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Searching 2013-2014 Session

2013-2014 Session

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Mental Health Oversight Committee

Print

Previous Meetings - Full Report

Summary Report
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
13-1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Meeting Record
9:15 AM

Review of Committee Charge

Handout: Amended Charge of the Mental Health Oversight Committee

  • Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
9:25 AM

Election of Chair and Vice Chair

9:30 AM

Department of Mental Health

Introduction to new Commissioner

  • Paul Dupre, Incoming Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Susan Onderwyzer, Director of Quality and Care, Department of Mental Health
9:45 AM

Department of Mental Health

Overview of the Department of Mental Health Mission, Programs and Organization
Handouts: Attachments A-K; Psychiatric Beds in System of Care; Housing Subsidy & Care Program (Handouts also used for Act 79 Implementation presentation)

  • Nick Nichols, Policy Director, Department of Mental Health
  • Susan Onderwyzer, Program Services Executive, Department of Mental Health
  • Frank Reed, Interim Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
10:00 AM

Act 79 Implementation to Date

Department of Mental Health Programs

  • Frank Reed, Interim Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
11:10 AM

Act 79 Implementation to Date

Community-based programs
Handout: Pathways Vermont

  • Bob Bick, Director, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, HowardCenter
  • Ivan Deutsch, Peer, Health Care and Rehabilitation Services
  • George Karabakakis, Ph.D, Chief Operations Officier, Health Care and Rehabilitation Services
  • Jackie Lehman, HowardCenter
  • Sean Lynch, HowardCenter
  • Emily Mastaler, Director of Residential Services, Health Care and Rehabilitation Services
  • Hilary Melton, Director, Pathways Vermont
  • Graham Parker, MyPad, HowardCenter
  • Frank Reed, Interim Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Greg Tomasula, Clinical Director, Start Program, HowardCenter
12:30 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Act 79 Implementation to Date

Community-based programs (continued)

  • Wendy Beinner, Director, NAMI VT
1:20 PM

Act 79 Implementation to Date

Hospitals; Update on Brattleboro Retreat Federal Sanctions

  • Peter Albert, Director of Government Affairs, Brattleboro Retreat
  • Tom Huebner, President, Rutland Regional Medical Center
  • Jeffrey McKee, Psy.D, Director of Psychiatric Services, Rutland Regional Medical Center
  • Frank Reed, Interim Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
2:40 PM

Act 79 Implementation to Date

Community-based programs (continued)
Handout: May 20, 2013 letter re: Brattleboro retreat from Disability Rights Vermont

  • Ed Paquin, Director, Disability Rights Vermont
3:00 PM

Public Comment

Handout: packet of materials from Laura Ziegler

  • Laura Ziegler, Plainfield, VT
3:15 PM

Future Meetings

3:20 PM

Payroll System Tutorial

Deb and Charlene available in the main office for additional assistance

3:30 PM

Adjourn

Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
13-6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Department of Mental Health Update

System of care, Emergency room wait times, Staff injuries in the MH system

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Frank Reed, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
11:05 AM

Comments on Staff Injuries in the MH System

  • Joyce Dion, President, UNAP Local 5051, United Nurses and Professionals (UNAP)
11:25 AM

Mental Health Advocates and Providers Comments on Commissioner's Testimony

  • Karen Lorentzon, Consumer, Vermont Psychiatric Survivors
  • Rep. John Moran, Sponsor, Wardsboro, VT
  • Robert Pierattini, MD, Fletcher Allen Health Care
  • Tony Stevens, Director, Crisis Services, Northwest Counseling and Support Services
12:30 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Mental Health Judicial Proceedings

  • Wendy Beinner, Director, NAMI VT
  • Jack McCullough, Director of Mental Health Law Project, Vermont Legal Aid
  • Dena Monahan, Counsel, Department of Mental Health
  • Nick Nichols, Policy Director, Department of Mental Health
  • A. J. Rueben, Attorney, Disability Rights Vermont
  • John Wesley, Judge, Superior Court
2:45 PM

Vermont Collaborative Care, LLC

  • Peter Albert, Director of Government Affairs, Brattleboro Retreat
  • John Koutras MD, Medical Director, Brattleboro Retreat
  • Robert Wheeler, Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Vermont
3:15 PM

Medicaid ACO

  • Julie Tessler, Director, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services
3:30 PM

Public Comment

  • Dr. Betty Keller, Family practice, Fairfax
  • Ken Libertoff, Consultant
  • Xenia Williams, Barre Town, VT
  • Laura Ziegler, Concerned Citizen, Plainfield, VT
4:10 PM

Adjourn

Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
13-11, 12, 13, 14
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Children's Mental Health Services

Description of program, eligibility for admission, strengths and gaps in the service delivery, budget, trends, and recommendations for improvements

  • Peter Albert, Director of Government Affairs, Brattleboro Retreat
  • Mitch Barron, Suicide Prevention Information Group
  • Charlie Biss, Director of the Children, Adolescent and Family Unit, Department of Mental Health
  • Annie Cressey, Health Educator, University of Vermont
  • Kelly Deforge, Parent, Essex Junction
  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Justin Lambert, Student, South Burlington High School
  • Kindra Lundie, Student, South Burlington High School
  • Brittany Manos, Student, South Burlington High School
  • Charlotte McCorkel, Suicide Prevention Information Group
  • Susie Merrick, Suicide Prevention Information Group
  • Floyd Nease, Director of Systems Integration, Agency of Human Services
  • Amiee Powers, Parent
  • Jennifer Sweet, Student, University of Vermont
12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Commissioner's Updates

Update on reports required by Act 50 of 2013

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Frank Reed, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
2:00 PM

Study Committee on Providing Community Support to Persons with Serious Functional Impairments

Report from the SFI Committee

  • Rep. Sandy Haas, Co-Chair, Study Committee on Providing Community Support to Persons with Serious Functional Impairments
2:15 PM

Vermont Collaborative Care, LLC

  • Rick Barnett, Psy.D., LADC, Vermont Psychological Association
  • Colleen Coyle, General Counsel, American Psychiatric Association
  • Rodger Kessler, Ph.D., ABPP, University of Vermont
  • Alice Silverman, MD, University of Vermont
3:00 PM

Commissioner's Updates

Brattleboro Retreat Sanctions

Thursday, October 31, 2013
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
13-15a, 15b, 16, 17a, 17b, 18, 19
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Mental Health System of Care

Community Mental Health System: inventory of infrastructure

  • Steve Broer, Psy.D, Director of Behavioral Health Services, Northwest Counseling and Support Services
  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Nick Emlen, Mental Health Systems Coordination, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services
  • Bernard Norman, Ph.D, Chief of Clinical Operations, Northeast Kingdom Human Services
10:30 AM

Housing

  • Angus Chaney, Director of Housing, Agency of Human Services
  • Nick Emlen, Mental Health Systems Coordination, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services
  • Brooke Hadwen, Burlington Police Department
  • Brian Smith, Department of Mental Health
11:30 AM

Commissioner's Updates

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Veterans: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicide

  • Richard Reed, Director, Vermont Office of Veteran Affairs
1:30 PM

Mental Health System of Care Funding

SFY2015 funding

  • James Reardon, Commissioner, Department of Finance & Management
2:00 PM

Antipsychotic use of drugs for the Elderly

  • Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
2:30 PM

Staff Injuries at Psychiatric Facilities

  • Steve Howard, Legislative Director, Vermont State Employees Association
2:45 PM

Public Comment

3:00 PM

Adjourn

Friday, November 8, 2013
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Comments
Joint meeting with the Health Care Oversight Committee
CDs
13-20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25
Meeting Record
8:45 AM

Joint Committee Charge

  • Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
9:00 AM

Mental Health System of Care

Adequacy of Level 1 System and Community System, Funding Projections, and Projected Personnel Needs at Berlin Psychiatric Hospital

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Frank Reed, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
10:00 AM

Mental Health System of Care at Level 1 Hospitals

  • Paul Capcara, Clinical Nurse Manager, Adult Acute Care Unit, Brattleboro Retreat
  • Lesa Cathcart, Rutland Regional Medical Center
  • Dr. W. Gordon Frankle, Directorof Psychiatric Services, Rutland Regional Medical Center
  • Lauren Tronsgard-Scott, Nurse Manager of Inpatient Mental Health Unit, Fletcher Allen Health Care
11:00 AM

Community Mental Health System

Adequacy of Level 1 System- Designated Agencies

  • Nick Emlen, Mental Health Systems Coordination, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services
  • Mary Moulton, Executive Director, Washington County Mental Health Services
11:45 AM

Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital

Personnel Needs

  • Steve Howard, Legislative Director, Vermont State Employees Association
  • John O'Brien, Senior Advisor on Health Care Financing, Green Mountain Psychiatric Care Center
12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Mental Health System of Care

SFY2015 Funding

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Heidi Hall, Financial Director, Department of Mental Health
  • James Reardon, Commissioner, Department of Finance & Management
  • Frank Reed, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Jeff Rothenberg, Director of Mental Health Services, Department of Health
1:45 PM

Public Comment

  • Laura Ziegler, Concerned Citizen
1:50 PM

Committee Discussion

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Legislative Council
  • Frank Reed, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
4:00 PM

Adjourn

Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
Comments
CANCELED
Meeting Record
9:00 AM

Mental Health Oversight Committee Report

Topics covered during the Legislative Interim

  • Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
9:30 AM

Mental Health Oversight Committee Report

Other Topics

10:00 AM

Mental Health Oversight Committee Report

Committee Discussion

11:30 AM

Department of Mental Health

Monthly Report

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
-

Public Comment

12:30 PM

Adjourn

Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
14-1, 2, 3, 4
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Election of Chair and Vice Chair

9:40 AM

Committee Charge and Reports Due

Review of MHOC Charge, including changes made this session, and reports due to MHOC

  • Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
10:00 AM

Committee Discussion

Goals and topics for future meetings

10:40 AM

Level I System of Care

System overview and updates, plans for reaching capacity at the Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital, 2014 Acts and Resolves No. 179, Sec. E.314.4 report

  • Jay Batra, MD, Medical Director, Department of Mental Health
  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Frank Reed, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Jeff Rothenberg, Director of Mental Health Services, Green Mountain Psychiatric Care Center
12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Level I System of Care

  • Dr. W. Gordon Frankle, Chief of Psychiatry, Rutland Regional Medical Center
  • Linda Nagy, Vice President of Clinical Services, Brattleboro Retreat
  • Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
  • Robert Pierattini, MD, Chair of Psychiatry, Fletcher Allen Health Care
  • Dr. Geoffrey Sinner, Medical Director for the Adult Acute Care Unit, Brattleboro Retreat
2:00 PM

System of Care: Beyond Level I Treatment

  • Jay Batra, MD, Medical Director, Department of Mental Health
  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Nick Emlen, Mental Health Systems Coordination, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services
  • Jim MacDonald, Executive Director, Second Spring
  • Amos Meacham, Project Director, Soteria House
  • Frank Reed, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
3:00 PM

Public Comment

-

Committee Discussion

3:30 PM

Adjourn

Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
14-5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Committee Discussion

Review of Agenda and Committee Discussion Points

  • Rep. Ann Pugh, Chair, Mental Health Oversight Committee
9:45 AM

Emergency Involuntary Procedures

Rulemaking and Legislative Intent

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Nick Emlen, Mental Health Systems Coordination, Vermont Council of Developmental and Mental Health Services
  • Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
10:30 AM

Children's Mental Health Services

  • Charlie Biss, Director of the Children, Adolescent and Family Unit, Department of Mental Health
  • Carol Maloney, Interim Director of Integrated Family Services, Agency of Human Services
  • Catherine Simonson, Child, Youth and Family Services, Director, HowardCenter
11:30 AM

Antipsychotic drugs and Children

Overview of Children's Mental Health Services and Trends in Antipsychotic Treatment

  • Charlie Biss, Director of the Children, Adolescent and Family Unit, Department of Mental Health
  • David Rettew, University of Vermont College of Medicine
12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Mental Health System of Care

Review of Current Status, Next Steps, Missing Elements

  • Jay Batra, MD, Medical Director
  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Frank Reed, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
2:15 PM

Quality of Care and Departmental Oversight

  • Clayton Clark, Director, Licensing and Protection, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Suzanne Leavitt, Director of Licensing and Protection, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  • Jeffrey McKee, Psy.D, Director of Psychiatric Services, Rutland Regional Medical Center
  • Susan Onderwyzer, Program Services Executive, Department of Mental Health
  • Stuart Schurr, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
3:50 PM

Adjourn

Friday, October 3, 2014
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
14-10, 11, 12, 13
Meeting Record
8:30 AM

Department of Mental Health

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Emma Harrigan, Chief of Research & Statistics, Department of Mental Health
  • Frank Reed, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Jeff Rothenberg, Director of Mental Health Services, Green Mountain Psychiatric Care Center
9:30 AM

Emergency Involuntary Procedures

  • Jay Batra, MD, Medical Director, Department of Mental Health
  • Jack McCullough, Director of Mental Health Law Project, Vermont Legal Aid
  • Jill Olson, Vice President of Policy & Legislative Affairs, Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems
  • Ed Paquin, Director, Disability Rights Vermont
11:30 AM

Emergency Involuntary Procedures

12:00 PM

Lunch

12:15 PM

Mental Health Oversight Committee Report

1:15 PM

Public Comment

1:30 PM

Adjourn

Friday, October 17, 2014
Meeting Details
Hearing Type
Standard
CDs
14-15, 16, 17, 18
Meeting Record
9:30 AM

Quality Review and Adverse Event Reporting

  • Jay Batra, MD, Medical Director, Department of Mental Health
  • Clayton Clark, Director, Licensing and Protection, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
  • Tracy Dolan, Interim Commissioner, Department of Health
  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Emma Harrigan, Chief of Research & Statistics, Department of Mental Health
  • Mark Larson, Commissioner, Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA)
  • Nick Nichols, Policy Director, Department of Mental Health
  • Tom Simpatico, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Department of Vermont Health Access
  • Susan Wehry, Commissioner, Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living
11:30 AM

Mental Health System of Care

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Nick Nichols, Policy Director, Department of Mental Health
12:15 PM

Children's Mental Health Services

  • Kathy Holsopple, Executive Director, VFFCMH, Nationally Certified Parent Support Provider
12:30 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Mental Health Oversight Committee Report

  • Paul Dupre, Commissioner, Department of Mental Health
  • Katie McLinn, Legislative Counsel, Office of Legislative Council
1:45 PM

Public Comment

2:00 PM

Adjourn

2013-2014 Session

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Mental Health Oversight Committee
  • Main Committee Page
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Members
  • Rep. Ann Pugh, Chair
  • Sen. Claire Ayer, Vice Chair
  • Rep. Anne B. Donahue
  • Rep. Mary S. Hooper
  • Sen. Norm McAllister
  • Sen. John Rodgers
  • Sen. Diane Snelling
  • Rep. Kitty Beattie Toll
  • Agatha Kessler, Committee Assistant
  • Information for Witnesses
  • List of Witnesses

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