CMSA Invites Public Comment for “Case / Care Management Guidelines” Regarding Transition of Care
The Case Management Society of America is inviting public comment on “Case / Care Management Guidelines” as proposed by the National Transitions of Care Coalition (NTOCC), the Case Management Society of America, and the National Association of Social Workers. These guidelines are proposed to provide a framework for assessment to facilitate both transitions between levels of care and communication among professionals and clients. The survey is open until August 6, 2007.
If you are not familiar with NTOCC, please visit http://www.ntocc.org/.
The National Transition of Care Coalition (NTOCC) was formed to bring together thought leaders and healthcare providers from various care settings to address improving the quality of care coordination and communication when patients are transferred from one level of care to another. Transitions in care include a patient moving from primary care to specialty physicians. Within the hospital; it would include patients moving from the emergency department to various departments, such as surgery or intensive care, or when patients are discharged from the hospital and go home or to assisted living arrangements or skilled nursing facilities.
Click here to read the proposed document and submit your comments.
NPR Audio Interview on Healthcare Spending as it Relates to the Auto Industry
The issue of healthcare will be a leading topic in the upcoming Presidential Election. Take a few minutes to listen to Len Nichols, an economist and Director of the Health Policy Committee for the New America Foundation, a Think Tank based in Washington, DC. Nichols talks about the issue of sky rocking healthcare costs and alternatives that employers are discussing as they negotiate contract with employees in the auto industry. NPR
Nationwide Survey Shows Most Illicit Drug Users and Heavy Alcohol Users Are in the Workplace and May Pose Special Problems
A survey released last week documents important information for case managers. One of the core functions all case managers strive to achieve is to ensure the patients they manage improve so they can achieve their highest level of function and, if able, to return to gainful employment. The survey, which was produced by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Association (SAMHSA), says that most of the nation’s approximately 16.4 million current illicit drug users and approximately 15 million heavy alcohol users hold full-time jobs.The study, Worker Substance Use and Workplace Policies and Programs, shows that substance use can pose significant risks to workers’ health and productivity. The report also says that workers who use illicit drugs are less likely than nonusers to be employed by companies that have drug or alcohol testing policies and programs. Case managers can utilize this survey to review with employers current screening processes to address those at risk for alcohol and substance abuse and work together to develop a program to address the program. SAMHSA
Editor’s Note: We will cover this topic in the December 2007 issue of Case in Point. If you have experience in this arena, please email me at allewellyn@dorlandhealth.com so I can learn first hand how case managers are making a difference in this area.
Best Practice in Consumer Empowerment and Protection
URAC has announced the roll-out of a new awards competition for the nation’s best programs that promote consumer empowerment and protection. The 2008 Best Practices in Consumer Empowerment and Protection Awards, Conference & Exhibit, to be held March 25-26, 2008 in Orlando, FL, will feature the Best Practices award winners among entries from health plans, pharmacy benefit management organizations, care/medical management companies and health information technology companies. The deadline for entries is August 15, 2007. Click here to learn more.
