Search

The article reports on the release of a white paper by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the U.S. The paper, entitled "Substance Abuse and Suicide Prevention: Evidence and Implications," focuses on knowledge and emphasizes the importance of continued research.

Announces that the `Journal of Mental Health Administration' is seeking manuscripts on the Association of Mental Health Administrators and on behavioral health and mental health services. Contact information.

Reports on the distribution of a paper entitled `Public Mental Health Systems, Medicaid Restructuring and Managed Behavioral Healthcare,' by the American Managed Behavioral Healthcare Association (AMBHA) and the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD). Paper as blue print for states in establishing mental health systems under Medicaid programs.

A Massachusetts policy that mandates child abuse/neglect reporting when a mother has taken medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) during her pregnancy causes tangible harms to these women and their families, a newly published analysis suggests. The report's gripping comments from women who were subjected to child protection system (CPS) investigations illustrate the sharp contrast between the medical advice they had received during their pregnancy and the way that state child welfare officials treated them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article cites the release of a report, called the white paper, by the U.S. Treatment Research Institute (TRI) that offers guidance on what substance abuse treatment providers must do to integrate with primary health care. Topics include an overview of the movement of treatment services toward collaboration and co-location with health care, how to solve existing problems associated with integration, and barriers to integration. INSET: Workforce changes.

The article looks at the importance of selecting an electronic health records (EHR) vendor for substance abuse and mental health services providers. The costs associated with maintaining open source software are considered. The author comments on how substance abuse and mental health services providers can receive grant money to help reduce costs and the related concerns over information confidentiality.

The latest comprehensive analysis of brief substance use interventions in general medical settings suggests that while brief interventions targeting alcohol may lead to small decreases in alcohol use, the evidence base for brief interventions targeting other drugs remains very limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formerly a haven for people in recovery from alcohol (especially) and other substance use disorders, Faces & Voices of Recovery has now embraced the harm reduction movement. Faces & Voices has developed harm reduction training for the peer support workforce, focused on the opioid overdose epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H. Westley Clark, M.D., J.D., is the former director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the federal agency that has proposed to amend 42 CFR Part 2, the regulation protecting the confidentiality of alcohol and drug abuse treatment patient records. In a massive notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) published Aug. 26 (see ADAW, Sept. 9), SAMHSA proposed to remove the ban against giving opioid treatment program (OTP) patient data — methadone being the key medication — to prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs). That ban was instituted by Clark himself when, as CSAT director, he issued a "Dear Colleague Letter" to OTPs telling them they should not give patient medication data to the PDMP, but rather should check the PDMP to see what medications their patients are on. The rationale for the letter was the same as the rationale for opposition to SAMHSA's NPRM: Patients would not want to go to treatment if they knew their methadone information could be shared without their consent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the suggestion of accepting the reality of relapse in the treatment system for addiction in the U.S. Michael L. Dennis, senior research psychologist at Chestnut Health Systems, said that since addiction is classified as a chronic, relapsing disorder, the treatment system needs to change to provide continuing care. Dennis added that one of the problems for treatment providers is teaching the public that treatment does not necessarily prevent relapse.

Focuses on the events of the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare annual training conference in the U.S. Development of dual-diagnosis programs for patients with drug problems and mental health disorders; Integrated treatments to people with co-occurring disorders; Significance of integrated treatment skills to physicians.

Reports on news items concerning the substance abuse treatment firms Pioneer Behavioral Health Inc. and Centromine Inc.

The article discusses a landmark settlement reached by MVP Health Care with New York attorney general where it will overhaul its behavioral health claims process, pay a fine of 300,000 U.S. dollars and refund 6 million U.S. dollars to plan members whose substance use disorder (SUD) were denied. The settlement was announced by Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman who stated that insurers must comply with the law to ensure individuals with mental conditions are not treated differently.

Reports that the Association of Mental Health Administrators' `Journal of Mental Health Administration' is soliciting for manuscripts for an upcoming special issue on comorbidity of substance abuse disorders and mental illnesses. Topics of interest.

The article reports that the U.S. Parity Implementation Coalition (PIC) contacted Florida's Office of Insurance Regulation (OFR) to ask that the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) be enforced following the dismissal of mental health providers employed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSFL). The OFR responded that it was not their job to enforce MHPAEA, prompting PIC to request intervention from the federal government.

The article discusses an endorsement by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of a mental health program by Burrell Behavioral Health in Missouri, called “Citizen Soldier Assistance Program," that is designed to help Missouri's National Guard members with behavioral health problems. An overview of the aspects of military service that are stressful to soldiers, the rate of suicides among soldiers, and funding for the program are discussed.

The article discusses the integrated approach to substance abuse treatment used by the managed care organization Kaiser Permanente of Northern California. According to Matthew Tarran of Kaiser Permanente, the goal of the company is to ensure a flexible and timely response to patients seeking substance abuse treatment. Kaiser also encourages close collaboration between general practitioners and behavioral health professionals.

The article focuses on the sentiments of the Access to Recovery (ATR II) grantees on the ATR II grant program in the U.S. The program started under Executive Order by President Bush in 2003 and is funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The purpose of the program is to level the playing field by allowing faith-based organizations (FBOs) to compete for SAMHSA dollars under this one program. There are 18 states awarded grants under ATR II. INSET: ATR II grantees.

The author focuses on the incorporation of behavioral health and general health by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The article mentions a draft document from John O' Brien, SAMHSA senior advisor on healthcare financing, to stakeholders concerning SAMHSA's plan.

The article reports on the $650,000 worth of grants given to fund state addiction treatment and prevention efforts in Virginia. The fund came from the $19.5 million 26-state civil settlement with Purdue Pharma LP and was distributed to various agencies of the state. Recipients include the Appalachian Substance Abuse Coalition for Prevention and Treatment and the Office of Substance Abuse Services (OSAS).

The article discusses the advantages of using a computer-based questionnaire in examining alcohol and drug problems. According to a study conducted by Derek Satre and colleagues at the Langley Porter Psychiatric Institute of the University of California in San Francisco, the computer-based questionnaire helps mental health practices discover co-occurring problems. It also found that computerized screening especially, self-administered increases patient comfort and the validity of self-reports.

The article reports on U.S. President George W. Bush's threat to veto three health spending bills which include the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment. Bush said he would veto any spending bill that is higher than his requested amount. With this, treatment providers are advised to pass to the states the impact of any federal action cutting the block grant. According to the Office of Management and Budget, the health bill is an irresponsible and excessive level of spending.

The article reports on the move of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to release the final rate that will cover reimbursement for its Community Support (CS) services. The department had set for $51.28 per hour for support services for mental health and substance abuse. DHHS Secretary Carmen Hooker explains the reason of the change in the rate for such services.

Reports on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) requests for applications for fiscal 2004 grants to facilitate the entry of ethnic minority students into the substance abuse and mental health fields. Target populations of the Minority Fellowship Program; Aim of increasing the number of professionals trained to teach, administer and conduct services research and provide direct services to minority populations.

Discusses the National Mental Health Association's report on problems associated with managed mental health care in the United States.

Provides an update on the behavioral health care organizations and health care system in the United States (US). Findings of a survey conducted by William M. Mercer Incorporated; Heroin addiction report from the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); Drug ban issued by the International Olympic Committee.

The article reports on a 2012 legal opinion prepared for the Drug and Alcohol Service Providers of Pennsylvania by Greg Heller of the legal firm Young Ricchiuti Caldwell and Heller. The opinion explains why residential inpatient substance abuse treatment that is offered outside of a hospital must be covered under U.S. health care reform law.

The article reports on the availability of the Emergency Response Grants (SERGs) offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the U.S. This move reflects the government's objective in helping communities control and prevent addiction. It was also added that award will total $50,000 for public entities.

Focuses on the American College of Mental Health Administration's (ACMHA) Santa Fe Summit on Behavioral Health in New Mexico on March 19 to 22, 1997 which deals with issues concerning preserving quality and value in managed care. Attendees; Highlights of the summit.

Reports on a meeting participated in by representatives from managed care behavioral health care companies, hospital-based psychiatric systems and behavioral health group practices to identify and discuss their differences and common goals in the midst of health care restructuring. Meeting's focus on the creation of integrated delivery systems that are accountable for quality, satisfaction and outcomes.