State Board of Health

Nancie McAnaugh met with the board to discuss legislation the department will Pursue for this session as well as some new decision items for FY 07 funding consideration.

The department is looking to clean up some legislation regarding boards and commissions:

• The Advisory Council on Poison Control currently exists in statute but hasn’t met for many years. We are recommending it be taken out of statute.
• There is a proposed bill to complete the transfer of the Head Injury Advisory Council from OA to DHSS.

Some other legislation the department would like to see passed include:

• Allowing release of test results under the genetics and metabolic disease programs without consent of the individual tested to health care providers providing treatment to such individuals.
• Poison control provision modifications

Nancie McAnaugh handed out a document that Bret Fisher put together on the FY 07 Budget. The handout includes the new decision items the governor recommended for the department in his budget.

Some highlights include:

• Expanding Genetics program to include Cystic Fibrosis.
• Additional meals for seniors.
• Vital Records: This has been an issue since July 1 when Dept. of Revenue’s law went into affect, requiring proof of identity.
• EMS – A bill was filed last year to start charging EMT fees. The fee will replace federal grant funds that EMS experienced reductions on last year.
• Avian Flu response: $1.8 million Federal Money
• Alternatives to Abortion – the program has done a great job of getting out using their funds and therefore more money will be appropriated this year.
• Governor made a commitment that there would be meal options for seniors in every county. Worth County currently does not have a meal program.

FYI

Dr. Jantsch stated she would be willing to help get people on board.

Medicaid Reform Commission,

Julie Eckstein, Director of the Department of Health and Senior Services

Ms. Eckstein came to report on the Medicaid Reform Commission and Medicaid Reform in Missouri.

Medicaid Reform Commission

• Legislative Commission – meaning politics are involved and thus challenges
• Both Democrats and Republicans are coming up with similar ideas and solutions on how to fix Medicaid.
• There is much more discussion on health than there had been in the past between the two major political parties.
• The minority party did not sign the report and cited not restoring Medicaid cuts made by the legislature and not addressing the needs of the uninsured. Though that was not the charge of the commission.
• There will likely be a standing legislative committee as a result.
• However, a legislative committee is not the best environment for total transformation or system level change.
• Consequently, Governor Blunt has commissioned the directors of the Department of Social Services, the Department of Mental Health, and the Department of Health and Senior Services to work with his staff to create a Medicaid program that works for Missouri.
• The charge is not to tweak the current program but to create a program that works for Missouri and not to use CMS guidelines as barriers. The group is looking at the administration of Medicaid and also looking to incorporate more prevention aspects into the program.
• Ms. Eckstein stated that she welcomes any thoughts or ideas any of the board members may have that they want to share to make the program better or what they would like to see in the program.

FYI

The Board of Senior Services will be meeting on February 9, 2006 at 11:00 to discuss some ideas on Medicaid with Julie. If any members of the Board of Health would like to attend, they are more than welcome to do so.

Mr. Berry made a motion to approve rule.

Dr. Forand seconded the motion.

There are several high priority diseases that needed to go into the immediately reportable category.

There is a general category for other outbreaks and other instances.

The other changes are a result of restructuring.

Dr. Forand made a motion to accept 19 CSR 20-20.020.

Mr. Berry seconded the motion.

Dr. Forand moved to accept 19 CSR 20-20.080.

Mr. Berry seconded the motion.

Ms. Eckstein is completing her review of the strategic plan. It will be provided to Governor Blunt tomorrow.

The Strategic Planning Process has been a lengthy but important process to the department.

There were over 600 emails sent to the Strategic Planning website, there were also focus groups, and a multitude of other ways for employees and partners to give their feedback/input to the department.

The Missouri State Government Review Commission’s report was released in November.

• BNDD program – a recommendation was made to move this program to the Department of Public Safety. Both departments agree that it is better suited here.
• First Steps – the recommendation was made to move it to DHSS from Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. First Steps underwent a major reformation last year and has many educational components to it. Thus, both departments would like to see it remain in DESE.
• Ready In Three – a recommendation was made to move it to Department of Public Safety and both departments want it to stay within DHSS.

Mr. Berry moved to accept the minutes.

Ms. Slack seconded the motion.

Dr. Forand moved to accept the January 2 nd Conference Call Minutes.

Mr. Berry second the motion.