Communiqués for Providers
DHS-contracted providers are encouraged to visit this page frequently. Announcements concerning policy changes and best-practices along with information dealing with conferences and staff development opportunities will be posted. Content that may be of interest to providers in more than one service area is posted at the top of the page. Content that may be of interest to providers in specific service areas is posted under those headings.
All DHS-contracted Providers
Policy Updates
Voter Photo ID requirements
Voters in the U.S. general election on November 6 will be asked to show a form of current, valid photo ID in order to cast their ballots. Individuals without photo IDs can obtain one through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Please visit the Penn DOT site for details.
Definition of "recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders" updated
SAMHSA announced a new working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders as: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
SAMHSA announced a new working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders as: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.Frequently Asked Questions re: behavioral health treatment parity
Issued by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Labor, these FAQs discuss mental health/addiction treatment parity. Discussed in particular is the requirement that plans subject to the parity law shall not use stricter preauthorization or utilization management procedures for mental health or addiction treatment services generally than for physical health services.
Important changes to Medical Assistance benefits begin Jan. 3, 2012
The Department of Public Welfare is making a change to Medical Assistance prescription drug benefit. Please read this notice carefully.
Research Combining Multivariate Mental Health and Substance Use Assessment
The Drug Use Screening Inventory-Revised (DUSI-R) remains the gold standard of validated self-report multivariate mental health and substance use assessment and continues to be adopted as the instrument of choice around the world.
Used in more than 20 countries including the U.S. and Australia, and those in Central/South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Available in 15 languages (youth and adult versions). Over 50 peer-reviewed publications.
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Drug and Alcohol Services
BDAP Manuals and Instructions
Conventions
East Coast Convention 16 (ECCNA), June 15 through June 17, Robert Morris University, Moon Township
The convention will carry the message of recovery through daily workshops and evening speaker-events to those who still suffer.
Monthly Provider Meetings
Meetings are held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the second Monday of each month
Human Services Building
One Smithfield Street, Lower Level
Liberty conference room
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-2221
Policy Updates
Strengthening Treatment And Recovery (STAR) Data System Information
All providers of substance abuse services will soon be required to utilize the STAR Data System. The new STAR Data System will be the replacement system for the Client Information System. Mandatory four-day trainings begin in April. Providers are encouraged to review the schedule and register early as seating at popular locations may be limited.
Professional Development
East Coast Convention 16 (ECCNA), June 15 through June 17, Robert Morris University, Moon Township
The convention will carry the message of recovery through daily workshops and evening speaker-events to those who still suffer.
Sexuality, Sexual Orientation & Sexual Identity in Addiction Recovery Webinar, May 30, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Dr. Penelope P. Ziegler, Medical Director Virginia Health Practitioners' Monitoring Program, will discuss the basics of sexuality as a component of addiction treatment, and will provide an overview of the special issues and needs of addiction treatment for patients who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
Creating a Front Door to Engage & Retain Clients With an SUD (11MB)
This PowerPoint presentation is useful in helping providers engage substance-use-disorders clients in treatment and keep them coming back.
Resources
Addiction Messenger - Dec 2011
Screening and Treatment for Adolescents with Substance Use Disorders: Part 2
The first issue of this two-part series explored key differences between treating adolescents and adults, and ways in which clinical interventions and service delivery should be redesigned to meet adolescents’ unique needs. This issue highlights specific evidence-based screening, assessment and treatment strategies.
Pennsylvania Network of Care for Mental/Behavioral Health
Network of Care was recognized as a model program by the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health and provides vital information to help link consumers to support groups and personal advocacy resources in the community. The site also provides a repository of evidence-based practices – successful, creative ways for communities to respond to their behavioral-health needs.
Seeking Drug Abuse Treatment: Know what to ask
Offers valuable information for individuals, families, and friends seeking a drug abuse treatment program.Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) 31
Technical Assistance Publication (TAP) 31
Offers administrators guidelines on integrating evidence-based practices into alcohol abuse and drug abuse treatment programs. Suggests ways to assess organizational readiness, plan and implement changes, evaluate progress, and sustain change over time.
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