FY2025-Annual-Report

22 Meeting Challenges Head On CO-CHAIRS: Kim Class, LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCTP, NCC, DRCC Director of PACT and Assistant Director of Adult Residential and Community Outreach, Bright Harbor Healthcare Throughout the year, the Programs for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT) Practice Group conducted outreach and expanded its membership. The PACT Practice Group continues to meet with Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) staff about updating regulations, to which the state representatives have been receptive. The group is optimistic about a majority of the recommended changes being made. Amy Harpster, MA Director, Community Support Services and PACT, Bridgeway Behavioral Health Services, Inc. In April, the group hosted Jenna O’Brien, MSW, LCSW, Supervisor of Acute Care Services, Office of Treatment and Recovery Supports, DMHAS, to discuss billing issues programs have when a client enters respite. DMHAS has been exploring several options and will be updating programs soon on how they can avoid billing losses, perhaps with an in-reach billing code. The group is planning several presentations for upcoming meetings that will explore available respite and other services. Programs for Assertive Community Treatment Practice Group CO-CHAIRS: Renee Carrillo, MS Director of Burlington and Mercer ICMS and Camden and Mercer Senior Well Being, Oaks Integrated Care The Integrated Case Management Services (ICMS) Practice Group continued its advocacy for updated program regulations and discusses these regularly with staff from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) as part of this ongoing effort. The group has increased its membership and is continuing outreach efforts to further and improve participation at meetings, which have proven to be valuable networking and learning opportunities. Laurie DeSimone-Celuch, LPC, LCADC, ACS, CCS Senior Director, Hospital and Community Services, CarePlus NJ The ICMS’ third annual conference in the fall of 2024, which was a hybrid event, was a great success. The ICMS Practice Group is well into planning its 2025 conference and was successful in once again securing funding from DMHAS for this purpose, despite the current fiscal environment in New Jersey. Integrated Case Management Services Practice Group