June 2005 News

Keep Kids Safe This Independence Day - June 30th

Ecorse Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended - June 30th

Fremont Physician's Assistant/Registered Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended - June 30th

Reed City Pharmacist Loses License - June 30th

MDCH Finds Sediments In Muskegon County Creek Pose No Current Public Health Hazards - June 29th

Richland Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended - June 24th

Brighton Pharmacist Loses License - June 24th

Runners Needed To Join Governor Granholm's Second-Annual Labor Day Fun Run Across The "Big Mac" - June 22nd

Michigan Surgeon General Girl Scouts? Woman of Distinction Award - June 15th

Bloomfield Hills Physician Has License Summarily Suspended - June 14th

Increased Temperatures Call For Increased Caution Citizens are urged to take precautions when Michigan heat increases - June 13th

Department of Community Health Anti-Smoking Commercial Takes Prize at National Radio Mercury Awards: NY Health Department Also Using the Michigan Ad - June 9th

Farmington Hills Pharmacist Loses License - June 8th

Senior Citizen Of The Year Nominations Being Accepted - June 7th

New Medicaid Program Will Help Improve Quality Of Care For Patients With Mental Illness - June 6th

Howell Physician's Assistant Has License Summarily Suspended - June 2nd

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Keep Kids Safe This Independence Day This Fourth of July, fireworks will be the centerpiece of many celebrations. Although extremely popular, fireworks pose a serious risk, especially to young children. Of the more than 4,000 fireworks-related injuries to children under 14 each year, the majority occur in the month surrounding the Fourth of July, with older kids (typically 10- to 14-year-olds) suffering the most injuries. Sparklers (often considered the safest fireworks), rockets and firecrackers are responsible for the bulk of fireworks-related injuries. “Many parents and caregivers overestimate their child’s ability to handle fireworks, creating a dangerous environment for everyone involved,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “They may not realize the devastating consequences of fireworks, including injuries to the hands, eyes, or head that can sometimes result in amputations, blindings, or even death.” Safe Kids Michigan, whose lead agency is the Michigan Department of Community Health, offers the following fireworks safety tips: Only adults should handle fireworks. Tell children that they should leave the area immediately and inform an adult if their friends are using fireworks. Discuss safety procedures with your children. Teach children to “stop, drop and roll” if their clothes catch fire. Make sure they know how to call 9-1-1. Show them how to put out fireworks with water or a fire extinguisher. Read labels and carefully follow directions. All fireworks must carry warning labels describing necessary safety precautions. Following the directions greatly minimizes the risk of injury. Never use fireworks indoors. Be sure spectators are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never aim or throw fireworks at another person. Never place your face or any other body part over fireworks. Never try to reignite fireworks that malfunction. Never carry fireworks in your pocket. Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces, away from houses, dry leaves and other flammable materials. What is Legal? Consumer fireworks are legal for public sale in 36 states and the District of Columbia. The term “fireworks” includes shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, rockets, sparklers, firecrackers with no more than 50 milligrams of powder, and novelty items such as snakes and airplanes. (Some states may permit all or limit the types of consumer fireworks to be sold.) The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission adopted a standard, effective March 1997, to eliminate the deadly tipover hazard in large multiple-tube fireworks. This standard requires all domestic manufacturers of multiple-tube devices to develop a new, safer base. Fireworks that have been banned from public sale by federal law include firecrackers containing more than 50 milligrams of powder, cherry bombs, M-80s, large reloadable shells and aerial bombs. Mail-order kits designed to build these fireworks are also banned. According to the CPSC, seven states ban all consumer fireworks – Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island. Seven states only allow sparklers or other novelties – Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Vermont. There may also be local laws prohibiting or limiting the use of certain consumer fireworks. Safe Kids Michigan recommends that all families observe the simple guidelines that can help keep Fourth of July festivities enjoyable and safe. Safe Kids Michigan is part of The National SAFE KIDS Campaign, the first and only national organization dedicated solely to the prevention of unintentional childhood injury – the number one killer of children ages 14 and under. More than three hundred state and local SAFE KIDS coalitions in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, comprise the campaign. Back to Top

Ecorse Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the licensed practical nurse license of Christopher Tobias Patillo, L.P.N., based on his felony conviction in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Oakland County, Michigan. Patillo failed to report his conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On March 3, 2005, Patillo was convicted of three felony counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct-First Degree, one felony count of Home Invasion-First Degree, and one misdemeanor count of Domestic Violence. As a result, Patillo was sentenced to 12 to 40 years in prison for the criminal sexual conduct convictions, 10 to 20 years in prison on the home invasion conviction, and 93 days in jail with 93 days credit on the domestic violence conviction. Additionally, Patillo was ordered to pay an assessment and costs totaling $340.00. On June 22, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Patillo’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Patillo’s licensed practical nurse license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to the Bureau of Health Professions' licensing site. Back to Top

Fremont Physician's Assistant/Registered Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the physician’s assistance license and registered nurse license of Richard Charles Sprague, P.A., R.N., based on his felony conviction in the 27th Circuit Court, Newaygo County, Michigan. Sprague failed to report his conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On March 7, 2005, Sprague was convicted of Controlled Substance – Delivery/Manufacture Marijuana, a felony. As a result, Sprague was sentenced to 90 days in jail with one-day credit, 30 days to be served on the electronic tether program, and 60 days held in abeyance at the discretion of the court, ordered to pay fines and costs in the amount of $320.00, and placed on probation for a period of 12 months with terms. On June 16, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Sprague’s licenses pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Sprague’s physician’s assistance license and registered nurse license, practical nurse license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to the Bureau of Health Professions' licensing site. Back to Top

Reed City Pharmacist Loses License The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the pharmacist license of Gordon Bernard Kilmer, R.Ph., based on his misdemeanor conviction in the 49th Judicial Circuit Court, Osceola County, Michigan. Kilmer failed to report his conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On January 31, 2005, Kilmer was convicted of Criminal Sexual Conduct-Fourth Degree (Incapacitated Victim), a misdemeanor. As a result, Kilmer was sentenced to six months on a tether, placed on probation for 36 months with terms and ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $1,120.00. On June 14, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Kilmer’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a maximum term of two years. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Kilmer’s pharmacist license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to the Bureau of Health Professions' Licensing site. Back to Top

MDCH Finds Sediments In Muskegon County Creek Pose No Current Public Health Hazards A Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Draft Public Health Consultation has found that exposure to the sediments in Muskegon County’s Ryerson Creek pose no apparent current public health hazard, officials said today. However, the sediments might pose a future hazard in areas that get developed for residential housing, said Christina Rose Bush, MDCH toxicologist. Mercury in the creek’s sediments might also be entering the water column and concentrating in fish in the creek or Muskegon Lake, into which Ryerson Creek flows, she said. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality requested assistance in evaluating public health implications of exposure to contaminants in the sediments in Ryerson Creek. The creek receives urban runoff from storm sewers. Leaking underground tanks and the City of Muskegon’s former incinerator likely have contributed to the contamination. MDCH reviewed the available environmental data and determined that concentrations of arsenic, lead, benzo(a)pyrene, and mercury needed further scrutiny. Likelihood of exposure was evaluated in areas with high concentrations. Currently, exposure to the contaminants is not expected to occur with sufficient frequency to cause adverse health effects. Some tested areas are slated for future residential development. Further sediment testing is necessary to determine if cleanup is required. Mercury found in the sediments has the potential to enter the food chain and accumulate in fish. These fish could then be caught and eaten by local anglers, exposing these persons to potentially harmful levels of mercury. MDCH recommends that persons fishing in Ryerson Creek or Muskegon Lake adhere to the advice in the Michigan Family Fish Consumption Guide. The guide is available here. Areas of Ryerson Creek tend to flood during spring thaws and heavy rains. It is possible that sediments are transferred to floodplain soils, such as Green Acres Park near the Farmers Market, becoming more easily accessible to people living or playing near the creek. Floodplain soils around Farmers Market should be sampled for possible contamination. The Department of Community Health invites the public to review and offer comments on the Public Health Consultation. Copies of the Public Health Consultation are available for public review at the Hackley Public Library, 316 W. Webster Avenue in Muskegon and the Norton Shores Branch of the Muskegon County Library, 705 Seminole in Norton Shores. The document is available electronically at www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxics under “Health Assessments and Related Documents.” Public comments and questions should be addressed to Christina Bush, Michigan Department of Community Health, Division of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, P.O. Box 30195, Lansing, Michigan 48909. People may also call the toll-free telephone number, 1-800-648-6942 (1-800-MI-TOXIC). Comments on the Public Health Consultation must be received by August 8, 2005. All comments received will be evaluated and considered and responses will be provided in the final version of the Consultation. The Michigan Department of Community Health Division of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology conducted the Public Health Consultation for the Ryerson Creek sediments under a cooperative agreement with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Information concerning the human health effects of exposure to environmental contaminants can be found on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) web page at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html. Back to Top

Richland Nurse Has License Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the licensed practical nurse license of Patricia Ann Hayes, L.P.N., based on her controlled substance related conviction in the 57th Judicial District Court, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. Hayes failed to report her conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On April 20, 2005, Hayes was convicted of Controlled Substance Drugs-Obtaining by False Name. As a result, Hayes was sentenced to pay fines and costs totaling $250.00. On June 10, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Hayes’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a misdemeanor involving the illegal delivery, possession or use of a controlled substance. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Hayes’s licensed practical nurse license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Brighton Pharmacist Loses License The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the pharmacist license of Denise Kathryn Glenn, R.Ph., based on her admitted theft of controlled substance from a pharmacy. As a result of her conduct, on February 3, 2005, Glenn was charged with one felony count of Larceny in a Building and one felony count of Controlled Substance – Possession/Analogues in Livingston County. The matter remains pending. On February 5, 2005, Glenn admitted to the theft of controlled substances for her own use during an interview. On June 10, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Glenn’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Glenn’s pharmacist license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Runners Needed To Join Governor Granholm's Second-Annual Labor Day Fun Run Across The "Big Mac" Governor Granholm is short the goal of 300 running mates for this year’s fun run. There is still time to enter the lottery for the second annual run across the Mackinac Bridge on Monday, September 5 (Labor Day). Organizers want at least one participant from each of Michigan’s 83 counties. Several counties are still unrepresented at this time. Last year for the first time in its history, the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk was kicked off with a separate run of approximately 300 people from around the state. The response was overwhelming. Governor Granholm, an avid runner, will again participate in this unique event, which is sponsored by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports, Farm Bureau Insurance and the Michigan Department of Community Health. A web-based lottery has been set up to select the 300 participants, who must all have participated in at least one event endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports prior to June 30. To enter the lottery for a chance to participate, runners from endorsed races must pre-register at the Governor’s Council Web site, www.michiganfitness.org. The deadline to enter is June 29, 2004. Runners will be selected by June 30th and will be notified in writing. Those not chosen to participate will not be permitted to run the bridge. The run is not a timed event and will not be certified for distance. Only one lottery entry is permitted per person, regardless of the number of endorsed events in which entrants participate. Complete rules are available online. Back to Top

Michigan Surgeon General Girl Scouts? Woman of Distinction Award Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Michigan Surgeon General, was honored by the Girl Scouts of Macomb County-Otsikita Council, Inc. at its 10th annual Women of Distinction Awards dinner Tuesday. Wisdom was one of seven women who received the award for exemplifying the Girl Scout spirit and serving as role models for all. Janet Olszewski, Michigan Department of Community Health Director, nominated Wisdom for her outstanding accomplishments in the areas of emergency medicine, diabetes care, and health disparities reduction, as well as her contributions to public health as Michigan’s first Surgeon General. “Dr. Wisdom is passionate about her work and it shows,” Olszewski said. “She demonstrates integrity, honesty, compassion, strength, intelligence, and confidence in every aspect of her life.” During her acceptance speech, Wisdom – a former Girl Scout – spoke about how the Girl Scouts influenced her life both personally and professionally and how the values and skills (e.g., fundraising, preparedness, and citizenship) she learned have remained with the program despite its many changes over the years. In February 2005, Wisdom launched Michigan Steps Up, a statewide healthy lifestyles campaign designed to improve the health of Michigan citizens by encouraging everyone to move more, eat better and avoid tobacco use. Prior to Wisdom’s appointment as Surgeon General, she worked as a board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician and Founder and Director for the Institute on Multicultural Health at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. In 1998, Wisdom founded a community-based health screening initiative called “AIMHI” (African American Initiative for Male Health Improvement). Girl Scouts of Macomb County – Otsikita Council Inc. is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization serving the needs of girls ages 4-17 in Macomb County. With a diverse membership of more than 12,000 girls and nearly 3,000 adult volunteers, Girl Scouts of Macomb County – Otsikita Council Inc. is the largest organization in the community with a commitment to girls. Back to Top

Bloomfield Hills Physician Has License Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the medical license of Robert A. Wolf, M.D., based on his misdemeanor conviction in the 52-4th Judicial District Court of Oakland County, Michigan. Wolf failed to report his conviction to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On February 3, 2005, Wolf was convicted of Drove/Operated While Impaired, a misdemeanor. The conviction stemmed from an arrest on August 17, 2004, involving Wolf being stopped while operating an automobile in an erratic manner. During the traffic stop, police discovered various prescription bottles containing assorted pills and narcotics in the vehicle. Wolf’s blood specimen on the date of the traffic stop tested positive for the following controlled substances: diazepam, meprobamate and zolpidem. As a result of said conviction, Wolf was ordered to abstain from consumption of any mood-altering substances, submit to random drug tests and pay a total of $2,440 in fines, fees and costs. On February 26, 2005, Wolf was arrested and charged with Operating While Impaired – Narcotics; adjudication is pending in the matter. On June 1, 2005, MDCH issued an order summarily suspending Wolf’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a misdemeanor involving the illegal delivery, possession or use of a controlled substance. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Wolf’s medical license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Increased Temperatures Call For Increased Caution Citizens are urged to take precautions when Michigan heat increases The temperatures are rising in Michigan and citizen are inquiring on the different preventative measures to take to keep their families safe when the Michigan summers become unbearably hot. The Michigan Department of Community Health has tips to keep you safe this summer when the heat reaches 80 degrees or above. Major heat can create stress on your body and mind. Very hot days, with temperatures in the upper 80’s and above, can cause body temperature to rise, resulting in muscle cramps, dizziness and eventually making you dangerously ill. To prevent symptoms of heat stress, adults and children should stay completely hydrated by drinking water frequently, even when you may not be thirsty. Try to stay clear of alcoholic and caffeinated drinks as they cause dehydration. The sun’s rays can be very dangerous especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so please try to plan your daily activities accordingly. If you must do work outdoors, take frequent breaks in shaded, cool areas. Wearing light colored, loose fitting clothing will help you stay cool during the hot summer days. Fabrics like cotton are a good choice as they allow air to circulate through clothing and to your body. It is important to know the different signs of heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illness target young children and the elderly, so it is important to monitor these citizens by checking them frequently. The first stage of heat-related illness is dehydration. Dehydration occurs when body fluids are lost by sweating and not replaced. Dry mouth, thirst, headache, dizziness, cramps, excessive fatigue and irritability are all symptoms of dehydration. If you are experiencing dehydration, follow these tips: Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area Replace fluids by drinking water Consult a physician if symptoms persist or if there is an existing condition that could be complicated by increased fluid intake Heat cramps are another indication of a potential heat-related emergency. Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms caused by heavy exertion and high body temperatures. These muscle cramps can be extremely painful and will often force a person to discontinue activity. To treat heat cramps, follow these tips: Seek shade or cool, comfortable place Drink a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold for about 20 seconds If symptoms persist or worsen, seek emergency medical treatment The next, more serious stage of heat-related illness is called heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a warm, humid place where body fluids are lost by sweating. This fluid loss can cause reduced blood flow to vital organs, which results in shock. Signs of exhaustion include headache, moist and pale skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion. To treat exhaustion, follow these tips: Seek shade or cool, comfortable place Drink a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes Remove or loosen any tight clothing Apply a cool, wet towel or compress If symptoms persist or worsen, seek emergency medical treatment Finally, heat stroke is the most severe stage of heat-related illness. A heat stroke, or also called sunstroke, is life threatening and immediate emergency medical attention is vital. During a heat stroke the body’s temperature control stops working and temperature can rise very quickly. Seek emergency treatment immediately if the following symptoms are present: Vomiting Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit) Red, hot and dry skin · Rapid, weak pulse Rapid, shallow breathing Another important concern during the summer months is skin cancer, or melanoma. Although, this is present year round risks increase during summer months, by using sunscreen, wearing appropriate clothing that covers the body and sunglasses, you can reduce your chances of skin cancer. Though it is extremely serious and can be life threatening, most heat-related illnesses are preventable. So when engaging in your summer activities remember it is always important to consult a physician about any concerns that you may have and remember these simple tips to lead a happier, healthier lifestyle. Back to Top

Department of Community Health Anti-Smoking Commercial Takes Prize at National Radio Mercury Awards: NY Health Department Also Using the Michigan Ad Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski today announced the department was proud to receive the 2005 Radio Mercury-Award for Public Service Announcements. The Radio-Mercury Awards recognize and reward the creators of Radio’s best commercials. The award-winning spot titled, “It’s Like They’re Smoking”, vividly depicts the reality of secondhand smoke effects on children. “We are so pleased to have been recognized by this prestigious group for our efforts to encourage people to stop smoking,” Olszewski said. “The effects of secondhand smoke on children are well documented by leading health and scientific experts. Our challenge was to take these hard facts and present them in a way that would encourage and motivate smokers to stop smoking.” “It’s Like They’re Smoking” uses children to deliver the important message that secondhand smoke has serious and damaging effects on children. Brogan and Partners Convergence Marketing in Detroit created the spot. Also competing in this category were the Hill Holliday agency in New York for their spot "CPR Saves Lives" for the American Red Cross, the McCann-Erickson agency in New York for their spot "Preacher" for the AdCouncil/Healthy America, the Oink Ink Radio agency in New York for their spot "30 seconds" for the Partnership for a Drug Free America and the republik agency in Durham, NC, for their spot "Caller" for the Center for Death Penalty Litigation. T he New York State Health Department was so impressed with the quality and effectiveness of the Michigan Department of Community Health commercial they have also begun airing both the radio and television versions of the ad. An important component to the success and development of the commercial was research conducted with smokers who have children in their homes. Respondents were read different facts regarding the effect that secondhand smoke in the household has on children. They were then asked whether knowing the statistic made them more likely to quit smoking or did not make any difference. By far, the most influential fact was: “Smoking around children can hurt lung growth and permanently damage their lung functions.” The Radio-Mercury Awards were established in 1992 to encourage and reward the development of effective and creative Radio commercials. The Radio Creative Fund (RCF), a non-profit corporation funded by the Radio industry, governs the Radio-Mercury Awards. The script for the “It’s Like They’re Smoking” radio commercial is: Brogan & Partners Convergence Marketing Detroit - Raleigh/Durham - Chicago - Ann Arbor - Silicon Valley Radio Copy Client: MDCH Product: Secondhand smoke Title: “It’s Like They’re Smoking” Length: :60 MUSIC: LIGHT; DECEPTIVELY PLEASANT BOUNCY: KID #1: I smoke right when I get up in the morning. KID #2: I usually smoke while I’m watching cartoons. KID #3: We smoke in the car on the way to school. KID #4: Yeah, on the way to school. KID #2: I smoke at the dinner table. KID #5: I smoke when I’m coloring. KID #2: Sometimes I smoke during my nap. KID #4: I smoke when I’m taking a bubble bath. VO: When you smoke around your kids, KID #1: Seems I’ve been smoking all my life. VO: it’s like they’re smoking. KID #2: I’m down to a pack a day. MUSIC: SNEAK OUT BY THIS POINT: MUSIC: RESUME: LESS BOUNCY VO: If you smoke, the kids around you smoke secondhand, which can mean health problems, like asthma and others that could be with them for life. And if you smoke around children from birth, by age 5, they'll have inhaled over 100 packs. To learn how to quit and keep smoke away from your children, call the free Michigan tobacco quitline at 1-800-480-7848. That’s 1-800-480-7848. KID #2: I’ve tried to quit a few times, I need to try again. VO:Secondhand smoke it’s nothing to kid about. A message from the Michigan Department of Community Health. Back to Top

Farmington Hills Pharmacist Loses License The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the pharmacist license of Mark D. Kaploe, R.Ph., based on his felony conviction in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. On November 9, 2004, Kaploe was convicted of Health Care Fraud, a felony. As a result, Kaploe was sentenced to 180 days home confinement with electronic monitoring, ordered to pay an assessment in the amount of $100 and restitution in the amount of $48,000, and placed on probation for a period of 36 months with terms. On May 26, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Kaploe’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a felony. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Kaploe’s pharmacist license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top

Senior Citizen Of The Year Nominations Being Accepted The Michigan Commission on Services to the Aging and the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging are accepting nominations for the 2005 Senior Citizen of the Year Award. “The Senior Citizen of the Year Award provides an opportunity to recognize Michigan seniors who go above and beyond to improve the quality of life for others,” said Sharon L. Gire, Director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. “This award is our way of honoring two of those extraordinary seniors and their contributions to our great State.” The Award is given in two categories - leadership in the community and service provided to others. Winners will be invited to attend an award ceremony at the Michigan State Fair Seniors’ Day on Monday, August 15, 2005. Nominations must be submitted by an organization and must be postmarked by Friday, July 15, 2005. Nominees must be age 60 or older. Selections will be made with particular attention to the nominee’s service or leadership rendered in the past year. Nomination forms are available by contacting the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging at 517-373-8230 or by visiting www.miseniors.net. Back to Top

New Medicaid Program Will Help Improve Quality Of Care For Patients With Mental Illness The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has launched an innovative educational program that strives to improve the quality of care for Medicaid patients with mental illness. The Michigan Pharmacy Quality Improvement Project (PQIP) which began in May, is a two-year educational program that will analyze the prescribing of mental health medications for Medicaid members and identify prescribing patterns inconsistent with evidence-based guidelines. When needed, physicians will be provided with educational materials and client survey information as well as peer-to-peer consultation. The Michigan PQIP Project is a collaborative effort that involves MDCH’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Administration and its Medical Services Administration and Comprehensive NeuroScience, Inc. (CNS), of White Plains, N.Y. Eli Lilly and Company is providing funding in support of the independent program. The MDCH Mental Health Advisory Committee, composed of medical directors from the Medicaid Health Plans and the Prepaid Inpatient Health Plans, will serve as an advisor to the project. “We know that most Michigan doctors follow recommended guidelines when prescribing mental health medications to their patients, but there is always room for improvement,” said Janet Olszewski, MDCH Director. “This innovative new project will help us identify those physicians and provide educational materials to them that will ultimately benefit thousands of Michigan residents who use medications to improve their overall mental health.” Olszewski said she expects the CNS review of prescribing practices to identify a small group of doctors who regularly fall outside of guidelines. These physicians will receive educational materials promoting adherence to the best practices guidelines. In addition, CNS will continue to monitor physicians for the duration of the program to determine whether prescribing problems improve. According to the President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, Michigan likely has between 450,000 and 650,000 adults and minors experiencing serious mental illness or serious emotional disturbance. MDCH projects that over 200,000 of these are adults with “serious and persistent mental illness. Improper prescribing or use of medications can have many negative consequences, including: Interference with treatment goals Increased risk of medical complications. Although there are times when multiple prescriptions are necessary, some drug interactions may lead to increased hospitalization. Most evidence does not support the use of multiple mental health medications from the same class to treat the same condition. “This is a program that should be a ‘win-win’ for all interests, including those who administer and rely upon the Medicaid program as well as proponents of evidence-based practices in health care,” said Mark Reinstein, President and CEO, Mental Health Association in Michigan. “We know that other states have had very promising results when implementing similar programs.” The PQIP process begins with a review by CNS of Medicaid patient pharmacy claims data to identify prescribing and utilization trends for mental health and psychotropic medications. The researchers will look at such categories as multiple medication prescribing in the same therapeutic class, prescribing above or below FDA-recommended dosing levels, failure of patients to fill their prescription in a timely fashion and patients with two or more physicians prescribing the same medications during the same time period. Prescriptions that fall within these categories will then be compared with best practices guidelines. The prescription monitoring program is working in several other states, including Missouri, where an analysis from the program’s first year also shows a 98 percent reduction of patients who are prescribed the same mental health medications from multiple doctors; a 64 percent reduction of patients who are on two or more mental health medications of the same type; a 43 percent reduction of children on three or more psychotropic medications; and, a 40 percent reduction of patients receiving an unusually high dosage of medication. “We applaud the Michigan Department of Community Health for offering this initiative,” said Susan McParland, Executive Director, Michigan Association for Children with Emotional Disorders. “We believe high quality care is provided when the management of mental health drugs is based on nationally-recognized guidelines as well as individual patient needs.” The program is entirely voluntary for Michigan doctors. All decisions regarding treatment and medications are made privately between the physician and the patient and are completely individualized. “We are pleased to support this program in Michigan,” said Jack Bailey, Lilly vice president, Business-to-Business. “We have seen a lot of success with it across the country. We believe Medicaid dollars for mental health drugs can be wisely managed by providing education to increase the quality of prescribing practices rather than limiting access to these vital medications.” Back to Top

Howell Physician's Assistant Has License Summarily Suspended The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has summarily suspended the physician’s assistant license of Eric Andres Anderson, P.A., based on his misdemeanor convictions in the 53rd Judicial District Court of Livingston County, Michigan. Anderson failed to report his convictions to MDCH as required by the Public Health Code. On February 1, 2005, Anderson was convicted of Operating Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance with an Occupant Under Age 16 and Possession of a Forged or Altered Prescription, both misdemeanors. As a result, Anderson was sentenced to 48 days in jail with credit for 48 days, placed on probation with terms for a period of two years, and ordered to pay fines and costs totaling $2,095.00. On May 20, 2005, MDCH issued an order immediately suspending Anderson’s license pursuant to the Public Health Code, which provides for the mandatory summary suspension of a health professional’s license upon the conviction of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for a maximum of two years or a misdemeanor involving the illegal delivery, possession or use of a controlled substance. An administrative hearing will be scheduled to address the status of Anderson’s physician’s assistance license. For more information on disciplinary actions taken by the health professional licensing boards within MDCH, please go to http://www.michigan.gov/mdch, and click on Health Systems and Licensing. Back to Top