Tag: MHA Keystone Center PSO

SAMHSA Issues Final Rule on OUD Treatment

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) issued a final rule Jan. 31 updating regulations for Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) and standards for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). These rules make permanent some of the COVID-19 flexibilities and reflect updated treatment guidelines.

These updated rules apply to OTP programs, but do not apply more broadly to virtual prescribing of controlled substances.

Modifications outlined in the final rule include:

  • Buprenorphine prescriptions to be prescribed through telehealth without an initial in-person evaluation.
  • Buprenorphine prescriptions can be prescribed through audio-only telehealth.
  • Allows prescribers in OTP more flexibility in take-home doses of methadone.
    • Seven doses for people who have been in treatment for two weeks.
    • 14 doses for people who have been in treatment for 15 days or more.
    • 28 doses for people who have been in treatment for at least a month.
  • Removes the requirement that minors must have two failed withdraw attempts before receiving methadone or buprenorphine.

This rule goes into effect April 2, 2024, with a compliance date of April 2, 2026.

Members with questions may contact Michelle Norcross at the MHA Keystone Center PSO.

MHA Keystone Center PSO Safe Table – Health IT & Risk Safety

Member News, Patient Safety and Quality

The MHA Keystone Center PSO is hosting a Health IT & Risk Safety Safe Table from 12:30 to 3 p.m. June 14. The event will be held at Goshen Health, located at 200 High Park Avenue in Goshen, Indiana. Lunch will be provided at 11:30 a.m.

The free, interactive event will feature Goshen Health speakers Angie Lucas, manager, risk and safety, and Marlene Marks, director, clinical quality and performance improvement. They will present lessons learned at their health system and facilitate group discussions. Participants will gain insight into risk and safety considerations related to technology, including electronic medical record downtime, medication administration, mobility and competency assurance. During the breakout sessions, each group will create a gap analysis tool to assist in the evaluation of an organization’s processes and identification of potential vulnerabilities.

Directors or managers of risk management, directors of patient safety and directors of quality improvement are encouraged to register.

Members with questions may contact the MHA Keystone Center PSO.

MHA Keystone Center PSO Annual Meeting May 3

Patient Safety and Quality, Member News

The healthcare workforce is at higher risk of harm due to violence than other professional fields.  Recent increases in workplace violence represent a major barrier to both staff and patient safety, prompting the need for additional resources, training and education.

The MHA Keystone Center Patient Safety Organization (PSO) Annual Meeting brings together national safety and clinical experts each year to discuss trending topics in healthcare. The 2023 meeting will be held virtually 9 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. May 3, focused on workforce safety and security. Speaker presentations include:

  • Stephen Weiler, emergency management specialist at HSS, an MHA Endorsed Business Partner, will provide an overview of HSS and its physical risk assessments.
  • Brian Uridge, deputy director at the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety will outline actions health systems can take to address and reduce healthcare violence. He will also provide examples of safety training procedures and policies for members to replicate.

Registration is free and available to MHA Keystone Center PSO members. Members with questions may contact the MHA Keystone Center PSO.