h_phc_2016a_2016-01-07t09:04:04z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 01/07/2016

01:10 PM -- Presentation from the Behavioral Health Transformation Council



Dr. Liza Tupa, Division Director of Community Health, the Office of Behavioral Health, Colorado Department of Human Services and Chair of the Behavioral Health Transformation Council (BHTC); and Vicki Rodgers, Mental Health Partners and Co-Chair of the BHTC, presented on behalf of the BHTC. Dr. Tupa referenced a handout for the committee (Attachment E), and went over the goals of the BHTC, which include improving administrative processes, service delivery, and funding more efficient and effective outcomes health outcomes.



160107 AttachE.pdf



1:12 PM



Dr. Tupa explained that the BHTC is comprised of a steering committee and three subcommittees. She described the accomplishments and 2016 focus for the BHTC's three subcommittee activities. Dr. Tupa described the accomplishments of the Workforce Development Committee included participating in a federal behavioral health workforce summit, aligning with the State Innovation Model grant, working with the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to streamline credential processes, and working with higher education institutes to update their curriculum. She outlined the 2016 focus of subcommittee, which will include workforce recruitment and development, credentialing, education and training, and working on definitions in statute.



1:18 PM



Committee members asked about specific professional development and training in suicide prevention. Dr. Tupa responded that specific training depends on the credentials that are being obtained. Ms. Rogers explained that the BHTC recognizes the work of other commissions in suicide/crisis training, and that the BHTC is working to align DORA requirements. Dr. Tupa recognized the issue of suicide in Colorado and responded that there are multiple ways to get certification to work in suicide prevention.



1:21 PM



Dr. Tupa gave an overview of the Colorado Crisis Services Oversight Subcommittee. She described the successes of the subcommittee, which included identifying and coordinating key issues, improving data collecting and reporting, the addition of a traumatic brain injury screening program, developing processes to ensure system inclusiveness, and providing input on rule promulgation for Colorado Crisis Services. She outlined the 2016 goals for the subcommittee, which includes creating guiding values and monitoring and improving data collection and reporting on the Colorado Crisis System.



1:23 PM



Committee members asked about the location of crisis centers in Colorado. Dr. Tupa described the different types of crisis center facilities and their locations throughout the state. Dr. Tupa noted that mobile units are scattered across Colorado and must be accessible to anyone in the state within one to two hours. Dr. Tupa provided more information about the walk-in centers. She state that all crisis centers are open 24 hours, seven days a week, and the admit time is dependent on the condition of the person. Dr. Tupa explained that local law enforcement are aware of mobile and standing crisis centers.



1:31 PM



Dr. Tupa described the accomplishments of the Payment Reform Subcommittee, which included informing the BHTC about ten payment reform initiatives throughout the state, and establishing the subcommittee as a resource for multiple state work groups. She reviewed the 2016 goals for the subcommittee, which include providing communication with state payment reform work groups and providing feedback on payment reform initiatives. Committee members advised the BHTC to ensure services are being provided to rural Colorado, and noted issues with emergency room admits. Dr. Tupa recognized the challenges in rural Colorado. Dr. Tupa and Ms. Rogers concluded their presentation.