Native Culture Guide for Providers
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has released a pocket guide to Native American and Alaskan Native culture, history, myths, and facts to help health care providers communicate effectively with members of these communities. The pocket guide can be downloaded at
http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/enetwork/archive/2009/SAMHSA_cmhs_6_30_09.html
Data Available on Discharges
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has issued its 2006 Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS) report on discharges from treatment for substance use. The report provides data for 42 states, and is broken down into various program and demographic categories. It can be downloaded at
www.oas.samhsa.gov/teds2k6highlights/teds2k6highWeb.pdf
Evidence-Based Practices Registry
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has published information on submitting a program or practice to their National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. The NREPP is a searchable database listing proven interventions aimed at preventing or treating mental and substance use disorders. To view the guidance document, go to
www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/about-news.asp
Health Info for Spanish Speakers
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has expanded its Spanish-language health Web site for patients. The enhanced site includes a monthly health advice column and more than 35 consumer guides on surgery, smoking, cardiac rehabilitation, and health insurance, among other topics. It also includes audio spots on diabetes, osteoarthritis, preventive health, and more. Visit the site at
www.ahrq.gov/consumer/espanoix.htm
Autism Legislation Database
A new online autism database provides up-to-date information about autism legislation introduced in each state and the District of Columbia. The site is maintained by the National Conference of State Legislators and is designed to allow legislators to see how other states are addressing the needs of autistic patients and their families across a range of issues. The site is at
www.ncsl.org/programs/health/autism.cfm
Tool for Reimbursement
PPS Clinical Optimizer software provides the real-time details and automated data transfer that are necessary to optimize patient care, outcomes, case weight, and reimbursement to ease the adaption to the Medicare prospective payment system algorithm. For more information about this software, call OCS Inc. at 888-325-3396.
Using Methadone Safely
The Food and Drug Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have launched “Follow Directions: How to Use Methadone Safely,” an outreach effort for consumers, health care professionals, and treatment clinics. Visit
www.dpt.samhsa.gov/methadonesafety
Software Identifies Preferred CME
iQueue is a Mac and PC desktop application that distributes continuing medical educational activities to health care professionals by automatically gathering CME activities (including live, print, and rich media), based on preselected preferences. The types of activities can be selected in many different ways. To download the software free, visit
DVD Series on Homelessness
The DVD strategic planning tool, “Transformation Through Partnerships: Systems Change to End Chronic Homelessness,” has been released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. For more details and ordering information, visit
Adjunctive Partial-Onset Seizure Rx
Keppra XR (levetiracetam extended-release tablets) has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for use as an add-on to other antiepileptic treatments in patients with partial-onset seizures who are at least 16 years old. The medication is available in both 500-mg and 750-mg dosage strengths. Information about a copay support program for the drug is available at 866-822-0068 (press 9). For more information, visit