November 21, 2024

Recently, MH and SUD association leaders attended a presentation (slide deck ATTACHED) facilitated by Selena Hijani, Director of Strategic Operations & Planning at DoH/OHIP regarding the new Career Pathways Training Initiative (CPTI) – one of the main initiatives in New York’s 1115 HERO waiver.

The NYS Council has been pushing for an expansion of staff/practitioner titles that should and must be included in this Initiative, to include peers.  We know that NYS has the ability to request an expansion of titles touched by this new Program through an amendment that is permitted in the Special Terms and Conditions section that accompanies approval of this CMS waiver.  Of course, it’s not that simple but that’s the goal.  To this point our focus has been on advocacy designed to ensure more of the valued staff we need to address workforce challenges and improve person-centered care begins with peers and other staff with client facing responsibilities.

Take a look at the slide deck attached for a closer look at the CPTI Program and stand by for requests for advocacy. We’ve got a meeting with DoH Commissioner James McDonald on this issue, our carve out request, and our push to ensure coverage parity for New York’s children, youth and families that are insured under a state regulated commercial insurance plan, early next month.  During that meeting we will also discuss reimbursement rate adequacy that is necessary to foster integrated care (PCBH) across the state.

Have a good day!  If you need me please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at 518 461-8200 at your convenience.