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1. <?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:blogger='http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd="http://schemas.google.com/g/2005" xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189</id><updated>2024-03-13T10:47:47.939-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default?alt=atom'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><link rel='next' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default?alt=atom&amp;start-index=26&amp;max-results=25'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>26</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>25</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-7405109018742397111</id><published>2013-08-28T12:14:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2013-08-28T12:14:33.443-07:00</updated><title type='text'>The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)  Omnibus Final Rule Summary</title><content type='html'>&lt;br /&gt;
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53. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) </div>
54. <div data-canvas-width="254.83537661743168" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 18.72px; left: 120px; top: 175.193px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01934, 1);">
55. Omnibus Final Rule Summary</div>
56. <div data-canvas-width="360.6547265424728" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 218.88px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02459, 1);">
57. The federal government has published its long awaited</div>
58. <div data-canvas-width="205.90336373519895" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 485.924px; top: 218.88px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05053, 1);">
59. final regulations implementing </div>
60. <div data-canvas-width="26.09856047344208" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 692.093px; top: 218.88px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08744, 1);">
61. the </div>
62. <div data-canvas-width="98.41792178535461" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 635.2px; top: 235.84px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05826, 1);">
63. “Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act,” enacted as </div>
64. <div data-canvas-width="626.9395313730239" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 252.96px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01941, 1);">
65. part of the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” (ARRA), described by the head </div>
66. <div data-canvas-width="616.9004911909103" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 269.92px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00472, 1);">
67. of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as </div>
68. <div data-canvas-width="200.01536362838746" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 516.159px; top: 286.88px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03101, 1);">
69. “the most sweeping changes to the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules since they were first </div>
70. <div data-canvas-width="587.7548906621931" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 304px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04027, 1);">
71. implemented.”  In general, the new rules expand the obligations of physicians and other </div>
72. <div data-canvas-width="607.4649710197448" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 320.96px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05646, 1);">
73. health care providers to protect patients’ protected health information (PHI), extend these </div>
74. <div data-canvas-width="334.0262460594177" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 397.708px; top: 338.08px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.988243, 1);">
75. obligations to a host of other individuals and companies who, as “business associates,” have </div>
76. <div data-canvas-width="581.601930550575" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 355.04px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02575, 1);">
77. access to PHI, and increase the penalties for violations of any of these obligations.  The </div>
78. <div data-canvas-width="622.2438512878417" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 372.16px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02175, 1);">
79. American Medical Association (AMA) will be publishing more detailed guidance concerning the </div>
80. <div data-canvas-width="462.44352838897703" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 284.319px; top: 389.12px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02085, 1);">
81. impact of these rules onphysicians. The following outlines the changes physicians will need to </div>
82. <div data-canvas-width="593.4073707647324" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 406.24px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01092, 1);">
83. consider as they implement the new HIPAA requirements necessary by the September 23, </div>
84. <div data-canvas-width="154.91328281021117" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 423.2px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02592, 1);">
85. 2013, compliance date.</div>
86. <div data-canvas-width="494.2092889652253" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 457.28px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03175, 1);">
87. There are three areas that physicians will need to focus on to comply with </div>
88. <div data-canvas-width="94.70848171806335" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 615.446px; top: 457.28px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04075, 1);">
89. the new rules:</div>
90. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 143.994px; top: 492.316px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
91. •</div>
92. <div data-canvas-width="572.2400103807448" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.002px; top: 492.316px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01281, 1);">
93. Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification policies and procedures (and in some cases, </div>
94. <div data-canvas-width="177.92064322757722" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.002px; top: 509.274px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01669, 1);">
95. new workflows and forms);</div>
96. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.008px; top: 527.35px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
97. •</div>
98. <div data-canvas-width="250.69632454776763" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.017px; top: 527.35px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.99879, 1);">
99. Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP); and</div>
100. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.008px; top: 545.264px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
101. •</div>
102. <div data-canvas-width="239.25888434028627" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.017px; top: 545.264px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.960879, 1);">
103. Business Associate (BA) Agreements.</div>
104. <div data-canvas-width="349.997446349144" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.029px; top: 579.341px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02639, 1);">
105. The following summary provides a helpful overview o</div>
106. <div data-canvas-width="260.7648047304153" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 470.748px; top: 579.341px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03478, 1);">
107. f the steps physicians will need to take </div>
108. <div data-canvas-width="621.419531272888" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.029px; top: 596.46px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02207, 1);">
109. in each of these areas to meet the new requirements.  Physicians also should be familiar with </div>
110. <div data-canvas-width="618.7110512237549" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.029px; top: 613.418px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04866, 1);">
111. their state patient privacy and confidentiality laws, which may be more stringent than HIPAA.</div>
112. <div data-canvas-width="141.92" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; left: 314.08px; top: 647.52px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04353, 1);">
113. Privacy and Security Policies and Procedures</div>
114. <div data-canvas-width="563.6582502250669" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 683.037px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0267, 1);">
115. The new rules will likely require changes to a physician practice’s HIPAA policies and </div>
116. <div data-canvas-width="278.79680505752566" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 700.157px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03642, 1);">
117. procedures in at least the following areas:</div>
118. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 143.994px; top: 735.19px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
119. •</div>
120. <div data-canvas-width="221.9187240257264" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.002px; top: 735.19px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.037, 1);">
121. Breach notification requirements </div>
122. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 390.186px; top: 735.19px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
123. –</div>
124. <div data-canvas-width="346.97984629440305" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 400.151px; top: 735.19px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0611, 1);">
125. The obligation to notify patients if there is a breach </div>
126. <div data-canvas-width="431.1929678220748" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 252.465px; top: 752.148px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01696, 1);">
127. of their PHI is expanded and clarified under the new rules.  Breaches are now </div>
128. <div data-canvas-width="576.7001704616547" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 167.987px; top: 769.267px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03166, 1);">
129. presumed reportable unless, after completing a risk analysis applying four factors, it is </div>
130. <div data-canvas-width="575.6844904432297" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 167.987px; top: 786.225px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03914, 1);">
131. determined, that there is a “low probability of PHI compromise.”  The physicians must </div>
132. <div data-canvas-width="173.13664314079287" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 266.228px; top: 803.344px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.06874, 1);">
133. consider all of the following four factors:</div>
134. <div data-canvas-width="8.832000160217286" data-font-name="Courier" dir="ltr" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 14.72px; left: 191.981px; top: 837.259px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.981333, 1);">
135. o</div>
136. <div data-canvas-width="278.5024050521851" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 215.989px; top: 837.259px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05894, 1);">
137. the nature and extent of the PHI involved </div>
138. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 495.198px; top: 837.259px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
139. –</div>
140. <div data-canvas-width="234.87232426071168" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 505.105px; top: 837.259px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00804, 1);">
141. issues to be considered include the </div>
142. <div data-canvas-width="509.04704923439016" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 215.989px; top: 854.378px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05611, 1);">
143. sensitivity of the information from a financial or clinical perspective and the </div>
144. <div data-canvas-width="69.3312012577057" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 459.679px; top: 871.336px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.13658, 1);">
145. likelihood the information can be re-identified;</div>
146. <div data-canvas-width="8.832000160217286" data-font-name="Courier" dir="ltr" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 14.72px; left: 191.996px; top: 888.455px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.981333, 1);">
147. o</div>
148. <div data-canvas-width="396.4390471916198" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 343.361px; top: 888.455px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01132, 1);">
149. the person who obtained the unauthorized access and whether that person has </div>
150. <div data-canvas-width="500.22976907443984" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 216.004px; top: 905.412px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.07808, 1);">
151. an independent obligation to protect the confidentiality of the information;</div>
152. <div data-canvas-width="8.832000160217286" data-font-name="Courier" dir="ltr" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 14.72px; left: 191.996px; top: 922.532px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.981333, 1);">
153. o</div>
154. <div data-canvas-width="461.6192083740234" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 216.004px; top: 922.532px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02582, 1);">
155. whether the PHI was actually acquired or accessed, determined after </div>
156. <div data-canvas-width="229.67616416645046" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 216.004px; top: 939.489px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00735, 1);">
157. conducting a forensic analysis; and</div>
158. <div data-canvas-width="8.832000160217286" data-font-name="Courier" dir="ltr" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 14.72px; left: 192.01px; top: 956.609px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.981333, 1);">
159. o</div>
160. <div data-canvas-width="403.9020873270035" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 330.732px; top: 956.609px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01483, 1);">
161. the extent to which the risk has been mitigated, such as by obtaining a signed </div>
162. <div data-canvas-width="302.02496547889706" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 216.019px; top: 973.566px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.07101, 1);">
163. confidentiality agreement from the recipient.</div>
164. </div>
165. </div>
166. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="2"></a><br />
167. <div class="page" data-loaded="true" id="pageContainer2" style="height: 1056px; width: 816px;">
168. <div class="textLayer" style="height: 1056px; width: 816px;">
169. <div data-canvas-width="26.038880648612977" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 120px; top: 77.7599px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.964403, 1);">
170. Page </div>
171. <div data-canvas-width="5.617280139923096" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 146.082px; top: 77.7599px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.936213, 1);">
172. 2</div>
173. <div data-canvas-width="562.5689702053072" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168px; top: 137.599px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02659, 1);">
174. This rebuttable presumption of breach and four factor assessment of the “risk of PHI </div>
175. <div data-canvas-width="121.88160221099855" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 590.611px; top: 154.557px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08823, 1);">
176. compromise” replaces the previous, more subjective “significant risk of financial, </div>
177. <div data-canvas-width="573.2409703989031" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168px; top: 171.676px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04226, 1);">
178. reputational, or other harm” analysis for establishing a breach.  The new rules further </div>
179. <div data-canvas-width="502.6585691184998" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168px; top: 188.634px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05379, 1);">
180. clarify that there is no need to have an independent entity conduct the risk </div>
181. <div data-canvas-width="75.30752136611939" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 637.215px; top: 205.753px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03161, 1);">
182. assessment and indeed, no risk assessment need be conducted at all if the breach </div>
183. <div data-canvas-width="534.2476896915435" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168px; top: 222.71px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04754, 1);">
184. notification is made (although, physicians will want to undertake an appropriate </div>
185. <div data-canvas-width="571.5040103673934" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168px; top: 239.83px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04289, 1);">
186. review and steps to mitigate the harm and reduce the likelihood of future breaches in </div>
187. <div data-canvas-width="573.1820903978348" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168px; top: 273.745px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0199, 1);">
188. any case).  The new rules further confirm that the breach notification requirement may be delegated to a BA, and physicians are encouraged to coordinate with their BAs </div>
189. <div data-canvas-width="396.8512071990967" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 318.689px; top: 341.898px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0471, 1);">
190. so that patients receive only one notification of the breach. The new rules do not modify the actual reporting and timeframe requirements for Breach Notification; that is, covered entities must still adhere to requirements for </div>
191. <div data-canvas-width="556.489610095024" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168px; top: 359.018px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05596, 1);">
192. individual notification, HHS notification, and where applicable media posting of the </div>
193. <div data-canvas-width="50.298240912437436" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168px; top: 375.975px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02649, 1);">
194. breach.</div>
195. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.006px; top: 411.009px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
196. •</div>
197. <div data-canvas-width="179.0835232486725" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.015px; top: 411.009px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.994908, 1);">
198. Disclosures to health plans </div>
199. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 347.452px; top: 411.009px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
200. –</div>
201. <div data-canvas-width="351.94048638439176" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 357.446px; top: 411.009px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02607, 1);">
202. At the patient’s request, physicians may not disclose </div>
203. <div data-canvas-width="224.90688407993318" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 280.961px; top: 427.966px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.06088, 1);">
204. information about care the patient has paid for out</div>
205. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 506.56px; top: 427.966px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08045, 1);">
206. -</div>
207. <div data-canvas-width="13.2332802400589" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 512.006px; top: 427.966px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.10277, 1);">
208. of</div>
209. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 525.284px; top: 427.966px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08045, 1);">
210. -</div>
211. <div data-canvas-width="548.3936099481584" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.015px; top: 445.085px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03862, 1);">
212. pocket to health plans, unless for treatment purposes or in the rare event the disclosure is required by law.  This </div>
213. <div data-canvas-width="523.8995295038224" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.015px; top: 462.043px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01335, 1);">
214. change updates the previous HIPAA Privacy Rule governing patient requests for </div>
215. <div data-canvas-width="404.2553673334122" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 319.852px; top: 479.162px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02603, 1);">
216. restrictions on the use or disclosure of their PHI.  Previously, while physicians could </div>
217. <div data-canvas-width="185.16288335895538" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 559.699px; top: 496.12px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.023, 1);">
218. refuse to abide by any such request, the new rule requires physicians and other health </div>
219. <div data-canvas-width="564.0556902322768" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.015px; top: 513.239px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04069, 1);">
220. care providers to abide by a patient’s request not to disclose PHI to a health plan for </div>
221. <div data-canvas-width="162.9062429552078" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 513.949px; top: 530.197px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01816, 1);">
222. those services for which the patient has paid out-of-pocket and requests the </div>
223. <div data-canvas-width="577.1564904699324" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.029px; top: 547.154px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03619, 1);">
224. restriction.  Of all the changes made by the new rules, this change is likely to have the </div>
225. <div data-canvas-width="558.2707301273346" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.029px; top: 564.273px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03383, 1);">
226. greatest impact on physician practice workflow both in terms of documentation and </div>
227. <div data-canvas-width="168.8678430633545" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 326.269px; top: 581.231px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05542, 1);">
228. follow up to ensure the restriction is adhered to. </div>
229. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.021px; top: 616.264px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
230. •</div>
231. <div data-canvas-width="179.77536326122288" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.029px; top: 616.264px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00997, 1);">
232. Marketing communications </div>
233. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 347.981px; top: 616.264px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
234. –</div>
235. <div data-canvas-width="176.5811232032776" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.029px; top: 667.461px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.09678, 1);">
236. The new rules further limit the circumstances when physicians may provide marketing communications to their patients in the absence of the patient’s written authorization.  Generally speaking, the only time a physician may tell a patient about a third</div>
237. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 345.052px; top: 667.461px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08045, 1);">
238. -</div>
239. <div data-canvas-width="483.36064876842516" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.029px; top: 684.418px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02624, 1);">
240. party’s product or service without the patient’s written authorization is when: 1) the physician receives no compensation for the </div>
241. <div data-canvas-width="181.9539233007431" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 494.607px; top: 701.375px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02799, 1);">
242. communication; 2) the communication is face-to-face; 3) the communication</div>
243. <div data-canvas-width="570.9004903564453" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.044px; top: 718.495px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04561, 1);">
244. involves a drug or biologic the patient is currently being prescribed and the payment is limited </div>
245. <div data-canvas-width="549.0707299604416" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.044px; top: 735.452px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03598, 1);">
246. to reasonable reimbursement of the costs of the communication (no profit); 4) the </div>
247. <div data-canvas-width="473.33632858657836" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 251.565px; top: 786.648px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01574, 1);">
248. communication involves general health promotion, rather than the promotion of aspecific product or service; or 5) the communication involves government or government-sponsored programs. Physicians are also still permitted to give patients </div>
249. <div data-canvas-width="345.22816626262664" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.044px; top: 803.606px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05898, 1);">
250. promotional gifts of nominal value (e.g., pamphlet).</div>
251. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.036px; top: 838.639px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
252. •</div>
253. <div data-canvas-width="75.35168136692047" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.044px; top: 838.639px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.99147, 1);">
254. Sale of PHI </div>
255. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 243.705px; top: 838.639px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
256. –</div>
257. <div data-canvas-width="202.2822436695099" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 493.327px; top: 872.716px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04809, 1);">
258. The new rules clarify that the prohibition on the sale of PHI in the absence of the patient’s written authorization extends to licenses or lease agreements, and to the receipt of financial or in-kind benefits.  It also includes </div>
259. <div data-canvas-width="205.94752373600008" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 510.652px; top: 889.674px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02974, 1);">
260. disclosures in conjunction with research if the remuneration received includes any </div>
261. <div data-canvas-width="8.199040148735047" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 574.773px; top: 940.87px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02488, 1);">
262. profit margin.  On the other hand, the prohibition on PHI sales does not extend to permitted disclosures for payment or treatment nor to permitted disclosures to patients or their designees in exchange for a reasonable cost     b</div>
263. <div data-canvas-width="60.955521105766294" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 582.927px; top: 940.87px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01593, 1);">
264. based fee.</div>
265. </div>
266. </div>
267. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="3"></a><br />
268. <div class="page" data-loaded="true" id="pageContainer3" style="height: 1056px; width: 816px;">
269. <div class="textLayer" style="height: 1056px; width: 816px;">
270. <div data-canvas-width="26.038880648612977" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 120px; top: 77.7599px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.964403, 1);">
271. Page </div>
272. <div data-canvas-width="5.617280139923096" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 146.082px; top: 77.7599px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.936213, 1);">
273. 3</div>
274. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144px; top: 121.44px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
275. •</div>
276. <div data-canvas-width="169.23584307003023" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.008px; top: 121.44px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00736, 1);">
277. Childhood immunizations </div>
278. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 337.421px; top: 121.44px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
279. –</div>
280. <div data-canvas-width="301.1564854631424" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 347.195px; top: 121.44px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00052, 1);">
281. Under the new rules, physicians may disclose </div>
282. <div data-canvas-width="565.7043302621842" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 167.994px; top: 138.559px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04373, 1);">
283. immunizations to schools required to obtain proof of immunization prior to admitting </div>
284. <div data-canvas-width="573.7414504079819" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 167.994px; top: 155.517px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03191, 1);">
285. the student so long as the physicians have and document the patient or patient’s legal </div>
286. <div data-canvas-width="13.822080250740052" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 167.994px; top: 172.636px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.06324, 1);">
287. re</div>
288. <div data-canvas-width="367.66144666957854" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 181.757px; top: 172.636px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05347, 1);">
289. presentative’s “informal agreement” to the disclosure. </div>
290. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 143.985px; top: 207.67px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
291. •</div>
292. <div data-canvas-width="72.51072131538392" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 167.994px; top: 207.67px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.96681, 1);">
293. Decedents </div>
294. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 240.637px; top: 207.67px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
295. –</div>
296. <div data-canvas-width="442.9836880359651" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 250.558px; top: 207.67px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01602, 1);">
297. The new rules allow physicians to make relevant disclosures to the </div>
298. <div data-canvas-width="511.68192928218843" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 167.994px; top: 224.627px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.999379, 1);">
299. deceased’s family and friends under essentially the same circumstances such </div>
300. <div data-canvas-width="275.2787249937057" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 468.782px; top: 241.747px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03879, 1);">
301. disclosures were permitted when the patient was alive; that is, when these individuals </div>
302. <div data-canvas-width="558.1235301246643" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 167.994px; top: 258.704px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03165, 1);">
303. were involved in providing care or payment for care and the physician is unaware of </div>
304. <div data-canvas-width="550.822409992218" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 167.994px; top: 275.823px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02574, 1);">
305. any expressed preference to the contrary.  The new rule also eliminates any HIPAA </div>
306. <div data-canvas-width="34.75392063045502" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 470.445px; top: 292.781px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08606, 1);">
307. protection for PHI 50 years after a patient’s death.</div>
308. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 143.985px; top: 327.814px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
309. •</div>
310. <div data-canvas-width="26.304640477180484" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 246.554px; top: 327.814px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.974246, 1);">
311. Copies of e-PHI </div>
312. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 272.8px; top: 327.814px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
313. –</div>
314. <div data-canvas-width="417.50336757373805" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 282.721px; top: 327.814px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02079, 1);">
315. Physicians will now have only 30 days to respond to a patient’s </div>
316. <div data-canvas-width="259.9846447162628" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 473.934px; top: 344.772px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02356, 1);">
317. written request for his or her PHI with one 30-day extension, regardless of where the </div>
318. <div data-canvas-width="255.2595246305466" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 457.301px; top: 361.891px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03344, 1);">
319. records are kept (eliminating the longer 60-day timeframe for records maintained </div>
320. <div data-canvas-width="516.9958493785857" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.023px; top: 378.849px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01771, 1);">
321. offsite).  They must provide access to EHR and other electronic records in the </div>
322. <div data-canvas-width="543.8598498659132" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.023px; top: 395.968px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05604, 1);">
323. electronic form and format requested by the individual if the records are “readily </div>
324. <div data-canvas-width="552.8537700290681" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.023px; top: 412.925px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05105, 1);">
325. reproducible” in that format.  Otherwise, they must provide the records in another </div>
326. <div data-canvas-width="458.32192831420883" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 244.979px; top: 430.045px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0464, 1);">
327. mutually agreeable electronic format.  Hard copies are permitted only when the </div>
328. <div data-canvas-width="60.219521092414844" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 459.229px; top: 447.002px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03827, 1);">
329. individual rejects all readily reproducible e-formats. </div>
330. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.029px; top: 482.036px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
331. •</div>
332. <div data-canvas-width="86.37696156692505" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.038px; top: 482.036px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.992839, 1);">
333. Emailing PHI </div>
334. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 254.591px; top: 482.036px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
335. –</div>
336. <div data-canvas-width="481.1232087278365" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 264.513px; top: 482.036px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.987933, 1);">
337. Physicians must also consider transmission security, and may send PHI in </div>
338. <div data-canvas-width="260.7942447309494" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 451.56px; top: 498.993px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04737, 1);">
339. unencrypted emails only if the requesting individual is advised of the risk and still </div>
340. <div data-canvas-width="231.32480419635775" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.038px; top: 516.113px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01905, 1);">
341. requests that form of transmission.</div>
342. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.029px; top: 551.146px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
343. •</div>
344. <div data-canvas-width="70.43520127773286" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 329.958px; top: 551.146px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.992045, 1);">
345. Charging for copies of e-PHI or PHI </div>
346. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 400.658px; top: 551.146px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
347. –</div>
348. <div data-canvas-width="535.1308897075656" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.038px; top: 568.104px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05134, 1);">
349. The new rules modify the costs that may be charged to the individual for copies to include labor costs (potentially to include </div>
350. <div data-canvas-width="462.44352838897703" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 235.882px; top: 585.223px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02994, 1);">
351. skilled technical labor costs for extracting electronic PHI and supply costs if the </div>
352. <div data-canvas-width="578.0396904859545" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.038px; top: 602.18px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03591, 1);">
353. patient requests a paper copy, or if electronic, the cost of any portable media (such as </div>
354. <div data-canvas-width="571.813130373001" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.038px; top: 619.3px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.994458, 1);">
355. a USB memory stick or a CD)), assuming state law does not set a lower reimbursement </div>
356. <div data-canvas-width="500.4947290792465" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 238.591px; top: 636.257px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0152, 1);">
357. rate.  The rules also clarify that physicians may impose a separate charge for creating </div>
358. <div data-canvas-width="192.5817634935379" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.038px; top: 653.215px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04098, 1);">
359. an affidavit of completeness.</div>
360. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.029px; top: 688.248px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
361. •</div>
362. <div data-canvas-width="161.55200293064118" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.038px; top: 688.248px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.991117, 1);">
363. Research authorizations </div>
364. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 329.766px; top: 688.248px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
365. –</div>
366. <div data-canvas-width="403.53408732032784" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 339.717px; top: 688.248px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01903, 1);">
367. The new rules permit physicians to combine conditioned and </div>
368. <div data-canvas-width="152.35200276374815" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 576.032px; top: 705.368px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03641, 1);">
369. unconditioned authorizations for research participation, provided individuals can opt</div>
370. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 728.678px; top: 705.368px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08045, 1);">
371. -</div>
372. <div data-canvas-width="522.677769481659" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.038px; top: 722.325px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04536, 1);">
373. in to the unconditioned research activity.  Moreover, these authorizations may </div>
374. <div data-canvas-width="182.38080330848695" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.038px; top: 739.445px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.9912, 1);">
375. encompass future research.</div>
376. <div data-canvas-width="590.8019307174683" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 809.117px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01165, 1);">
377. Notice of Privacy Practices (NPP) Physicians must amend their NPPs to reflect the changes set forth above, including those </div>
378. <div data-canvas-width="614.9868911561963" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 125.756px; top: 826.237px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04059, 1);">
379. related to breach notification, disclosures to health plans, and marketing and sale of PHI.  To </div>
380. <div data-canvas-width="619.285131234169" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 843.194px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03386, 1);">
381. the extent physicians engage in fundraising, they will also have to amend their NPP to inform </div>
382. <div data-canvas-width="183.10208332157134" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 562.719px; top: 860.152px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01161, 1);">
383. patients of their right to opt-out of those communications.  As the rules presume these are all </div>
384. <div data-canvas-width="614.4569711465833" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 877.271px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02069, 1);">
385. material changes, physicians will have to post the revised NPP, and make copies available at </div>
386. <div data-canvas-width="599.7222508792876" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 894.229px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03579, 1);">
387. their office, to all new patients and to anyone else on request.  Physicians who maintain a </div>
388. <div data-canvas-width="284.8467251672745" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 911.348px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03959, 1);">
389. website are cautioned to post the updated </div>
390. <div data-canvas-width="569.8848103380202" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 945.425px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03615, 1);">
391. NPP on their website as required by the existing HIPAA Privacy rule.  The new rules also eliminate requirements to include information on communications concerning appointment reminders, treatment alternatives, or health</div>
392. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 690.503px; top: 945.425px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08045, 1);">
393. -</div>
394. <div data-canvas-width="52.049920944213866" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 696.156px; top: 945.425px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08437, 1);">
395. related </div>
396. <div data-canvas-width="174.47616316509252" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 962.382px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.991342, 1);">
397. benefits or services in NPP</div>
398. <div data-canvas-width="429.4412877902986" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 294.874px; top: 962.382px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05774, 1);">
399. s, but the rules do not require that that information be removed </div>
400. <div data-canvas-width="45.01376081657409" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 979.501px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.1542, 1);">
401. either.</div>
402. </div>
403. </div>
404. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="4"></a><br />
405. <div class="page" data-loaded="true" id="pageContainer4" style="height: 1056px; width: 816px;">
406. <div class="textLayer" style="height: 1056px; width: 816px;">
407. <div data-canvas-width="26.038880648612977" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 120px; top: 77.7599px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.964403, 1);">
408. Page </div>
409. <div data-canvas-width="5.617280139923096" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 146.082px; top: 77.7599px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.936213, 1);">
410. 4</div>
411. <div data-canvas-width="187.93600000000004" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; left: 120px; top: 154.56px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.989137, 1);">
412. Business Associates (BAs)</div>
413. <div data-canvas-width="587.3280106544495" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 190.239px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02144, 1);">
414. The new rules expand the universe of individuals and companies that must be treated as </div>
415. <div data-canvas-width="440.43712798976895" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 207.197px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.998724, 1);">
416. business associates to include Patient Safety Organizations and oth</div>
417. <div data-canvas-width="151.89568275547023" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 561.144px; top: 207.197px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.06221, 1);">
418. ers involved in patient </div>
419. <div data-canvas-width="369.78112670803074" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 224.316px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05652, 1);">
420. safety activities, health information organizations like e</div>
421. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 490.399px; top: 224.316px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08045, 1);">
422. -</div>
423. <div data-canvas-width="205.9622437362671" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 495.846px; top: 224.316px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01962, 1);">
424. prescribing gateways or health </div>
425. <div data-canvas-width="603.2256109428404" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 241.274px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02764, 1);">
426. information exchanges that transmit and maintain PHI, and personal health record vendors </div>
427. <div data-canvas-width="337.0144061136245" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 258.393px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0151, 1);">
428. physicians sponsor for their patients.  Thus, physici</div>
429. <div data-canvas-width="262.70784476566314" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 457.765px; top: 258.393px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02221, 1);">
430. ans must review their relationships and </div>
431. <div data-canvas-width="604.4326509647369" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 275.35px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04213, 1);">
432. determine if they must enter new BA agreements with these entities or others that create, </div>
433. <div data-canvas-width="380.0704068946838" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 292.47px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05869, 1);">
434. receive, store, maintain, or transmit PHI on their behalf. </div>
435. <div data-canvas-width="403.3280073165895" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 326.385px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01085, 1);">
436. These rules also modify the requirements for BA agreements:</div>
437. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 143.994px; top: 361.418px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
438. •</div>
439. <div data-canvas-width="29.263360530853273" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.002px; top: 361.418px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.886769, 1);">
440. Phys</div>
441. <div data-canvas-width="489.64608888244635" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 197.265px; top: 361.418px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03083, 1);">
442. icians no longer must report failures of their BAs to the government when </div>
443. <div data-canvas-width="538.8550497751237" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.002px; top: 378.538px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02639, 1);">
444. termination of the agreement is not feasible, as HHS has concluded that the BA’s </div>
445. <div data-canvas-width="310.65088563537597" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.002px; top: 395.495px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.07865, 1);">
446. direct liability for these violations is sufficient.</div>
447. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.008px; top: 413.571px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
448. •</div>
449. <div data-canvas-width="319.1737657899857" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.017px; top: 413.571px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00686, 1);">
450. BAs are now responsible for their subcontractors</div>
451. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 487.72px; top: 413.571px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35056, 1);">
452. .</div>
453. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.023px; top: 431.485px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
454. •</div>
455. <div data-canvas-width="431.2812878236771" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.031px; top: 431.485px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0124, 1);">
456. BAs must comply with the Security and Breach Notification Rules.</div>
457. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 144.038px; top: 449.562px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
458. •</div>
459. <div data-canvas-width="530.3468896207809" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.046px; top: 449.562px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03381, 1);">
460. Physicians are liable for the actions of their BAs who are agents, but not for the </div>
461. <div data-canvas-width="360.4486465387346" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.046px; top: 466.519px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.024, 1);">
462. actions of those BAs that are independent contractors.</div>
463. <div data-canvas-width="351.9257663841247" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.059px; top: 500.596px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.07294, 1);">
464. Physicians have until September 23, 2014, to bring</div>
465. <div data-canvas-width="196.79168356990814" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 476.695px; top: 500.596px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08127, 1);">
466. all their BA agreements into </div>
467. <div data-canvas-width="228.16000413894648" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.059px; top: 517.715px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08133, 1);">
468. conformance with the new rules.</div>
469. <div data-canvas-width="372.960646765709" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 357.492px; top: 517.715px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02462, 1);">
470. BA agreements that have not been renewed or modified </div>
471. <div data-canvas-width="609.2902510528563" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.059px; top: 534.673px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03445, 1);">
472. between March 26, 2013, and September 23, 2013, will be deemed compliant until the date </div>
473. <div data-canvas-width="354.2368064260483" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.059px; top: 551.63px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02677, 1);">
474. the BA agreement is renewed or modified or until Sep</div>
475. <div data-canvas-width="257.29088466739665" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 475.091px; top: 551.63px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0459, 1);">
476. tember 22, 2014, whichever is earlier. </div>
477. <div data-canvas-width="201.56799999999998" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; left: 120px; top: 585.76px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0779, 1);">
478. Enforcement and Penalties</div>
479. <div data-canvas-width="357.34272648239136" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 621.439px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04486, 1);">
480. The new rules clarify the four penalty tiers as follows:</div>
481. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 148.483px; top: 656.473px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
482. •</div>
483. <div data-canvas-width="78.29568142032623" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.017px; top: 656.473px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04394, 1);">
484. Lowest tier </div>
485. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 246.548px; top: 656.473px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
486. –</div>
487. <div data-canvas-width="465.5936084461212" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 256.337px; top: 656.473px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0188, 1);">
488. cases in which the physician did not and reasonably could not know of </div>
489. <div data-canvas-width="76.42624138641358" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 172.492px; top: 673.43px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04693, 1);">
490. the breach.</div>
491. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 148.498px; top: 691.507px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
492. •</div>
493. <div data-canvas-width="118.01024214076998" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.031px; top: 691.507px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.09269, 1);">
494. Intermediate tier </div>
495. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 286.218px; top: 691.507px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
496. –</div>
497. <div data-canvas-width="94.19328170871736" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 296.022px; top: 691.507px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.971065, 1);">
498. cases in which</div>
499. <div data-canvas-width="326.2982459192276" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 394.896px; top: 691.507px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02933, 1);">
500. the physician “knew, or by exercising reasonable </div>
501. <div data-canvas-width="534.2329696912766" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 172.492px; top: 708.464px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.06209, 1);">
502. diligence would have known” of the violation, but the physician did not act with </div>
503. <div data-canvas-width="99.9929618139267" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 172.492px; top: 725.583px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.11103, 1);">
504. willful neglect.</div>
505. <div data-canvas-width="6.771200122833252" data-font-name="g_font_p0_21" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 148.483px; top: 743.498px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.35424, 1);">
506. •</div>
507. <div data-canvas-width="87.14240158081054" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 168.017px; top: 743.498px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0252, 1);">
508. Highest tiers </div>
509. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 255.336px; top: 743.498px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.67528, 1);">
510. –</div>
511. <div data-canvas-width="450.6675281753539" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 265.286px; top: 743.498px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05296, 1);">
512. cases in which the physician “acted with willful neglect” and either </div>
513. <div data-canvas-width="163.84832297229767" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 172.492px; top: 760.617px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03701, 1);">
514. corrected the problem w</div>
515. <div data-canvas-width="75.94048137760163" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 336.649px; top: 760.617px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08486, 1);">
516. ithin the 30</div>
517. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 412.81px; top: 760.617px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08045, 1);">
518. -</div>
519. <div data-canvas-width="288.0851252260208" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 418.257px; top: 760.617px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05526, 1);">
520. day cure period, or failed to make a timely </div>
521. <div data-canvas-width="73.02592132472992" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 172.492px; top: 777.574px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05835, 1);">
522. correction.</div>
523. <div data-canvas-width="569.0604903230667" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.015px; top: 811.651px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01256, 1);">
524. HHS must conduct a formal investigation and impose civil monetary penalties in cases </div>
525. <div data-canvas-width="594.4230507831571" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.015px; top: 828.609px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04652, 1);">
526. involving willful neglect, and is now free to provide PHI to other government agencies for </div>
527. <div data-canvas-width="78.53120142459869" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.015px; top: 845.728px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.00681, 1);">
528. enforcemen</div>
529. <div data-canvas-width="534.5568096971513" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 198.575px; top: 845.728px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02406, 1);">
530. t activities.  The assessment of penalties must be based on five principal factors:</div>
531. <div data-canvas-width="607.3913710184096" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.015px; top: 862.685px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0656, 1);">
532. (1) the nature and extent of the violation, including the number of individuals affected; (2) </div>
533. <div data-canvas-width="514.6848093366624" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.015px; top: 879.805px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.06121, 1);">
534. the nature and extent of the harm resulting from the violation, including repu</div>
535. <div data-canvas-width="98.97728179550172" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 635.759px; top: 879.805px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.07584, 1);">
536. tational harm; </div>
537. <div data-canvas-width="588.1081706686018" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.015px; top: 896.762px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05585, 1);">
538. (3) the history and extent of prior compliance; (4) the financial condition of the covered </div>
539. <div data-canvas-width="613.0144111204147" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.015px; top: 913.882px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01492, 1);">
540. entity or business associate; and (5) such other matters as justice may require.  The number </div>
541. <div data-canvas-width="379.6435268869399" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.015px; top: 930.839px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02884, 1);">
542. of violations may be based on the number of individuals a</div>
543. <div data-canvas-width="239.34720434188839" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 500.541px; top: 930.839px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04518, 1);">
544. ffected or by the number of days of </div>
545. <div data-canvas-width="23.816960432052614" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.015px; top: 947.797px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.992373, 1);">
546. non</div>
547. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 143.861px; top: 947.797px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08045, 1);">
548. -</div>
549. <div data-canvas-width="80.37120145797729" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 149.308px; top: 947.797px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.01736, 1);">
550. compliance.</div>
551. <div data-canvas-width="240.27456435871125" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120.029px; top: 980.917px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.06789, 1);">
552. The rule further clarifies that the 30</div>
553. <div data-canvas-width="5.402240097999573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 360.996px; top: 980.917px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.08045, 1);">
554. -</div>
555. <div data-canvas-width="340.17920617103573" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 366.442px; top: 980.917px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0185, 1);">
556. day cure period begins when the physician knew or </div>
557. </div>
558. </div>
559. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="5"></a><br />
560. <div class="page" data-loaded="true" id="pageContainer5" style="height: 1056px; width: 816px;">
561. <div class="textLayer" style="height: 1056px; width: 816px;">
562. <div data-canvas-width="26.038880648612977" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 120px; top: 77.7599px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.964403, 1);">
563. Page </div>
564. <div data-canvas-width="5.617280139923096" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 146.082px; top: 77.7599px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.936213, 1);">
565. 5</div>
566. <div data-canvas-width="234.59264425563813" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 120.48px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04729, 1);">
567. should have known of the violation.</div>
568. <div data-canvas-width="109.05600000000001" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; left: 120px; top: 153.6px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03863, 1);">
569. Other Changes</div>
570. <div data-canvas-width="418.9312075996398" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 188.16px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02931, 1);">
571. The new rules also make changes that will likely affect physicia</div>
572. <div data-canvas-width="187.547523402214" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 539.814px; top: 188.16px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0717, 1);">
573. ns, but only indirectly.  The </div>
574. <div data-canvas-width="620.0800112485887" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 205.117px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03866, 1);">
575. most sweeping is the expansion of the obligations of BAs to include both direct liability under </div>
576. <div data-canvas-width="611.7632110977171" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 222.237px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02645, 1);">
577. most of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, and the obligation to enforce these rules with </div>
578. <div data-canvas-width="242.77696440410617" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 239.194px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02872, 1);">
579. respect to their subcontractors.  The</div>
580. <div data-canvas-width="335.7190460901261" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 367.841px; top: 239.194px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03617, 1);">
581. new rules also implement the Genetic Information </div>
582. <div data-canvas-width="582.3673705644607" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 256.314px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03074, 1);">
583. Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which generally prohibits health plans from using genetic </div>
584. <div data-canvas-width="256.06912464523316" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 273.271px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04518, 1);">
585. information for underwriting purposes.</div>
586. <div data-canvas-width="79.552" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 16px; left: 120px; top: 306.4px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.04674, 1);">
587. Next Steps</div>
588. <div data-canvas-width="438.06720794677733" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 340.96px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.05813, 1);">
589. With the potential for $1.5 million fines, not to mention serious re</div>
590. <div data-canvas-width="160.27136290740967" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 559.201px; top: 340.96px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.09028, 1);">
591. putational injury, these </div>
592. <div data-canvas-width="604.2707309617996" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 357.917px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03118, 1);">
593. new rules must be taken seriously.  Clearly, physicians will need to develop a plan to make </div>
594. <div data-canvas-width="624.2457713241578" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 375.037px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02841, 1);">
595. these required changes in a timely fashion.  The AMA will provide more specific guidance with </div>
596. <div data-canvas-width="293.00160531520845" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 120px; top: 391.994px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.0317, 1);">
597. respect to each of these three areas, includi</div>
598. <div data-canvas-width="240.55424436378476" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14.72px; left: 413.767px; top: 391.994px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.973904, 1);">
599. ng sample NPP and BA agreements.  </div>
600. <div data-canvas-width="595.6246548366547" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 120px; top: 941.286px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03228, 1);">
601. The information contained herein is general in nature and is based on authorities that are subject to change.  It is not inte</div>
602. <div data-canvas-width="26.682080664634707" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 715.678px; top: 941.286px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.988225, 1);">
603. nded </div>
604. <div data-canvas-width="275.99712687492365" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 120px; top: 954.729px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(0.982196, 1);">
605. as legal advice provided by the American Medical Associa</div>
606. <div data-canvas-width="335.8254483652115" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 396.319px; top: 954.729px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02075, 1);">
607. tion and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice or </div>
608. <div data-canvas-width="604.6187350606921" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 120px; top: 968.011px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.02826, 1);">
609. opinion. This material may not be applicable to, or suitable for, the specific circumstances or needs of the reader, and may </div>
610. <div data-canvas-width="55.66896138668061" data-font-name="TrebuchetMS" dir="ltr" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10.72px; left: 407.039px; top: 981.454px; transform-origin: 0% 0% 0px; transform: scale(1.03091, 1);">
611. require additional consideration of other factors not described herein.</div>
612. </div>
613. </div>
614. </div>
615. </div>
616. </div>
617. </div>
618. </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/7405109018742397111/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-health-insurance-portability-and.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7405109018742397111'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7405109018742397111'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2013/08/the-health-insurance-portability-and.html' title='The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)  Omnibus Final Rule Summary'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-4282059208655478869</id><published>2013-08-27T11:10:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2013-08-27T11:10:28.718-07:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>&lt;h1 class=&quot;ha&quot;&gt;
619. <span class="hP" id=":14s" tabindex="-1">New HIPAA rules start to have impact on September 23, 2013</span></h1>
620. <br />
621. The final Omnibus Rule becomes effective on <strong>March 26, 2013</strong>. Covered entities and Business Associates of all sizes will have <strong>180 days beyond the effective date</strong> of the final rule to come into compliance with most of the final rule’s provisions (September 23, 2013).<br />
622. <br />
623. The federal Department of Health and Human Services, in response to a
624. law passed by Congress in 2009, announced modifications to the famous
625. HIPAA rules. As you may know, HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability
626. and Accountability Act) was passed by Congress under President Clinton.
627. However, the regulations that put HIPAA into action were issued several
628. years later under President Bush. Part of the HIPAA law dealt with
629. privacy of medical records, with the focus on emergence of easily
630. sharable electronic records.<br />
631.  
632. The HIPAA confidentiality rules which resulted from that focus often
633. seemed frustrating. They blocked distribution of personal medical
634. information to strangers, and they also made it difficult to share
635. personal medical information with spouses and family members. The
636. biggest contradiction in the regulations, some feel, is that personal
637. medical information can be freely shared within a medical group and its
638. contractors, but cannot be shared by the patient’s family without
639. written consent.<br />
640.  
641. The updated regulations were first announced to the public in 2010,
642. were subject to public comment and revisions, and were finalized as of
643. March 26, 2013. Those affected by the new rules were given 180 days to
644. comply, which means the new rules start to have impact on September 23,
645. 2013. What are the new enhancements to the HIPAA rules? Among other
646. things, the new rules:<br />
647.  
648. 1. Expand confidentially requirements to cover “business associates”
649. of the medical providers and health plans. This would include, for
650. instance, companies that handle claims processing and medical billing
651. and law firms that represent hospitals and nursing homes. Adding these
652. entities, which may have access to your medical records, protects
653. seniors (and others) from these back-channel privacy breaches.  <br />
654.  
655. 2. Limit ways in which your private medical information can be used
656. for marketing purposes, can be used for fundraising purposes, or can be
657. sold. If a care provider wants to market products to you, wants to
658. solicit you for charitable contributions or plans to sell your data, you
659. must be informed in advance and must have the option to opt out of
660. receiving those communications.<br />
661.  
662. 3. Require that when your medical records are kept in electronic
663. format by the care provider, you can request a copy in electronic
664. format. If you want a copy on a USB drive or a disk, you must provide
665. the drive or disk or must pay the care provider for that unit. This
666. should, however, make it faster and easier to obtain copies of your
667. medical records.<br />
668.  
669. 4. Grant you the right, when you pay cash for a medical procedure, to
670. forbid your care provider from sharing information about the medical
671. procedure with your health insurance plan. If you want to keep a
672. treatment confidential, you have that right if you pay in cash.<br />
673.  
674. As has been true for a decade, you should have a legally binding
675. HIPAA authorization as part of your Advance Medical Directives. Talk to
676. your elder law attorney to be sure that your Medical Power of Attorney
677. properly addresses HIPAA concerns. After the new rules take effect, you
678. have additional rights that you can exercise when appropriate.<br />
679. More helpful info<br /><a href="http://www.hipaasurvivalguide.com/hipaa-omnibus-rule.php" target="_blank">http://www.hipaasurvivalguide.<wbr></wbr>com/hipaa-omnibus-rule.php</a><br />
680. <br />
681. <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=8&ved=0CH8QFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tnrec.org%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2FtnREC_HIPAA_Changes_for_2013_Final_04112013.pdf&ei=9JAcUumyH4ThyQHn-oGwBQ&usg=AFQjCNEaSMXZ41Cyo-03QZZg7Fa5lUH1TA&sig2=3hEiaRFx0fJq9vF1_ms-rQ&bvm=bv.51156542,d.aWc&cad=rja" target="_blank">http://www.google.com/url?sa=<wbr></wbr>t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&<wbr></wbr>cd=8&ved=0CH8QFjAH&url=http%<wbr></wbr>3A%2F%2Fwww.tnrec.org%2Fwp-<wbr></wbr>content%2Fuploads%2FtnREC_<wbr></wbr>HIPAA_Changes_for_2013_Final_<wbr></wbr>04112013.pdf&ei=<wbr></wbr>9JAcUumyH4ThyQHn-oGwBQ&usg=<wbr></wbr>AFQjCNEaSMXZ41Cyo-<wbr></wbr>03QZZg7Fa5lUH1TA&sig2=<wbr></wbr>3hEiaRFx0fJq9vF1_ms-rQ&bvm=bv.<wbr></wbr>51156542,d.aWc&cad=rja</a><br />
682.  
683. &lt;br /&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/4282059208655478869/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2013/08/new-hipaa-rules-start-to-have-impact-on.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/4282059208655478869'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/4282059208655478869'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2013/08/new-hipaa-rules-start-to-have-impact-on.html' title=''/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-7784901570907334449</id><published>2012-04-05T09:40:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2012-04-05T09:40:28.998-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Tricare to close online mental health program</title><content type='html'>&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;By&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:pkime@militarytimes.com?subject=Question%20from%20ArmyTimes.com%20reader&quot; style=&quot;color: blue; text-decoration: underline;&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Patricia Kime&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;- Staff writer – ARMY TIMES - Posted : Saturday Mar 31, 2012 9:54:58 EDT&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;&quot;&gt;The Tricare Assistance Program for behavioral health counseling is being shut down due to lack of use&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;,  Tricare officials said Friday.&amp;nbsp; The $3 million demonstration program,  launched in August 2009, was designed to test use of Web-based video  conferencing for mental health counseling.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;The  instant messaging and Web-based chat program facilitated communications  with patients and counselors on non-medical concerns ranging from  deployment anxiety and work stress to family and relationship issues.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;The  program logged 5,109 calls during a two-year period, with 89 percent  coming from the Tricare West region, according to Tricare spokesman  Austin Camacho.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;Only 1,188 were initial calls, while the rest were follow-ups, he added.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;“The  termination of TRIAP in March 2012 will not cause a void in the  availability of non-medical counseling services for service members and  their families. Military OneSource offers a robust and popular  employee-assistance program model of nonmedical-counseling service,”  Camacho said.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;He  added the services provided by Military OneSource are similar to TRIAP,  offering confidential, anonymous counseling. Tricare also offers  telemental health services for beneficiaries in certain circumstances.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;“The  demonstration’s goal of improving beneficiary access to mental health  care by incorporating Web-based video technology has not been reached  and has been deemed highly inefficient to operate financially,” Camacho  said.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;Military OneSource can be reached at &lt;a href=&quot;tel:800-342-9657&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; value=&quot;+18003429657&quot;&gt;800-342-9657&lt;/a&gt;.&amp;nbsp;  The program offers eligible service members and beneficiaries up to 12  sessions per issue at no cost. Patients who need additional counseling  are referred to medical facilities.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial; font-size: small;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/7784901570907334449/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2012/04/tricare-to-close-online-mental-health.html#comment-form' title='2 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7784901570907334449'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7784901570907334449'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2012/04/tricare-to-close-online-mental-health.html' title='Tricare to close online mental health program'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>2</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-6829958936893131374</id><published>2011-10-17T18:15:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-10-17T18:15:02.156-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Professional LLCs Must Register with IDFPR</title><content type='html'>&lt;table align=&quot;center&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;0&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;tbody&gt;
684. <tr><td class="DefaultCells" width="76%"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong><br />
685. January 13, 2011</td>         <td class="News_HDr" width="24%"><img alt="State of Illinois" src="http://www.idfpr.com/images/newsstate.jpg" /></td>       </tr>
686. <tr>         <td class="Main_Content" colspan="3"><hr class="Black_Div" width="100%" /></td>       </tr>
687. <tr>         <td class="Prof_Section_Header_MAIN" colspan="3"><h5>Professional LLCs Must Register with State</h5></td>       </tr>
688. <tr>         <td class="Main_Content" colspan="3"><div align="center"><strong><em>Registration of health care groups will expand   patient protections</em></strong></div></td>       </tr>
689. <tr>         <td class="DefaultCells" colspan="3"><strong>SPRINGFIELD</strong> <strong>– </strong>To  better protect consumers faced with problems in dealing with their  health   care providers, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) formed by  licensed health   care and other professionals will now be required to  register with the Illinois   Department of Financial and Professional  Regulation, Division of Professional   Regulation (IDFPR).  Medical and  Professional Service Corporations have long   been required to register  with IDFPR, and this law expands that requirement to   cover LLCs  established by licensed professions, including doctors and dentists.  <br />
690. The purpose of registration is to provide information to  consumers as well as   assist the Department in its enforcement  activities. Registration provides basic   information about the LLC and  most importantly discloses the licensee(s)   responsible for the  operation of the LLC.  Patients dealing with the LLC for   billing,  scheduling and other business related activities can seek assistance    from IDFPR if they have problems not directly related to the work of a  licensed   professional.  This registration requirement establishes a  new level of   regulatory oversight to make sure health care consumers  receive the same   protection regardless of how their provider’s  practice is structured.  <br />
691. Applications for registration of limited liability  companies are now   available. The application packets contain detailed  instructions and other   information which can be viewed and printed at <a href="http://www.idfpr.com/dpr/WHO/llc.asp">www.idfpr.com</a>.   The initial   registration fee is $50 and the annual renewal fee is  $40.  Applications are   required to be submitted by existing limited  liability companies as well as new   entities just forming with the  Illinois Secretary of State.  <br />
692. All LLCs are   expected to be licensed within 90 days and the  department will begin enforcement   for failure to be licensed on that  date.</td></tr>
693. &lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/6829958936893131374/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2011/10/professional-llcs-must-register-with.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/6829958936893131374'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/6829958936893131374'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2011/10/professional-llcs-must-register-with.html' title='Professional LLCs Must Register with IDFPR'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-1430758368836193003</id><published>2011-06-24T06:47:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2011-06-24T06:47:24.589-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Deadline Missed for TRICARE LCPC Independent Practice Rule</title><content type='html'>&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: arial;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: #cd0000; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;&quot;&gt;   &lt;b&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
694. <center><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #cd0000; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Deadline Missed for TRICARE LMHC Independent Practice Rule</b></span></span></center><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #cd0000; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="color: navy; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"> <br />
695. Washington, DC – June 24, 2011 – The National Defense Authorization Act  for fiscal year 2011, signed in January 2011, directed the Department of  Defense (DoD) to adopt regulations allowing licensed mental health  counselors (LMHCs) to practice independently under the TRICARE program.  The Act gave DoD until June 20th of this week to issue rules  implementing the requirement, but DoD has now missed the deadline,  making it impossible to implement the directive. Presently, we are  hearing uncertain estimates of when the rule may be released, ranging  from six to 18 months.<br />
696. <br />
697. AMHCA has led LMHCs in encouraging the DoD to adopt regulations  implementing the rule, which will make it easier for beneficiaries to  gain access to needed care. However, we have also called on DoD to adopt  more inclusive regulations that will recognize a wider array of  qualified LMHCs than a recently adopted standard set in a separate VA  administrative procedure.<br />
698. <br />
699. AMHCA will continue to work with the DoD to ensure the regulations are  more inclusive than the VA LMHC eligibility standard, and AMHCA is  closely monitoring the agency&#39;s activity on this matter. For more  information or if you have questions, contact James Finley, AMHCA&#39;s  director of public policy, at &lt;a href=&quot;mailto:jfinley@amhca.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;jfinley@amhca.org&lt;/a&gt;.  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/1430758368836193003/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2011/06/deadline-missed-for-tricare-lcpc.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/1430758368836193003'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/1430758368836193003'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2011/06/deadline-missed-for-tricare-lcpc.html' title='Deadline Missed for TRICARE LCPC Independent Practice Rule'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-692145206620050698</id><published>2011-06-23T11:56:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2011-06-23T11:56:25.965-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Illinois Human services Budget</title><content type='html'>&lt;table bgcolor=&quot;#FFFFFF&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;0&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot;&gt;&lt;tbody&gt;
700. <tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" valign="top" width="100%"><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><tbody>
701. <tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Dear Illinois Partners:</div></td></tr>
702. </tbody></table></td> </tr>
703. <tr>  <td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" valign="top" width="100%">  <table bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><tbody>
704. <tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-left: 30px; text-align: left;"><br />
705. <div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>We  have some important updates from the meeting this  morning of the Human  Services Commission.  Jerry Stermer from Governor Quinn's  office  assured us that the Governor intends to sign the FY12 budget that was   passed by the Illinois General Assembly (HB3717) by June 30<sup>th</sup>.   In  addition, Secretary Saddler of the Department of Human Services  confirmed that  new contracts will be sent to providers sometime next  week.  Thanks to the  advocacy of Illinois Partners, these contracts  will be temporary, covering 4  months, to allow time for continued  discussion and negotiation around any  additional changes DHS intends to  make for the remainder of FY12.  </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
706. </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>It is <strong>critical</strong>  to note that the FY12 DHS budget has been  reduced by $668 million from  FY11, a 17.2% total reduction.  To review the  reductions by specific  line items, take a look at the </span><span><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8dorgsdab&et=1106183632937&s=272&e=001qd6VKpRQni94gRiyEgSmKBHuZAi3q9FCxUsCXngHREPgWiSKGHyPiyQ771wHSbF_KJuNqCqSeKmSuwhzsX-NiJucfXLzAECEgHuAcBQFfINPzDZyyuXUwPWNPuM9ru_rKJlyXRLTZ82bVuyY_5niMRotIsgcM3qg6eXa9SN6rabe5wOrav12HHJx1Nb43h4suKjSOuyBxMc=" shape="rect" style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">information </a></span><span>on  our website.   Secretary Saddler stated this morning that the DHS  contracts issued next week  will be issued at 31.67% of the full FY12  appropriation.  There is an  understanding that there is a disconnect  between the statutory requirements  facing state agencies and the  corresponding appropriations levels passed by the  General Assembly.   While there is hope for revenue to come in at a higher level  than what  the FY12 budget is based on, there is real uncertainty.  The Human   Services Commission requested follow-up reports from the various state  agencies  once the FY12 budget has been signed by the Governor and  decisions about  implementing the FY12 budget have been made.  </span></div></td></tr>
707. </tbody></table></td> </tr>
708. <tr>  <td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" valign="top" width="100%">  <table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><tbody>
709. <tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;"> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span>Please stay tuned, as we learn more details about the  FY12 budget, we will contact you.  Thank you again for all that you  do!</span></div></div><div>  </div></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><br />
710. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 4.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt;">Judith</span></div></div></div></div></div></td></tr>
711. </tbody></table><table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" cols="0" style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;"><tbody>
712. <tr><td align="left" colspan="1" rowspan="1" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span>Judith Gethner, Director<br />
713. Illinois Partners for Human Service<br />
714. <strong>Quality Services. Adequate Funding. Measurable Results.</strong><br />
715. <a href="tel:312-906-2364" target="_blank" value="+13129062364">312-906-2364</a> (p); <a href="tel:847-863-0040" target="_blank" value="+18478630040">847-863-0040</a> (c)<br />
716. <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=8dorgsdab&et=1106183632937&s=272&e=001qd6VKpRQni--pv-rqOqcChtQBaE6RG0OwMC8gwg0CZTZZ06SisPaWxq4ToilrLWlkltldafl9fsd8TJTDmb4GFALt32x7UIcUlRbAyphl46k_yPp_8F7oBdAfj7Ihi-3" shape="rect" target="_blank">www.illinoispartners.org</a></span></td></tr>
717. </tbody></table></td></tr>
718. &lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/692145206620050698/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2011/06/illinois-human-services-budget.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/692145206620050698'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/692145206620050698'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2011/06/illinois-human-services-budget.html' title='Illinois Human services Budget'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-4277760595439444443</id><published>2011-06-13T13:52:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-06-13T13:53:20.391-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Medicaid Rules 132 new definition of Medically Necessary</title><content type='html'>Medical Necessity or Medically Necessary − An LPHA has determined through assessment that a client has a diagnosis of mental illness or serious emotional disorder as defined in the ICD-9-CM or DSM-IV that has resulted in a significant impairment in the client&#39;s level of functioning in at least one major life functional area and needs one or more mental health services that are identified in the Mental Health Assessment and ITP to stabilize the client&#39;s functioning, or to restore or rehabilitate the client to a maximum level of life functioning.&amp;nbsp; For clients under the age of 21, medical necessity or medically necessary may additionally mean that the client has more than one documented criteria of a mental illness or serious emotional disorder as listed in the DSM-IV that is likely to impact the client&#39;s level of role functioning across critical life areas and needs a Medicaid reimbursable Part 132 mental health service recommended by the completion of an approved Healthy Kids screen by a physician or the completion of a Mental Health Assessment and included in an ITP that could not have been omitted without adversely affecting the client&#39;s level of functioning.&lt;br /&gt;
719. http://www.ilga.gov/commission/jcar/admincode/059/059001320A00250R.html</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/4277760595439444443/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2011/06/medicaid-rules-132-new-definition-of.html#comment-form' title='3 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/4277760595439444443'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/4277760595439444443'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2011/06/medicaid-rules-132-new-definition-of.html' title='Medicaid Rules 132 new definition of Medically Necessary'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>3</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-2556647782843778752</id><published>2011-05-26T15:04:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-10-26T11:59:14.360-07:00</updated><title type='text'>IDFPR New Rules on for individuals with a criminal conviction to request a  non-binding, advisory opinion from the Department on the impact their criminal  conviction might have with respect to an application for licensure</title><content type='html'>&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://ilsos.net/departments/index/register/register_volume35_issue21.pdf%20&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;TimesNewRomanPSMT&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;serif&amp;quot;; font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;http://ilsos.net/departments/index/register/register_volume35_issue21.pdf &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
720. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Summary and Purpose of Rules: Public Act 96-852 included a provision amending the Civil Administrative Code to direct the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to establish a process for individuals with a criminal conviction to request a non-binding, advisory opinion from the Department on the impact their criminal conviction might have with respect to an application for licensure; this adopted rulemaking implements that provision. It provides a method for individuals with criminal convictions to ask the Department what impact, if any, their criminal conviction will or might have with respect to an application for licensure. It further provides a method for the Division of Professional Regulation to respond to those inquiries.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">16)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
721. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Section 1130.20 Request for Non-Binding, Advisory Opinion</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">a) An individual shall file a request for a non-binding, advisory opinion on forms provided by the Department. The request shall include: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1) A copy of all convictions for which the individual seeks a non-binding, advisory opinion from the Department; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">2) Copies of any certificate of relief from disabilities that the individual may have received or obtained;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">3) A detailed nature of the offense; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">4) Any statements of mitigation;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">5) Any prior conviction of or entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any crime that is a felony or misdemeanor under the laws of the United States or any state or territory thereof or a misdemeanor of which an essential element is dishonesty or that is directly related to the practice of the profession;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">6) Any licenses held or prior applications filed with the Division;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">7) The profession for which the individual intends to seek licensure (if the individual intends to seek licensure in more than one profession and is seeking a non-binding, advisory opinion on more than one profession, the individual shall complete a separate request for each profession for which the individual is seeking a non-binding, advisory opinion);</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">8) If applicable, verification from any state in which an individual is or has been licensed stating:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">A) The time during which the individual was licensed in that state, including the date of the original issuance of the license; and </span><br />
722. <span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">B) Whether the file on the individual contains any record of disciplinary actions taken or pending. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
723. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">b) When the accuracy of any submitted documentation or the relevance or sufficiency of the information submitted by the individual is questioned by the Department or the Board because of lack of information, discrepancies or conflicts in information given, or a need for clarification, the individual seeking licensure may be requested to provide further information as may be necessary. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
724. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">c) In determining whether an individual's criminal record, as disclosed in the request, is considered a bar to the future licensure of the individual, the Department may consider the following factors or any other factors deemed relevant by the Department:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">1) Whether there is a direct relationship between one or more of the previous criminal offenses and the specific license to be sought;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">2) Whether the issuance of the license would involve an unreasonable risk to property or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">3) The specific duties and responsibilities necessarily related to the license being sought;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">4) The bearing, if any, the criminal offenses will have on the applicant's fitness or ability to perform one or more of the duties and responsibilities of a licensee;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">5) The time that has elapsed since the occurrence of the offenses;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">6) The age of the individual at the time of occurrence of the criminal offenses;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">7) The seriousness of the offenses; and</span><br />
725. <span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">8) Any information produced by the individual or produced on his or her behalf in regard to his or her rehabilitation and good conduct, including a certificate of relief from disabilities issued to the individual, which shall create a presumption of rehabilitation in regard to the offenses specified in the certificate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
726. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Section 1130.30 Board Review</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">a) At any time during the review and determination of a request for a non-binding, advisory opinion as to whether the criminal record of an individual as disclosed in the request would bar the individual from the licensure or certification to be sought, the Department may, but shall not be required to, seek the advice and/or recommendation of the Board established for the profession for which the individual seeks licensure or certification.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
727. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">b) Any recommendation taken by the Board shall be taken at a meeting held in accordance with the Open Meetings Act [5 ILCS 120]. In exigent circumstances, as determined in the sole discretion of the Department, the Department may contact an individual Board member for advice concerning any individual's</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: "TimesNewRomanPSMT","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">request for a non-binding, advisory opinion.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
728. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/2556647782843778752/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2011/05/idfpr-new-rules-on-for-individuals-with.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/2556647782843778752'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/2556647782843778752'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2011/05/idfpr-new-rules-on-for-individuals-with.html' title='IDFPR New Rules on for individuals with a criminal conviction to request a  non-binding, advisory opinion from the Department on the impact their criminal  conviction might have with respect to an application for licensure'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-2619340767215195427</id><published>2010-12-09T14:16:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-12-09T14:18:39.673-08:00</updated><title type='text'>BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois Pre-Certification Procedures: Implications for Counselors, Social Workers and Psychologists.</title><content type='html'>We had previously commented to our membership that BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois (BCBSIL) decided to rescind its pre-certification requirement for 2010.  See the IMHCA Blog June 10, 2010. (http://myimhca.blogspot.com/) Also our past member newsletter. &lt;br /&gt;
729. <br />
730. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/TQFVsF368bI/AAAAAAAAACo/QEJzhm-PSjM/s1600/BlueCross_BlueShield-200x210.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/TQFVsF368bI/AAAAAAAAACo/QEJzhm-PSjM/s1600/BlueCross_BlueShield-200x210.gif" /></a>We heard from many counselors that they had concerns about the changes taking place. Mental Health Professionals in Illinois have been notified that beginning January 1, 2011, they will be required to request preauthorization for all covered behavioral services.  They will need to show medical necessity.  See Blue Review http://www.bcbsil.com/PDF/bluereview/june_2010.pdf (Page 5)<br />
731. <br />
732. NASW-IL, the Illinois Psychological Association as well as IMHCA and our members have concerns about this new requirement including:<br />
733. • A possible violation of the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health  Parity and Addiction Equity Act  (MHPAEA) of 2008 that became law in October of 2008; See more details on Mental Health Parity at : http://cico-il.org/mental_health_parity.html <br />
734. • Whether the pre-authorization will be burdensome to care and limit access to service, thereby again violating the MHPAEA of 2008; and <br />
735. • The unclear nature of the required Outpatient Treatment Request (OTR) form to evaluate if the requested services are medically necessary.<br />
736. If you are a BCBSIL provider, here are some action steps for you to undertake:<br />
737. • Contact your BCBSIL Network Consultant regarding these concerns;<br />
738. • Advise your clients to call BCBSIL as well as their employers;<br />
739. • Let the professional association you belong to (IMHCA) (NAWS-IL) (IPA) know whether or not your clients experience any limited access to care due to the new pre-certification requirement.<br />
740. <br />
741. The NASW Illinois Chapter has notified the Illinois Department of Insurance and is currently scheduling a meeting with them. We are working with them and the Illinois Pyschological Association and any other allied mental health professional associations on this issue.  We will keep our members updated through our member blast emails.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/2619340767215195427/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2010/12/bluecross-blueshield-of-illinois-pre.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/2619340767215195427'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/2619340767215195427'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2010/12/bluecross-blueshield-of-illinois-pre.html' title='BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois Pre-Certification Procedures: Implications for Counselors, Social Workers and Psychologists.'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/TQFVsF368bI/AAAAAAAAACo/QEJzhm-PSjM/s72-c/BlueCross_BlueShield-200x210.gif" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-632358539328717596</id><published>2010-10-05T10:39:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-10-05T10:39:06.667-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Department of Veterans Affairs Recognizes CACREP ONLY LCPCs</title><content type='html'>The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued qualification standards formally recognizing licensed professional counselors as mental health specialists within the Veterans Health Administration. &lt;br /&gt;
742. <br />
743. Citizenship. Be a citizen of the United States. (Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g.)<br />
744. b. Education. Hold a master’s degree in mental health counseling, or a related field, from a program accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Examples of related mental health counseling fields include, but are not limited to, Addiction Counseling; Community Counseling; Gerontology Counseling; Marital, Couple, and Family Counseling; and Marriage and Family Therapy. A doctoral degree in mental health counseling may not be substituted for the master’s degree in mental health counseling.<br />
745. c. Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to LPMHC positions in the GS-101 series in VHA must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice mental health counseling, which includes diagnosis and treatment.<br />
746. <br />
747. Full text http://www1.va.gov/vapubs/viewPublication.asp?Pub_ID=507&amp;FType=2</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/632358539328717596/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2010/10/department-of-veterans-affairs.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/632358539328717596'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/632358539328717596'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2010/10/department-of-veterans-affairs.html' title='Department of Veterans Affairs Recognizes CACREP ONLY LCPCs'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-620780837214885535</id><published>2010-06-10T15:04:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-06-10T15:04:59.659-07:00</updated><title type='text'>New Pre-authorization Requirements from BCBSIL Effective January 2011</title><content type='html'>This is better than the previous BCBSIL plan but still calls for a lot of additional effort on the part of the therapist. I am concerned that all mental health services will tack on new pre-certification requirements. &lt;br /&gt;
748. <br />
749. New Pre-authorization Requirements from BCBSIL Effective January 2011<br />
750. <br />
751. New Preauthorization Requirements<br />
752. <br />
753. Effective January 2011, BCBSIL will manage behavioral health (behavioral/mental health and substance abuse/chemical dependency) services or all non-HMO members, replacing Magellan Health Services. Behavioral Health care management will be more integrated with our medical care management, allowing our clinical staff to better identify members that would benefit from co-management earlier. This change may result in improved outcomes, enhanced continuity of care, clinical efficiency, and reduced costs over time.<br />
754. <br />
755. A key change in 2011 will be the requirement for members to preauthorize all outpatient visits for behavioral health services. members will be notified of their responsibility to preauthorize outpatient services. You may preauthorize on behalf of the member by calling the number on the back of the member’s ID card; however preauthorization will ultimately be the responsibility of the member.<br />
756. <br />
757. Members may receive authorization for up to 10 outpatient visits to any behavioral health provider(s) without the need to submit medical records. Outpatient treatment request (OTR) forms. Please note, however, either the member or the provider will need to preauthorize with BCBSIL prior to the visits, and all outpatient behavioral health services must be deemed medically necessary as outlined in the member’s benefit booklet. Once the preauthorization is received a letter acknowledging the authorization will be mailed to the member and the behavioral health provider. All outpatient behavioral health visits scheduled after he 10th visit will require that you submit an OTR form. The OTR form can be submitted at any point prior to the 11th visit. You can call<br />
758. BCBSIL with the required information using the number on the back of the member’s ID card.<br />
759. <br />
760. Will the provider be reimbursed or outpatient services rendered if the member does not call<br />
761. for reauthorization?<br />
762. BCBSIL may request an OTR form from the provider to determine medical necessity prior to reimbursement. The member may be responsible for paying claims if services are deemed medically unnecessary.<br />
763. <br />
764. What are the preauthorization requirements for intensive outpatient programs?<br />
765. Preauthorization is required prior to the member beginning any of these services. Clinical information will be reviewed to determine medical necessity before authorization.<br />
766. <br />
767. Transition of Established Patients<br />
768. BCBSIL will work with all behavioral health professionals to limit the possibility for disruptions in patient care coordination<br />
769. during this transition. You can use the same phone number on the back of the ember’s ID card for submitting treatment<br />
770. plans, requesting preauthorization and continuity of care, asking customer service inquiries, and more.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/620780837214885535/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-pre-authorization-requirements-from.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/620780837214885535'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/620780837214885535'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-pre-authorization-requirements-from.html' title='New Pre-authorization Requirements from BCBSIL Effective January 2011'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-1320840133136106191</id><published>2010-01-31T17:00:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2010-01-31T17:00:19.063-08:00</updated><title type='text'>New Mental Health Parity Rules Issues</title><content type='html'>&lt;meta content=&quot;text/html; charset=utf-8&quot; http-equiv=&quot;Content-Type&quot;&gt;&lt;/meta&gt;&lt;meta content=&quot;Word.Document&quot; name=&quot;ProgId&quot;&gt;&lt;/meta&gt;&lt;meta content=&quot;Microsoft Word 11&quot; name=&quot;Generator&quot;&gt;&lt;/meta&gt;&lt;meta content=&quot;Microsoft Word 11&quot; name=&quot;Originator&quot;&gt;&lt;/meta&gt;&lt;link href=&quot;file:///C:%5CDOCUME%7E1%5CDan%5CLOCALS%7E1%5CTemp%5Cmsohtml1%5C01%5Cclip_filelist.xml&quot; rel=&quot;File-List&quot;&gt;&lt;/link&gt;&lt;style&gt;
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799. <div class="MsoNormal">OBAMA ADMINISTRATION ISSUES RULES REQUIRING PARITY IN TREATMENT OF MENTAL, SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS </div><div class="MsoNormal">Paul Wellstone, Pete Domenici Parity Act Prohibits Discrimination</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
800. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor and the Treasury today jointly issued new rules providing parity for consumers enrolled in group health plans who need treatment for mental health or substance use disorders. </div><div class="MsoNormal">  </div><div class="MsoNormal">“The rules we are issuing today will, for the first time, help assure that those diagnosed with these debilitating and sometimes life-threatening disorders will not suffer needless or arbitrary limits on their care,” said Secretary Sebelius.  “I applaud the long-standing and bipartisan effort that made these important new protections possible.” </div><div class="MsoNormal">  </div><div class="MsoNormal">“Today’s rules will bring needed relief to families faced with meeting the cost of obtaining mental health and substance abuse services,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The benefits will give these Americans access to greatly needed medical treatment, which will better allow them to participate fully in society. That’s not just sound policy, it’s the right thing to do.” </div><div class="MsoNormal">  </div><div class="MsoNormal">“Workers covered by group health plans who need mental health and substance abuse care deserve fair treatment,” said Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin. “These rules expand on existing protections to ensure that people don't face unnecessary barriers to the treatment they need.” </div><div class="MsoNormal">  </div><div class="MsoNormal">The new rules prohibit group health insurance plans—typically offered by employers—from restricting access to care by limiting benefits and requiring higher patient costs than those that apply to general medical or surgical benefits. The rules implement the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (MHPAEA). </div><div class="MsoNormal">  </div><div class="MsoNormal">MHPAEA greatly expands on an earlier law, the Mental Health Parity Act of 1996 which required parity only in aggregate lifetime and annual dollar limits between the categories of benefits and did not extend to substance use disorder benefits.  </div><div class="MsoNormal">  </div><div class="MsoNormal">The new law requires that any group health plan that includes mental health and substance use disorder benefits along with standard medical and surgical coverage must treat them equally in terms of out-of-pocket costs, benefit limits and practices such as prior authorization and utilization review.  These practices must be based on the same level of scientific evidence used by the insurer for medical and surgical benefits.  For example, a plan may not apply separate deductibles for treatment related to mental health or substance use disorders and medical or surgical benefits—they must be calculated as one limit. MHPAEA applies to employers with 50 or more workers whose group health plan chooses to offer mental health or substance use disorder benefits. The new rules are effective for plan years beginning on or after July 1, 2010. </div><div class="MsoNormal">  </div><div class="MsoNormal">The Wellstone-Domenici Act is named for two dominant figures in the quest for equal treatment of benefits.   The late Senator Paul Wellstone (D-MN), who was a vocal advocate for parity throughout his Senate career, sponsored the ultimately successful full parity act.  He was joined by former Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) who first introduced legislation to require parity in 1992.  Champions of the legislation also included the bipartisan team of Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) and former Representative Jim Ramstad (R-MN). </div><div class="MsoNormal">  </div><div class="MsoNormal">The issue of parity dates back over 40 years to President John F. Kennedy, and was also supported by President Clinton and the late Senator Edward Kennedy. </div><div class="MsoNormal">  </div><div class="MsoNormal">The interim final rules released today were developed based on the departments' review of more than 400 public comments on how the parity rule should be written.  Comments on the interim final rules are still being solicited.  Sections where further comments are being specifically sought include so-called “non quantitative” treatment limits such as those that pertain to the scope and duration of covered benefits, how covered drugs are determined (formularies), and the coverage of step-therapies.  Comments are also being specifically requested on the regulation’s section on “scope of benefits” or continuum of care. </div><div class="MsoNormal">  </div><div class="MsoNormal">Comments on the interim final regulation are due 90 days after the publication date.  Comments may be emailed to the federal rulemaking portal at: <a href="http://www.regulations.gov/">http://www.regulations.gov/</a> .   Comments directed to HHS should include the file code CMS-4140-IFC.  Comments to the Department of Labor should be identified by RIN 1210-AB30.  Comments to the Treasury’s Internal Revenue Service should be identified by REG-120692-09.  Comments may be sent to any of the three departments and will be shared with the other departments.  Please do not submit duplicates. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
801. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
802. </div><div class="MsoNormal">The rules could take effect as early as July 1, after federal agencies review comments from the public, industry and other interested parties.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare, a Washington-based advocacy group, said the regulations begin the final chapter in an effort to ensure that Americans with mental illness have equal access to health care.</div><div class="MsoNormal">"Now people in need won't have to go without treatment because of discriminatory insurance policies," president and chief executive Linda Rosenberg said in a statement.</div><div class="MsoNormal">The rules will implement the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Now, new consumer protections will approach depression the same as diabetes, substance abuse the same as emphysema. Health plans offered by employers with fifty or more workers will have to level the field. No more separate deductible for mental health treatment. And co-payments to see a psychiatrist or social worker can't exceed what's charged to see a family doctor or medical specialist.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
803. &lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;The rules carry out changes passed two years ago by congress.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;Health plans will no longer be able to set limits on number of visits or hospital days for mental health care, when those limits don&#39;t apply to other ailments.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;The government estimates the new rules will raise costs for employers only slightly- less than one half of one percent, and the improved coverage will benefit about 140 million Americans. The expanded protections take effect July 1st.&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/1320840133136106191/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-mental-health-parity-rules-issues.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/1320840133136106191'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/1320840133136106191'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-mental-health-parity-rules-issues.html' title='New Mental Health Parity Rules Issues'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-3465730648002299063</id><published>2010-01-25T14:07:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-01-25T15:33:30.016-08:00</updated><title type='text'>National Survey Indicates One in Four Girls Aged 12-17 Were Involved in Serious Fights or Attacks in the Past Year</title><content type='html'>&lt;h3&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;Prevalence of violent acts differs by family income, school attendance, and levels of substance use&lt;br /&gt;
804. A report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that, in the past year, one quarter (26.7 percent) of adolescent girls participated in a serious fight at school or work, group-against-group fight, or an attack on others with the intent to inflict serious harm.<br />
805. <div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">“These findings are alarming,” said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D.  “We need to do a better job reaching girls at risk and teaching them how to resolve problems without resorting to violence.”<br />
806. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b>              <o:p> </o:p>     </b>   <br />
807. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">When combined, 2006 to 2008 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows that 18.6 percent of adolescent females got into a serious fight at school or work in the past year, 14.1 percent participated in a group-against-group fight, and 5.7 percent attacked others with the intent to seriously hurt them; one quarter (26.7 percent) of adolescent females engaged in at least one of these violent behaviors in the past year.  Other key findings from the NSDUH survey include:<br />
808. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p>   <br />
809. </div><ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">The prevalence of these violent acts in the past year decreased as annual family income increased. The violent behaviors were reported by 36.5 percent of adolescent females who lived in families with annual incomes of less than $20,000, 30.5 percent of those in families with annual incomes of $20,000-$49,999, 22.8 percent with annual incomes of $50,000 to $74,999, and 20.7 percent with annual incomes of $75,000 or more.<br />
810. <o:p> </o:p></li>
811. <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In the past year, adolescent females who engaged in any of these violent behaviors were more likely than those who did not to have indicated past month binge alcohol use (15.1 vs. 6.9 percent), marijuana use (11.4 vs. 4.1 percent), and use of illicit drugs other than marijuana (9.2 vs. 3.2 percent).<br />
812. <o:p> </o:p></li>
813. <li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Adolescent females who were not currently enrolled or attending school were more likely than those who were in school to have engaged in one of these violent behaviors in the past year (34.3 vs. 26.7 percent).  Among those who attended school in the past year, rates of violent behaviors increased as academic grades decreased.  </li>
814. </ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">Despite media attention on high-profile accounts of females’ acts of violence, rates of these violent behaviors among adolescent females remained stable according to the NSDUH report when comparing combined data from 2002-2004 and 2006-2008.<br />
815. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><o:p> </o:p>   <br />
816. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 0pt 0in;"><i>Violent Behaviors among Adolescent Females </i>is based on the responses of 33,091 <br />
817. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 0pt 0in;">female youths aged 12 to 17 participating in the 2006, 2007, and 2008 SAMHSA National <br />
818. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 0pt 0in;">Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).  The full report is available online at: <span style="color: navy;"><a href="http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k9/171/171FemaleViolence.cfm" title="http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k9/171/171FemaleViolence.cfm">http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k9/171/171FemaleViolence.cfm</a></span>. It may also be<br />
819. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 0pt 0in;"> obtained by calling the SAMHSA Health Information Network<br />
820. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 0pt 0in;">at 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727) or at: <a href="http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=18242" title="http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=18242">http://ncadistore.samhsa.gov/catalog/productDetails.aspx?ProductID=18242</a><br />
821. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in -27pt 0pt 0in;">For related publications and information, visit <a href="http://www.samhsa.gov/" title="http://www.samhsa.gov/">http://www.samhsa.gov/</a> .  <br />
822. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/3465730648002299063/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2010/01/national-survey-indicates-one-in-four.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/3465730648002299063'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/3465730648002299063'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2010/01/national-survey-indicates-one-in-four.html' title='National Survey Indicates One in Four Girls Aged 12-17 Were Involved in Serious Fights or Attacks in the Past Year'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-7204395854224919170</id><published>2009-12-14T11:16:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2009-12-14T11:16:50.905-08:00</updated><title type='text'>AMHCA Annual Conference Program Deadline. Dec.15</title><content type='html'>&lt;h1&gt;Annual Conference&lt;/h1&gt;&lt;div class=&quot;clear&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: larger;&quot;&gt;Download the &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.amhca.org/asset.aspx?AssetId=118&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;2010 Call for Programs&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
823. <strong>Program submission deadline: Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time</strong><br />
824. <br />
825. <a href="http://www.xcdsystem.com/amhca2010/" target="_blank">Access the Online Program Submission Web site</a><br />
826. <br />
827. Each year, several hundred AMHCA member colleagues come together from across the United States. AMHCA’s is the only conference devoted entirely to the mental health counseling profession, delivering high-quality education, connections, relaxation and exploration.<br />
828. <ul><li>Relevant workshops providing outstanding education on the topics you want and need for your practice</li>
829. <li>In-depth learning through specialty tracks on meaningful topics, presented by renowned leaders in our field</li>
830. <li>New and renewed connections with your colleagues in mental health counseling</li>
831. <li>15 to 20 CEs from NBCC and other organizations</li>
832. <li>An inspiring keynote from a thought leader in our field</li>
833. <li>Intensive pre-conference workshops on practical and timely topics such as ethics and risk management or financial management for your practice</li>
834. <li>Your own opportunities for growth, both personal and professional</li>
835. <li>A relaxing and lively vacation in that year’s conference city</li>
836. </ul><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" border="0" height="216" src="http://www.amhca.org/assets/content/2010ConferenceLogo2_web.jpg" width="295" /><br />
837. &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/7204395854224919170/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/12/amhca-annual-conference-program.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7204395854224919170'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7204395854224919170'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/12/amhca-annual-conference-program.html' title='AMHCA Annual Conference Program Deadline. Dec.15'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-7169695736217489122</id><published>2009-11-19T09:27:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-19T09:43:24.678-08:00</updated><title type='text'>BC BS rescinds the pre-certification requirement for 2010</title><content type='html'>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois has decided to rescind the pre-certification requirement for 2010.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Thank you to all who wrote to BCBCIL of their concerns. IMHCA and the Illinois Psychological Association both communicated their concerns with BCBS about this change. Numerous IMHCA members and other providers also BCBS asked that there previous decision to require pre-certification be reevaluated. We are pleased to see that they listened.&lt;br /&gt;The full letter is linked on our website&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://www.imhca.org&quot;&gt;http://www.imhca.org&lt;/a&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/7169695736217489122/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/11/bc-bs-rescinds-pre-certification.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7169695736217489122'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7169695736217489122'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/11/bc-bs-rescinds-pre-certification.html' title='BC BS rescinds the pre-certification requirement for 2010'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-4571737709431500930</id><published>2009-11-14T03:27:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-14T03:30:55.907-08:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>&lt;a onblur=&quot;try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}&quot; href=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6UvTo2LuI/AAAAAAAAABw/cbP4zBPOdoU/s1600-h/khan+award+2.JPG&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;&quot; src=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6UvTo2LuI/AAAAAAAAABw/cbP4zBPOdoU/s320/khan+award+2.JPG&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403920143337533154&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Carolyn Khan, IMHCA Past President received the IMHCA Distinguished Service Award for all of her efforts with IMHCA and other organizations. The award was presented by Suzi Harris (right) IMHCA Board member and Awards Chairperson.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/4571737709431500930/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/11/carolyn-khan-imhca-past-president.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/4571737709431500930'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/4571737709431500930'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/11/carolyn-khan-imhca-past-president.html' title=''/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6UvTo2LuI/AAAAAAAAABw/cbP4zBPOdoU/s72-c/khan+award+2.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-8019525265838802236</id><published>2009-11-13T03:31:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-14T03:40:50.124-08:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>&lt;a onblur=&quot;try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}&quot; href=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6WZ_Ec-3I/AAAAAAAAACQ/qD2fBEcrvRY/s1600-h/IMHCA+new+members.JPG&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;&quot; src=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6WZ_Ec-3I/AAAAAAAAACQ/qD2fBEcrvRY/s320/IMHCA+new+members.JPG&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403921976062180210&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;New IMHCA Members getting pinned.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Abe Lincoln celebrated his 200th Birthday with us&lt;a onblur=&quot;try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}&quot; href=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6VWR4619I/AAAAAAAAAB4/G--Tk2h4cU8/s1600-h/lincoln+ronna+dan+banner.JPG&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 199px;&quot; src=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6VWR4619I/AAAAAAAAAB4/G--Tk2h4cU8/s320/lincoln+ronna+dan+banner.JPG&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403920812882974674&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur=&quot;try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}&quot; href=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6Vlp_lAzI/AAAAAAAAACA/OWSyCXoyUAI/s1600-h/college+stud+Lincoln.JPG&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 220px; height: 165px;&quot; src=&quot;http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6Vlp_lAzI/AAAAAAAAACA/OWSyCXoyUAI/s320/college+stud+Lincoln.JPG&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403921077051392818&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;Student members of ICA&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a onblur=&quot;try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}&quot; href=&quot;http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6V9zVz7dI/AAAAAAAAACI/gYFP3iel2ic/s1600-h/mcginn+crowd2.JPG&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;&quot; src=&quot;http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6V9zVz7dI/AAAAAAAAACI/gYFP3iel2ic/s320/mcginn+crowd2.JPG&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403921491877424594&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Pat McGinn and her ICA &quot;recruits&quot;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/8019525265838802236/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/11/abe-lincoln-celebrated-his-200th.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/8019525265838802236'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/8019525265838802236'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/11/abe-lincoln-celebrated-his-200th.html' title=''/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/Sv6WZ_Ec-3I/AAAAAAAAACQ/qD2fBEcrvRY/s72-c/IMHCA+new+members.JPG" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-6095614153978556079</id><published>2009-11-09T15:32:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-09T15:35:05.884-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Health Care Legislation Passed the House. Now we need to get it passed in the Senate!</title><content type='html'>&lt;meta equiv=&quot;Content-Type&quot; content=&quot;text/html; charset=utf-8&quot;&gt;&lt;meta name=&quot;ProgId&quot; content=&quot;Word.Document&quot;&gt;&lt;meta name=&quot;Generator&quot; content=&quot;Microsoft Word 9&quot;&gt;&lt;meta name=&quot;Originator&quot; content=&quot;Microsoft Word 9&quot;&gt;&lt;link rel=&quot;File-List&quot; href=&quot;file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Owner/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if gte mso 9]&gt;&lt;xml&gt;  &lt;w:worddocument&gt;   &lt;w:view&gt;Normal&lt;/w:View&gt;   &lt;w:zoom&gt;0&lt;/w:Zoom&gt;   &lt;w:donotoptimizeforbrowser/&gt;  &lt;/w:WordDocument&gt; &lt;/xml&gt;&lt;![endif]--&gt;&lt;style&gt; &lt;!--  /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:&quot;&quot;; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p.MsoAutoSig, li.MsoAutoSig, div.MsoAutoSig {margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;} span.EmailStyle17 {mso-style-type:personal; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Arial; mso-hansi-font-family:Arial; mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:windowtext;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --&gt; &lt;/style&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;We did it! Health Care Legislation INCLUDING LCPCs billing Medicare passes US House. &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;NOW WE NEED TO GET IT PASSED IN THE SENATE!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;Late Saturday, November 7&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt;, the House of Representatives passed an historic health insurance reform bill—H.R. 3962, the “Affordable Health Care for America Act”—including language establishing Medicare coverage of licensed professional counselors for the provision of medically-necessary outpatient mental health services.  The Medicare coverage provision, which also applies to marriage and family therapists, is included in Section 1308 of the bill.  According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), H.R. 3962 would reduce the federal deficit by $109 billion over the next ten years, and would expand coverage to 96% of Americans.  The legislation was passed by a vote of 220-215.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;CICO/ICA/ACA/AMHCA applauds the House of Representatives for passing this legislation.  We have long sought to establish Medicare coverage of counselors’ services, and has consistently supported expanding health insurance coverage.  Counselors can identify their Representative at the House of Representatives website at &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.house.gov/&quot; title=&quot;http://www.house.gov/&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;http://www.house.gov&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.  A listing of how members voted is available &lt;a href=&quot;http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll887.xml&quot; title=&quot;http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2009/roll887.xml&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;here&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;The Senate is working toward a vote on health insurance legislation.  Unfortunately, the legislation approved by the Senate Finance Committee does not include Medicare coverage of counselors.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;Counselors are encouraged to contact Sen. Durbin to remind him that the Senate approved Medicare coverage of counselors in both 2003 and 2005, and ask them to work to include the counselor coverage language as part of health care legislation this year.  Medicare beneficiaries need better access to outpatient mental health services, and deserve the same choice of provider currently enjoyed by those with private health insurance.  Constituent contacts are likely to make the difference between success and failure on this issue!&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;*****As a constituent of Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin, you may just be the key to getting inclusion of Medicare reimbursement into the Senate’s health care reform bill…..*******&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE- &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;REACH OUT TO SENATOR DICK DURBIN and ask for inclusion of S. 671 in the Senate health care reform bill.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;Sen. Durbin is a sponsor of S. 671&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;S. 671, &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;introduced by Senator Lincoln&lt;b&gt;, &lt;/b&gt;did not make it into the Senate’s health care bill. It won’t be offered as a floor amendment. The one way to get into the bill is through a Manager’s Amendment. Senate Leadership, which includes Senator Durbin as Assistant Majority Leader/ Majority Whip, determines what gets offered as a Manager’s Amendment. Let Senator Durbin know how inclusion of Licensed Mental Health Counselors/Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPCs) will improve the Medicare program for Illinois’s seniors by availing Illinois’s seniors of mental health access, in many areas that currently lack social workers and psychologists, providers currently eligible to provide “medically necessary” outpatient psychotherapy services to Medicare beneficiaries.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;As an Illinois constituent, you must let Senator Durbin know S. 671’s companion legislation in the House, H.R. 1693 sponsored by Rep. Gordon of Tennessee, has been included in Section 1308 of the House’s health care bill, H.R. 3962. Medicare eligibility for licensed mental health counselors MUST be included in the Senate bill.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;Your emails and/or calls to Senator Durbin’s office should include the following:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/i&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt; &lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;“Hello, my name is __________________, and I am a resident of _______________, Illinois. I’d like to speak with Senator Durbin’s Health Legislative Assistant about a Medicare provision that expands Medicare beneficiaries’ access to mental health care, particularly in my Illinois town, and consequently, reduces Medicare costs for later inpatient mental health services and chronic physical illnesses stemming from lack of preventive outpatient mental health care.  As a licensed mental health counselor/licensed professional counselor with many Medicare beneficiaries in need of my outpatient mental health services, I’d like to ask Senator Durbin to include S. 671, by use of a Manager’s Amendment, in the Senate’s health care reform legislation. This Medicare reimbursement provision for mental health counselors was scored by the Congressional Budget Office to cost very little relative to numerous other provisions in the health care reform bills: $400 million over 10 years and $200 million over 5 years. A great share of counselors in Illinois practice in areas underserved by currently eligible Medicare outpatient providers, licensed clinical social workers and licensed clinical psychologists. Inclusion of the S. 671 provision promises expanded access to highly trained minimum Master’s level mental health professionals for many Medicare beneficiaries currently unable to access much needed mental health services. S. 671’s companion bill H.R. 1693 was included in Section 1308 of the House’s health care bill passed this past Saturday. Please see that this provision makes it into the Senate bill. Thank you for your time, ___________, and for relaying my message to Senator Durbin.”&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 21pt; text-indent: -0.25in;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;·        &lt;b&gt;To be able to email Senator Durbin, go to the following link, &lt;a href=&quot;http://durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm&quot; title=&quot;http://durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;http://durbin.senate.gov/contact.cfm&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, and write an email about inclusion of S. 671 in the Senate’s final health care bill. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 3pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;Call Senator Durbin’s DC Office at (202)-224-2152 and ask to speak with his Health Legislative Assistant about inclusion of S. 671 in a Manager’s Amendment to the Senate health care bill. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;Also, call the District Office located closest to you at the following numbers to relay this important message about including Medicare eligibility/reimbursement for Licensed Mental Health Counselors/Licensed Professional Counselors in the Senate’s health care reform bill.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;table style=&quot;border: medium none ; border-collapse: collapse;&quot; border=&quot;1&quot; cellpadding=&quot;0&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot;&gt;  &lt;tbody&gt;&lt;tr&gt;   &lt;td style=&quot;border: 0.5pt solid windowtext; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; width=&quot;197&quot;&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;/td&gt;   &lt;td style=&quot;border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: 0.5pt 0.5pt 0.5pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; width=&quot;197&quot;&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;/td&gt;   &lt;td style=&quot;border-style: solid solid solid none; border-color: windowtext windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: 0.5pt 0.5pt 0.5pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; width=&quot;197&quot;&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--&gt; &lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;/td&gt;  &lt;/tr&gt;  &lt;tr&gt;   &lt;td style=&quot;border-style: none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext; border-width: medium 0.5pt 0.5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; width=&quot;197&quot;&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;CHICAGO
838. <br />  230 S Dearborn St.
839. <br />  Suite 3892
840. <br />  Chicago, IL 60604
841. <br />  8:30 am to 5 pm
842. <br />  (312) 353-4952 - ph</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>   </td>   <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 0.5pt 0.5pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">   <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: windowtext;">SPRINGFIELD
843. <br />  525 South 8th St.
844. <br />  Springfield, IL 62703
845. <br />  8:30 am to 5 pm
846. <br />  (217) 492-4062 – ph</span></span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>   </td>   <td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: -moz-use-text-color windowtext windowtext -moz-use-text-color; border-width: medium 0.5pt 0.5pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197">   <p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="color: windowtext;"><span style="color: windowtext;">MARION
847. <br />  701 N. Court St.
848. <br />  Marion, IL 62959
849. <br />  8:30 am to 5 pm
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Now we need to get it passed in the Senate!'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-7923092737787759298</id><published>2009-11-09T13:13:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-09T13:17:50.349-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Dick Durbin ICA Legislator of the Year award: Letter</title><content type='html'>&lt;meta equiv=&quot;Content-Type&quot; content=&quot;text/html; charset=utf-8&quot;&gt;&lt;meta name=&quot;ProgId&quot; content=&quot;Word.Document&quot;&gt;&lt;meta name=&quot;Generator&quot; content=&quot;Microsoft Word 11&quot;&gt;&lt;meta name=&quot;Originator&quot; content=&quot;Microsoft Word 11&quot;&gt;&lt;link rel=&quot;File-List&quot; 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mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} &lt;/style&gt; &lt;![endif]--&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;November 4, 2009&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Senator Richard Durbin&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;230 &lt;st1:place st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;S.  Dearborn&lt;/st1:place&gt;, &lt;st1:address st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:street st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Suite&lt;/st1:street&gt;  3892&lt;/st1:address&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:place st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:city st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Chicago&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/st1:city&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;, &lt;st1:state st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;IL&lt;/st1:state&gt; &lt;st1:postalcode st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;60604&lt;/st1:postalcode&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;The Honorable Richard Durbin,&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;h1&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;I am pleased to inform you that you have been selected to receive the Illinois Counseling Association’s McGinn / Clark Award for &lt;b style=&quot;&quot;&gt;Outstanding &lt;st1:state st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:place st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Illinois&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:state&gt; Legislator Award for 2009.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;This award was established in 1996 to recognize the Illinois Legislator who contributes the most to advocacy, public policy, and legislative recognition for professional counselors and clients in &lt;st1:state st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:place st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Illinois&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:state&gt;.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;The award is named for two women who have been consistently active in local, state, and national levels for professional counselors in public policy and legislation.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;Pat McGinn is a former Executive Director of IMHCA and CICO, and Joyce Clark is a former IAMC President and Chair of the ICA Public Policy and Legislation Committee.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;The nomination is open to any current or former legislator in &lt;st1:state st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:place st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Illinois&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:state&gt;, regardless of political party affiliation.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Criteria:&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportLists]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;1.&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;&quot;&gt;      &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Advocacy for professional counselors and clients.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportLists]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;2.&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;&quot;&gt;      &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Legislation sponsored to benefit professional counselors and clients.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportLists]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;3.&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;&quot;&gt;      &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Public policy leadership for professional counselors and clients.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in;&quot;&gt;&lt;!--[if !supportLists]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;4.&lt;span style=&quot;font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;&quot;&gt;      &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;!--[endif]--&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Knowledge of and support for professional counselors and clients.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;   &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Your selection for this award was based upon the following:&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Senator Durbin, you have been an outstanding advocate for &lt;st1:state st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:place st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Illinois&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:state&gt; counselors.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;You have been a champion of improved mental health care and greater accessibility of mental health care.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Senator Durbin is one of the co-sponsors of :&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;b&gt;S.671&lt;/b&gt;
851. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;b&gt;Title:&lt;/b&gt; A bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to provide for the coverage of marriage and family therapist services and mental health counselor services under part B of the Medicare program, and for other purposes.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;table class=&quot;MsoNormalTable&quot; style=&quot;width: 497.25pt;&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; cellpadding=&quot;0&quot; cellspacing=&quot;0&quot; width=&quot;663&quot;&gt;  &lt;tbody&gt;&lt;tr style=&quot;&quot;&gt;   &lt;td style=&quot;padding: 2.25pt; width: 497.25pt;&quot; valign=&quot;top&quot; width=&quot;663&quot;&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-right: -177pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Most   recently at a meeting in &lt;st1:city st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:place st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;Chicago&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:city&gt;,   you &lt;span class=&quot;centerpagesubhead&quot;&gt;pushed for Federal Funding to Combat Youth   Violence&lt;/span&gt;.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;bodytextwhite&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt; &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-right: -177pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;bodytextwhite&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;Additionally you introduced a new bill that would   improve mental health services on college campuses. &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;/td&gt;  &lt;/tr&gt; &lt;/tbody&gt;&lt;/table&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Your continued support of the mental health profession and counselors has been noteworthy.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Thank you for your work on behalf of the counseling profession.&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Sincerely,&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt; &lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Daniel Stasi&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoBodyText&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 11pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Executive Director&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;span style=&quot;;font-family:&amp;quot;;font-size:11pt;&quot;  &gt;&lt;st1:state st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;st1:place st=&quot;on&quot;&gt;&lt;/st1:place&gt;&lt;/st1:state&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;  </content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/7923092737787759298/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/11/dick-durbin-ica-legislator-of-year.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7923092737787759298'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7923092737787759298'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/11/dick-durbin-ica-legislator-of-year.html' title='Dick Durbin ICA Legislator of the Year award: Letter'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-2871853443203797461</id><published>2009-10-13T05:28:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-13T05:28:27.426-07:00</updated><title type='text'>California Licensure Bill signed by Gov.</title><content type='html'>&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; align=&quot;center&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153); font-weight: bold;&quot;&gt;California is Final State to License &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1255436519_8&quot;&gt;Mental   Health Counselors&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;color:#000099;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 13.5pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;    &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-bottom: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Alexandria , VA    – October 12, 2009 – With today’s signing of California Senate Bill 788 by   &lt;span style=&quot;background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;&quot; class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1255436519_9&quot;&gt;Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger&lt;/span&gt;, mental health counselors are now licensed as   master’s degreed &lt;span style=&quot;border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: border; -moz-background-origin: padding; -moz-background-inline-policy: continuous;&quot; class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1255436519_10&quot;&gt;mental health professionals&lt;/span&gt; in all 50 states and the  District of Columbia .&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;  &quot;Achieving licensure in every state is a tremendous victory, both for   mental health counselors and for those seeking their services,&quot; said   AMHCA president Linda Barclay, PhD, LPCC/S, LICDC, NCC.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;  AMHCA recognizes the efforts of the California Coalition for Counseling   Licensure (CCCL), which worked actively for licensure of mental health   counselors, to be known in California    as licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs). AMHCA assisted the CCCL   in its lobbying efforts, producing letters in support of SB 788 to Assembly   and Senate Business and Professions Committee chairs and members.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;  &quot;AMHCA deeply appreciates the hard work of CCCL in this historic   achievement,&quot; said Mark Hamilton, PhD, AMHCA executive director and CEO.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;  &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1255436519_11&quot;&gt;Governor Schwarzenegger&lt;/span&gt; will appoint two LPCCs to the Board of Behavioral Sciences,   which is already comprised of two licensed clinical social workers, a   licensed educational psychologist, and two licensed marriage and family   therapists. SB 788 defines &quot;professional clinical counseling&quot; as   being focused exclusively on the application of counseling interventions and   psychotherapeutic techniques for the purposes of &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1255436519_12&quot;&gt;improving mental health&lt;/span&gt;.   Under SB 788, the LPCC profession does not include the assessment or   treatment of couples or families unless the LPCC has completed additional training   and education beyond the minimum education and training required for LPCC   licensure.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;  The law will go into effect on January 1, 2010. At that point, the Board of   Behavioral Sciences will have the responsibility for developing the rules and   regulations to implement the bill and it will prepare to accept LPCC   applications.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;  Applications for grandparenting and reciprocity will be available on January   1, 2011, through the Board of Behavioral Sciences. Applications for regular   licensure will be available on January 1, 2012, for those not eligible for   grandparenting or reciprocity. &lt;a rel=&quot;nofollow&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://cts.vresp.com/c/?AmericanMentalHealth/c57345f00e/d58715fa75/ae339869da&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1255436519_13&quot;&gt;Click   here&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; to learn about requirements.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/2871853443203797461/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/10/california-licensure-bill-signed-by-gov.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/2871853443203797461'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/2871853443203797461'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/10/california-licensure-bill-signed-by-gov.html' title='California Licensure Bill signed by Gov.'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-7864743371944806032</id><published>2009-10-08T10:22:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-08T10:25:03.499-07:00</updated><title type='text'>BCBS AND MAGELLAN UPDATE</title><content type='html'>The following is a copy of an email from Stephanie Knispel, the  president of Medicius a billing service.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;BCBS AND  MAGELLAN&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We have acquired more detailed information regarding the recent  letter from BCBS and the change that will take place with Magellan January, 1,  2010.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The change is not going to effect all BCBS PPO policies.  Patients  whose policies currently carve out to Magellan for inpatient psychiatric visits  will also carve out to Magellan for outpatient mental health visits when this  change takes place.  BCBS PPO policies that do not require an authorization from  Magellan for inpatient will stay the same in 2010 and will not carve out to  Magellan.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;According to the information that we received the reimbursement  rate will remain at the BCBS level.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;At this time there is no requirement  to be paneled with Magellan to receive reimbursement on these policies, but with  all of the changes that are taking place we suggest that you become in-network  with Magellan if you are currently out of network so that no additional issues  in reimbursement will arise.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For those of you that are current clients of  Medicus we will be adding inpatient benefit levels to the verifications that are  sent to you.  This is going to let us know which policies require a Magellan  authorization for inpatient so that we are fully prepared to get outpatient  authorization for the policies in which it is required at the first of the  year.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;This is all preliminary information and may or may not change from  now until January, but we will update you on any new developments as they are  received.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please feel free to forward this to any provider that is  concerned about the change.  We are available to take any calls from providers  that have questions regardless if they are current clients.  We hope this gave a  bit more clarity to the change taking place.  Have a wonderful  day.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Sincerely,&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Stephanie M. Knispel&lt;br /&gt;President&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a title=&quot;mailto:sknispel@medicusoutsourcing.com&quot; href=&quot;mailto:sknispel@medicusoutsourcing.com&quot;&gt;sknispel@medicusout&lt;wbr title=&quot;mailto:sknispel@medicusoutsourcing.com&quot;&gt;sourcing.&lt;wbr title=&quot;mailto:sknispel@medicusoutsourcing.com&quot;&gt;com&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br /&gt;MEDICUS Consulting &amp;amp;  Outsourcing, Inc.&lt;br /&gt;15436 Lamon Ave&lt;br /&gt;Oak Forest, IL 60452&lt;br /&gt;Phone:(708)  535-7347&lt;br /&gt;Fax: (708) 535-7396&lt;br /&gt;Cell: (708) 704-0172&lt;br /&gt;&lt;a title=&quot;http://medicusoutsourcing&quot; href=&quot;http://medicusoutsourcing/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;http://medicusoutso&lt;wbr title=&quot;http://medicusoutsourcing&quot;&gt;urcing&lt;/a&gt;.</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/7864743371944806032/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/10/bcbs-and-magellan-update.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7864743371944806032'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7864743371944806032'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/10/bcbs-and-magellan-update.html' title='BCBS AND MAGELLAN UPDATE'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-7618431536361895817</id><published>2009-10-07T15:28:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-07T15:30:33.413-07:00</updated><title type='text'>BCBS Plans to be managed by Magellan</title><content type='html'>&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;Many of you may have received the letter from BCBS&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;This is what we know.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:100%;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;Any plan that had Magellan manage inpatient care will  now manage outpatient care as well. If you are BC provider, you do not need to  be a Magellan provider to continue to see the client, and we will be reimbursed  at the BC rate.&lt;br /&gt;There will be plans that will remain PPO without Magellan  managing the care. Those will remain the same. They said was that we should call  in January to check with each person&#39;s plan to see if it is a plan that remains  classic PPO or if something has changed with that plan to now be managed by  Magellan.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;  &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;color:navy;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; color: navy; font-family: Arial;&quot;&gt;&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;We suspect this is a  response to the new federal parity law that goes into effect Jan 2010 and that  this will have some impact for them. We are waiting to hear from ACA if they know  any more in that regards.&lt;o:p&gt;&lt;/o:p&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/7618431536361895817/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/10/bcbs-plans-to-be-managed-by-magellan.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7618431536361895817'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/7618431536361895817'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/10/bcbs-plans-to-be-managed-by-magellan.html' title='BCBS Plans to be managed by Magellan'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-642243966231807475</id><published>2009-10-03T11:57:00.001-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-07T15:28:17.989-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Private Practice Workshop Oak Brook</title><content type='html'>&lt;p class=&quot;mobile-photo&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SseeoygtVYI/AAAAAAAAABo/a3nD0p1L0iU/s1600-h/1003091307_0001-759151.jpg&quot;&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;width: 161px; height: 168px;&quot; src=&quot;http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SseeoygtVYI/AAAAAAAAABo/a3nD0p1L0iU/s320/1003091307_0001-759151.jpg&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; id=&quot;BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388449902763005314&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;mobile-photo&quot;&gt;Norm Dasenbrook presenting to 42 people on how to Start, Maintain and Expand a Professional Private Practice.  Oak Brook Renaissance.  Bob Walsh co presented this workshop with Norm. A full schedule of fute dates is on our website at http://www.imhca.org&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;mobile-photo&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class=&quot;mobile-photo&quot;&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/642243966231807475/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/10/norm-presenting-dan-stasi-this-message.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/642243966231807475'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/642243966231807475'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/10/norm-presenting-dan-stasi-this-message.html' title='Private Practice Workshop Oak Brook'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media="http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/" url="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SseeoygtVYI/AAAAAAAAABo/a3nD0p1L0iU/s72-c/1003091307_0001-759151.jpg" height="72" width="72"/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-1712719641553874285</id><published>2009-10-02T10:53:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-10-02T10:55:01.445-07:00</updated><title type='text'>New Funding Opportunities from IVPA</title><content type='html'>&lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size:130%;&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;&quot; class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_1&quot;&gt;The Illinois Violence&lt;/span&gt; Prevention Authority (IVPA) is pleased to announce the release of two competitive grants.  The Requests for Proposals will be available for download from our website, &lt;a rel=&quot;nofollow&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://www.ivpa.org/&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_2&quot;&gt;www.ivpa.org&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.  &lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;FY 10 Say It Out Loud Grant&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;The RFP for the FY 10 Say It Out Loud Grant (SIOL) will be available on our website, &lt;a rel=&quot;nofollow&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://www.ivpa.org/&quot;&gt;www.ivpa.org&lt;/a&gt; on September 23, 2009.  On behalf of the Illinois Children’s &lt;span style=&quot;background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;&quot; class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_3&quot;&gt;Mental Health Partnership&lt;/span&gt;, IVPA will accept applications from &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_4&quot;&gt;non-profit organizations&lt;/span&gt; or units of local government based in &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_5&quot;&gt;Illinois&lt;/span&gt;.  Up to ten (10) grants, in amounts of up to $10,000 each, will be awarded for the period of January 1, 2010 – &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_6&quot;&gt;December 31&lt;/span&gt;, 2010. &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;FY 09 SIOL grantees are not eligible to apply.&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;Say It Out Loud (SIOL) is a multi-year statewide campaign designed to promote &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_7&quot;&gt;good mental health&lt;/span&gt; for everyone, reduce the barriers that prevent too many people from seeking or offering help and support, and build a stronger base of support and network of services for &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_8&quot;&gt;people with mental health&lt;/span&gt; challenges. See &lt;a rel=&quot;nofollow&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://mentalhealthillinois.org/&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_9&quot;&gt;http://mentalhealthillinois.org&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt; for more details on the SIOL campaign.  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1.5in;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;IVPA will host a &lt;span style=&quot;background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; cursor: pointer; -moz-background-clip: -moz-initial; -moz-background-origin: -moz-initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: -moz-initial;&quot; class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_10&quot;&gt;Bidders&lt;/span&gt; Conference Call on Thursday, &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_11&quot;&gt;October 15&lt;/span&gt;, 2009 at 2:00 pm. &lt;/b&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1.5in;&quot;&gt;The Bidders Conference will provide participants with an overview of the Say It Out Loud Grant, the RFP &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 1.5in;&quot;&gt;and budget requirements.  Please see the RFP for details.&lt;b&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot; style=&quot;margin-left: 143pt;&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;                                                             &lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;For more information about the SIOL Grant, please contact Barbara Shaw at &lt;span style=&quot;border-bottom: 1px dashed rgb(0, 102, 204); cursor: pointer;&quot; class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_12&quot;&gt;312-814-8259&lt;/span&gt; or &lt;a rel=&quot;nofollow&quot; ymailto=&quot;mailto:Barbara.shaw@illinois.gov&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://us.mc339.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=Barbara.shaw@illinois.gov&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_13&quot;&gt;Barbara.shaw@illinois.gov&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;b&gt;&lt;u&gt;FY 10 Youth-Led Violence Prevention Mini Grant&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/b&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;The RFP for the FY 10 Youth- Led Mini Grant (YLMG) will be available on our website, &lt;a rel=&quot;nofollow&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://www.ivpa.org/&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext;&quot;&gt;www.ivpa.org&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;, on September 23, 2009&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(51, 153, 102);&quot;&gt;.&lt;/span&gt;  &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_14&quot;&gt;Community organizations&lt;/span&gt; and government agencies are eligible to apply for 12 month grants (1/1/10-12/31/10) for up to $5,000 to implement &lt;b&gt;youth-led violence prevention projects&lt;/b&gt;.  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;The Youth Led Mini Grants allow youth and community agencies to develop or enhance youth violence prevention programming.  The purpose of this grant is to support youth efforts in identifying resources and community issues, and designing and implementing projects that address youth violence.  Additionally, the grant encourages youth leadership, empowerment, and peer recognition.&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;In partnership with the &lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_15&quot;&gt;Illinois African American Coalition&lt;/span&gt; for Prevention (ILAACP), &lt;b&gt;IVPA will host a Bidders Conference Call on Tuesday, October 6 at 3:30 pm.&lt;/b&gt;  The Bidders Conference will provide participants with an overview of the Youth-Led Mini Grant, the RFP and budget requirements in addition to information on youth and adult partnerships. The Bidders Conference is not mandatory, but it is recommended for youth and adult supporters that are interested in applying for the grant. Please see the RFP for details.&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;The RFP is available for download from our website (&lt;a rel=&quot;nofollow&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://www.ivpa.org/&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;&quot;&gt;www.ivpa.org&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;) on September 23, 2009.&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(153, 204, 0);&quot;&gt;  &lt;/span&gt; The Power Point for the Bidders Conference is also available for download.  If you have any questions about IVPA or the RFP, please contact Sara Moffitt at 312-814-8261or &lt;a rel=&quot;nofollow&quot; ymailto=&quot;mailto:sara.moffitt@illinois.gov&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://us.mc339.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=sara.moffitt@illinois.gov&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_16&quot;&gt;sara.moffitt@illinois.gov&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;color: rgb(153, 204, 0);&quot;&gt;.&lt;/span&gt; &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;  &lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Anne G. Studzinski&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;Illinois Childhood Trauma Coalition&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;208 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1490&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_17&quot;&gt;Chicago, IL   60604&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;312/516-5560&lt;/span&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 12pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Times New Roman&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;   &lt;p class=&quot;MsoNormal&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;font-size: 10pt; font-family: &amp;quot;Arial&amp;quot;,&amp;quot;sans-serif&amp;quot;;&quot;&gt;&lt;a rel=&quot;nofollow&quot; ymailto=&quot;mailto:astudzinski@voices4kids.org&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;http://us.mc339.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=astudzinski@voices4kids.org&quot;&gt;&lt;span class=&quot;yshortcuts&quot; id=&quot;lw_1254505598_18&quot;&gt;astudzinski@voices4kids.org&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/1712719641553874285/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-funding-opportunities-from-ivpa.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/1712719641553874285'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/1712719641553874285'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-funding-opportunities-from-ivpa.html' title='New Funding Opportunities from IVPA'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1333533759644814189.post-5094723410774731216</id><published>2009-09-12T09:19:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-09-12T09:31:00.667-07:00</updated><title type='text'>California licensure bill is heading to Governor’s Schwarzenegger’s desk</title><content type='html'>&lt;div style=&quot;margin: 10px 0px;&quot;&gt;(Press) 09.11.09  &lt;/div&gt;  &lt;div style=&quot;margin: 10px 0px;&quot;&gt;   &lt;div class=&quot;Normal&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;The counseling profession’s long-standing goal of achieving recognition in all 50 states is a major step closer to completion. In the final hours of its legislative session, the California legislature approved a bill establishing licensure of professional clinical counselors in the state. California is the only state yet to establish formal recognition of professional counselors.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The California Assembly approved SB 788 by a strong 70-5 vote on September 8th, followed two days later by a 25-1 vote in the California Senate. The bill now goes to Governor Schwarzenegger for his consideration. The governor has until October 11th to either sign the legislation into law or issue a veto. ACA encourages its members in California to contact the Governor to urge him to sign the counselor licensure legislation into law. For more information, visit the website of the California Coalition for Counselor Licensure (CCCL) at &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.caccl.org/&quot;&gt;http://www.caccl.org&lt;/a&gt;.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Approval of SB 788 is a hard-fought victory for CCCL and for the counseling profession. SB 788 would establish the title of &quot;licensed professional clinical counselor,&quot; defining the practice of counseling to include &quot;interventions and psychotherapeutic techniques to identify and remediate cognitive, mental, and emotional issues, including personal growth, adjustment to disability, crisis intervention, and psychosocial and environmental problems.&quot; CCCL had to incorporate several amendments to the licensure bill in order to remove opposition from other professional organizations. For example, the legislation states that &quot;professional clinical counseling&quot; does not include the &quot;assessment or treatment of couples or families&quot; unless the counselor has completed specific education and training in this area.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;ACA has long supported the licensure effort, and applauds California’s counselors for this accomplishment.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/div&gt;  &lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/feeds/5094723410774731216/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/09/california-licensure-bill-is-heading-to.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/5094723410774731216'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/1333533759644814189/posts/default/5094723410774731216'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://myimhca.blogspot.com/2009/09/california-licensure-bill-is-heading-to.html' title='California licensure bill is heading to Governor’s Schwarzenegger’s desk'/><author><name>myimhca</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/01247838016499710564</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='32' height='21' src='http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_OKP3P8u07tY/SqWHUMTuC3I/AAAAAAAAABI/pF_FWLHfDXg/S220/senate+photo+pro.JPG'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>

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