FY2024 Annual Report

18 Transformational Leadership with Powerful Results ADDICTIONS PRACTICE GROUP The Addictions Practice Group met with Valery Bailey, MPA, CPM, Executive Director, PerformCare, and Jeffery Carrick, Deputy Director of Administration, Children’s System of Care (CSOC), New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF), about the decline in referrals of adolescents. NJAMHAA is continuing to work with PerformCare and DCF to develop solutions. For example, Bailey and Carrick are exploring the possibility of listing all addiction treatment providers on the CSOC and PerformCare websites. The group also had Richard J. Bowe, LPC, LCADC, CCS, Executive Director, Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey, Inc. attend a meeting to provide clarification on the requirements for certified peer specialists and Medicaid billing for peers’ services. In addition, several group members continued to participate in Licensing Workgroup meetings along with staff from NJAMHAA and the Department of Health to resolve issues related to licensing and inspections. Another subgroup met with Adam Bucon, LSW, State Opioid Treatment Authority, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and Steve Tunney, RN, MSN, Director, Behavioral Health, Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS), about the negative fiscal consequences of billing changes for opioid treatment programs. Among the many guests participating in the Adult Mental Health Practice Group meetings were representatives from the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) to address licensing issues. Howard Pine, Deputy Director, DCA; Milagros Colazzo, Executive Director, State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, Professional Counselor Examiners Committee, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee; and Edie Nugent, Executive Director, New Jersey Board of Social Work Examiners, reviewed supervision requirements and clarified the application process and timelines. This group also met with Leroy Boone, Jr., Senior Director, Client Services, ModivCare (formerly LogistiCare), to receive guidance and propose solutions to difficulties encountered with transportation service for clients. Additional practical presentations were Navigating the Shifting Landscape: Three Critical Questions to Answer NOW to Prepare for Managed Care by Jennifer Ternay, MBA, CPA, Strategic Advisor, and Practicing and Inspiring Compassionate Care by Patricia Toole, MAS, President and Chief Hospital Executive, Hackensack Meridian Carrier Clinic. Other guests throughout the year shared information about new and expanded treatment programs for adults with mental illnesses, as well as those with autism and other types of developmental disabilities, and services focused on addressing trauma. ADULT MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE GROUP Chair: Mary Gay Abbott-Young, LCADC NJAMHAA Board Member President, Rescue Mission of Trenton Co-Chairs: Frank Ghinassi, PhD, ABPP Member, NJAMHAA and NJMHI Boards President and CEO, Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care and Senior Vice President, Behavioral Health and Addictions Service Line, RWJBarnabas Health Vice Chair: Kendria McWilliams, MBA Chief Executive Officer Maryville Addiction Treatment Center Kathy White Thomas, MS NJAMHAA Board Member Chief Operating Officer Volunteers of America - Delaware Valley Regina Widdows, MA NJAMHAA Board Member President/CEO SERV Behavioral Health System, Inc.