Madc public Policy Subcommittee Minutes Telephone Conference Call December 9, 2011 9: 00 – 10: 00 am attendance

Lynn H. Albizo, Kevin Amado, Mark Donovan, Suzanne Harrison, Kathleen O’Brien, Tracey Myers-Preston, Nancy Rosen-Cohen, Cindy Shaw-Wilson, Pat Stabile.

1. 
   Minutes for November were approved.
   
2. 
   Lynn Albizo gave the following updates:
   

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  Consultant Meetings and Option Paper : MADC had a number of conference calls and took input regarding the consultant integration recommendation paper. MADC submitted a comment letter that is posted on the integration website and the MADC website. In general we expressed concern about the lack of detailed recommendations related to implementation in Maryland and emphasized the elements that should be included in an ideal system.
  
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  Meeting with MCO representatives: Lynn and Gale met with representatives from Amerigroup to open communication and share our concerns regarding MCO practices. The acknowledged the need to follow ASAM criteria in Maryland. We discussed integration options as well.
  
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  Joint Chairman’s Report – MCO data: The Chairman’s report was released that included the MCO data on the shift of PAC funds. The report confirms that PAC has expanded access. However, data from the state on use of grant funds is missing. To get a true picture there needs to be more comprehensive data. A joint letter was sent to Dr. Sharfstein from MADC, MCADD and the University of Maryland Drug Policy Clinic acknowledging the report and requesting additional data.
  
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  Meeting with Dr. Sharfstein: A group of MADC representatives met with Dr. Sharfstein on Friday Dec. 1. Included in the meeting was Gale Saler, Tracey Myers-Preston, Lynn Albizo and Kathleen O’Brien. Dr. Sharfstein also included Tom Cardgulio and The Renata Henry. We discussed concerns regarding access to data, the integration process and numerous concerns regarding the Board of professional Counselors. Sharftstein was amenable to appointing a committee to address the shortage of substance use disorder professionals in Maryland. Currently, MADC is gathering suggestions from members categories of people who should be represented on the committee. These may include, public and private providers, university representatives, persons in recover and various professional board representatives. Lynn requested that members email Lynn at madcpublicaffairs@gmail.com with recommendations regarding potential members of a workforce taskforce
  
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  Meetings with Legislators: A number of members of the Advocates Team have been meeting with key legislators to introduce ourselves and to express the concerns of substance use disorder providers throughout the State. The meetings have been very productive and have laid the groundwork for our policy work during the legislative session. At the meetings we discussed the key elements in our legislative platform, shared useful fact sheets on the workforce shortage, ASAM levels of care, residential services, health care reform, and state budget issues. We also shared MADC’s document on an Ideal Substance Use Disorder Treatment system. Legislators appreciated the shared information and specific examples provided by the advocates. They acknowledged MADC as an important resource on issues related to substance use disorders. We are continuing to work with legislators to ensure that our concerns are at the forefront during the legislative session.
  

3. 
   Plan for Session
   

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  January 12 meetings – There are meetings scheduled for January 12 with Senator Dyson and Delegate Waldstreicher. We have also requested meetings with other Legislators at the beginning of session. Please let Lynn know if you are able to join the meetings on January 12.
  
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  We will also be scheduling additional meetings and will need volunteers to go to Annapolis in January.
  

4. 
   Legislative Session
   

The Secretary has also indicated that he will be introducing legislation to have a process in place to resolve scope of practice disputes without having to go through the legislature.

5. 
   Announcements
   

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  We are still asking members to sign on to the Position Statement on behalf of substance use disorder stakeholders on the Delivery of Addiction, Mental Health and Health Services Under Health Care Reform. MADC has signed this statement and we encourage member agencies to sign on as well. The goal is to have a large number of organizations sign onto the statement so that it will have greater value. This statement will be used to guide Maryland decision makers in the development of Health Care Reform efforts in the State. The position statement was sent out in a notice yesterday and is found on the website at http://madc.homestead.com/Position-Statements.html
  
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  Please email Lynn at madcpublicaffairs@gmail.com with recommendations for workforce taskforce members.
  
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  Advocacy tools and information on the session will be posted at: http://madc.homestead.com/AdvocacyLandingPage.html
  
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  Updated information on integration efforts can be found at: http://www.dhmh.state.md.us/bhd/integrationefforts.html