartnered in this initiative with BehavioralPathway Systems (BPS), leaders in behavioral health benchmarking.Instead of providing just a static snapshotof performance, the PCPA benchmarkinginitiative will be a dynamic, ongoing process that will allow organizations to tracktheir performance over time. Web-basedsecure access to the benchmarking surveywill permit flexible, user-friendly, andconfidential data submission. Benchmarking reports that profile an organization’smeasured performance against state andnational norms can be generated as oftenas the organization desires them. A steering committee has been working to developthe list of measures and is nearing theend of that process, having selected a preliminary list of 25 financial, clinical, andAn informationalnewsletter compiledby the PennsylvaniaCommunity ProvidersAssociation for theMH, MR, and D&AcommunitieseINSIDE3567Director’s ViewpointLegislative AffairsState News BriefsAcross the Nation88910administrative measures. With funding commitments about complete, early participantsin the project will have all participation feeswaived.The ultimate objective of the project is to identify potential best practices in service designand delivery. A procedure that has been developed by BPS known as “process benchmarking”will assist in discovering methods that appearto be related to high levels of performance. Itis hoped that benchmarking will come to berecognized as a vital new vehicle for enhancedoperational effectiveness and efficiency. FRegister now!More information available atwww.paproviders.orgClassifiedsCo-Occurring CommuniquéMental Health HeadlinesDrug & Alcohol Action11121316MR ReportCommittee ReportsChildren’s CornerCalendar
EE P C PA N E W SAssociation Highlights Promising PracticeADHD Program Receives National RecognitionSeveral years ago the Johnstown-based Alternative Community ResourceProgram (ACRP) adopted the evidence-based model for children challenged byattention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) developed by Dr. William Pelham.The model has become the foundation for ACRP’s summer therapeutic program(STP). The program is tailored to each child’s behavioral, emotional, and learning needs with the ultimate goal to build on a child’s social, recreational, andacademic skills and improve behavior by being increasingly successful at home,in the community, and at school. Services are provided to children in a camplike therapeutic environment.Dr. Pelham’s clinical model is based at the State University of New York atBuffalo. The Pelham model has been named a “Model Program in Service Deliveryin Child and Family Mental Health” by two divisions of the American Psychological Association and program of the year by Children and Adults with AttentionDeficit Disorder (CHADD). This summer ACRP expanded to operate 12 Medicaidfunded STPs in seven school and community sites throughout Bedford, Cambria,and Somerset counties, and began to also serve adolescents, ages 13 – 15. ACRPhas been recognized by CHADD as one of 20 innovative programs in the UnitedStates working with children. For the past several years ACRP has been invitedto present at the International CHADD Conference. For more information aboutthis program contact Frank Janakovic, executive director, or Mary Berge, PhD, atACRP (888-308-6783 or www.acrpkids.org). Additional photos from the programare available in the Members Only section of the PCPA web site. You can also visitwith ACRP staff In Exhibit Hall at the PCPA conference October 4 – 7. FProvider NewsExecutive DirectorGeorge J. KimesDirector EmeritusRaymond R. Webb, Jr., LSWDeputy DirectorLynn CooperPolicy SpecialistsLinda Drummond, MPAConnell O'Brien, MEdBetty SimmondsDirector ofLegislative AffairsMelissa DiSanto SimmonsTechnical & ConferenceServices CoordinatorKris Ericson, MPsScMembership &Marketing CoordinatorJoe OstranderAdministrative AssistantCindy Lloyd 2005. This newsletter iswritten by the PennsylvaniaCommunity Providers Association (PCPA) for the mentalhealth, mental retardation,and addictive disease communities. This informationalnewsletter is publishedmonthly. Deadline forpublication is the thirdFriday of every month.Pennsylvania CommunityProviders Association2400 Park DriveHarrisburg, PA n work independently at the ACRP summer therapeutic program.2P R O V I D E RN E W Swww.paproviders.orgmail@paproviders.orgSEPTEMBER 2005
E DIRECTOR’S VIEWPOINTNetworkingat the ConferenceEGeorge J. Kimesach September I typically use thisspace to highlight the benefits ofattending the PCPA Annual Conference. This year I want to emphasize the“networking” benefit that comes fromparticipating in this great event. One ofthe principal advantages of joining a tradeassociation, such as PCPA, is the opportunity to connect with others in the fieldwho are in positions similar to your own,as well as meeting and talking with keydecision makers. There is no better placeto do this than at this year’s conference.With over 600 people attending, including the deputy secretaries of the Office ofMental Retardation, the Office of MedicalAssistance Programs, and the Office ofMental Health and Substance Abuse Services from Department of Public Welfare,as well as the deputy secretary of HealthPromotion and Disease Prevention fromthe Department of Health, you are guaranteed numerous opportunities to link tonew colleagues.The conference provides both “programmed” opportunities for networkingand numerous informal opportunities toextend your contacts. From the openingnight reception to the Thursday nightmountain barbecue at the Ski Lodge,opportunities abound to expand your network of associates. Both the hospitalitysuite and the Cyber Café offer opportunities to connect with other leaders. In addition to the “formal” networking times,the resort environment at Seven Springsprovides almost limitless opportunities toenhance your business opportunities. Fromthe numerous restaurants and lounges tothe sites of other leisure activities, you arebound to establish new relationships andto enhance old “connections.”SEPTEMBER 2005This year, I would like to urge each memberto bring additional staff to the conference.The event is not just for top-level managers, but can be of tremendous value for program directors and mid-level managers aswell. It can be a remarkable opportunity forgrowth and development of future managers. As an industry, we are concerned aboutthe development of our future leaders. Bybringing key staff from your agency, youwill expand the conference’s potential toserve as the training ground for the managers of the future. The network connections made at the PCPA Annual Conferencehave been the key to many positive outcomes in the system. Join us for Balance atSeven Springs and connect to the future.Beyond the networking opportunities,the conference offers solid benefits forattendees. They include:E 71 workshops on some of the mostrelevant issues in our field,E Continuing education credits for allprofessional groups,E A motivational keynote speaker guaranteed to get you on your feet and moving,andE A “sold out” Exhibit Hall with 66 vendors.All conference information is available fromthe PCPA web site (www.paproviders.org).We look forward to seeing you in Octoberat Seven Springs!George J. Kimes, Executive Directorgeorge@paproviders.orgThis column represents my opinion, notnecessarily that of the association. FP R O V I D E RN E W S3F
EE P C PA N E W SContinued from page 2Membership RenewalsThe following members have submitted PCPA membership renewals for the 2005/06 membership year.PCPA extends its thanks for a timely response andcontinued support of the association. Questions regard-ing the renewal process or agency membership shouldbe directed to Joe Ostrander at 717-657-7078 or joe@paproviders.org. Members listed are renewals receivedfrom July 25 – August 23.FULL PROVIDER MEMBERSAchievement Center, Inc., ErieAllegheny East MH/MR Center, Inc., WilkinsburgAllied Services, Mental Health Services, Clarks SummitAlternative Community Resource Program, Inc., JohnstownARC Manor, KittanningBehavioral Health Services of Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-BarreThe Bradley Center, Inc., PittsburghCase Management Support Services, ErieCase Management Unit, HarrisburgCen-Clear Child Services, Inc., PhilipsburgCenterville Clinics, Inc., FredericktownChild Guidance Resource Centers, MediaChildren’s Behavioral Health Services, Inc., KingstonChildren’s Crisis Treatment Center, PhiladelphiaChildren’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley, Inc., Wilkes-BarreCivigenic’s, Inc., MediaCommunity Guidance Center, IndianaCommunity Services Group, MountvilleDickinson Mental Health Center, RidgwayEagleville Hospital/Riverside Care, Inc., EaglevilleFamily Care for Children & Youth, Inc., LewisburgFamily Counseling Center of Armstrong County, KittanningFamily Guidance Center, ReadingFamilyLinks, PittsburghE NEW MEMBERWelcome the newest member of the PCPA family.BUSINESS MEMBEROpen MindsMonica Oss, PresidentGettysburg, PAwww.openminds.comConsulting, education, training services4P R O V I D E RN E W SFamily Resources, PittsburghFamily Services of Western Pennsylvania, PittsburghFiretree, Ltd., WilliamsportFriendship House, ScrantonGlade Run Lutheran Services, ZelienopleHaven House, AllentownHoly Family Institute, PittsburghHuman Services, Inc., West ChesterHuman Services Center, New CastleJewish Residential Services, PittsburghKidsPeace National Centers, Inc., SchnecksvilleLehigh Valley Hospital & Health Network – Psychiatry, BethlehemLenape Valley Foundation, Inc., DoylestownThe Lodge, Inc. of Pennsylvania, LancasterLourdesmont – Good Shepard Youth & Family Services, Clarks SummitNorthern Tier Counseling, Inc., TowandaParents League for Emotional Adjustment, PittsburghPennsylvania Counseling Services, Inc., LebanonPressley Ridge, PittsburghPyramid Healthcare, Inc., AltoonaThe ReDCo Group, PottsvilleRenewal Treatment, Inc., PittsburghSafe Harbor Behavioral Health, ErieSilver Springs – Martin Luther School, Plymouth MeetingSouthwest Behavioral Care, Inc.d/b/a SPHS Behavioral Health, MonessenStairways Behavioral Health, ErieTransitional Living Centers, Inc., WilliamsportUPMC Behavioral Health, PittsburghWestmoreland Regional Hospital, GreensburgWordsworth, Fort WashingtonZoar New Day, PittsburghASSOCIATE MEMBERSBucks County Mental Health/Mental Retardation Department,WarminsterCenter for Independent Living of Central PA, Camp HillChester County Department of MH/MR, West ChesterThe Philadelphia Coalition of Community MH/MR Centers, Inc.,PhiladelphiaBUSINESS MEMBERSAskesis Development Group, Inc., PittsburghBristol-Myers Squibb Company, WestervilleBrown & Brown of Lehigh Valley, Lehigh ValleyCommerce Bank, Healthcare Financial Services Group, PhiladelphiaEli Lilly and Company, PittsburghFirst Nonprofit Companies, ChicagoLW Consulting, Inc., HarrisburgMcBee Associates, WayneStanalonis & Associates, LLC, MechanicsburgThis End Up Furniture Co., Inc., Evans CitySEPTEMBER 2005
E LEGI SL AT I VE AFFA IR SFor additional information on legislative issues, contact the PA Community Providers Associationoffice at 717-657-7078 or melissa@paproviders.org. For copies of bills, call your local legislator,the House Document Room 717-787-5320 or visit the General Assembly’s Electronic Bill Room atwww.legis.state.pa.us.This End Up Furniture Co. SponsorsGRI Conference ActivitiesThe network will conduct various activities to raisegovernment relations awareness at the PCPA conference,including:PCPA’s GRI AlumniNetwork and Legislative Affairs Committee (LAC) are pleasedto announce thatTHIS END UPFURNITURE CO., INC.will sponsor the network’s various activitiesat Balance: The 2005PCPA Conference. Specialthanks to Fabio Rubertoand Lisa Erwin at ThisEnd Up for working onthis special collaboration. To learn more aboutthe company stop by theTEU booth in ExhibitHall Tuesday – Thursdayat the conference.SEPTEMBER 2005 Silent Auction and Silent Scramble. Item donationsare needed; please contact Ms. Simmons at the association if your organization or business plans toparticipate. Autographed memorabilia, gift basketswith items indigenous to counties and regions, anditems from businesses have been the most popularitems contributed to the auction. Conferees shouldbring their checkbooks and credit cards! Split the PACPot. Network members, recognizableby their navy blue polos, will be available in ExhibitHall selling tickets to interested parties. All conferees will want to have some cash on hand to purchasetickets and a chance to “split” the PACPot! Inaugural Network Bowling Tournament. Registeredteams of three will bowl a game and remit scores tonetwork members or Ms. Simmons. The two highestscoring teams will culminate the tournament in a“final” to be played Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Conferenceattendees are invited to come to the game in theresort’s bowling alley, cheer on their favorite teamand partake in light refreshments. Enter your teamof three today by contacting Ms. Simmons at theassociation! FLAC ScheduledSeptember 12The next meetingof PCPA’s LegislativeAffairs Committee(LAC) is September12 in Harrisburg.LAC members shouldreport to Room 113East Wing in the StateCapitol building bynoon. Contact MelissaDiSanto Simmons,director of legislativeaffairs, with questions or concerns. Theprimary focus of themeeting is review anddiscussion of legislative analyses and discussion of topic areasfor the comprehensivesystem fundingpaper. FP R O V I D E RN E W S5F
EE L E G I S L AT I V EAFFAIRSLegislative PanelEnhanced forConferenceThe annual legislative panelwill be held Thursday, October 6, 9:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.at Seven Springs. A legislative staff component will beadded to this year’s panelthereby incorporating viewsfrom legislators themselvesand insights from staff.Please note that the workshop crosses both morning time sessions. WatchPCPA Infos in coming weeksannouncing panel participants and look for writtenmaterials on site at theconference. FHearing Scheduledfor MH/MR IndexLegislationThe House Health andHuman Services Committee has announced that aninformational public hearingon House Bill 1813 (inflationary index for mentalhealth/mental retardation[MH/MR] programs) willtake place October 26 inHarrisburg. PCPA is slatedto testify at the hearing. Alink to House Bill 1813 canbe found in the LegislativeAffairs section of the PCPAweb site. F6P R O V I D E RN E W SE S TAT E NE W S BR IEF SPublic Forums on Disability Advocacy PlannedPennsylvania Protection and Advocacy, in conjunction with the DevelopmentalDisabilities Council and the Temple University Institute on Disabilities, is planninga series of public forums in October to solicit input for the plans and priorities ofeach of these agencies. They are particularly interested in feedback from personswith physical and mental health concerns. Forums are scheduled as follows:PittsburghOctober 1712:00 – 2:00 p.m.Civic BuildingHarrisburgOctober 196:00 – 8:00 p.m.East Shore Area LibraryScrantonOctober 203:00 – 6:00 p.m.Advocacy AlliancePhiladelphiaOctober 246:00 – 8:00 p.m.Vision for EqualitySt. Mary’sOctober 2610:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Johnsonburg Fire HallInterested persons are asked to attend and discuss how the agencies can improvesupports, services, and advocacy for people with disabilities and their families orto provide written testimony. Pennsylvania Protection and Advocacy, the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council, and the Institute on Disabilitieswill provide more detailed information about the forums in September. ContactPennsylvania Protection and Advocacy at 717-236-8110 for more information. FMMA and State Pharmacy Assistance ProgramsThe Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA)will provide coverage of many medications that would previously have been paidthrough the State Pharmacy Assistance Program (PACE and PACENET in Pennsylvania). According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Fact Sheet,State Pharmacy Assistance Programs (SPAPS), a state can use the savings gleanedfrom the Medicare Drug Benefit to supplement Medicare beneficiaries’ drug benefitsby purchasing additional benefits from a qualifying prescription drug plan or byproviding its own supplemental benefit program. It can assist with cost sharingand any SPAP contributions to beneficiaries cost sharing for covered Part D drugscounts toward the beneficiaries’ out-of-pocket limit for catastrophic coverage. FRole of PACE and PACENET Not Yet ClearPharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) representatives haveexpressed the intent to provide wraparound services for beneficiaries, but no finaldecisions have been made. They have suggested that those enrolled in PACE andPACENET should remain in the program. PACE is tending toward working with oneprescription drug plan (PDP), but no final decision has been made. They stronglyencourage PACE enrollees who might qualify to complete the Low Income Subsidyapplication. PACE intends to help beneficiaries to enroll in PACE’s PDP and providesecondary prescription coverage. Those enrollees that enrolled in an MedicareAdvantage Prescription Drug Plan will not be part of the PDP selected by PACE. Atthis point they are not recommending that PACENET (PACE Needs EnhancementTier) cardholders enroll in the Medicare drug benefit as it would likely cost themmore out-of-pocket. A caveat is that everything could change once the final information is available. Contact Betty Simmonds (betty@paproviders.org) withquestions. FSEPTEMBER 2005
E A C R O S S T H E N AT I O NSenate Discusses Medicaid FraudThe US Senate Committee on Finance held hearings entitled Medicaid Waste, Fraud,and Abuse: Threatening the Health Care Safety Net. More than 53 million Americansdepend on Medicaid for their health care; it covers two in five births, one in fourchildren, and 40 percent of all long-term care services. Finance committee member Senator Max Baucus (Montana) stated that Medicaid costs are growing due toincreased enrollment, rising cost of long-term care, and health care inflation. Butit also needs to correct some of the inconsistencies such as inflated pharmacy payments, improper asset transfers, or questionable state financing methods. Statesneed to know the rules of financing arrangements up front and they must bejudged by consistent standards. FMedicare Updates Available From HGSAHGSAdministrators (HGSA) is once again assisting the Centers for Medicare andMedicaid Services (CMS) with distribution of a CD-ROM containing the CMS Medicare Participation Agreement, Fact Sheet, and new Physician Fee Schedules for 2006,plus additional information that should be helpful to many providers. The information can be tailored to meet the needs of individual providers, (e.g. to view onlythe data that is applicable to an individual provider, reformat the data to provideinformation in a form that is more usable for staff and use supplemental information to answer questions about billing and claims).The CD-ROM will also contain a short video from CMS concerning Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage that becomes effective January 1, 2006. Along with the video,CMS will include a provider tool kit that includes information on the prescriptiondrug benefit that may be useful for explaining the new benefits to Medicarebeneficiaries.Updates to the fee schedules and participation enrollment will be posted periodically on the HGSA web site, www.hgsa.com. To subscribe to HGSA’s email listservfor prompt notification of updates, acces
Provider News SEPTEMBER 2005 An informational newsletter compiled by the Pennsylvania Community Providers Association for the MH, MR, and D&A communities
