NHADACA Announcements

Join more than 1,500 addiction professionals in Washington, DC for the NAADAC 2024 Annual Conference & Hill Day from October 18 to 23, 2024! Engage in learning, networking, advocacy, and success. NAADAC's 2024 Conference offers a comprehensive six-day educational event focused on addiction, featuring intensive training sessions by renowned experts, a day dedicated to advocacy on Capitol Hill, poster presentations, an expansive exhibit hall, special events, ample networking opportunities, and many additional activities!  The NHADACA Board of Directors awards 2 of our members with a scholarship to attend this event annually. As a NHADACA member, you can submit a scholarship application by July 22, 2024. Scholarship Application You can read more about this event here: https://www.naadac.org/annualconference

The University of Rhode Island offers access to six free continuing education modules for healthcare professionals on substance use disorders (SUD), requesting bulk naloxone for distribution to your community, and/or requesting a free "live" overdose response training seminar for your group or organization. Seminars are offered via Zoom and are geared towards the general public or can be accredited for 1 hour of live CEU for healthcare professionals (live CEU available for pharmacists, nurses, social workers, or licensed mental health counselors). Learn more here: https://web.uri.edu/rota-r/

A new report, released by SAMHSA, explores the financing, utilization, and regulatory structures of providing peer recovery support services (PRSS) for substance use disorder (SUD) recovery process within federal grant programs and state Medicaid programs. This report identifies challenges and opportunities to finance and strengthen the PRSS workforce. It also provides a description of the variation in peer recovery rates, supervision, credentialing, and substance use disorder vs mental health. You can find it here: https://www.samhsa.gov/cfriutm_source=SAMHSA&utm_campaign=935ab5c617EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_04_08_05_20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-935ab5c617-[LIST_EMAIL_ID] In addition, SAMHSA also released a webinar covering the same topic. You can access the webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyMr6SA5Hy4

New Opportunity for Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (MLADCs) and expansion of care! Effective January 1, 2024: Treatment and Billing by Mental Health Counselors (MHC) has been approved through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) With the publication of the new rules for CMS billing and services reimbursement, mental health counselors (MHC) can officially enroll in Medicare and begin to treat individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions. The term “mental health counselor” is defined broadly to include licensed and certified professional counselors, as well as addiction counselors and alcohol and drug counselors. Eligibility requirements specify that individuals: (1) have a master’s or doctorate degree in counseling, (2) are licensed or certified by the state in which they furnish services, and (3) have performed at least 2 years or 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience after obtaining their degree. For an brief overview of the updates for eligibility requirements for addiction professionals, please review https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/fee-schedules/physician-fee-schedule/marriage-and-family-therapists-mental-health-counselors . A more comprehensive update for the rules can be found at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2023-11-22/pdf/2023-24293.pdf . While there are some limitations with billing for Medicare services based on level of care (specifically for IOP/PHP programs), this is a positive step towards recognizing and supporting the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD) in the State of New Hampshire. The approved billing services include: Bundled substance use disorder (SUD) payments for: SUD management and counseling SUD services provided in an office setting, including: Overall management Care coordination Individual and group psychotherapy Substance use counseling

The revised Overdose Prevention and Response Toolkit from SAMHSA provides comprehensive guidance to various stakeholders on averting and addressing overdoses. Highlighting harm reduction and treatment accessibility as crucial elements of overdose prevention, this toolkit complements existing training programs. It outlines the significance of opioid overdose reversal medications such as naloxone and nalmefene, along with strategies for prompt response during an overdose event. Additionally, tailored appendices cater to specific audiences, including individuals who use drugs, those prescribed opioids, first responders, healthcare providers, and more. You can access this resource here: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/overdose-prevention-response-kit-pep23-03-00-001.pdf

The 2024 NH Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest is officially open for submissions from Granite State students in grades 5 through 12!  You’re invited and encouraged to share your creative pieces reflecting your personal experiences with mental health. The panel of judges, each bringing diverse expertise, will select winners from two grade categories: 5th-8th and 9th-12th. Winning entries will be showcased statewide to promote awareness, eliminate stigma, and drive positive change. Magnifying Voices is a vital component of the NH Children's System of Care (CSoC), a comprehensive approach to behavioral healthcare for children and families, encompassing prevention initiatives, community support, and clinical services. You can visit CSoC’s website for more information and to submit your artwork: https://nhcsoc.org/magnify-voices/

On February 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, alongside its Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), has officially unveiled the Final Rule modifications to the Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Patient Records regulations at 42 CFR Part 2. For more detailed insights, refer to The National Law Review's publication on February 14, 2024. Let's stay informed and ensure we're up-to-date with these significant advancements in healthcare regulation. Read more Further Reading: · HIPAA and Part 2 Harmonized: What Health Care Organizations Need to Know · Fact Sheet 42 CFR Part 2 Final Rule

NHADACA’s Clinician Wellbeing Network (CWN) is conducting a Wellness Survey and Your Input Matters! Your Anonymous responses will inform program development. If you have already taken the survey THANK YOU!!!! If you have not taken the survey yet, please know that your input is highly valued! Also please share the survey link to your colleagues! Click below to start the survey. Thank you for your participation!

 The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC &RC) regularly updates the Job Analysis on which examinations are based, according to industry standards, in collaboration with their contracted testing company. This helps to ensure examinations remain current with changes in the field and are psychometrically sound and legally defensible. The IC & RC is looking for help from professionals working as Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors (MLADC) to complete a survey. This survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and can be found here . The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, May 26, 2023

 Virtual town halls with Anthem and Beacon 4/4 and 4/5 New Hampshire Psychological Association's Behavioral Healthcare Advocacy Committee (NHPA BHAC) is hosting virtual town halls for all mental health and substance use providers with Anthem and Beacon executives to discuss Beacon’s commitment to providers and listen to your concerns and questions. All providers are welcomed to participate, regardless of whether you are currently in-network. Register here for Tuesday, April 4 12p Register here for Wednesday, April 5 6p If you have any questions, please email BHAC@nhpsychology.org . These town halls will not be recorded. Thank you for all you do to improve mental health in NH! NHPA BHAC

 Your generous support makes our work possible. Every dollar helps us make a difference, from peer support and mentoring to scholarships, training and advocacy. Please consider donating today , and thank you for your support.

 NHADACA's Annual Meeting November 18, 2022 Manchester Country Club, Bedford, NH Our Annual Meeting is more than a business meeting; it is a popular networking and educational opportunity. Brunch gives attendees a chance to stop by your table and learn more about your organization in an informal, low-pressure atmosphere. Meet our members and key NH leaders! Sponsorship Levels $1,000—Gold Sponsor (1 available) Banner placement at podium (and premium placement on Zoom, if a hybrid event is held) and the opportunity to speak briefly at the event Company logo will be featured on all promotional and email communications All benefits listed below 2 additional tickets to the event (including CEUs) $500 —Exhibit Table (limited availability) Table and two chairs at the event (and premium placement on Zoom, if a hybrid event is held) Chance to meet and speak with attendees during brunch All benefits listed below Up to 2 representatives may attend (no CEUs; CEUs are available at the member rate) $200 —Program Sponsor Recognition as a sponsor at the event, in email and on social media Business name and logo listed in the event program/agenda (will be emailed to attendees if a hybrid event is held) Contact information (email, mailing address) for all attendees who do not ’opt out’ Sample social media posts, and supporting materials for you to share Contact Bridgett Taylor for details or to secure your sponsorship: Bridgett@nhadaca.org or (603) 225-7060 Want to register for our Annual Meeting? Register here.

Thanks to the generous donors and many supporters who helped spread the word, this year we have raised over $2,200 to support our work and advocacy. We couldn't do it without you! We are still waiting for a final total from our friends at NH Gives to see how much we have earned in matching funds, but we more than qualified for the sitewide match. We are deeply grateful to the NH Charitable Foundation and other supporters of NH Gives for this additional generosity. You can still donate to NHADACA at NHADACA.org/donate at any time.

NHADACA is once again joining other nonprofits in New Hampshire for NH Gives, a one-day giving event supporting good causes in the Granite State. Donate during NH Gives on June 7-8 and you could help us win matching funds! Your support helps sustain our work, including peer support, initiatives for provider well-being, and the training many professionals have come to rely on. We can't do it without you; thank you for your support.

 NHADACA is honored to announce a $200,000 two-year unrestricted grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation ( NHCF ) to sustain its work toward addressing substance use issues within the Granite State. The grant will help NHADACA conduct long-term planning activities, explore expanding its Concord training facility, and work to advance its goals as a champion for licensure candidates and stronghold for the retention of the current substance use workforce. “This generous gift is a strong vote of confidence in the work we do, and will help us move forward as an organization to expand and enhance the support we provide to the substance use profession,” said Executive Director Diane Castrucci. Board Treasurer Christopher Foster, Vice President of Operations of Amatus Health, added: “The Charitable Foundation’s continuous support of our frontline professionals treating individuals with substance use and mental health disorders does not go unnoticed. Their previous support of our work has been invaluable, and this funding will help us make our work even more effective and accessible. We have a mutual commitment to ensure our state’s professionals receive quality training and have access to informational resources.” To support NHADACA's work, visit NHADACA.org/donate . The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation is New Hampshire’s statewide community foundation, founded in 1962 by and for the people of New Hampshire. The Foundation manages a growing collection of 2,000 funds created by generous individuals, families and businesses, and awards more than $50 million in grants and scholarships every year. The Foundation works with generous and visionary citizens to maximize the power of their giving, supports great work happening in our communities and leads and collaborates on high-impact initiatives. For more information, please visit www.nhcf.org or call 603-225-6641.