Disaster Recovery Services

Kenyon International Emergency Services, Inc., a disaster management company, and Crisis Care Network, a provider of critical incident response services to the workplace, are partnering in the delivery of psychological first aid during disaster management responses. Kenyon specializes in contingency planning, disaster management response and recovery, identification of human remains and personal effects, training, family assistance, call centers, memorials, and humanitarian services. Crisis Care Network coordinates on-site and telephonic responses and has developed CrisisCoach, a Web-enabled critical incident response management system. A select team of Crisis Care Network specialists will augment Kenyon's responses with additional support for the families of the deceased. For more information, visit http://www.kenyoninternational.com or http://www.crisiscare.com.

Drug for Seasonal Depression

The FDA has approved Wellbutrin XL® (bupropion HCl extended-release tablets) for the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes in patients with a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Wellbutrin XL is the first and only medication approved to prevent seasonal major depressive episodes. A combined analysis of three clinical trials showed that Wellbutrin XL reduces the chance of developing a seasonal major depressive episode by 44%.

AABH Annual Conference

The Association for Ambulatory Behavioral Healthcare's Annual Conference will be August 6-8 in Chicago. The theme is “The Winds of Change—Adjusting Your Sails for PHP and Intensive Outpatient Services.” The conference will include a screening of Out of the Shadow, a documentary about a family's struggle to deal with a mother with schizophrenia in a public health system. For more information, visit http://www.aabh.org.

Online Mental Health Service

http://LetsTalkCounseling.com has released version 7.0 of its tele-mental health network. This new version includes a Provider Virtual Office designed for easy use, along with secure e-mail and secure chat with secure audio capabilities (dial-up users can have phone quality secure sessions). Version 7.0 includes secure audiovisual compression for DSL or cable high-speed Internet users. All provider tools are HIPAA compliant.

New Company Acquires Remuda Ranch

Haven Behavioral Healthcare, Inc., has acquired Remuda Ranch Co., an Arizona-based inpatient and residential center for women suffering from eating disorders and related issues. This is Haven's first acquisition and operating unit.

Formed in May through a partnership with Thoma Cressey Equity Partners and Clayton Associates, Haven is focused on providing specialty behavioral healthcare services by partnering with or acquiring behavioral healthcare providers.

“Thoma Cressey recognizes a market opportunity in the behavioral healthcare industry and created Haven with an experienced management team to build a leading specialty inpatient behavioral business,” said Peter Ehrich, partner at Thoma Cressey.

Confidentiality and Communication Education

The Legal Action Center's 2006 edition of Confidentiality and Communication: A Guide to the Federal Alcohol & Drug Confidentiality Law and HIPAA explains the federal confidentiality regulations specific to alcohol and drug programs (42 C.F.R. Part 2) and HIPAA. New information is included, such as recent rulings about HIPAA, updated model forms, and sections on consent forms, use of modern technology, and many other topics.

The Legal Action Center also offers online training courses. The two-hour Introduction and four-hour Advanced course explain 42 C.F.R. Part 2 and HIPAA. Participants can start and stop the courses at their convenience.

For more information, visit http://www.lac.org.

Generic Zoloft

Generic versions of Zoloft (sertraline) are coming, as Pfizer, Inc.'s patent on the drug has expired. The FDA has approved Zoloft tablets manufactured by IVAX Pharmaceuticals and a liquid concentrate manufactured by Roxane Laboratories, Inc. A Pfizer subsidiary also plans on selling a generic version of Zoloft.

Medicaid Citizenship Requirements Tool Kit

A free provider tool kit on Medicaid proof of citizenship requirements is available from the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. Behavioral health provider organizations can use the tool kit to help Medicaid-eligible consumers meet the new requirements, which became effective July 1. The tool kit is designed to help direct-care staff understand CMS guidelines and help individuals produce the required proof of citizenship. The tool kit is available at http://www.nccbh.org (in the Public Policy section).

Web-Based QI Resource

Danya International, Inc., has launched a Web-based performance measurement resource (http://www.improveoutcomes.com) designed to enhance the quality of services from addiction treatment programs. http://ImproveOutcomes.com incorporates performance improvement principles and tools with the accreditation standards established by CARF and JCAHO. Other site features include clinical practice guidelines and related adherence audit tools, templates and tips for developing outcome measurement reports, a guide for conducting quality improvement processes, academic tutorials on healthcare quality improvement, online courses, and an interactive discussion forum. Use of the site is free, made possible through support from sponsors such as Netsmart Technologies, Inc.