Issue 09-10
October 2009
Inside this issue
Kodaira receives Therapist of the Year Award
Congratulations to Susan Kodaira, Physical Therapist with HCA California Children's Services (CCS) Medical Therapy Program on receiving the 2009 Kathy McCarthy Therapist of the Year Award. Susan has worked for the CCS program since 1988 and was nominated by her peers for her leadership and dedication to CCS. Her easy going manner and approachability make her well liked by her patients and their families. She is also noted as being an expert clinician who readily shares her knowledge with her peers. Susan is a true asset to the CCS Medical Therapy Program.
The CCS Kathy McCarthy Therapist of the Year Award was established in 1992 to recognize staff occupational and physical therapists who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their profession and the children and families of the CCS Medical Therapy Program. Kathy McCarthy was an Occupational Therapist with CCS who passed away in 1992. She held a 25-year career with the Orange County CCS Program. The award was established in her name to honor her dedication to the children served by the program.
Pictured (left to right) are Lynn Einarsson, MS, OTR/L, CCS
Chief Therapist and Susan Kodaira, P.T.
Walsh picked as Interim CMS Medical Director
HCA is pleased to announce that Dr. Eric Walsh will serve as Interim Correctional Medical Services (CMS) Medical Director while a nation-wide recruitment for a permanent CMS Medical Director is conducted.
As the Interim CMS Medical Director, Dr. Walsh oversees the jail medical care delivery system and evaluates operations to ensure that the County meets the Title 15 mandated requirements to provide basic health care and emergency medical response to more than 6,000 inmates daily and over 65,000 inmates annually within the five Orange County adult correctional facilities. He also has oversight for the medical services provided to children who reside in the County's six residential juvenile facilities.
He is a graduate of Oakwood University, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Loma Linda School of Public Health. Prior to joining the Agency, Dr. Walsh served as Medical Director of Urgent Care at the Loma Linda Family Medicine Group and provided clinical care to patients in a variety of settings. He has served on various medical advisory boards, and is currently on the President's Advisory Council for HIV/AIDS in Washington DC.
Since joining CMS in September, Dr. Walsh helped maintain the momentum of the team by implementing in-house specialty clinics in the jail facilities. The clinics are intended to improve the efficiency of scheduled appointments, reduce transportation costs, and reduce security risks. Dr. Walsh brings a great deal of leadership, medical oversight expertise and a new perspective to CMS.
Watch out for those potential conflicts!
Conflict of interest arises when an employee's duty to HCA clashes with duties, obligations or interests that lie elsewhere.
A manager could be tempted to give interview questions to a friend who is seeking County employment.
Doctors might write a prescription for one drug versus another because every day they see the name of the drug on a notepad that a vendor gave them.
A staff person could take a shortcut on completing a task that could result in reporting inaccurate information.
Detect It: Be aware of what conflicts of interest could arise within the context of your own job responsibilities.
Avoid It: You can avoid conflicts of interest by keeping your compliance training in mind, and by following HCA policies and procedures. Report any issues or concerns so corrective action can be taken sooner rather than later.
Despite employees? best intentions, they may one day find themselves exposed to a conflict of interest. Employees need to try to avoid even the perception of potential conflict. For further information on this subject see the HCA Compliance Program P&P ?I ? 15.01 Gift Ban & Conflict of Interest? and HCA Administrative P&P ?III-1.03 Incompatible Activities Relating to Outside Employment or Other Affiliations.? Please contact the Office of Compliance at officeofcompliance@ochca.com or 714-568-5614 with any questions or comments you may have regarding this article.
Patient medical records requests
Copies of patient medical records are released with a valid authorization and must be released in a timely manner. California law and HIPAA regulate the time to release copies of medical records. These laws include:
California Health and Safety Code 123110 - This section states that copies of the medical record will be provided within 15 days. If the patient requests a summary of their records, this will be provided within 10 days. If the patient wants to review their record, this will be permitted within 5 days with the care coordinator or therapist.
Evidence Code 1158 - When an attorney is requesting copies of the medical record and presents a valid signed authorization from the individual, the attorney may require the records within 5 business days if so requested.
HIPAA 164.524 (b) - This section states that the covered entity (HCA) must allow access to inspect or obtain copies of the medical record within 30 days. Since California law allows greater access for the patient, HCA complies with the California law which is allowed by HIPAA.
HCA follows all of these regulations. When you receive a medical records request from the Custodian of Records (COR) office, review the due date. Be sure to get those copies made and sent back to the COR. You'll be a winner and will be providing excellent customer service.
If your program has a special question about your records, e-mail Custodian of Records staff Sue Warnke at swarnke@ochca.com or Mary Maicki at mmaicki@ochca.com.
Providers/First Responders H1N1 training
What do health care providers, first responders, local fire and law enforcement agencies, and community non-profits have in common? In August and September, these groups were the target of the Health Care Agency's (HCA) 2009 H1N1 outreach and information sharing effort. In fact, partnership efforts with these groups have been ongoing since the outbreak began in April. HCA's Health Disaster Management Division and the Disease Control and Epidemiology program have hosted a series of discipline-specific tabletop exercises, workshops and presentations across the county. In late October, these folks will come together at a countywide summit designed specifically for the health care provider and first responder communities. Exercise participants have included representatives from local hospitals, community clinics, ambulance companies, long term care providers, city emergency management, fire agencies, law enforcement, businesses and schools.
Among the discussion topics:
How their organization responded in April to the H1N1 incident, contrasted with their current planning activities
How to deal with potential patient surge and workforce shortages
Best practices for workforce protection
Effective public and employee messaging
Most significant was the conversation about where these groups might assist and what they need from HCA to ensure their response in the fall is effective and the needs of the community are met.
Q. What is H1N1 2009 Influenza (swine flu) and how is it transmitted?
A: H1N1 influenza is a respiratory illness that is spread in the same way that seasonal influenza is spread. It spreads from person-to-person when an infected person sneezes, coughs or touches surfaces (such as a door knob); then another person inhales the virus or touches a contaminated surface and then touches their mouth, eyes, or nose.
Q. How can I avoid getting infected?
A: You can protect yourself from any influenza by washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. You should avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth and limit time around people who are sick (especially if they have fever and cough or a sore throat). Most importantly, people who are considered high-risk for getting the flu or complications from the flu should receive an H1N1 vaccination when it is available. It is important to note that a vaccination for H1N1 will not provide protection from the seasonal flu, a seasonal flu vaccination is required for that.
Q. Who is considered high-risk for complications of the H1N1 influenza?
A: The following groups of people are at greater risk of complications from H1N1 influenza:
Children younger than 5 years old
Pregnant women
Adults and children with certain chronic medical conditions or who are immuno-suppressed.
Q. When will the H1N1 2009 influenza vaccine be available and who should get it?
A: Vaccine for the H1N1 influenza will be available in limited supply in mid October, with wide availability anticipated by mid November. In addition to being recommended for individuals at high risk of complications mentioned above, it is recommended for those who are at high risk for getting the flu (children and young adults ages 5-24), health care workers, and caregivers of those under 6 months of age.
Dr. Michele Cheung, Deputy Medical Director for HCA's Epidemiology and
Assessment program, answers influenza related questions.
Participants discuss current planning initiatives related to influenza
preparedness.
The start of influenza season is just around the corner. Annually, epidemics of influenza occur in the late fall, winter and early spring seasons. HCA Employee Health Services is again doing its part to keep County employees healthy by offering flu shots at several County locations.
This year, there is an additional strain of influenza virus, the pandemic H1N1 influenza (swine flu) virus. Both the seasonal and pandemic H1N1 influenza can cause serious illness and even death, especially in young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and persons of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk.
Influenza vaccination can help to prevent influenza virus infection. This year, due to the H1N1 pandemic, some staff may need to get multiple shots: one for the seasonal influenza and for most individuals one dose for the H1N1 influenza.
The following are several options for County employees to obtain both seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccinations:
Some County health plans provide seasonal influenza vaccinations free of charge to plan members. Please check with your health plan to obtain information. Vaccinations are also available at physicians' offices and in some pharmacies. Contact your physician for availability of seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccines. You can also check online at www.findaflushot.com for listings.
The Public Health Immunization Program is providing free influenza vaccinations at the Family Health Clinic in Santa Ana. In the Public Health Program, seasonal influenza vaccine is free to the following target groups:
50 years of age or older
Health care workers
Women who will be pregnant during influenza season
Persons diagnosed with a chronic condition like heart (except hypertension), pulmonary (including asthma), kidney, or liver disease; diabetes; hematologic or metabolic disorders
Persons diagnosed with a health condition that suppresses your immune system (e.g. HIV), or taking medication that causes immune suppression
Household contacts or caregivers for a child 5 years and younger, an adult aged 50 and older, or persons with medical conditions placing them at increased risk for severe complications from influenza
H1N1 (swine flu) Influenza Vaccine is free to the following target groups:
Pregnant women
People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
Persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age, and
People from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for pandemic H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems
For additional information, call the HCA Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448.
Employee Health Services provides free influenza vaccinations to County employees meeting the high-risk categories and all HCA employees. Other County employees are offered influenza vaccine at a discounted rate of $11. Seasonal influenza vaccinations will be offered at Employee Health Services located at 600 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Ste. 405 in Santa Ana from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday thru Friday. For eligible employees, there will be no cost for the H1N1 vaccine. For availability and additional information, please call (714) 565-3780. To prevent the spread of influenza, it is essential to use good hygiene. Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough into your upper arm; put used tissues in a wastebasket; wash your hands after coughing or sneezing; and stay home if you are sick. Visit www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm for more information. Current H1N1 information is also available on the HCA Website at www.ochealthinfo.com.
County Health Officer Dr. Eric Handler rolled up his sleeve to receive a
seasonal flu shot at the HCA 17th Street clinic.
October is the season of change, from the colors of leaves to the foods we eat. Change up your diet and take advantage of the fall harvest. This month's fruit and vegetable, kiwifruit and winter squash, are great choices to add to your meals this fall. Both are known for being good sources of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber and are sure to add flavor to any meal.
The CA Department of Public Health Worksite Program offers the following quick and simple tips for the month of October:
Staying fit and active doesn't only mean hard workouts or activities. Take advantage of the cool breeze and enjoy the fall weather by walking or biking instead of driving. Try taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator for added energy. Get off the bus one stop farther away from your office and walk the rest of the way. Take a quick walk during your lunch break to help stay energized after lunch. Exercising your body can make you feel better, feel more confident about yourself, and can help release stress and tension.
Halloween candy may be all you see during the start of the holiday season, but keep eating your fruits and vegetables! Fruits and veggies can help you keep a healthy body weight and may lower your risk of serious health problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Try a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet for all the important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber to help keep you healthy. Fruits and vegetables are a smart choice because they are low in calories, are all natural, and keep you full longer. Grab a kiwifruit, some carrots, or an apple and stay energized while you are on the go.
One medium kiwifruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps the body heal cuts and wounds and helps lower risk of infection. It is also an excellent source of vitamin K, which helps the body stop cuts and scrapes from bleeding out too much and also helps to begin the healing process.
One cup of cubed butternut or acorn squash is also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. Fiber helps keep you regular, prevents constipation, and helps you to feel full. Potassium helps the brain tell muscles when to contract and relax. Potassium also helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Monthly Fit Business Tips are created by the CA Department of Public Health and feature a fruit and vegetable of the month and simple tips for healthy eating and physical activity. Each monthly tip also includes ways to incorporate the featured produce into your daily meals. To view past monthly Fit Business Tips, visit www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/cpns/Pages/FitBusinessTips.aspx.
Almost the entire 5,000+ pages of the HCA Website at www.ochealthinfo.com is currently being updated to match the County's "eGov" look. The content inside the pages will not change, just the outer appearance. Board-approved templates for this new look were provided by County CEO IT. Work will be completed by HCA Quality Management with the approval of Bob Wilson, HCA Deputy Agency Director of Financial and Administrative Services.
In the coming months, HCA IT will be installing a new server to host these pages and HCA Quality Management will maintain administrative control over the HCA Website. This structure will allow for quicker response times for site editing, including the flexibility to assign webpage authoring rights to programs within HCA. Editing will be browser-based with no additional expense passed on to Programs for hardware or software. Visit www.ochealthinfo.com to view some of the changes already in progress.
Avoiding common office injuries
It is generally accepted in heavy industry that there are dangerous work environments that expose employees to potential injury. However, many of us fail to recognize the potential risks found in everyday office environments. Office work can certainly lead to injuries if appropriate safe work practices are not followed.
With that said, here are a few tips from the CEO/Risk Management Office that can assist you in following general safe work practices around the office. For a task that requires a staff member to walk and carry an object, make sure the object is carried in a way that avoids blocking vision.
Never lift objects that are too heavy to handle comfortably. Don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
Arrange desks or work stations so arms, wrists, legs, back and neck can be maintained in a comfortable "neutral" position, with proper back support.
Never run in the office. If liquids are spilled on tile or linoleum floors, clean them up immediately.
Use a letter opener when opening envelopes, and a staple remover when detaching staples from documents.
Although offices are not considered to be "high hazard" work environments, injuries happen when risks are not controlled, or when people are careless. To help control the risks, remember to practice safe work habits at all times. Also, be familiar with the location of the office first aid kit, and know who is trained to administer first aid. Lastly, by working together to identify and avoid hazards, we can reduce costs and contribute to the well being of our fellow employees.
The HCA Safety Program would like to recognize the HCA Business Office located at 1725 W. 17th Street (building 50) for its outstanding commitment to safety. In June of 2009, all staff at the Business Office completed their training to become Certified Safety Representatives (CSRs). The Business Office staff have continuously demonstrated outstanding effort and commitment to the HCA Safety Program.
Jeremy Harris (supervisor)
Leticia Hernandez
Luis Armenta
Rosa Cortez
Congratulations and best of luck to our new Certified Departmental Safety Representatives!
Congratulations to Bldg. 50's Business Office staff on
becoming Certified Departmental Safety Representatives. Pictured (left to right)
are Jeremy Harris, Luis Armenta, Leticia Hernandez and Rosa Cortez.
This Halloween, consider sending trick-o-treaters home with some healthy Halloween treats as an alternative to candy and sugar-filled sweets. By encouraging kids to practice healthy eating habits, as well as participate in daily physical activity, children can learn the importance of proper nutrition and be on their way to leading healthy lifestyles. Instead of giving away that bag of various sugar-filled candy, mix up the bowl with a variety of goodies like the following:
Wrapped fruit
Pretzels
Fruit cups
Animal crackers
Applesauce cups
Mini boxes of raisins
Pudding cups
100% fruit juice boxes
Granola bars
Crayons
Yo-Yo's
Coloring books
Pinwheels
Toothbrushes
Bubbles
Pencils
Paddleballs
Mini frisbees
Jump ropes
Jacks
Puzzles
Trading cards
No matter what your kids bring home in their Halloween bags, help them ration their treats and remind them to brush their teeth after they enjoy their snacks.
American Diabetes Month
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers Month
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month
Great American Smokeout - 19
Public Health Thank You Day - 23
National Nurse Practitioner Week 8-14
National Radiological Technology Week 8-14
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Awareness Week 22-28
Quote
It's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years.
- Abraham Lincoln
What's UP is a newsletter for employees of the County of
Orange, CA, Health Care Agency.
Editors
Tricia Landquist
Deanne Thompson
Anne Fialcowitz
Phone (714) 834-6644
E-mail tlandquist@ochca.com
FAX (714) 834-7644
Pony Bldg. 38-S, 4th Floor
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