englandsword

Michelle Reese has been appointed as senior deputy director of the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This appointment becomes effective December 1, 2013. Her responsibilities will center on leading the division’s acute, community and EMTS programs as well as supporting the overall activities of the division. Michelle has been serving as interim deputy division director since May 2013. Since joining the department in 2005, Michelle has served as a policy analyst, the EMTS operations program manager, and the EMTS deputy section chief and the section chief. Prior to joining the department, Michelle spent four years representing state agencies in healthcare matters as an assistant attorney general at the Colorado Office of the Attorney General. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin and her law degree from the University of Colorado....

The Division is proposing an amendment to the Chapter II General Licensure rules. The amendment defines palliative care and contains standards that facilities/agencies must adhere to if they choose to provide palliative care. You may review the language of the proposed amendment on our site .  Please review the proposed amendment and submit any comments regarding it by Friday, December 13, 2013 to the individual listed below. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division of the Colorado Department of Health will be providing quality management program (QMP) presentations at northern Colorado locations. These workshops will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one hour lunch-on-your-own. From our presentation, group discussions and breakout sessions, you will: understand the core elements (plan, do, study and act) of a Quality Management Program (QMP), gain working knowledge on how to successfully use a QMP, and learn how to incorporate your QMP in day to day operations. Dress casually and feel free to bring your own snacks and refreshments. Don't forget your Golden Ticket, if you have one. This class is limited to ONE ATTENDEE per agency. All registration for Denver and Colorado Springs classes are closed. Save these dates: Fort Collins: Wednesday, Nov 13, Pathways Hospice, 305 Carpenter Road Greeley: Tuesday, Nov 12, Banner Home Care, 5628 W 19th St Registration is...

This message is being sent on behalf of the Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division at CDPHE. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is now an official partner of the One & Only Campaign , a public heath campaign led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Safe Injection Practices Coalition (SIPC) to raise awareness among patients and healthcare providers about safe injection practices. The campaign aims to eradicate outbreaks resulting from unsafe injection practices. CDPHE, CDC and SIPC urge all healthcare providers to know the difference between single-dose and multiple-dose vials. The One & Only Campaign recently launched an interactive infographic that walks healthcare providers through the safe use of vials from various perspectives - providers, office managers, and patients - and concludes with a quick quiz to test your knowledge of medication vials. The infographic is available in two format...

The Regional Partners of the Colorado Front Range Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) invite you to join together in addressing the difficult issues of evacuation at a FREE evacuation seminar on November 18-19, 2013 at the Denver Marriott DTC. The Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) supports local preparedness efforts to respond to all-hazards mass casualty incidents, including natural disasters, epidemic disease outbreaks, large-scale hazardous material incidents, and terrorist attacks. Different tracks: For Home Health Care agencies and organizations , your track will consist of multiple group stakeholder discussions to review and develop plans, agreements and procedures that may affect how you respond and provide services to your clients during a disaster. For Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Residences: The long term care track offers the opportunity to meet local preparedness partners, refine and develop plans and discuss available resources. The time...

To improve the customer experience we recently made some changes to the online license application process. This change allows for the non-profit ownership type to be selected in the application building survey. There was an unexpected consequence of this update. All applications that had been started but not submitted as of 6:30 am on Tuesday 10/22/13 will need to complete the application building survey again. If you had submitted your application prior to 6:30 am yesterday you are unaffected. If you have not yet started your application you also are unaffected. We apologize for the inconvenience and will work to make any service improvements more seamless in the future. Thank you and have a great day. Noah Begley IT Liaison & Technical Training Program Coordinator Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

D. Randy Kuykendall has been selected by Joni Reynolds as the Director of the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Randy served as Interim Director leading up to the selection. This appointment reflects the Department's commitment to further enhance the important work conducted by the Division. Randy brings with him a wealth of expertise in management and health care, both as a leader and a technical expert. He has more than 35 years experience in emergency medical and trauma services system development and health care design and administration. Randy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Development and a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies/Adult Learning from Regis University. Since coming to the Division in 2004, Randy has served as Chief of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Section, Deputy Director of the Division and Interim Director. His leadership background includes having s...

Due to the Federal funding slowdown, the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division of the Colorado Department of Health cancelled the OASIS training scheduled for October 7-8, 2013 at Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins. At this time, this is the only training session cancelled. Re-scheduling is expected in 2014. All Denver sessions are currently full, and will proceed as planned if funding allows. Please note: This class is in addition to the ongoing QMP presentations, and does not replace them. QMP classes are proceeding as planned. For further information email cdphe.a-n-c-qa@state.co.us

Due to the flooding in Colorado, the Board of Health cancelled its September meeting where the Division was scheduled to make its request for a November hearing on this rule change. The Division has been rescheduled to appear before the Board in November to request setting the public hearing on this proposal. Therefore, the public rule-making hearing on this amendment is now scheduled for January 16, 2014. Please direct any questions or comments regarding this proposal to Laurie Schoder, policy analyst, at laurie.schoder@state.co.us or 303-692-2832.

Due to the flooding in Colorado, the Board of Health cancelled its September meeting where the Division was scheduled to make its request for a November hearing on this rule change. The Division has been rescheduled to appear before the Board in November to request setting the public hearing on this proposal. Therefore, the public rule-making hearing on this amendment is now scheduled for January 16, 2014. Please direct any questions or comments regarding this proposal to Laurie Schoder, policy analyst, at laurie.schoder@state.co.us or 303-692-2832.

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division of the Colorado Department of Health rescheduled the quality management program (QMP) presentations at La Junta. It will now be one day earlier (Wednesday Oct 2) at the same location and time. All registered attendees will be re-registered for the new date. We plan to reschedule the presentation for the Northern Front Range area later this year. The remaining classes will proceed as planned. All Denver sessions are booked. This class is limited to ONE ATTENDEE per agency. Save these dates: Alamosa: Tuesday, Oct 1, Alamosa County Public Health Department Colorado Springs:  Wednesday, Oct 23, Nursing and Therapy Services of Colorado, 1130 W Woodman Road or  Wednesday, Oct 30, Interim Healthcare of Southeastern Colorado, 1901 N Union Blvd or  Monday, Nov 4, Amazing Care Home Health Services, 5755 Mark Dabling Blvd Grand Junction: Tuesday, Oct 15, Hilltop Community Resources, 625 27 ½ Road ...

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, has been made aware that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is contacting health care facilities directly regarding the flooding. While the intentions are good, it confuses the process and complicates response operations. Any and all Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF8) needs should be requested through your local ESF8 authorities, through the local emergency management jurisdictions, and to our Division. Thank you, Deann Conroy Deputy Director,  Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division

We are attaching a recent health alert sent out to local public health agencies from the Department. There is a nationwide shortage of the Tuberculin(TB) Skin Test Antigen "Tubersol". There are also regional shortages of the TB Skin Test Antigen "Aplisol". Some providers have identified the issue and have requested clarification in regard to new employee testing. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending the following: 1. Substitute the TB skin test with a blood test called "IGRA". This would require a blood draw and the test sent to a laboratory for analysis. The cost is greater than a TB skin test. 2. Substitute Aplisol for Tubersol where available to conduct TB skin testing. 3. Prioritization of need. The deferment of routine skin testing (new employee) should be considered in consultation with local public health authorities. In light of the recommendations of the CDC, the Department recommends you seek guidance from your local ...

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division of the Colorado Department of Health will reschedule the quality management program (QMP)  presentations at Loveland due to current flood conditions. These presentations were scheduled at the Ranch Event Center tomorrow, Sept 17, and at Vitality  Home Healthcare, Wednesday Sept 18. We plan to reschedule the presentation for the Northern Front Range area later this year.  The remaining classes will proceed as planned. All Denver sessions are booked. This class is limited to ONE ATTENDEE per agency.  Save these dates: Alamosa:  Tuesday, Oct 1, Alamosa County Public Health Department  Colorado Springs:  Wednesday, Oct 23, Nursing and Therapy Services of Colorado, 1130 W Woodman Road or  Wednesday, Oct 30, Interim Healthcare of Southeastern Colorado, 1901 N Union Blvd  or  Monday, October 4, Amazing Care Home Health Services, 5755 Mark Dabling Blvd Grand Junction: Tuesday, Oct 15...

In light of the recent flooding, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is actively monitoring the effects of flooding on the health and safety of residents/patients/clients. If your facility has been impacted by flooding, is in a potential evacuation area or has been asked to evacuate due to flood danger, please complete the attached form and send it to us . We are particularly interested in situations where transportation may be necessary to transfer people to a safe place or where appropriate alternative housing has not been found. The Department may be contacted as follows: Email: Health.Facilities@state.co.us (Please put Flood/Evacuation Information in the subject line.) Fax: 303-753-6214, (Please put Flood/Evacuation Information in the subject line.) Phone: 303-692-2836 Sincerely, Randy Kuykendall Interim Division Director, Health Facilities & Emergency Medical Services Division

This message is being sent on behalf of the Disease Control and Environmental Epidemiology Division at CDPHE. The Denver Metro TB Clinic and the Colorado Coalition Against Tuberculosis invite nurses and other health care providers from home health agencies and long-term care facilities to attend a tuberculosis update and skin testing practicum on Thursday November 14th, 2013 from 12:30 PM to 5 PM at the Rita Bass Training Center at Denver Health. Course Objectives are:  Express an increased and updated knowledge of TB infection and TB disease Demonstrate their skill in placing and reading the TST You can register for the event by visiting the  Denver Health website. Kerri McClory 303-692-2638 or  kerri.mcclory@state.co.us

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division of the Colorado Department of Health will be providing OASIS Refresher training at the locations specified below. This presentation is hosted by Betty Metz, and will be from 9:00-4:30 on two days. From our presentation and group discussions, you will clarify OASIS uses and input, learn how your OASIS submissions can be used for your Quality Management Plans (QMP), and learn to read validation reports. Please note: this class is in addition to the ongoing QMP presentations, and does not replace them. Attendance is required on both days to receive a certificate of participation. Dress casually. Lunch will be provided. Fort Collins: Monday and Tuesday, October 7-8, 2013. Pathways Hospice Thomas McKee Room, 305 Carpenter Road, Fort Collins Denver: Wednesday and Thursday, November 20-21, 2013. Conference Room C1E, Building C, CDPHE Campus, 4300 S Cherry Creek Drive, Denver Denver: Monday and Tuesday, December 9-10, 2013. Carson R...

The Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division of the Colorado Department of Health will be providing quality management program (QMP) presentations at many locations statewide. These workshops will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a one hour lunch-on-your-own. From our presentation, group discussions and breakout sessions, you will:  Understand the core elements (plan, do, study and act) of a Quality Management Program (QMP).   Gain working knowledge on how to successfully use a QMP. Learn how to incorporate your QMP in day to day operations.   Dress casually and feel free to bring your own snacks and refreshments. Don’t forget your Golden Ticket, if you have one. This class is limited to ONE ATTENDEE per agency. Denver locations are filling up especially quickly. Save these dates: Alamosa: Tuesday, Oct 1, Alamosa County Public Health Department Colorado Springs: Wednesday, Oct 23, Nursing and Therapy Services of Colorado, 1130 W Woodman Road...

The Division is proposing the addition of a new section in Chapter II, General Licensure regarding the performance incentive that was mandated by House Bill 12-1294. Please review the linked draft rule proposal and provide your written comments by October 15, 2013 to Laurie Schoder at laurie.schoder@state.co.us The draft rule can be viewed at our website in the Proposed Regulations section. Laurie Schoder Policy Analyst 303-692-2832 laurie.schoder@state.co.us

The Division has revised its proposed rule change to 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter II, Part 5 regarding patient record copy costs. The public rule-making hearing on this amendment is being rescheduled for November 20, 2013. A letter explaining this proposed change and a copy of the proposed revised amendment may be reviewed in the proposed regulations section of our website . Laurie Schoder Policy Analyst 303-692-2832 laurie.schoder@state.co.us