July 18, 2023
Last week during our weekly Thursday morning Member Support call, NYS Council member agency representatives reviewed and approved a list of issues that are top priorities for their agencies. We agreed these are the areas we want to focus on as we assemble our next Budget and Legislative agenda. These issues will likely form the basis for standing committees, with the option to add (or subtract) a topic as circumstances warrant.
We are delighted to announce that the NYS Council will be implementing a number of new workgroups that are designed to:
1) Identify and address the top needs and concerns of our member agencies
2) Translate member agency priorities into budget and legislative advocacy requests, as well as training
and technical assistance opportunities
3) Increase statewide communication and information sharing between NYS Council members
Our immediate next step is to flesh out each of the areas discussed during the meeting. We will use an online Zoom workgroup format with 4 time-limited meetings that are focused on each of the topics (listed below). Lauri will host and facilitate the first of each of the 4 meetings and then we can identify chairs and co-chairs. Your expertise is the essential ingredient to the success of the work ahead.
Here are the topics for the 4 new workgroups, and a schedule of upcoming meetings:
· Workforce: Will meet on Wednesdays from 12-1 on August 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd
· Regulatory Relief: Will meet on Thursday from 10:30 -11:30 on August 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th
· Reimbursement Rates for Programs & Services across OMH & OASAS systems. Will meet on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30 on August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th (the last date is optional in case we need a 5th meeting)
· Reform of BH Medicaid managed care: Will meet on Mondays from 4-5 on August 7, 14, 21, 28
In addition to the above listed workgroups, the NYS Council will also implement two CCBHC learning groups for our members beginning in early September (specific dates TBD). Our goal is to create several supportive learning environments in which providers can share information, educate themselves and one another, problem-solve, and advance policy initiatives to enhance the CCBHC Program in New York State.
We know August is a rough month to carve out time for workgroups. All meetings will be actively facilitated to elicit concrete information and (where applicable) data from participants. We will never waste your time.
Please think about who on your staff is best suited to share their expertise on the topics (listed above). I will be back to you shortly, seeking names and contact information for the individuals that are best suited to represent your agency and participate in our new workgroups.
Many thanks in advance!