Know anybody that deserves an "Above and Beyond" recognition? Click here!


Click for New and Revised Policies and Procedures!


Make This Page Your Permanent Home Page

Are you having trouble getting back to your CMC Internal Home Page once you've read it and moved on? Tired of having to log out and back on in order to find the Internal Home Page? Take these simple steps to set the CMC Internal Home Page as your permanent home page.

Open Internet Explorer, click Tools on the top menu bar, and then click Internet Options. Cut and paste the below address into the address box click Apply and OK. Click Home (icon looks like a house) and you're set.
http://cmc.utmb.edu/cmchome


 

UTMB Information Services

Help Desk - Report computer, phone, or access problems at (409) 772-5200.

 

The Logistics Help Desk continues to be available to answer your e-Pro questions at (409) 747-8000.


UTMB's employees can be its best recruiters, and special incentives now offer a substantial financial perk to those who help find the perfect people for in-demand nursing jobs.

Visit Employee Bonus Program web site.

Tell us what you think! Email your comments and suggestions.


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Make Your Ideas Count $$$

Do you have creative ideas that could be implemented to become powerful innovations?
In a world of doing more with less, ensuring we maintain efficient processes and brainstorming better ways of doing business is highly important. UTMB-CMC encourages you to share your ideas, and if any of your ideas are selected as powerful innovations, you can receive up to $500.

To share your ideas, go to the CMC website and click on the link, Beneficial Innovations Program (BIP) and enter your ideas. For more information on BIP, call your local Human Development Consultant.


 
Enjoy the May Issue of
Bradshaw/Billy Moore Newsletter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community News


 

Dedicated Service

 

(5-17-13) - The following UTMB (TJJD) employees are recognized for their dedicated service:

 

 
 

5 years

 

Emmanuel Awagom

Perry Richter

Betty Lueg

Stacy Gaston

Francine Hobbs

Jacqueline Smith

Betty Forge

10 years

 

Diana Coronado

 Vicki McCoy

Stacy Leija 

Jacqueline Luke

15 Years

 

Maria Martinez

 

 

THE OUTAGE HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO

SUNDAY, MAY 19, 2013

 

I.S. CMC Tech Ops will be performing an operating system upgrade to the CMC PEARL EMR Server on Sunday, May 19th. This will be a production outage from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Systems Affected: CMC's PEARL & Emerald EMRs, CMC's PRS (pill windows), and all ancillary systems (such as CMCWeb, TYCWeb, BOPWeb, Parklandweb, and Reporting services).

All users should be prepared to follow EMR downtime processes during this timeframe.

MARS will be posted on the websites for TJJD (TYCWEB), TDCJ (CMCWEB), and FBOP (BOPWEB) by noon, Friday, 5/17/13.

 


 

 

Welcome to Correctional Managed Care

 

(5-16-13) - Please join UTMB- CMC, Region III - Beaumont in welcoming our recent new hire for the Stiles Unit on 5/6/2013.

 

Renita B. Washington, CMA

 

 

 

Region I Recognitions

 

(5-16-13) - Region 1 (formally Northeast District) would like to recognize the following employees for their dedicated service:

 

5 years

 

Jason Baker

Helen Kelly

Albert White

Craig Haferkamp

James Burleson

Renae McMahon

Taurice Roach

Terry Boone

Alona Hill

Charles Wilkins

Joel Chandler

Ian Smith

Debore Ray

Jodie Casteel

Frances Arons

Constance Hanna

Ginger Welch

10 years

 

Roy Reid

Thelma Goode

Joan Bonner

Jackie Gregory

Rhonna Elliot

Miranda Allison

George Manning

David Bennett

15 Years

 

Patricia Tisdell

Penny Bomar

Jimmy Evans

Tito Orig

Ananda Babbilli

Pam Mulloy

 

 

 


 

CMC  eProcurement Requestor/Buyers

 

(5-16-13) - A few months ago everyone was notified Moore Medical would no longer accept our purchase orders with the UTMB Terms and Conditions.  A few DEP requisitions have been submitted so Moore Medical has been taking the liberty of transferring them to their order form so their terms and conditions will apply. This is a violation of Logistics/Acquisition Operating Procedures.

 

My staff and I are available if alternate sources are needed.

 

Thanks,

Dena Byrd

CMC Purchasing Supervisor

 

YOU COUNT Participation Update for Correctional Managed Care

(5-15-13) - CMC staff has done an excellent job of completing the You Count surveys online. As of today (5/14), 59% of CMC has completed the survey. I want to express my appreciation to those of you who have participated to date and I want to take an opportunity to encourage the remainder of our staff to take a moment to complete this important survey. UTMB has decided to extend the deadline for participation to 5/20, so please take this opportunity to provide the feedback that UTMB wants to receive to make our institution a better place to work. 

Thank you.

Owen


Upcoming Educational Lunch and Learn Program **

(5-15-13) - Sponsored by:  UTMB CMC Virology Department & TEXAS/OKLAHOMA AIDS EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTER

 

** CEUs have been approved for: CME, CNE and Pharmacy **

 

Date:  May 29, 2013                            

Time:  12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

Title  HIV & Aging

Speaker:  Premal Patel,  MD, MSc

 

 

Dr. Premal Patel is a board-certified Physician and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Internal Medicine. She also serves as the Associate Director of the Global Health Education Program at UTMB and is co-coordinator of the Global Health Inter-Professional Core Course. She earned an M.D. degree from UTMB and received accreditation though the American Academy of HIV Medicine as an HIV Specialist. She also holds a master's degree in Human Rights from the London School of Economics.

Dr. Patel's special interests include HIV/AIDS in the developing and developed world, HIV and Hepatitis B Co-infection, Preventive Care for HIV-Infected Patients, HIV Drug Resistance, and education in HIV and global health. In addition to presenting at AIDS 2010, she has had many accepted abstracts to international HIV conferences.

Format:  Levin Hall in Galveston & TeleHealth

 

Program Overview:

HIV-infected individuals are living longer than ever. By 2015, more than 50% of People living with HIV in the U.S will be 50 years of age or older. As HIV becomes a chronic disease in an aging population, the emergence of comorbid conditions poses new treatment challenges. We will explore the connection among HIV, aging and ART. 

 

Please join us either at Levin Hall in Galveston, via Electronic Health Network (DMS), or the internet for non-UTMB employees, for an interactive presentation given by  Click here to see flyer for RSVP Instructions.

 

MARS TO BE POSTED FRIDAY 5/10/13

(5-9-13) - We have received numerous requests for the MARs to be posted by noon Friday.  Therefore, the MARs will be available by noon, Friday 5/10/13.  Any medication ordered after 10:00 a.m. Friday, 5/10/13 will have to be manually entered on the MAR.  All facilities should ensure they have printed their MARs before 8:00 a.m. Sunday, 5/12/13, before the power is disconnected to all services.


Welcome to Correctional Managed Care

(5-9-13) - Please join us in welcoming our newest employees to Correctional Managed Care Region II – Palestine.

 

Back Row L-R:  Linda Dodds, LVN, Michael; Treva Wilcox, CCA, Billy Moore; Jeremy Magee, LVN, Skyview; Carla Elliott, LVN, Powledge.

 

Front Row L-R:  Lynn Henry, LVN, Beto; Kerrie Laza, LVN, Beto.

 

 

 

 

(5-9-13) - Please help us welcome the following employees to UTMB-CMC, Region 1, Gatesville.

 

 

L to R:

Douglas Youngblood - EMT - Crain Unit

Connie Manning - LVN - Crain Unit

Donna Mitchell - NCIII - Hobby Unit

 

 

 

(5-9-13) - Please join the Huntsville Area (Region 2) in welcoming the following employees to the exciting world of Correctional Managed Care. L-R: Sharon Lockridge, Mid Level Practitioner/Pack and Zae Zeon, MD, Physician II/Estelle.

 

 


Region III, Wallace Pack Facility

(5-9-13) - The Wallace Pack Facility would like to recognize Dolores Nuncio, Registered Dental Assistant as the Employee of the Month.  Ms. Nuncio’s unit of assignment is the Wallace Pack Facility.  However, she travels to all three of our facilities Pack, Luther and Hamilton.  She always has a pleasant smile and willingness to help where ever needed.  We appreciate her positive attitude and consider it to be an asset that is admired.  Thank you Dolores for all that you do!


Lychner/Kegan's "Employee of the Month"

(5-9-13) - Evon Rodriguez, CCA was the Lychner/Kegans “Employee of the Month” for April. She has been with UTMB-CMC for almost 4 years and has cross-trained in almost every administrative department.  She was nominated for going the extra mile beyond the scope of her job duties, providing coverage for administrative functions while the new Practice Manager was on-boarding, and juggling responsibilities as the ACA CCA and Admin CCA.  She is always helpful sharing  group materials and proposing new group ideas with different departments. She is often praised by her peers and has received this month’s unanimous vote by the Facility Management Team.  In her spare time, Ms. Rodriguez enjoys spending time with her mother, 3 children, and 4 grandchildren. Congratulations, Ms. Rodriguez!! Keep up the great work!


YOU COUNT Participation Update for Correctional Managed Care

(5-8-13) - CMC staff has done an excellent job of completing the You Count surveys online.

As of today (5/8), 44% of CMC has completed the survey. Although the survey will be available through

May 13, I encourage you to complete it as soon as you can. Remember, this is your chance

to provide the feedback that UTMB wants to receive to make our institution a better place to work. 

 

 

Thank you.

Owen


 

REGION 3 HOUSTON DISTRICT HR WELCOMES NEW EMPLOYEES

(5-8-13) - Please join Region 3 Houston District HR in welcoming these new employees to Correctional Managed Care.

L-R – Damian Idjagboro, Mid Level Provider for Wallace Pack Unit, Miranda Warren, Patient Care Technician for Carole Young, Rolanda Moczygemba, Vocational Nurse for Luther Unit, Joanne Adeniran-Kolawole, Certified Medication Aide for Darrington Unit and Bradly McCreery, Vocational Nurse for Carole Young.


POWER OUTAGE AND MARS

 

(5-8-13) - This is a reminder of the scheduled power outage affecting all CMC Pearl and Emerald EMRs, PRS (including pill windows), and webpages and reporting services Sunday, May 12, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

To make recording medication administrations easier, a MAR will be posted for each patient who has active meds as of 10:00 p.m. Friday, 5/10/13.  The MARs will be available for printing on Saturday, 5/11/13.  Any meds ordered after 10:00 p.m. Friday will need to be handwritten on the MAR.  The link to print the MARs will be posted on the CMCWEB, TYCWEB, and BOPWEB Homepages just below the outage announcement.


Announcing NEW Operations Manager Homepage

(5-7-13) - In an effort to reduce variance within the Administrative ranks of Correctional Managed Care, we have developed an Operations Manager Homepage to share vital information with all Operations Managers (Practice Managers) to help provide everyone with a viable tool going forward.  This page includes a link to the Operations Resource Manual and Regional Contact Information and can be utilized for information sharing as deemed appropriate.  Please take the time to review the page and utilize it to your advantage.  Any suggestions for additions/improvements should be routed through your respective Regional Operations Manager.  Special thanks to Ms. Pinkee Patel, Practice Manager, for her dedication to this project and making this new site a reality.   Enjoy!

This new website can be found at CMCWEB>Departments>Operations Managers, or click on this direct link: 

http://cmcweb.utmb.edu/Departments/Practice Managers/Practice Managers_CMCWEB_homepage.htm

Steve Smock, AVP Outpatient Operations and Tony Williams, AVP Inpatient Operations


NURSES WEEK - MAY 2013

 

(5-6-13) -  As we celebrate Nurse's Week this year, I would like to express my deepest and sincere thanks to each and every one of our CMC NURSING staff.   Each and every day the nursing staff of CMC embarks upon a HERCULEAN task of caring for a patient population that continues to age, and whose chronic disease state continues to rise. 

 

You endlessly give of yourself without the immediate gratification that often comes when a nurse gives so much of oneself to a free world patient.  And yet, the bond that is shared amongst us continues to be strengthened as we give of ourselves to a population less served and often forgotten. 

 

Let me remind you, as each of you go about your hurried day, that what you do is most appreciated.  The care you genuinely render to your patients is often appreciated more than is expressed and by all means is not taken for granted. 

 

In this day of Super Heroes, You are truly the Super HEROES of our Healthcare System.  I salute you for what you do.  I congratulate you on choosing this area of clinical expertise. I admire you for your dedication to CMC and the patients you so graciously serve.

 

HAPPY NURSES WEEK 2013!

Gary

   

 

2013 You Count!

 

(5-6-13) -  To measure the satisfaction and engagement of our workforce, UTMB Health will be conducting a follow-up You Count! Pulse Survey.

 

As a UTMB employee, you play a critical role in the overall success of the institution and our mission. The 2013 You Count! Pulse Survey will provide valuable insight into your opinions and help us to identify and address workplace perceptions and concerns.

 

The feedback collected from the survey will be used to assess how the action plans established following the original 2011 You Count! Employee Survey are performing and to determine if any adjustments are needed. 

 

The online survey is open to all full- and part-time employees hired on or before April 1, 2013; it will be administered once again by Morehead Associates, an independent consulting and survey firm. Eligible employees should have received an email on Monday, April 29, from Morehead with instructions and an embedded survey link. The deadline for employees to participate will be Monday, May 13.

 

If you do not have access to a computer at a private workstation, you may complete the survey at the Moody Medical Library on the Galveston campus, at home, or at any location with Internet service. Please be assured the survey is completely confidential; the data compiled by Morehead will be reported back to UTMB at the entity, department, and division levels only and will not contain any personal or identifying information. Additionally, a department must have at least five respondents in order to receive data specific to the area.

 

Each employee who participates in the You Count! Pulse Survey will be entered into a drawing to win one of six $750 gift certificates for a weekend getaway package (or the cash equivalent).

 

For additional information about the survey or the employee incentives, please visit the You Count! web page. You may also contact the Organizational and Workforce Development office at youcount.hr@utmb.edu or (409) 747-6700.

 

Thank you in advance for taking part in the 2013 You Count! Pulse Survey. Your opinions are greatly valued and appreciated.

 

SCHEDULED POWER OUTAGE IN GALVESTON

(5-3-13) -  The Frost Bank Building (2201 Market in Galveston) will have maintenance performed by CenterPoint Energy on May 12, 2013.  The building will be without power for several hours.

 

Located within this building are several CMC Servers and Systems.  These systems will be unavailable state wide from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

 

Systems Affected: CMC's PEARL & Emerald EMRs, CMC's PRS (pill windows), and all ancillary systems (such as CMCWeb,  TYCWeb, BOPWeb, Parklandweb, and Reporting services),  CMC UR system, &  PACS.

 

All users should be prepared to follow EMR downtime processes during this timeframe. 

   

 


Administrative Professional’s Day at Jester 4

 

(5-2-13) - The Jester IV team observed Administrative Professional’s Day with a celebratory meeting and luncheon on Friday, April 26th.  The Jester IV providers, mental health and nursing staffs offered the honorees a variety of delectable food items from salads to desserts.  Collectively the Jester IV CCA staff boasts many years of correctional and medical support experience; and we depend on their extensive knowledge, skills and ongoing team efforts on a daily basis.  We are truly proud of our CCAs and appreciate each them more than words can express. 

 

 

 

CCA  Group

 

Front Row (L-> R):  Kathy Georgi, Augustine Brown, William McCardell

Second Row (L-> R):  Margaret Rodriguez, Roxanne Barrientos

Third Row  (L-> R):  Debra Riedel, Carol Craig, Alice Copeland, Phyllis Eaton and Michelle Douglas

Missing:  Cordelia Bean, Gloria Everson and Lisa Garcia

 

 


 

Jester IV Services Awards

 

(5-2-13) - On behalf of the Jester IV Team, we would like to congratulate the Jester IV veterans on their five, ten and fifteen years of outstanding service.  Our organization appreciates people with their dedication, energy and expertise.  We look forward to “Working together to work wonders”  for many years to come.  Congratulations to: 

 

 

 

       15 Years

 

Cordelia Bean

Phyllis Eaton

Christina Nsentip

Rhonda Samora

      10 years

 

Karen Wenglar

 

 

     5 years

 

Aleyamma Abraham

Janet Bliss-Ditsky

Aleyamma John

Stacey Laury

Solly Mathew

Monica Renzetti

Margaret Rodriguez

 

Unfortunately due to scheduling conflicts, we were only able to capture a couple photos of our honorees.

 

2718—Ms. Rodriguez (5 years); Ms. Eaton (15 years)

Service 1—Ms. Wenglar (10 years); Ms. Bliss-Ditsky (5 years)

 

   

Employee Recognition

(5-2-13) - Students in the College of Education and Human Development Department at Lamar University are nominated and voted by the faculty for the recognition as Outstanding Graduate Student.  Manahil Riaz has received this recognition for the 2012-2013 school year. As an outstanding student Ms. Riaz has presented on how to effectively counsel women from collective cultures and has participated in researching how media bias affects the views of Muslims in America. The last year of her master’s program she interned at Baptist Behavioral Health Center and the Jefferson County Youth Detention Center. She is currently employed with UTMB as a Mental Health Case Manger at the Hodge Unit. When asked how she wants to be remembered she states “I am the daughter of a Pakistani immigrant family. My parents taught me that hard work is a way of life and education is the most important investment for one’s future. I want to be remembered as an individual following her faith and bettering the world by becoming the change I want to see. I hope to make my parents and community proud.”

 

Congrats to the Crain Facility!

(5-2-13) - The Crain facility successfully completed their ACA reaccreditation audit on April 22nd  through April 24h.  The overall unit score was 98.6% with UTMB Medical scoring 100%. Special thanks to all of the Crain Facility medical staff for all of your hard work and dedication that is demonstrated on a daily basis. The Crain Facility Management Team is very fortunate to have such outstanding employees who always work together as a team.  Special Thanks to Mrs. Teri Smith and Ms. Valencia Pollard for their assistance.   Congratulations to all!

   

Region III, Beaumont Cluster-Employee of the Month for April 2013:

(5-2-13) - Diane Simon, pictured here with the Medical Director Dr. Robert Behrns, was selected as the Employee of the Month for April 2013 for the Beaumont Complex. Ms Simon is the Medical Records/Admin/Scheduling Clerk at the LeBlanc Unit where she single handedly manages the medical administration activities. Ms Simon is a graduate of Herbert High School and has attended Lamar University Business Data Processing School as well as the Delta Trade School for Medical Office Assistants. She was first hired by TDCJ in 1999 but in 2000 she “saw the light” and became a UTMB employee. She is active with civic activities and is active in her church. She is the proud mother of two daughters and a doting grandmother of one granddaughter.

 

Thank you Ms. Simon for an outstanding job in our Medical Department at the Beaumont Complex. Keep up the great work.

 

 

Region III, Beaumont Cluster-Employee of the Month for March 2013:

(5-2-13) - Natasha Marshall, pictured here with Terry Oaks, Practice Manager was selected as the Employee of the Month for March 2013 for the Beaumont Complex. Ms Marshall is a 11 year employee with UTMB and has worked as a CCA during that time. She has a wide berth of  experience  in CMC and is capable of working in almost all the CCA areas. She competent, capable, diligent and always ready to help her fellow CCAs in addition to doing an outstanding job in Medical Records. Natasha is a native of Kansas, married and has three daughters and a loving husband who she enjoys spending time with. She enjoys a variety of family outings and is currently enrolled in university studies seeking an undergraduate degree in Business Administration.

 

Thank you Ms. Marshall for an outstanding job in our Medical Department at the Beaumont Complex. Keep up the great work.

 

 


Welcome to Correctional Managed Care

(5-2-13) - Please join UTMB- CMC, Region III -Beaumont in welcoming our recent new hire for the Stiles Unit on 3/11/2013.

 

Julia Breuer, LVN

 

 

(5-2-13) - Please join UTMB- CMC, Region III -Beaumont in welcoming our recent new hires on 3/25/2013 (no picture).

Lillie Eaton, LVN, rehire for Gist Unit; Zelnetta Vernell, LVN, for Hightower Unit; Brendon Dunlap, Mid-level Practitioner for Stiles Unit; Marion Johnson, CMA, rehire for Stiles Unit; Ruby Gay, CMA, rehire for Stiles Unit;

 

 

(5-2-13) - Please join UTMB- CMC, Region III -Beaumont in welcoming our recent new hires on 4/8/2013.

L-R: Chevonne Warren, CCA for Plane Unit; Joanne Ramos-Gutierrez, Mid-level Practitioner for Stiles Unit

 


2013 UTMB Lone Stars

(5-1-13) - CLICK HERE to view the "2013 UTMB Lone Stars" document.  Pictures below.

 


Please welcome the following to the Huntsville Area (Region 2)

(4-30-13) - Please join the Huntsville Area (Region 2) in welcoming the following employees to the exciting world of Correctional Managed Care.

Left to Right:  Joel Looney, Mental Health Case Manager/Wynne, Linda Parrish, Driver/Estelle, Shiwanna Love, LVN/Estelle, Sharon Tullos, LVN/Holliday, Michele Scheler, Pharmacy Technologist/Pharmacy and Anne Hershey, PCT I/Estelle.


(4-30-13) - Please welcome the following to UTMB-CMC Region 1 Gatesville

 

Left to Right:  Suzzan Fleming - FNP - Bridgeport, Megan Dickie - CMA - Mt. View, Pamela Hayden - CMA - Mt. View, Maggie Haferkamp - NCIII - Hughes


(4-30-13) - Please join Region 3 Houston District HR in welcoming the following new employees to Correctional Managed Care

 

L-R back row – Ramon Uy - Certified Medication Aide for Ramsey, Quameshia Edwards - Patient Care Technician for Carole Young, Denise Whittaker - NCII for Carole Young, Guillermo Moreno Najera - Dental Assistant for Lychner

L-R front row – Michele Castenada – Patient Care Technician for Carole Young, Marie Sinkfield – Correctional Clinical Associate for Jester 3 and Christopher Rowe Patient Care Technician for Carole Young


Palestine Welcomes New Employees

(4-29-13) - Please join us in welcoming our newest employees to Correctional Managed Care Region II – Palestine.

L-R:  Stacy Cummings, LVN, Michael; Dana Miller, CMA, Telford; Bridget Turner, LVN, Powledge; Martin Burks, MLP, Boyd.


Ben's Blog - Check It Out!

(4-25-13) - Dr. Ben Raimer, Senior Vice President of Health Policy and Legislative Affairs, updated his blog on the current legislative session. Go to http://blog1.utmb.edu/hpla to read his update.


Huntsville Facility Successfully Completed ACA Audit

(4-25-13) - The Huntsville facility successfully completed their ACA reaccreditation audit on April 15th through April 17th.  The overall unit score was 98.35% with UTMB Medical scoring 100%. Special thanks to all of the Huntsville unit medical staff for all of your hard work and dedication that is demonstrated on a daily basis. The Huntsville unit management team is very fortunate to have such outstanding employees who always work together as a team. Congratulations to all!


Goree Facility Successfully Completed ACA Audit

(4-25-13) - The Goree facility successfully completed their ACA reaccreditation audit on April 17th through April 19th.  The overall unit score was 98.1% with UTMB Medical scoring 100%. Special thanks to all of the Goree medical staff for all of your hard work and dedication that is demonstrated on a daily basis. The Goree unit management team is very fortunate to have such remarkable employees who always work together as a team. Congratulations to all!


 

Julia Lawson Scholarship Award (LEAP)

In Sympathy

 

(4-23-13) - Marie Inez Lanoue, mother of Julia Lawson (longtime and beloved  physician assistant with CMC), passed away April 18, 2013.  Services will be held April 23, 2013 at 11am at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Huntsville.  (see obituary in Huntsville Item newspaper.)

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Julia Lawson Scholarship Fund at Memorials and Tribute, University of Texas Medical Branch, Developmental Office, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, Texas 77555-0148.

 

JESTER IV scores 100% on ACA!!!

(4-23-13) - Jester IV successfully completed the ACA Reaccreditation Audit in April, 2013, receiving very high marks.  Due to the excellent preparation and team effort of all disciplines, Jester IV achieved 100% on all mandatory folders; 98.22% on non-mandatory.  Ray Tamminga, the ACA auditor reviewing medical standards, complimented the facility staff for the team work and cooperation they experienced.  Bonnie O’Brien, ACA chairperson, appreciated the hospitality shown the auditors, the great potluck spread that was donated and the overall organization, cleanliness and efficiency experienced at Jester IV.

We would like to thank Christina Moore, Business Manager at the Skyview/Hodge complex for her experience and guidance in this endeavor.  She provided the interim leadership needed during our search for our new Business Manager at Jester IV.  Additionally, we want to express our appreciation to our TDCJ Facility Leadership for their support in making this team effort a success.  Finally, we would like to acknowledge ALL the Jester IV Unit medical staff for their tireless effort with special thanks to Margaret Rodriguez, CCA, Kathy Georgi, CCA, and Lisa Garcia, CCA who worked diligently to achieve our goal of 100%.

Congratulations!  Great work team!

L->R; Front Row—Dr. Farley, Clinical Director:

Donald Hlavinka, MH Manager

 

L->R; Back Row—Andrey Vasiljev, Business Manager; Warden Echessa;

Margaret Rodriguez, CCA;

Augustine Brown, CCA; Lisa Garcia, CCA;

Dr. Khawaja, Sr. Psychologist

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

L-R; Margaret Rodriguez, CCA and Oneka Moore, ACA Officer

 


 

Wound Care Courses to Expire Next Week

 

 

 

 

(4-22-13) - The Wound Care CME and CNE programs that are posted on the Computer Learning Portal (CLP) will be expiring next week, April 30, 2013.  To view these programs before they expire, please click here to access the CLP.

 

Attention All Providers:  6 hours of CME

Wound Care in the Correctional Environment - 6 Part Series

 

Healthcare providers practicing in the correctional setting will gain competencies in effectively preventing, triaging and treating wounds through these enduring web-based educational programs developed by the CMC Wound Care Committee.            

                                                                                                                                     

These six individual self-study modules have been developed by experts in the field of treating offender patients with a variety of wounds within the correctional setting.   The activity is designed for the participant to complete the educational program at his or her own pace. 

 

Registration: Computer Learning Portal  http://clpweb.utmb.edu/

 

Target Audience: Physicians and Mid-level Providers

 

Duration of Credit Offering: April 30, 2012 to April 30, 2013

 

Credits Available: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston designates this enduring material for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians and mid-level providers should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity

 

Overall Course Objectives: Upon completing the course, participants should be able to:

     1.      Develop wound prevention strategies for at-risk patients.

     2.      Categorize the wound based on wound appearance, patient characteristics, and risk factors.

     3.      Design a successful treatment plan based on the wound type and wound bed appearance.

     4.      Ensure timely referral to a Wound Care Specialist when necessary.

 

Course Outline: Taking all 6 courses is NOT mandatory.  The provider is allowed to take as many courses he or she chooses in any particular order. 

 

Wound Care Committee:  Click Here

  

For any questions regarding the credit of the activity, please contact Paula Ewald at pewald@utmb.edu

For technical assistance, please contact Sherry Williford at sdwillif@utmb.edu

 

Accreditation Statement:  The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians

 

 

ATTENTION ALL NURSING STAFF ~ 7.5 Hours of CNE  Wound Care in Corrections

 

Correctional Nurses participating will gain competencies in effectively preventing, triaging and treating wounds through the educational programs developed by the CMC Wound Care Committee.  

                                                                                                                                        

This is six individual self-study modules developed by experts in the field of treating offender patients with a variety of wounds within corrections.   The activity is designed for the participant to complete the educational program at their own pace.  The Wound Care Committee within Correctional Managed Care prepared this course in a web based format as a result of limited budgets for traveling to a live course.

 

Duration of Credit Offering:  Activity Release Date: April 30, 2012 – Expiration Date: April 30, 2013.

 

Registration: Log into the CLP to complete all six self-study modules.     

Click here to log in to the CLP.  

 

Target Audience: Registered Nurses and other health care professionals providing care for patients with wounds.

 

Disclosures:  Included in each individual module.

 

Wound Care Committee:  Click Here

 

Technical Assistance: Contact Sherry Williford via email sdwillif@utmb.edu    Questions Regarding CNE Credit, please contact Beth Pipkin mbosaile@UTMB.EDU

 

Overall module objectives: Upon completing the course, participants should be able to:

1.      Identify risk factors and methods to prevent common wounds.

2.      Accurately and consistently assess various types of wounds.

3.      Accurately and consistently document various types of wounds.

4.      Differentiate various types of wounds and the underlying etiology.

5.      Recognize appropriate treatment modalities based on wound bed description.

 

Course Requirements for CNE credit:

To receive contact hours for this continuing education activity, the participant must:

 

·     Read each educational module and successfully pass the post-test at the end of each section.

·     Achieve a score of 80% or greater on each post-test (participants will be given three attempts per post-test.)

·     Complete the Evaluation form at the end of each module and the final overall evaluation at the end.

·     Once completion has been verified for each module, a “Statement of Successful Completion” will be awarded for 1.25 contact hours. The participant will be able to print the verification of completion.

Instructions:

 

1.  Click here to access the presentation.

 

2.  Selection of titles may be made in any order.

 

·     Disclosures will be provided for review at the beginning of each presentation.

·     Review the presentation.

·     Complete the evaluation form and post-test at the conclusion of each module.

3.  Continuing Nursing Education Credits

 

·     Participant will receive 1.25 CNE contact hours for each module successfully completed.

·     Completion of the post-test at the conclusion of each module is required and a score of 80% or greater must be achieved.

·     If a passing score is not achieved, the participant will be informed of the questions missed and then routed back to review the material.

 

Module Agenda

 

Module 1 - Wound Care Basics (Intro to Wound Care)

Content Author: Cynthia Ho, MD, MPH, CWS

Course Description:  This presentation will provide an introduction to basic wound care to include assessment of a wound, recognition of factors that may affect wound healing and a discussion of tissue debridement.

 

By the end of this self-study module, the participant will be able to:

 

·     Review anatomy and physiology of the skin

·     Recognize factors that may affect wound healing

·     Describe assessment of a wound

·     Select proper dressing for wound care as per protocol

 

Module 2 - Arterial Insufficiency (Peripheral Arterial Disease)

Content Author: Mary Gotcher, FNP, RN / Co-Author: Neha Madhani, PharmD, BCPS

Course Description:  This presentation will provide an overview of risk factors, signs, symptoms and alternative treatments for arterial insufficiency.

 

By the end of this self-study module, the participant will be able to:

 

·     Recall 5 risk factors of Arterial Insufficiency

·     Recognize signs and symptoms of Arterial Insufficiency

·     Describe wound characteristics of an arterial wound

·     Understand the use of the ABI tool

·     Discuss treatment alternatives

 

Module 3 - Neuropathic Wounds (Diabetic Foot Ulcers)

Content Author: Kokila Naik, MD

Course Description:  This presentation will provide an overview of risk factors for neuropathic wounds as well as how to prevent the wounds. Information will also be provided regarding the categorization of neuropathic wounds with use of a grading scale.

 

By the end of this self-study module, the participant will be able to:

 

·     Demonstrate the pathogenesis and role of diabetes mellitus in causing neuropathic wounds

·     Identify risk factors for neuropathic wounds

·     Categorize neuropathic wounds by using a grading scale

·     Demonstrate how to prevent neuropathic wounds

 

Module 4 - Pressure Wounds

Content Author:   Cynthia Ho, MD, MPH, CWS / Co-Author: Sue Kantz, LVN          

Course Description:  This presentation will provide a review of utilization of the Braden Scale for predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk in all high risk patients and outline a plan to prevent pressure ulcers with high risk patients. Information will be presented on the use of proper wound care agents appropriately to prevent pressure ulcers.

 

By the end of this self-study module, the participant will be able to:

 

·     Identify patients at high risk for developing pressure ulcers

·     Utilize the Braden Scale for predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk in all high risk patients

·     Outline a plan to prevent pressure ulcers with each high risk patient

·     Utilize wound care agents appropriately to prevent pressure ulcers

 

Module 5 - Surgical Wounds

Content Author:   Katherine Pearson, FNP, RN

Course Description:  This presentation will provide an overview of factors that may affect wound healing and describe possible complications and interventions for surgical wounds.

 

By the end of this self-study module, the participant will be able to:

 

·     Recall 3 types of wound closure

·     Recognize factors that may affect wound healing

·     Describe possible complications and interventions for surgical wounds

·     Discuss 6 types of tissue debridement

 

Module 6 - Venous Insufficiency Ulcers

Content Author:   Cheryl Egan, PA-C, MS, BA

Course Description:  This presentation will provide an overview of the etiology and risk factors contributing to venous insufficiency ulcers. Information will be provided on recognizing typical characteristics of venous insufficiency ulcers.

 

By the end of this self-study module, the participant will be able to:

 

·     Describe the etiology of venous insufficiency ulcers

·     Identify the risk factors contributing to venous insufficiency ulcers

·     Recognize the typical characteristics of venous insufficiency ulcers

·     Illustrate the keys to local wound care for patients with venous insufficiency ulcers

·     Select appropriate wound care dressings for the management of venous insufficiency ulcers as per protocol

·     Demonstrate appropriate use of compression therapy in the treatment of venous insufficiency ulcers

 

Accreditation Statement:  University of Texas Medical Branch – Correctional Managed Care, an approved provider of continuing nursing education by the Texas Nurses Association, is an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.  

Address:  301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555-1008

Provider # 10-296850-B

 

 


 

A Message from the President : Outstanding Service in Extraordinary Circumstances - (4-19-13)

 

UTMB/CMC staff and physicians work wonders for victims around the state 

True to form, UTMB staff and physicians have once again gone "above and beyond" to provide extraordinary care for patients in the midst of extraordinary circumstances. Members of our UTMB family responded valiantly this week to help those wounded in the fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas and in a refinery fire in Beaumont.

Two of our Correctional Managed Care nurses, Stefanie Woosley and Katherine Vrba, who work and live in the West area, were part of the first responder team for the fertilizer plant explosion, working triage through the night of Wednesday, April 17.

That same day, seven victims from a fire at a Beaumont refinery were brought to UTMB’s Galveston campus — four in critical condition, three in serious condition. Throughout that afternoon and evening, our physicians and staff worked tirelessly to ensure these patients received the best possible care.

I'd like to share an inspiring account of just some of the amazing "above and beyond'' efforts of our UTMB family, as related by Clinical Operations Administrator Christina Myers, who was on duty when these patients arrived.

"Most days, we are challenged with many incoming admissions. Some are planned and others are unexpected. Wednesday we were asked to take on the care of seven unexpected patients needing our expertise and help. While this is not the first time we have joined together and faced a busy day, Wednesday deserved special recognition. I just wanted to take a moment to extend my thanks and respect to several areas/individuals who were shining stars in this week’s success. Thank you to:

·        Carrla Ellyson and the TDCJ ICU staff who, despite unexpected admissions of their own, somehow found a way to accept a patient from the burn unit at a moment’s notice. Their willingness to accommodate this extra patient ensured we had an available bed in the burn unit. Also I must thank Oyebamiji Adebayo and Diane Fontenot in TDC bed placement for their assistance with patient movement. Their work was pivotal in making the necessary moves despite their already busy workload.  

·        The ER staff who worked tirelessly in their provision of care in the ER and coordinated with me to determine placement needs and arrival times. I could not have asked for a better outcome than the flow that happened with each of the incoming patients. Their work, as always, was exceptional.

·        The SICU staff, including Lee Alviza who quickly moved patients to accommodate overflow Blocker Burn Unit ICU needs, rapid response admissions and numerous OR admissions. Their willingness and ability to handle their patient needs and flow never ceases to astound me.  

·        Susan Court and the MICU staff, who rearranged assignments and floated to assist other ICUs with additional admissions. Their actions reminded me that despite unit boundaries, we are all one under the UTMB team umbrella. I must also extend a special thank you to Susan Court and Bennie Victor who offered assistance to the Blocker Burn Unit and the SICU during the busiest of times.

·        Brenda K. Mears and the housekeeping staff who coordinated all the bed cleans to ensure the rooms were ready for the arrival of our new patients. 

·        The Respiratory Department who assisted in transport, vent set ups, and even room preparation.

·        The 7C staff who efficiently expedited discharges and accepted multiple admissions at the same time from the ER, BBU, OR and the clinics to ensure all our patients' needs were met.

·        Patient Placement Center— need I say more! Every time I stand in the PPC for one moment, I am amazed at the job these employees do. Wednesday was a true testament to their abilities.

·        Finally to the Blocker Burn Unit and nurse manager Jamie Heffernan; Jamie has always been an exceptional individual in her ability to change hats. In the past she has assisted the unit, no matter the hour, to ensure her patients received needed care. Wednesday, she rallied her team and worked side by side with her staff to tub each patient as soon as they were cleared through the ER. There was not a single patient delayed in receiving care. I am simply unable to find the words to properly applaud the burn team. Please know they each have my admiration and respect.

I know this list is long and I am certain there were others I failed to mention. While I am always proud to work at UTMB, Wednesday reminded me how truly blessed I am to work here—with exceptional individuals who put our patients first. To each of you, please accept my most sincere thanks for the work you do and the performance you gave. Many more than the seven patients I referenced benefitted from your care. You were each shining examples of UTMB and the care we provide."

On behalf of our entire UTMB community, I want to express heartfelt thanks to everyone who provided extraordinary service to people in need during particularly challenging situations on our Galveston campus and in West, Texas. We know there are many more examples of amazing patient care that occurred that day — and that occur every day — which is why each of us can take immense pride in being part of this outstanding institution.

Sincerely,

David L. Callender
President

 

 

Electronic Time Capture Program - (4-18-13)

 

Dear UTMB CMC Employees:

Effective September 01, 2013, UTMB CMC will implement an electronic time capture program.  Therefore, during the upcoming months, you will see a significant change in our time capture process within UTMB CMC.  We believe these changes will result in many positive changes surrounding time capture and will ensure that all time is collected accurately and correctly.

In order to assist with this transition, the following actions will occur during the upcoming months:

-I.T. Services will check UTMB CMC’s Kronos time machines to ensure that all are in proper working condition;

-I.T. Services will ensure the proper operations of the Kronos time machines before implementation of the electronic time capture program;

-I.T. Services will work with Facility Leaders/TDCJ Leadership to move time machines to the Medical Departments; and

-UTMB CMC’s Human Resources Department will create and disseminate a new time sheet which will be the only authorized time sheet for UTMB CMC employees to use.

Therefore, effective June 01, 2013, all official CMC time capture will be completed only on the authorized time sheet in the Medical Departments.  Additionally, staff will be required to log in and out for lunch or specifically state that no lunch was taken with appropriate supervisory approval.

Please note that unit-based employees will still be required to complete the TDCJ sign-in sheets at the front of the units to comply with TDCJ policy.  However, for purposes of recording compensable time and actual hours worked, UTMB CMC time will start when employees log in and out in the Medical Departments.*

Once the time machines are installed and tested in the Medical Departments, only UTMB CMC overtime eligible employees will utilize the time machines.   All other employees (Non Teaching, A&P and classified exempt-non-overtime eligible) will have time entry by exception implemented.**  Until instructed, all time will continue to be completed via time sheets.

While change is always challenging, ensuring the accurate collection of time and the appropriate renumeration of staff members is extremely important.  Thus, our commitment to moving forward with an electronic time capture program within UTMB CMC’s medical facilities is our first priority.  Therefore, UTMB CMC’s Human Resources Department and Operations Leadership will develop and implement training and guidelines regarding the new time capture process within UTMB CMC to help move through this process change for all involved. *Employees will be granted 7 minutes from the front gate to the Medical Departments both signing into the Medical Departments and signing out of the Medical Departments.

**All time for all other employees (Non Teaching, A&P and classified exempt-non-overtime eligible) will be loaded as 40 hours per week.  Furthermore, they must submit an approved leave request for vacation, sick leave, etc to the timekeeper for proper record keeping and time adjustments.

 

New Senior Practice Manager Tonya Lawson

(4-16-13) - On April 1st, 2013, the Lopez/Segovia complex happily welcomed our new Senior Practice Manager, Ms. Tanya Lawson, with a luncheon of sandwiches and desserts. On April 11th, she was welcomed to the Willacy unit with a tostada luncheon. Ms. Lawson comes to us from having recently completed her Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Ashford University Online.  Prior to that, she had over nine years of experience as a store manager at Walgreen’s. Ms. Lawson received her Bachelor’s degree with a double major in Equine Studies and Business from William Woods University. She has jumped into action and is learning the functions of her new position very quickly. We all appreciate her presence and we welcome her to the Valley!

Pictured from left to right: Dr. Ryan, Dental Manager, Dr. Mercado, Medical Director, Ms. Yarbrough, Mental Health Manager, Ms. Lawson, Senior Practice Manager, Mr. Garza, Cluster Nurse Manager.


Welcome to Correctional Managed Care

(4-16-13) - Please join us in welcoming these new employees to Correctional Managed Care Region 3 – Houston District.

 

L-R – James Davis – Nurse Clinician III at Carole Young, Shawna Benge – Patient Care Technician at Carole Young and  Latrina Spurlock – Vocational Nurse at Ramsey

 

 

(4-15-13) - Please join us in welcoming our newest employees to Correctional Managed Care Region II – Palestine.

 

L-R:  Andrea Waymire, CMA, Coffield; Angela Warren, NCIII, Powledge; Brianna Lively, LVN, Cole; Sharon Bristow, LVN, Telford.

 

 

(4-15-13) - Please welcome the following new employees to UTMB/CMC, Region I (GV).

 

L to R:  Lloyd Walker - CCA - Dawson, Patricia Barrow - LVN - Crain, Sherri Barron - CMA - Hobby, Barbara LeCompte - CCA - Hilltop

 

 

(4-15-13) - Please join the Huntsville Area (Region 2) in welcoming the following employees to the exciting world of Correctional Managed Care. Front Row L-R: Catherine Arnold, Pharmacy Technologist/CMC Pharmacy and Aina Adu, CMA/Ellis. Back Row L-R: Charlotte Bussey, NC III/Estelle, Marquita Beasley, PCT I/Estelle, Amber Jenkins, PCT I/Estelle, Roy Castleberry, EMT III/PECC – Estelle, Lena Butts, PCT I/Estelle and Teresa Sager, PCT I/Estelle.

 

 

(4-15-13) - Please join UTMB Region I (San Antonio) in welcoming our latest new hires to UTMB Correctional Managed Care!  

 

March 25, 2013 – Tanya Lawson, Sr. Practice Manager/Segovia

 

 

 

April 8, 2013 – Annie McWilliams, CMA/McConnell; Jessica Villarreal, LVN/McConnell; Mary Cortinas, CMA/McConnell.    

 

 

PATCH 18 SCHEDULED FOR DEPLOYMENT

(4-12-13) - Patch 18 will be deployed Sunday, April 14, 2013 to all TDCJ and TJJD Pearl computers.  This patch will fix the following issues:

1.      Chart – Will allow users to toggle using Alt-Tab between other applications and PEARL when the Chart is open.  This will also allow users to toggle between the chart and notebuilder using the bottom toolbar.

2.      Reminders Import – Import now takes into account reminder types that have been flagged as ‘INACTIVE’.  This will delete all inpatient reminders when the reminders are imported into the outpatient facility.  Therefore, the reminders MUST be imported in the outpatient facility BEFORE the inpatient reminders are created in the Infirmary facility.

Please leave computers powered on after you log off at the end of the day.  Thanks to everyone for your patience and assistance in testing these fixes.

 

 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

 

(4-11-13) - Oral cancer kills roughly one person, every hour of every day in the United States.

Patients have a 90% survival rate when the oral cancer is found early.  

Regular dental examinations are essential in the fight against oral cancer.

 

 


HIV Conference and Mini-Fellowship ~ May 6, 2013 - May 7, 2013

(4-11-13) - UTMB CMC in collaboration with AIDS Education and Training Center is pleased to offer you an exciting educational opportunity. Our CME/CNE certified HIV Conference and Mini-Fellowship will be held May 6, 2013  - May 7, 2013, at Moody Gardens Conference Center in Galveston, Texas.

Sunday, May 5, 2013, we are offering an optional complimentary Welcome Dinner Reception at Landry's Seafood House for all attendees and speakers. There will be a short non-CE presentation on Women and HIV. This should provide a great opportunity to network with fellow employees across the state, as well as, with free world providers and our expert speakers!

The HIV Conference is all day on Monday May 6, 2013 at Moody Gardens Hotel and Conference Center. We have an exciting expert panel of Physicians, from across the US, speaking on HIV topics for all levels of care.

On May 7, 2013 there will be an opportunity to shadow our ID Specialists in providing patient care via Telehealth and actively participate in care decisions. This will be held at the Frost Bank Building in Galveston, Texas.

It is not mandatory to participate in both days. You will claim your CEs for the hours you participate. If you are not requesting CEs you will receive a letter of attendance for the hours attended.

Click Here to view the program brochure and registration information. 

 

PRS Outage Tuesday

(4-8-13) - There will be a scheduled PRS outage Tuesday, April 9th, from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

This will affect all PRS users.

 

Bulletins from Virology - Issue 2013.2 April 8 2013

(4-8-13) - Hello again from your friendly neighborhood virologists, bringing you news from the world of virus (the ones that make you sick).

In this issue, we would like to keep you abreast of the changes that we have implemented and still implementing in the treatment of Hepatitis C.  Here they are:

1.       FRT (Fibrosis Routine Test) Score is a non-invasive way of gauging the extent of liver fibrosis in those with APRI between 0.4 to 1.2, the range in which there is uncertainty as to whether the benefits of treatment outweighs the potential harm of the therapy.  Until October, 2012, we were sending these patients to undergo liver biopsy if they are infected with HCV genotype 1.  Sometime in July, 2012, a study out of Egypt came up with a scoring technique with around 75% - 83% accuracy in predicting those whose liver has Early vs. Significant Fibrosis using a cut-off score of 4 for significant fibrosis,      5 for advanced fibrosis and 5.5 for cirrhosis.

a.      FRT score =  3.31 +[(AGE in years*0.09) + (APRI*1.5) + (AFP in U/L * 0.4) – (ALB in g/L * 0.14)]

b.      In our lab, the ALB is reported in mg/L so it needs to be multiplied by 10 prior to being plotted into the formula.

c.      We started using the scoring for ALL genotype since the goal of treatment is to decrease mortality and improve quality of life.  According to the AASLD guidelines, the difference in long-term consequence and mortality only starts when those patients with Significant Fibrosis or further progressed are treated whereas treating those with Early Fibrosis did not make any difference in their survival or quality of life.

2.      Liver biopsy – the procedure is now reserved for those with possible other causes of liver disease such as low ceruloplasmin and HIV or HBV co-infection, as the FRT score do not apply to co-infecteds.  The rule of treatment however holds true:  those with Early Stage Fibrosis (Ishak Stage 0-2) will merely be followed every 6 months and those with Significant Fibrosis (Ishak Stage 3 and higher) will be treated for as long as there are no contraindication to treatment.

3.      Liver imaging – usually an Ultrasound, is now reserved only for those with Advanced Fibrosis and Cirrhosis or a FRT score > 5 as the goal is to screen for liver mass that may be Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).  The incidence of HCC is higher by 10 % in those with Cirrhosis.  We screen those with scores of 5 and higher to account for the margin of error of the scoring system.  For those with AFP >60 or with rapid increase in their AFP, a Triple phase CT scan or MRI is ordered.  This hopefully will ease the congestion in the radiology referralsWe encourage the Unit providers to initiate the order for liver U/S on those patients with elevated AFP’s even prior to them being seen in the HCV clinic to minimize delay in identifying patients with HCC.

4.      Ophthalmology Referrals – After an incident of an ophthalmologic complication wherein the patient developed blindness in 1 eye which was thought to be caused by Interferon, we started looking at the possible ophthalmic complications of the treatment.  We came across studies done by the Ophthalmology department of different Universities that agreed that there is about a 16% incidence of eye complications from the treatment especially for those older (Age > 50) with co-morbidities particularly HTN, DM and other eye disorders (Glaucoma, etc).  Thus, we are referring patients Age > 50 with HTN, DM or other Eye problems to Ophthalmology for baseline examination prior to starting treatment and q3 months follow-up .

5.      Vitamin B12 injections – We have added B12 injections in the treatment regimen on the strength of a study done in Italy showing improved SVR in genotype 1 and those with high viral loads, close to the results shown by the addition of INCIVEK or VICTRELIS to the standard treatment (what is being called the triple therapy).  The principle is the same, as INCIVEK or VICTRELIS both interfere with the ability of the HCV to multiply by targeting the NS3 protein of the virus, and Vitamin B12 also interferes with ability of the HCV to multiply by another mechanism, the IRES-dependent protein translation.  So, the new regimen all include monthly B12 injections at 5000 mcg in order to optimize the chances of success of the treatment.

6.      Earlier stopping rules – for HCV genotype 1, we have added a new stopping rule at week 4.  For those whose HCV RNA decrease by < 1 log, their chances of achieving SVR is less than 20% and are thus being discontinued from treatment as this therapy has its own set of complications.  Therefore, the less exposure for those patients less likely to succeed, the better for them.  The week 12 ( decrease of HCV RNA < 2 log) and week 24 (HCV RNA not U/D) stopping rules still hold true for those who continue treatment.

We appreciate all those Unit Providers, CID’s and CCA’s and PharmD’s who call to our attention those patients that are getting missed in the follow-up.   You make our lives easier and the quality of care we deliver, better.   Until next issue.      Click Here to print a copy of this article.

 

PATCH 17 DEPLOYMENT

(4/5/13) - As the Pearl point of contact for your facility, please inform all staff that Patch 17 will be deployed Sunday, April 7, 2013. 

 

Patch 17 will fix the following issues:

1.      Fixed issue with Notebuilder menu items being cut off and ‘non-clickable’

2.      Fixed issue with Modify/Delete buttons on the Deleted/Completed Reminders screens being active when they should be greyed out.

3.      Added the ability to open .DOC and .DOCX documents from the Chart or e-mail.

4.      Fix date sort order in Vitals grid in Notebuilder.

5.      Fixed bug where new document templates were not being automatically loaded on the PC

6.      PATIENT_FACILITY table now being updated immediately when MRNs are changed so patient can be found in PRS.

7.      All TEMP files now being stored in the user’s private TEMP directory. RTF files deleted when PEARL closes.

8.      Added additional REMINDER_TYPES that will be deleted on Import:

SCR DENTAL S/C SCHEDULED (ATC 1& 2)

SCR MD/MLP REFERRAL FRM NSC (ATC 9)

SCR MH REFER FRM TRIAGE (ATC 6)

SCR MH REFER/SCHED (ATC 4 & 5)

SCR NURSING/MEDICAL SCHED (ATC 7 & 8)

P* (D0) REFERRAL TO DENTIST (ATC 3)

P* AD SEG (D0) REFERRAL TO DENTIST (ATC 3)

9.     Fixed issue with order-generated reminders raising an error, charge status cannot be updated, when being completed after import into a new facility.

10.   Fixed-room/bed issue. Discharging a patient was not clearing out the room. This was a field-length issue.

11.   Fixed print button on the Chart menu bar. It will now cause the document to be printed to the local Windows printer.

 

Lychner/Kegans Employee of the Month

(4/5/13) - The Pam Lychner and Joe Kegans Employee of the Month for March was Ms. Mary Clarkson.   Ms. Clarkson is a Mental Health Clinician.  It is really a pleasure to have her in our organization. We appreciate her leadership skills and team building abilities, which have resulted in successful completion of various projects. All staff can attest to her performance and contribution to UTMB CMC, where she has shown honesty and commitment from day one. She is always willing to lend a hand.

 

Praise from her Supervisor, Ms. Kendra Phelps, Mental Health Manager:

 

“Ms. Clarkson is such a great part of our mental health team here at Lychner! She has exceptional clinical skills, and she is also a pleasure to work with! She manages a difficult Ad Seg population with ease, and most of the time she handles those first-thing-in-the-morning walk-ins, CDOs, and emergencies as well. Ms. Clarkson demonstrates superb organizational skills. She is dependable, efficient, and full of great ideas! She also has a fantastic sense of humor, which is a bonus! Thank you Ms. Clarkson for all of your hard work and dedication! We are very fortunate to have you here!”

 

Thank you for the awesome job you do and your contributions to Lychner/Kegans and UTMB CMC!


Region III, O.L. Luther Facility

(4/5/13) - The Facility Management Team along with the Senior Warden Bryan Gordy would like to congratulate Lisha Marshburn, Dental Assistant as the employee of the month for the Luther Facility Medical Department.  Lisha has stepped in the last few months and volunteered as a motivating employee to provide the maintenance of our recognition board.  February was adorned with hearts, March brought on the pot of gold for the shamrocks, followed by an Easter theme with everyone having an individual name on an egg.  Everyone talks about the bulletin board and what is coming next.  Thank you Lisha for being an inspiration to staff!


Congrats Laura McKnight, MHC @ Jester IV

(4/5/13) - Please join me in congratulating Laura McKnight in receiving her LPC license.  Laura is currently working in the High Security Pod at Jester IV as a Mental Health Clinician.  She was previously assigned to Diagnostic & Evaluation where she completed assessments and evaluations of patient arriving at Jester IV. She is a very talented clinician and has a keen eye for detail. She previously served as a practicum student at Jester IV while attending Houston Baptist University in graduate school.  She has an extensive criminal justice and military background prior to her work in UTMB.                      

 

 

PATIENTS WHO MOVED AND REMINDERS NOT IMPORTED

 

(4/4/13) - Due to concerns regarding patient care if the sending facility deletes their pending reminders a week after the patient leaves, a report has been generated to show all patients who have a new unit of assignment, per the TDCJ mainframe, since 3/17/13 but still have reminders pending at a different facility.  Some of these could be crisis management patients or transients but all are on this report for the facility's review.

 

Click Here to view the report.

 

If your facility has not implemented a process for importing reminders, the process needs to be implemented immediately.  If there are any questions, please contact either Paula Mason at pjmason@utmb.edu or Nina Cooper at ngcooper@utmb.edu. 

 

 

REMINDER IMPORT PROCESS

 

(4/4/13) - We are receiving multiple complaints from facilities that have chained out offenders but continue to see their pending reminders.  This is causing major problems in the facility’s scheduling processes.

 

The reminder import process will NOT work unless everyone participates. Importing reminders should be incorporated as part of the Chain In process, once the offender has physically arrived at the new UOA.  There should be a staff member specifically assigned at each facility to see that this process is being accomplished.

 

The facilities that still have reminders pending a week after chain out have been advised to delete those reminders. 

 

There is a new Reminder Import Log report showing facilities that have been importing reminders.

 

OFFENDER RECORD REVIEWS, RELEASE OF OFFENDER INFORMATION, EMERGENCY RECORD and AFTER HOURS DOCUMENTS FOR…
EMR Record Review Reports

 

If your facility has not started using the new Reminder Import Process  and needs directions, please go to the SOP link on CMCWEB and review the SOP titled “REMINDERS IMPORT PROCESS”.  If further assistance/explanation is needed please do not hesitate to contact Nina Cooper (ngcooper@utmb.edu) or Paula Mason (pjmason@utmb.edu).

 

 

 


 

Discontinuation of Masking by Healthcare Workers Effective April 8, 2013

 

(4/3/13) - Since October of 2012, healthcare workers who did not receive the influenza vaccine for 2012/2013 have been required to wear surgical masks when providing care for patients.  The 2012/2013 influenza season in Texas is now coming to an end, and there have been no cases of influenza diagnosed at UTMB during  the last week.  Therefore, it will no longer be required that healthcare workers who did not take the 2012/2013 influenza vaccine wear surgical masks when providing patient care effective April 8, 2013. 

 


 

The final Telehealth Specialty Care Course Now on the CLP

 

(4/3/13) - The TH 7-Telehealth Specialty Care (Presenter Duties) has been made available on the CLP.  Please note, it can take from 1-3 minutes for the program to open.  Watch your status bar for download progression.

 

 

   

 

Alfred Hughes Employee of the Quarter

 

(4/3/13) - We are very excited to announce Tiffany Carter, CCA as Employee of the Quarter.  Tiffany is very dependable, diplomatic, determined, dedicated and a dynamic employee who has demonstrated excellence in all assigned tasks.  She has contributed immensely to the department. 

 

Thank you Tiffany for all you do!!

 


 

Occupational Therapy Month

 

(4/3/13) - April is Occupational Therapy Month!  It’s a time for celebrating Occupational Therapy as a profession as well our individual Occupational Therapist who improve the lives of many people.  Occupational Therapist use their vast knowledge, education and compassion to help our patients.  They enable people of all ages to live life by helping them promote health, prevent or live better with injury, illness or disability.

 

Join us in celebrating our Occupational Therapist, Ms. Nealy at the Estelle Unit and Ms. Dibble at the Jester III Unit.  Stop by our Rehab. Departments and recognize the wonderful work they do!

You can learn more about Occupational Therapy by visiting The American Occupational Therapy association web site, WWW.AOTA.ORG

 


Welcome to Correctional Managed Care

(4/3/13) - Please join us in welcoming our newest employees to Correctional Managed Care Region II – Palestine.

 

L-R:  Dr. Don Brookins, Dentist, Bradshaw; Brandy Rigdon, MHCM, Michael; Angela Jones, LVN, Skyview; Zackery Tussing, LVN, Skyview.

 

 

(4/3/13) - Please join Region 3 Houston District HR in welcoming the following new employees to Correctional Managed Care.

 

L-R – Melissa Winston, Certified Medication Aide for Carole Young, Laura Collins, Vocational Nurse for CT Terrell, Barbara Perez, Vocational Nurse for Darrington, Carolina Trevino, Correctional Clinical Associate for Darrington, Lacy Townsend, Correctional Clinical Associate for Wayne Scott, Oluwatosin Adegbite, Certified Medication Aide for Carole Young and April Andrews, Vocational Nurse for Wayne Scott.

 

 

(4/3/13) - Please join the Huntsville Area (Region 2) in welcoming the following employees to the exciting world of Correctional Managed Care. L-R – Joe Morgan, Practice Manager/Wynne, Bridgette Williams, CMA/Wynne, Alfrika Bosley, PCT/Estelle, Jessica Arriaga, LVN/Ferguson, Phoebe Langley, Admin. Secretary/Health Services, Lavonne Zaiontz, Acquisition Specialist/CMC Warehouse, Erykah Oikeh, MHC/Lewis and Laura Pinder, LVN/Holliday.

 

Not pictured – Cerissa Cross, CMA/Estelle.

 

 

(4/3/13) - Please welcome the following to UTMB-CMC Region 1 (Gatesville)

 

L to R - Rita Nation - LVN - Crain, Bill Williams - NCIII - Mt. View, Melissa Williams - LVN - Hobby, Isabel Murillo - CMA - Hughes, Celissa Williams - CMA - Dawson

 


New Glaucoma Education Leaflet Now Available

(4/1/2013) - Because one of our CMC nurses saw a need for patient education information on Glaucoma, a new Offender Education Leaflet has been developed, approved and is now posted on the CED website Publications link. Our thanks go to Dr. Douglas Appel, Sr. Optometrist for CMC who provided his expertise and time to write the educational document.

If you were not aware of our Offender Education Library, please take a moment and click here to see the 50+ available documents, most of which are available in English and Spanish!  These documents can/should be printed and given to a patient to help them understand their medical diagnosis and how they can participate in their care.

 

CLP Updates/Changes

 

CLP Facility Reports

(1-3-12) - Please log-in to the Computer Learning Portal (CLP) and select "Update My Account." 

Your facility name MUST be listed in the "Unit Name" location.   If it is not listed, your records will not show up

when the Manager runs your Facility Report.   Please take a few minutes to log in, and update your account!

 

CLP - Logging in with your email address?

(1-3-12) - If you use your email address to log into the Computer Learning Portal (CLP), please send an email with your employee# to sdwillif@utmb.edu.  She will re-configure your CLP account so that you can log-in using your employee # and password.  This is very important when tracking your CE hours.  Thank you!

 

 

 


 

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