MAAPPN Meeting

MAAPPN April 5, 2018 Quarterly Meeting Announcement

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The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (MAAPPN) will hold our next quarterly meeting on Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Papa Razzi in Wellesley, Massachusetts from 5:45pm – 9:00pm.

David Matteodo, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems will be our speaker.  Mr. Matteodo will be addressing improved access to mental health services in Massachusetts and the role that Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses will play in accomplishing this mission.

About MAAPPN

MAAPPN (The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses) is a non- profit organization in the state of Massachusetts that exclusively represents the interests of advanced practice psychiatric nurses – both psychiatric clinical nurse specialists and psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Our 2018 efforts will be on supervisory independence, signatory equivalence of CNS/NPs; collaboration with other organizations to make advances in continuity of care, parity, telehealth, relief from excess paperwork, independent prior auth and medical necessity determination from Psych BH providers who best know the patient, and so much more!

New legislative leadership need to be educated about our role.  Payers need to be engaged in fair reimbursement practices and New NPs need to be engaged in our mission.  MAAPPN ensures that we have effective relationships with legislators, payers, colleagues and professional peers.

MAAPPN Quarterly Meeting Announcement | April 5, 2018

5:45 pm – 7:00pm – Networking, appetizers, and visit the display tables!
7:00pm – 7:15pm – Welcome & Introductions
7:15pm – 8:00pm – Dinner and Speaker TBA*
8:00pm – 9:00pm – Business Meeting

* CEU’s offered

Location: Papa Razzi
Date: Thursday, April 5, 2018
Time: 5:45pm – 9:00pm

Please register early as space is limited.

SPECIAL non-member rate for students attending the April 5, 2018 quarterly meeting is $25.00, to register click on the following link – NON-MEMBER STUDENT QUARTERLY MEETING RATE. Student ID required at the door.

April 5th membership meeting registration for members is $25.00, to register click on the following link – MEMBER MEETING RATE.

April 5th membership meeting registration for non-members is $75.00, to register click on the following link – NON-MEMBER/GUEST MEETING RATE.

MAAPPN Quarterly Meeting Announcement

If you have items that you would like to have addressed at the meeting, please contact MAAPPN Chair, Diane Grimaldi at dlgrimaldi@comcast.net so she can add them to the agenda.

If you are a company interested in having a display table at the MAAPPN quarterly meeting go to MAAPPN Meeting Sponsorship Booth Space.

For more information visit our website at https://maappn.com/.

We are interested in having new and existing members join our committees, volunteer as guest speakers and make recommendations for topics you would like to hear about at future meetings.  Please help us spread the word by encouraging others to become members and by inviting colleagues to attend quarterly MAAPPN member meetings.

We look forward to seeing you at the MAAPPN Quarterly meeting at Papa Razzi in Wellesley, Massachusetts on Thursday, April 5, 2018.

Mental Health Coalition Update

Post-JCPH Hearing Update

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On November 7, 2017 our bill, H. 2451/S. 1257, along with more than 30 other scope of practice bills, was heard before the Joint Committee on Public Health (JCPH).

MCNP presented testimony supporting the key goals of our bill related to increased access, cost savings and removal of additional barriers for treatment for patients with opioid dependence.

In addition to words of support by our House Co-Sponsor Paul Donato, State Auditor Suzanne Bump endorsed H.2451/S.1257 for its potential to improve administrative efficiency, reduce costs and decrease Masshealth spending.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Richard Lopez and Chief Nursing Officer Jennifer Derkazarian from Atrius Health (pictured right) highlighted the crucial role of NPs in the Atrius healthcare system as well as the administrative burdens of the current NP licensing requirements related to prescriptive oversight.

A panel focusing on how NPs can increase access to medication assisted treatment (MAT) for patients with opioid dependence was led by Colleen Labelle, Program Director, State Technical Assistance Treatment Expansion Office Based Opioid Treatment with Buprenorphine. Dr. Kiame Mahaniah, CEO Lynn Community Health Center and Dr. Rachel King, Medical Director, Opioid Addiction Treatment ECHO, Boston Medical Center, shared personal experiences describing long wait times for MAT and how NPs could be utilized more effectively in battling the opioid epidemic if requirements for prescriptive oversight were removed.
Additional testimony was provided by Jane Ahern-DeFillippi from AARP of Massachusetts who is a strong supporter H. 2451/S. 1257, and Past President of ANA of Mass, Myra Cacace. MCNP Legislative Chair and Past President Stephanie Ahmed (pictured left) gave compelling testimony noting ” While Massachusetts has led the nation with respect to health reform, it is important to note we are lagging as it relates to positioning advanced practice nurses to impact the untoward consequence of universal health care coverage – access to coverage without access to care.  What we propose today, is actually NOT a bold idea, 22 states including DC have already passed this legislation and provided their citizens access to NP driven care – we are the only state in New England that remains restricted.”      As anticipated, testimony in opposition to our bill was presented by several panels representing organized medicine. Using fear tactics suggesting that “sub-standard” care would be provided by NPs practicing independently outside of the healthcare team, they focused on differences in training and education and presented misinformation about lack of core competencies in NP education, NPs having “limited” clinical reasoning and decision making skills, “observation only” clinical preparation, “fully online NP programs with 100% acceptance rates,” higher malpractice claims for NPs and concluded that “every patient deserves a physician.”

Given the false perceptions created by the organized medicine panels, we were particularly grateful to our physician colleagues who testified on our behalf and strongly advocated for our practice and the quality of our care.
We want to thank our new lobbying team of O’Neill & Associates and Finneran Global Strategists who worked diligently to help us prepare for our hearing and successfully execute a coordinated online and social media campaign which culminated with an op-ed piece in Commonwealth Magazine:  https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/take-chains-off-nurse-practitioners/.And many thanks to the more than 550 NPs and NP supporters who responded to our action alerts over the past 2 weeks and generated more than 1100 emails to legislators. Your voices have been heard!

We will keep you updated on the deliberations of the Joint Committee on Public Health and will let you know as soon as we hear their decision regarding our bill.

In the meantime, we are monitoring the progress of the Senate Healthcare bill and have introduced amendments for more inclusive language for NPs and for removal of prescriptive oversight and joint promulgation.

Our hearing before the JCPH was our first step of many to get our bill passed into law. Please be on the lookout for updates and action alerts and help us pass H. 2451/S. 1257 so that you can practice to the full extent of your education and training and patients can have increased access to NP care.

The MCNP Legislative Team

MAAPPN TESTIFIES IN VITAL SENATE PROPOSED HEALTH CARE REFORM ACT

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On October 23, 2017,  Ginny Tay and Kathy Andolina presented testimony to the Senate Committee re: the report and subsequent act entitled: “An Act furthering empowerment and affordability by leveraging transformative health care”. This hearing was packed and filled two hearing rooms as well as spanning close to 4 hours. This session will likely be the only hearing on this bill – it is still in development and as of yet is not assigned a number.   Many thanks to Maryann Hart, MAAPPN Legislative Liaison  and Rebecca Feldman, MAAPPN Board member for their presence and support as well.

We encourage you to look at the first few minutes of the video to see how it is described and introduced.  See 3:07 for the start of the MAAPPN testimony.  MAAPPN was there for the entire hearing and found that our group was mentioned several times by other groups  (see 1:44.22 and 3:14 for our specific mentions!) MAAPPN sees this as an exciting development in our initiative and it was great to see  the cross section of support for advancing our initiative to full scope practice.

To view the entire hearing click below:  

MAAPPN Meeting

MAAPPN December 2017 Quarterly Meeting Announcement

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The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (MAAPPN) will hold our next quarterly meeting on Monday, December 4, 2017 at Tuscan Kitchen in Burlington, Massachusetts from 5:45pm – 9:00pm.

This is our annual meeting set aside for MAAPPN member feedback. It is a time to reflect upon the activities of the current year and lends visionary collaboration and guidance to the board for the forthcoming year.

About MAAPPN

MAAPPN (The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses) is a non- profit organization in the state of Massachusetts that exclusively represents the interests of advanced practice psychiatric nurses – both psychiatric clinical nurse specialists and psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Our mission includes legislative goals promoting access to sustainable fiscal policies that support the advanced practice psychiatric nurse as high quality, affordable and accessible providers.

MAAPPN Quarterly Meeting Announcement | December 4, 2017

5:45 pm – 7:00pm – Networking, appetizers, and visit the display tables!
7:00pm – 7:15pm – Welcome & Introductions
7:15pm – 7:45pm – Dinner
7:45pm – 9:00pm – Business Meeting

* CEU’s offered

Location: Tuscan Kitchen
Date: Monday, December 4, 2017
Time: 5:45pm – 9:00pm

Please register early as space is limited.

December 4th membership meeting registration for members is $25.00, to register click on the following link – MEMBER MEETING RATE.

December 4th membership meeting registration for non-members is $75.00. to register click on the following link – NON-MEMBER/GUEST MEETING RATE.

MAAPPN Quarterly Meeting Announcement

If you have items that you would like to have addressed at the meeting, please contact MAAPPN Chair, Diane Grimaldi at dlgrimaldi@comcast.net so she can add them to the agenda.

If you are a company interested in having a display table at the MAAPPN quarterly meeting go to MAAPPN Meeting Sponsorship Booth Space.

To sign up and pay for your membership meeting please click on the following link MAAPPN.

For more information visit our website at https://maappn.com/.

We are interested in having new and existing members join our committees, volunteer as guest speakers and make recommendations for topics you would like to hear about at future meetings.  Please help us spread the word by encouraging others to become members and by inviting colleagues to attend quarterly MAAPPN member meetings.

We look forward to seeing you at the MAAPPN Quarterly meeting at Tuscan Kitchen in Burlington, Massachusetts on Monday, December 4, 2017.

 

Bridgewater Overhaul

NAMI Responds to Governor Baker and DOC on Bridgewater Overhaul

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Bridgewater State Hospital is targeted for an overhaul.  Over the past several years, there has been a groundswell of support for separating the incarcerated mentally ill from the genreral prison populations as well as transferring the care, treatment and oversite of this populations from the Department of Correctiions to DMH.

A Request for Response RFR) was issued September 13, 2016 for just such a move, but there was no provision to move the treatment from a prison environment. As such NAMI responded as below:

Introduction: Bridgewater State “Hospital” is a medium-security prison that evaluates and treats men who have mental illness. For people with histories of trauma and mental illness, being confined in a prison is uniquely harmful, inhumane and punishing. Bridgewater has had a complicated history riddled with decades of negative media attention about the treatment of the men held at the facility resulting in senseless tragedies like those of Joshua Messier and Leo Marino. On September 13, 2016 the Department of Correction publicly announced at an informational hearing held by the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse that it would be rebidding and reconfiguring services provided at Bridgewater State Hospital. The deadline for submissions is November 1, 2016 and the anticipated start date for the new changes is February 1, 2017. Several important changes will be carried out by the Department of Correction regardless of the Vendor chosen for the Contract.

  • Uniformed correctional staff will no longer remain inside of the main Bridgewater State Hospital Facility.
  • A small portion of correctional staff (approximately 36 officers) will continue to guard the perimeter of the facility.
  • The other 180 correction officers not selected to stay at Bridgewater State Hospital will be reassigned elsewhere.
  • All patients identified as state sentenced inmates (about 50 individuals) will be transferred to a new Bridgewater State Hospital Annex located at Old Colony Correctional Center.

This makes space for the 200 or so inmates currently housed at Bridgewater State Hospital who have been sent there for forensic evaluation, treatment, or as the result of “civil commitment”. Extensive provisions were made in the Request for Response for how the new Contractor would operate Bridgewater State Hospital. Below are a few provisions of interest:

Good Provisions:

1)  Included in the specifications for the coordination of services between the Department of Correction and Bridgewater State Hospital, is a statement that the new Contractor will collaborate with the Department of Mental Health on topics including “prevention of seclusion and restraint” to “foster a culture that places the Patient first”.

2)  Notable staff members included in the Request for Response are: o Medical Director of Bridgewater State Hospital – a Board Certified Psychiatrist, preferably with a subspecialty in forensic psychiatry; o Hospital Administrator; o Director of Forensic Services – a Designated Forensic Psychiatrist or Designated Forensic Psychologist who will oversee all court-ordered forensic and clinical evaluations.

3) Forensic evaluations will be carried out by designated forensic psychiatrists, psychologists, and other professionals; o Chief of Social Work; o Director of Intensive Treatment Planning – will consult, as necessary, with the Department of Mental Health and other agencies, to identify and complete plans for patients who have required emergency use of seclusion and restraint; o Family Engagement Clinical Specialist – will serve as a point of contact for families and be responsible for giving them information about their loved one. They will also facilitate semi-annual family meetings and Family Support Groups. One complaint several family members of patients voiced was the lack of communication with Bridgewater State Hospital. Family serves as an important source of support for many individuals with mental illness; hopefully, the Family Engagement Clinical Specialist will help family stay well-informed and involved in their loved one’s treatment.

4)  Every patient will receive an initial treatment plan at the time of admission, a review of that treatment plan will occur within ten (10) days, and a formal treatment plan will be developed no more than thirty (30) days from admission.

Bad Provisions:

1)  According to the Department of Correction, when selecting the new Contractor, bidders with “experience providing forensic mental health, mental health, medical and dental services in a correctional setting (i.e. prisons or jails) will be preferred”. This could perpetuate a punitive culture that is at odds with the therapeutic milieu necessary for treatment to be successful.

2)  The Medical Director of Bridgewater State Hospital and Hospital Administrator will report to the Superintendent. Furthermore, the Superintendent of Bridgewater State Hospital will maintain oversight of day-to-day operations of the facility in addition to securing the perimeter. We have heard from several stakeholders that medical personnel at Bridgewater are too intimidated by Correction staff to intervene on behalf of their patients when they feel their needs are not being met. It is possible that this same feeling of intimidation will continue if the Medical Director and Administrator report to the Superintendent.

3)  The Department of Correction will evaluate the quality and efficiency of the provision of services under the Contract to ensure that “evidence-based clinical criteria/pathways and best practices from within forensic mental health” are utilized. NAMI Mass believes this would be best accomplished by the Department of Mental Health who possesses the knowledge and qualifications necessary to carry the evaluation of services.

Too Soon to Tell Provisions:

1)  Every story we have heard about violence related to Bridgewater State Hospital has occurred inside of the facility, not at the perimeter or in the surrounding communities. This violence is the result of conflict between patients who are not only mentally ill, but have also been given inadequate treatment in a stressful environment. Maintaining the elements of a medium-security prison, even just at the perimeter of the campus, may  hinder the development of the therapeutic milieu necessary for successful treatment. Security should be approached in a way that guarantees the safety of the patients and staff at Bridgewater State Hospital, but does not perpetuate the current punitive climate.

2) The Contractor is required to provide all personnel with annual training in areas including: introduction to mental illness; prevention and reduction of seclusion and restraint; trauma informed care; and de-escalation. While the RFR states “the department of Mental Health is available for consultation regarding training content and materials,” there is no requirement for the Contractor to include the Department of Mental Health in personnel training. A stronger inclusion of the Department of Mental Health would ensure that the training provided to personnel would fit the needs of the population at Bridgewater State Hospital. 

3)  The Department of Correction leaves program construction and security, staffing patterns, the range of disciplines represented in lower-level staff and staff schedules to the discretion of the bidders. While the Request for Response outlines criteria for what laws need to be met and what kind of qualifications upper-level staff members must carry, there is not a tremendous amount of direction given in any other area. This could allow important programming decisions to be determined by a knowledgeable and well qualified Vendor, but if a poor Vendor is selected it could lead to poor programming and substandard treatment.

While we welcome change to Bridgewater State Hospital and appreciate many of the proposed changes laid out in the Request for Response, NAMI Mass believes that any improvements will be limited by the Department of Correction’s continued responsibility for the evaluation and treatment of men with mental illness.

As long as the Department of Correction maintains oversight of the facility, Massachusetts will stand alone in the country by requiring its state prison authority to assume responsibility for men who, in any other state, would fall under the jurisdiction of the Department of Mental Health. The entire Request for Response can be found at the following link:

https://www.commbuys.com/bso/external/bidDetail.sdo?bidId=BD-17-1025-DOCFS-FISCM- 00000009793&parentUrl=activeBids

MAAPPN September 2017 Quarterly Meeting Announcement

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The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (MAAPPN) is happy to announce that  Representative Denise Garlick will be our speaker at the Tuesday, September 12, 2017 MAAPPN quarterly member meeting at the Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham. 

Representative Denise Garlick represents the 13th Norfolk District, composed of Needham, Dover and Medfield. Her career has been dedicated to public service and advocating for the rights of people.  In addition to her official state duties, she is proud to be a mother and a nurse.

Representative Garlick was elected to the House of Representatives in November of 2010, and is currently the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. This committee, and her role in the House leadership, allows her to have a positive impact on policy formation for her constituents and the Commonwealth. She has previously served as the Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Education and on the Joint Committees on: Public Health, Healthcare Financing and Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

About MAAPPN

MAAPPN (The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses) is a non- profit organization in the state of Massachusetts that exclusively represents the interests of advanced practice psychiatric nurses – both psychiatric clinical nurse specialists and psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Our mission includes legislative goals promoting access to sustainable fiscal policies that support the advanced practice psychiatric nurse as high quality, affordable and accessible providers.

MAAPPN Quarterly Meeting Announcement | September 12, 2017

5:45 pm – 7:00pm – Networking, appetizers, and visit the display tables!
7:00pm – 7:15pm – Welcome & Introductions
7:15pm – 7:45pm – Dinner and Representative Denise Garlick
7:45pm – 9:00pm – Business Meeting

* CEU’s offered

 

Location: Scarlet Oak Tavern, 1217 Main Street , Hingham, MA
Date: Tuesday September 12, 2017
Time: 5:45pm – 9:00pm

Please register early as space is limited.

September 12th membership meeting registration for members is $25.00, to register click on the following link – MEMBER MEETING RATE.

September 12th membership meeting registration for non-members is $75.00. to register click on the following link – NON-MEMBER/GUEST MEETING RATE.

MAAPPN Quarterly Meeting Announcement

If you have items that you would like to have addressed at the meeting, please contact MAAPPN Chair, Diane Grimaldi at dlgrimaldi@comcast.net so she can add them to the agenda.

If you are a company interested in having a display table at the MAAPPN quarterly meeting go to MAAPPN Meeting Sponsorship Booth Space.

For more information visit our website at https://maappn.com/.

We are interested in having new and existing members join our committees, volunteer as guest speakers and make recommendations for topics you would like to hear about at future meetings.  Please help us spread the word by encouraging others to become members and by inviting colleagues to attend quarterly MAAPPN member meetings.

We look forward to seeing you at the MAAPPN Quarterly meeting at Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham, MA on Tuesday September 12, 2017.

Buprenorphine Waiver Course for Providers

Buprenorphine Waiver Course for Providers

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Legislation to permit buprenorphine prescribing by PA’s and NP’s is currently being finalized.

NO FEE, 8 Hours of Free CME’s and CE’s

Date: Saturday, October 29th
Location: Pittsfield Crowne Plaza

Registration 7:30-8:00 am, Training 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Refreshments will be provided

This training is intended for Physicians, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants working with Medication Assisted Treatment

Register at this site:

http://www.cvent.com/events/buprenorphine-waiver-course-for-providers-105-/event-summary-acf88d458867460cb2317f9f1d6f114e.aspx

Paste this link into your browser & find the registration button on the lower right of BSAS flyer or contact Ann McDonald, RN MN (amcdonald@bhs1.org) or Jennifer Michaels, MD (jmich@briencenter.org) with questions

Course Description: Opioid use disorders are at epidemic levels in the United Sates. Medication assisted treatment is the most effective treatment for opioid use disorders. Buprenorphine is approved for treatment in office-based settings. Buprenorphine can only be prescribed by physicians who complete an approved, standardized 8 hour training course as outlined in the Drug Addiction Treatment Act of 2000. Legislation to permit buprenorphine prescribing by PA’s and NP’s is currently being finalized.

Objectives: 

Upon completion of this training the participants will:

  •     Have the training to apply for a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine
  •     Identify and assess patients who are appropriate for buprenorphine
  •     Have specific knowledge concerning the use of buprenorphine to manage opioid use disorder
  •     Discuss the psychiatric and medical co-morbidities associated with opioid use disorders
Annual Awards

Congratulations to Elaine McGrane Olmstead and Janice H. Goodman APNA Award Recipients

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Each year the APNA Annual Awards recognize APNA members who demonstrate excellence in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice, education, research, leadership, community efforts, and more.  This year’s recipients were recognized in person at the APNA 30th Annual Conference that took place October 19-22, 2016 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT.

The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (MAAPPN) would like to congratulate two of our members who the APNA has recognized.

APNA Annual Awards

Congratulations to Elaine McGrane Olmstead, RN MS, PMHCNS of Acton, MA winner of the Award for Innovation – Individual.  The Award for Innovation – Individual is an award that recognizes an APNA member who has developed and/or demonstrated a new, fresh approach to care through innovation in psychiatric-mental health nursing practice.

MAAPPN - Elaine Olmstead

Elaine Olmstead knew for most of her life that she wanted to become a psychiatric-mental health nurse. “My mother had been a psychiatric nurse,” she says, explaining her childhood aspirations. “I’ve always had a curiosity about what makes people tick. I was drawn to nursing so that I could emphasize both the mind and body aspects of care.” Because she devotes her personal and professional time to volunteering with ground-breaking alternative therapies, Elaine Olmstead is the recipient of the 2016 APNA Award for Excellence in Innovation – Individual.

Congratulations also go to Janice H. Goodman, PhD, PMHCNS-BC of Boston, MA winner of the Award for Excellence in Research.  The Award for Excellence in Research is granted to an APNA member who has made a significant contribution to research in psychiatric nursing care, education, leadership/management and/or health services.

MAAPPN - Janice Goodman

An experience during her undergraduate education led Janice Goodman to pursue psychiatric-mental health nursing. “My undergraduate rotation was at Cook County Hospital in Chicago,” Goodman says. “It was eye-opening: I found what I enjoyed most about my work with patients was listening and talking with them – about their experiences, their fears, about what they were thinking and feeling about what was happening to them.” From there, Goodman pursued psychiatric-mental health nursing as a way to connect with patients and discovered a passion for working with pregnant and post-partum women. For her research on perinatal mental health and holistic intervention, Janice Goodman is the recipient of the 2016 APNA Award for Excellence in Research.

MAAPPN is proud to have members who are making a significant impact.

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MAAPPN Reaches Out To DPS on Inclusion of Pscyh CNS for Marijuana Prescribing Privileges

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MAAPPN Board Member, Sharon Reynolds reaches out to Bryan Harter, DPH on certification of patients for use of medical marijuana.

Sharon Reynolds reached out to Bryan Harter, LICSW, Director Medical Use of Marijuana Program, Bureau of Healthcare Safety and Quality, Department of Public Health following review of the DPH initiative on expanding prescriptive authority of medical marijuana to NPs. Reynolds noted that it did not include the Psychiatric CNS and provided a written inquiry to Harter. It was pointed out that we had concern for the omission of the Psychiatric CNSs in the proposed regulatory amendment and would support the inclusion before the amendments were finalized. Harter acknowledged that the amendment did apply to certified NPs and encouraged participation int he 60 day public comment period now in progress.

Proposed Amendments to 105 CMR 725

See articles as reported in the press: State Moves to Ease Access to Medical Marijuana 

Bryan has provided his contact information for further questions.

Bryan Harter, MBA, LICSW | Director
Medical Use of Marijuana Program
Bureau of Healthcare Safety and Quality
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
bryan.harter@state.ma.us | T: 617.753.8187  | Mass.gov/MedicalMarijuana

MA Health Provider

Paperwork to Become a MA Health Provider

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For the meaningful use incentive program, you are required to be a MA Health Provider.  If you are not currently enrolled as an active MA Health Provider (most of us are not), you will require a special enrollment to continue the attestation process.

Complete the forms in the link and returned along with a copy of the current Medical License to the MassEHR email address: MassEHR@masstech.org

****Please note that some forms require hard copies with signed signatures i.e. a voided check, W-9 form – You would be better off mailing in the packet of forms to the address below.

http://mehi.masstech.org/sites/mehi/files/documents/Medicaid/Special_Enrollment/Special%20Enrollment%20Checklist%20updated%207-18-16.pdf

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the EHR Operations department at 1-855-627-7347. They are very helpful!!

MeHI Medicaid EHR Operations Department
Massachusetts eHealth Institute; Massachusetts Technology Collaborative
100 North Drive, Westborough, MA 01581
P: 855-627-7347, F: 508-898-3211
MassEHR@MassTech.org

MeHi

Meaningful Use/EHR Incentive Program Update

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MAAPPN welcomed Al Wroblewski as our speaker at the September Member Meeting. Information about how to participate in the EHR incentive program was reviewed and deadlines identified. You can access the  presentation slides on the MeHi website under the Education menu in either PDF or PowerPoint format.

For detailed step-by-step instructions as to how to register for the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program, visit our MU Toolkit.

Reminder: Program Year 2016 is your last chance to initiate program participation. Start the registration process now, purchase a certified EHR system/upgrade by December 31, 2016, and submit your attestation by March 31, 2017.

http://mehi.masstech.org/news/psychiatric-clinical-nurse-specialists-are-now-eligible-medicaid-ehr-incentive-program

 

For Questions Contact:

Al Wroblewski , PCMH, CCE, (Patient Centered Medical Home, Certified Content Expert).

Client Services Relationship Manager from eHealth Services & Support at the Massachusetts eHealth Institute, MA Technology Collaborative.

wroblewski@masstech.org

508-870-0312 ext. 603 or cell 774-262-4154

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maappn-meeting

MAAPPN December 2016 Quarterly Meeting Announcement

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Join MAAPPN for an evening of colleagueship, networking, education, job opportunities, legislative
updates and a great dinner. The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric
Nurses (MAAPPN) will hold our next quarterly meeting on Monday, December 5, 2016 at Tuscan Kitchen in Burlington, Massachusetts from 5:45pm – 9pm.

About MAAPPN

MAAPPN (The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses) is a non- profit organization in the state of Massachusetts that exclusively represents the interests of advanced practice psychiatric nurses – both psychiatric clinical nurse specialists and psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Our mission includes legislative goals promoting access to sustainable fiscal policies that support the advanced practice psychiatric nurse as high quality, affordable and accessible providers.

MAAPPN Quarterly Meeting Announcement | December 5, 2016

5:45 pm – 7:00pm – Networking, appetizers, and visit the display tables!
7:00pm – 7:15pm – Welcome & Introductions
7:15pm – 7:45pm – Dinner and Speaker TBA*
7:45pm – 9:00pm – Business Meeting

* CEU’s offered

Location: Tuscan Kitchen
Date: Monday, December 5, 2016
Time: 5:45pm – 9:00pm

Please register early as space is limited.

December 5th membership meeting registration for members is $25.00, to register click on the following link – MEMBER MEETING RATE.

December 5th membership meeting registration for non-members is $75.00. to register click on the following link – NON-MEMBER/GUEST MEETING RATE.

MAAPPN Quarterly Meeting Announcement

If you have items that you would like to have addressed at the meeting, please contact MAAPPN Chair, Diane Grimaldi at dlgrimaldi@comcast.net so she can add them to the agenda.

If you are a company interested in having a display table at the MAAPPN quarterly meeting go to MAAPPN Meeting Sponsorship Booth Space.

To sign up and pay for your membership meeting please click on the following link MAAPPN.
For more information visit our website at https://maappn.com/.

We are interested in having new and existing members join our committees, volunteer as guest speakers and make recommendations for topics you would like to hear about at future meetings.  Please help us spread the word by encouraging others to become members and by inviting colleagues to attend quarterly MAAPPN member meetings.

We look forward to seeing you at the MAAPPN Quarterly meeting at Tuscan Kitchen in Burlington, Massachusetts on Monday, December 5, 2016.

 

September 19th MAAPPN Meeting | New Speaker Announcement

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MAAPPN is announcing a last minute change in our September 19th meeting schedule.  Unfortunately Dr. Maureen Beirne Streff, EdD, RN, MSN, PMHCNS, BC, our keynote speaker, fractured her ankle and won’t be able to speak at the meeting as scheduled.

Instead, we will have a timely presentation by Al Wroblewski of the Massachusetts eHealth Institute on how to apply for the lump sum $21,250 per provider incentive for using or switching to electronic health records, with an additional lump sum of $8,500 per year possible for up to 5 more years.  If just over 30 percent of your billed visits during a 90-day period in the past year were for patients with Mass Health-subsidized plans (including Neighborhood Health Plan and other Beacon plans) you may qualify. Deadline is end of 2016.

Our meeting will be on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham, Massachusetts.

***  REMINDER: Pre-registration is necessary due to space limitations. ***

Agenda

5:45 pm – 7:00pm – Networking, appetizers, and visit the display tables!
7:00pm – 7:15pm – Welcome & Introductions
7:15pm – 7:45pm – Dinner and Speaker Al Wroblewski *
7:45pm – 9:00pm – Business Meeting

* CEU’s offered

 

Location: Scarlet Oak Tavern, 1217 Main Street, Hingham, MA
Date: Monday, September 19, 2016
Time: 5:45pm – 9:00pm

 

September 19th membership meeting registration for members is $25.00, to register click on the following link – MEMBER MEETING RATE.

September 19th membership meeting registration for non-members is $75.00. to register click on the following link – NON-MEMBER/GUEST MEETING RATE.

Thanks to our wonderful and generous sponsors!  We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors, who play an integral role in our quarterly meetings.  Please be certain to visit them during the event and join us in thanking the following organizations (click the link to learn more about each contributor).  Together we are all helping to make a difference in the lives of many.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. & Lundbeck
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Shire Pharmaceuticals

We look forward to seeing you at the MAAPPN Quarterly meeting at Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham, Massachusetts on Monday, September 19, 2016.

Together we are all helping to make a difference in the lives of many.

September 19th Meeting Reminder | MAAPPN

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This is a quick reminder that our next meeting will be on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham, Massachusetts.

***  REMINDER: Pre-registration is necessary due to space limitations. ***

This meeting we have the pleasure of having one of our very own founding MAAPPN members Dr. Maureen Beirne Streff, EdD, RN, MSN, PMHCNS, BC, joining us to discuss the earlier challenges, and historical accomplishments of the organization and share insights about our current mission and aspirations

*** Great networking opportunities as well as appetizers, wine and visiting with sponsors from 5:45 – 7:00 prior to dinner and speaker. ***

Agenda

5:45 pm – 7:00pm – Networking, appetizers, and visit the display tables!
7:00pm – 7:15pm – Welcome & Introductions
7:15pm – 7:45pm – Dinner and Speaker Dr. Maureen Beirne Streff *
7:45pm – 9:00pm – Business Meeting

* CEU’s offered

Location: Scarlet Oak Tavern, 1217 Main Street, Hingham, MA
Date: Monday, September 19, 2016
Time: 5:45pm – 9:00pm

September 19th membership meeting registration for members is $25.00, to register click on the following link – MEMBER MEETING RATE.

September 19th membership meeting registration for non-members is $75.00. to register click on the following link – NON-MEMBER/GUEST MEETING RATE.

Thanks to our wonderful and generous sponsors!  We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors, who play an integral role in our quarterly meetings.  Please be certain to visit them during the event and join us in thanking the following organizations (click the link to learn more about each contributor).  Together we are all helping to make a difference in the lives of many.

Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. & Lundbeck
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Shire Pharmaceuticals

We look forward to seeing you at the MAAPPN Quarterly meeting at Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham, Massachusetts on Monday, September 19, 2016.

Scarlet Oak Tavern

MAAPPN September 2016 Quarterly Meeting Announcement

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Please join us for our next quarterly MAAPPN member meeting which will be held at the renowned Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham. In addition to our networking hour and important legislative updates, we have a special guest speaker as well.

Founding MAAPPN member Dr. Maureen Beirne Streff, EdD, RN, MSN, PMHCNS, BC, will be joining us to discuss the earlier challenges, and historical accomplishments of the organization and share insights about our current mission and aspirations

Given the venue and the agenda, this is sure to be a memorable evening. Our last few meetings have been near or over capacity, so please be sure to register early. Registration at the door will depend upon availability of space and cannot be guaranteed.

About MAAPPN

MAAPPN (The Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses) is a non- profit organization in the state of Massachusetts that exclusively represents the interests of advanced practice psychiatric nurses – both psychiatric clinical nurse specialists and psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Our mission includes legislative goals promoting access to sustainable fiscal policies that support the advanced practice psychiatric nurse as high quality, affordable and accessible providers.

MAAPPN Quarterly Meeting Announcement | September 19, 2016

5:45pm – 7:00pm – Networking, appetizers, and visit the display tables!
7:00pm – 7:15pm – Welcome & Introductions
7:15pm – 7:45pm – Dinner and Speaker Dr. Maureen Beirne Streff *
7:45pm – 9:00pm – Business Meeting

* CEU’s offered

Location: Scarlet Oak Tavern, 1217 Main Street, Hingham, MA
Date: Monday, September 19, 2016
Time: 5:45pm – 9:00pm

Please register early as space is limited.

September 19th membership meeting registration for members is $25.00, to register click on the following link – Members Registration.

September 19th membership meeting registration for non-members is $75.00. to register click on the following link – Non-Members Registration.

MAAPPN Quarterly Meeting Announcement

If you have items that you would like to have addressed at the meeting, please contact MAAPPN Chair, Diane Grimaldi at dlgrimaldi@comcast.net so she can add them to the agenda.

If you are a company interested in having a display table at the MAAPPN quarterly meeting go to MAAPPN Meeting Sponsorship Booth Space.

To sign up and pay for your membership meeting please click on the following link MAAPPN.
For more information visit our website at https://maappn.com/.

We are interested in having new and existing members join our committees, volunteer as guest speakers and make recommendations for topics you would like to hear about at future meetings.  Please help us spread the word by encouraging others to become members and by inviting colleagues to attend quarterly MAAPPN member meetings.

We look forward to seeing you at the MAAPPN Quarterly meeting at Scarlet Oak Tavern in Hingham, MA on Monday, September 19, 2016.

Mental Health Coalition Update

Mental Health Coalition Update 189th General Court (2015-2016)

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MAAPPN has long been an active participant in the Mental Health Coalition and attends the monthly meetings on your behalf! The Mental Health Coalition consists of representatives from the provider, advocacy and health care systems groups as well as representatives from DMH and policy organizations (for a complete list see the end of this post). The work of the group is to identify areas of shared concern for legislation, policy or regulatory issues that we might work together on to advance mental health and substance abuse practice and policy issues in the state.
As the 189th General Court comes to a close MAAPPN looks ahead to the next 2 year legislative session (the 190th).  If you have an issue for the Mental Health Coalition please forward your thoughts to Kathy Andolina at  kathy@kandolina.com

Next Meeting: Weds July 20th 9 am – 11:30 AM

Location: 14 Beacon St, Suite 409, Boston, MA  
Bill Updates
MAAPPN and MH Coalition to meet with Speaker DeLeo June 22….
Anti-Clawback H. 925 
An Act to limit retroactive denials of health insurance claims for mental health and substance abuse services.
Currently, health insurers are able to retroactively collect payments to providers even if the services were initially approved by the insurer. Some of these retroactive claims denials occur years after the service was rendered and the claim was submitted to the insurer. We are supporting H. 925 to rectify this situation and limit “clawback” or retroactive claims denial to six months from the submission of the claim.  Bill Sponsors and Primary Sponsor:  James J. O’Day This Bill sits in:Joint Committee on Financial Services

Status: Coalition and providers have a meeting with Speaker DeLeo on Weds June 22, at 2PM to urge action on this bill.     
Opiate Bill Passes…
Bill H.4056 was signed by the Governor in MArch and establishes a number of actions aimed at reducing opioid deaths in MA including educational, reporting and practice changes such as:
  • provision allowing pharmacists to dispense fewer tablets then ordered
  • the use of a voluntary “non-opiate directive form” for patients who can not then be offered or prescribed opiates
  • strengthened patient education re: risks, benefits, alternative discussions
  • limiting first time prescriptions of opiates for NO MORE THEN 7 days
  • mandatory use of the “Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP)
  • data reporting to identify patterns in providers who are prescribing opiates
  • mandatory substance abuse evaluations for ER patients having received naloxone
Status: Passed
Telemedicine H. 267
An Act advancing and expanding access to telemedicine services 
This bill is about access to telemedicine services by allowing certain clinicians to be credentialed and allowing for coverage of such services by all payers and the Medicaid program. The Mental Health Coalition has been researching this issue for the past year and a half. We have sought consultation from the New England Telehealth Resource center (NETRC) and reviewed model legislation as well as laws passed in other states. The Coalition concurs that any telehealth bill should pertain to MA licensed providers, reimburse for services equal to in-person rates, be free from geographical restrictions and use updated terminology that recognizes multidisciplinary providers.  There are a number of telehealth bills before the legislature at this time. The Coalition has been primarily focused on H 267. Bill Sponsors:  Primary Sponsor: John W. Scibak This bill sits in: Joint Committee on Health Care Financing
Status:  Reporting Date extended to June 22, 2016  
Continuity of Care H.785
An Act relative to the continuity of care of mental health treatment
A carrier shall allow any insured who is engaged in a continuing course of treatment with a licensed mental health provider eligible for coverage under the plan, and whose provider in connection with said mental health treatment is involuntarily or voluntarily disenrolled, other than for quality-related reasons or for fraud, or whose carrier has changed for any reason thereby placing the provider out-of-network, to continue treatment with said provider through an out-of-network option….  Bill Sponsors; Primary Sponsor: Ruth B Balser.  This bill sits in Joint Committee on Financial Services:
Status: Ordered into study on 3/28/16.
Conversion Therapy Bill H.97
An Act relative to abusive practices to change sexual orientation and gender identity in minors.
This bill prohibits any licensed MH or human service professional from using therapeutic practices to change a minor’s sexual orientation or gender identity. AND requires mandatory reports to report cases of suspected us of conversion therapy AND defines advertisements as deceptive practices which violate consumer protection laws. DOES NOT APPLY over 18 yo, non-licensed, faith based counselors. Bill Sponsors:  Primary Sponsor: Rep Kay Khan This bill sits in:Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities
Status:  Jan 2016 put in for a second reading.
Parity H.786
An Act requiring mental health parity for disability policies
Mental Health Law Advocates have taken the lead on this issue for years. Parity laws say that health insurance companies must cover mental health and addiction treatment at least to the extent that they cover treatment for physical health conditions. MA is subjected to two sets of laws (State and federal) –  H.786 asks that the federal laws be followed. Even with biologically based disorders – coverage for medically necessary treatments such as  ART, may not be covered under the current law. H786 mandates that plans continue coverage for children and adolescents for therapies r/t non-biologically based disorders as well. H 786 further addresses how co-pays and deductibles for MH services cant be more restrictive then for medical/surgical services AND # of visits and PA requirements can not be more restrictive.  Bill Sponsors: Primary Sponsor: Rep. Ruth B. Balser This bill sits in:Joint Committee on Financial Services

Status: Put into study.
Other Bills/Issues being monitored:
An Act relative to insurance coverage for PANDAS/PANS.  Sponsors: Primary Sponsor: John W. Scibak This bill sits in: Joint Committee on Financial Services
Status: Put into study March, 2016
An Act prohibiting the participation of healthcare professionals in the torture and abuse of prisoners. Bill Sponsors; Primary Sponsor: Michael S. Day; This bill sits in: Joint Committee on Public Health
Status: Reporting date extended to June 30, 2016
 
Regulatory Reform and State Agency Monitoring
The Mental Health Coalition participates in efforts to address regulatory reform  and policy advocacy which require strategies such as forming advisory task forces and out reach. The Mental Health Coalition debates whether to act individually or as a group when addressing efforts promoted by these agencies.
Department of Mental Health (Steve Cidlevich) Budget for FY2017 $320 million shortfall in expected revenues for the state means anticipated cuts to Housing, Hospital and Emergency Services.  The MH Coalition will be drafting a letter to the House and Senate leaders advocating funding recommendations.
One Care Mass Health and Medicare: Susan Fendell, Senior Attorney,Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee encourages member groups to participate in webinar (see below) which emphasizes the need for patients to have choice in who has access to their mental health information. Spirited debate on issues of “silos’, anosognosia and over-reliance on providers who do not have all the information to make safe treatment decision.

Webinar: Promoting Behavioral Health Privacy Principles within One Care

Date: June 14, 2016
Time: Noon – 1:00 PM
This webinar will describe how the stigma associated with behavioral health can affect access to care and share principles and practices identified by the Behavioral Health Privacy Workgroup to promote the use of behavioral health privacy principles within the One Care model.
The Behavioral Health/EHR Task Force
Task Force advises Sec. Mary Lou Sudders on information highway
MAAPPN is participating in a work group with other providers and lead by Midge Williams, MaMHCA.  The task force is charged with advising HHS Secretary Mary Lou Sudders on  issues, barriers and recommendations for how providers can connect to the information highway and integrate behavioral health and primary care.
The report is due by  June 15, 2016.  Recommendations include provisions for financial support for training, technology standards, identification of data that is appropriate and necessary to share, how to handle and prevent breaches, how to monitor compliance and scale of practice issues.  The Task Force is strongly recommending that the deadline of implementation (January 1, 2017) be pushed out due ot concern for it being an unrealistic goal.
Federal Initiatives for Mental Health,  Substance Abuse and Public Safety
The Mental Health Coalition recognizes that while our efforts are primarily focused on Massachusetts, there national initiatives that have all but stalled.  The Coalition has reached out to federal legislators to seek ways to work together on federal legislation such as gun regulation and mental health and substance abuse issues of concern at both state and federal levels. The Coalition will be involving legislators like:
Rep Joseph Kennedy III whose initiatives include:
Members, Mental Health Coalition
Kathy Andolina,  RN, CS, PC
Massachusetts Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses (MAAPPN)
638 Main St #243
Walpole, MA 02180
Stephen Cidlevich
Director of Constituent Affairs
25 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
Vicker V. DiGravio, III
President/CEO
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Corporations of Massachusetts, Inc.
251 West Central Street, Suite 21
Natick, MA 01760
Brian Doherty, MPA
Massachusetts Psychological Association
195 Worcester St., Suite 303
Wellesley, MA 02481
Susan Fendell, Senior Attorney
Supreme Judical Court
Comm. Of Massachusetts
Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee
24 School Street, 8th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Michael A. Goldberg, Ph.D.
Acting Director of Professional Affairs, Past-President
Massachusetts Psychological Association
195 Worcester Street, Suite 303
Wellesley, MA 02481
169 Libbey Parkway, Second Floor
East Weymouth, MA 02189
Jonas Goldenberg
NASW MA Chapter
14 Beacon Street, Suite 409
Boston, MA 02108
Anuj K. Goel, Esq.
Vice President, Legal and Regulatory Affairs
Massachusetts Hospital Association
500 District Avenue
Burlington, MA 01803-5096
Mary Grant, Health Policy
ANA-MA
American Nurses Association Massachusetts
P.O. Box 285
Milton, MA 02186

Diane Jeffery
MARN (Mass Association of Registered Nurses)
P.O. Box 285
Milton, MA 02186
Lisa Lambert
Parent Professional Advocacy League
45 Bromfield Street,10th Floor
Boston, MA 02108
Danna Mauch, President and CEO
Massachusetts Mental Health Association
50 Federal Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Bruce Maloof
171 Swanton St Unit 77
Winchester, MA 01980
David Matteodo, (MABHS)
The Massachusetts Association of Behavioral Health Systems
115 Mill Street MS 102
Belmont, MA 02478
Anne Manton
Donna Mauch, MMHA
PhD, President and CEO,
Massachusetts Mental Health Association
50 Federal Street,6th Floor
Boston, MA 02110
Laurie Martinelli
NAMI – Mass
The Schrafft Center
529 Main St #1M17,
Boston, MA 02129
Christine Poff, Director of Government Relations and Political Action
NSW MA Chapter
14 Beacon St., Suite 409
Boston, MA 02108
Lisa Simonetti
MA Psychiatric Society
860 Winter Street
Waltham, MA 02451
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 549154
Waltham, MA 02454-9154
Carol J. Trust, Exec Director
NASW MA Chapter
14 Beacon Street, Suite 409
Boston, MA 02108
Midge Williams
MaMHCA
17 Cocasset Street
Foxboro, MA 02035
Joe Weeks, LMHC,
President, MaMHCA
17 Cocasset Street
Foxboro, MA 02035
Jennifer Warkentin, Director of Professional Affairs
Massachusetts Psychological Association
195 Worcester St., Suite 303
Wellesley, MA 02481
Jonas Goldenberg
NASW MA Chapter
14 Beacon Street, Suite 409
Boston, MA 02108
updated 6/2016

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Wellesley Hills Office Space

Wellesley Hills Office Space

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Seeking licensed Behavioral Health Clinician to sublet a charming, furnished office space, in desirable Wellesley Hills location, just minutes away from Mass Pike/128 and Rt. 9 exits.  The space is available to sublet 3 1/2-4 days/week.  The office is in a suite of 9 offices occupied by Behavioral Health Clinicians, 6 of whom are Clinical Nurse Specialists.

If interested, please email to the following:  kwmuller@comcast.net, or call 781-489-6140 and push “0” to leave a message for Kathleen Muller.