Hello on the last day of April.
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who participated in the chapter’s highly successful 2010 Symposium! It was a wonderful representation of individuals passionate to share their social work experiences and wisdom. We had 56 fabulous exhibitors, a moving Awards luncheon that honored extraordinary social worker and allies, and over 80 sessions that were extremely well attended. Thanks to all the volunteers and staff who helped coordinate this seminal two-day professional event! We are pouring over the comments and suggestions for future Symposia, looking closely at your input!
Last week I had the privilege of attending the 2010 Social Work Congress in Washington, DC. With 400 invited attendees and several hundred social work students participating virtually, this three day 'meeting of the profession’ was full of robust and inspiring discussion. Included in the list of invited guests were 30 social workers under 30 years of age—the profession's ‘emerging leaders.’ Seven of these 30 young professionals came from Massachusetts. Topping the list of desired outcomes was generating agreement of 10 Imperatives for Social Work Practice. You can review the list in detail on the website http://www.socialworkers.org/2010congress/ Additionall, two remarkable keynote speakers addressed the audience: Kirstin Downey, author of The Woman Behind the New Deal: The Life of Frances Perkins, FDR’s Secretary of Labor and his Moral Conscience, provided highlights of this exceptional woman’s career, first as a professional social worker and then as a public servant and her ongoing impact on social policy today; Daniel Brook, author of The Trap: Selling out to Stay Afloat in Winner-Take-All America, spoke about how rising college debt and cost of living are “forcing” some students into careers that pay more than social work and the danger that holds for the future of the profession. As social workers, we can relate to both the challenges and the opportunities discussed by Downey and Brook.
The key take away of the Social Work Congress is for each of the 10 sponsoring organizations to incorporate the 10 imperatives into each group’s strategic plans and take action in the years to come. For a complete list of the organizations and Associations that sponsored the Congress, go to the web site above.
Beyond the Congress, the Chapter is always looking for members who want to get involved with the important policy, electoral, advocacy and clinical issues that our profession is so involved in.
I await your call!
Carol Trust
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Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Dear Colleagues,
As I look out my window onto the Old Granary cemetery, below, I see the leaves turning colors of all the varieties of Delicious Apples--green, yellow, orangey yellow and red. It is a glorious site. The Red Tail Falcons are floating over Mother Goose's gravestone and as the leaves drop, I can see more and more of the Suffolk Law School Building, just across the street from the cemetery. But the real action is what is going on in the Chapter office, engineered by the staff and volunteers. Here is a short roundup of just today's events to give you an idea of the range of activities that we are engaged in, representing, you, our members and the profession.
This morning, Mary Roderick, Director of Professional Issues and I met with the MA Social Work Licensing Board to discuss the increased rates for taking the Licensing Exam that the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is proposing. One of the increases is up to 49%. We strongly urged the representative from the MA Social Work Licensing Board to vote against what we consider an egregious increase, particularly in this fragile economic environment.
After meeting with the State Licensing Board, I took the 'T 'over to the MA Department of Child and Family Services (DCF), where NASW is part of a team crafting the details of the DCF Advisory Council to the Department and the Commissioner. This Advisory Council was established under the Child Welfare Reform Act, however it just started meeting this year. NASW is making sure that professional social work input is given and integrated into this important advisory and advocacy initiative.
Then at 3 pm Rebekah Gewirtz, Director of Governmental Relations and I met with the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Higher Education at the State House. Senator Galluccio and Representative Torrisi called us over to discuss a possible pilot project in relation to the Social Work Loan Forgiveness Bill that the Chapter has filed. They were concerned, given the present fiscal climate, that our full proposed bill would probably not receive a favorable showing this year and they wanted to discuss a pilot option. We are exploring this possibility right now.
Keep in mind, THEY CALLED US! This is a testament to the recognition that social work has established on Beacon Hill.
Also today, Kristina Whiton, Director of Continuing Education and Clinical Issues, finalized many of the over 70 presentations that are slated for the April Symposium 2010-the Chapter's signature Continuing Education event that draws over 800 participants, advertisers and exhibitors.
This is just a sampling of initiatives that the staff and I are vigorously working on to support you and the clients and communities that you serve. We are eager to hear from you about other ideas you have for the Chapter and the Association. The phone lines are open. The emails are alerted. And the fax is on. We await your feedback, your comments and your possibilities.
Carol Trust
As I look out my window onto the Old Granary cemetery, below, I see the leaves turning colors of all the varieties of Delicious Apples--green, yellow, orangey yellow and red. It is a glorious site. The Red Tail Falcons are floating over Mother Goose's gravestone and as the leaves drop, I can see more and more of the Suffolk Law School Building, just across the street from the cemetery. But the real action is what is going on in the Chapter office, engineered by the staff and volunteers. Here is a short roundup of just today's events to give you an idea of the range of activities that we are engaged in, representing, you, our members and the profession.
This morning, Mary Roderick, Director of Professional Issues and I met with the MA Social Work Licensing Board to discuss the increased rates for taking the Licensing Exam that the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is proposing. One of the increases is up to 49%. We strongly urged the representative from the MA Social Work Licensing Board to vote against what we consider an egregious increase, particularly in this fragile economic environment.
After meeting with the State Licensing Board, I took the 'T 'over to the MA Department of Child and Family Services (DCF), where NASW is part of a team crafting the details of the DCF Advisory Council to the Department and the Commissioner. This Advisory Council was established under the Child Welfare Reform Act, however it just started meeting this year. NASW is making sure that professional social work input is given and integrated into this important advisory and advocacy initiative.
Then at 3 pm Rebekah Gewirtz, Director of Governmental Relations and I met with the Chairs of the Joint Committee on Higher Education at the State House. Senator Galluccio and Representative Torrisi called us over to discuss a possible pilot project in relation to the Social Work Loan Forgiveness Bill that the Chapter has filed. They were concerned, given the present fiscal climate, that our full proposed bill would probably not receive a favorable showing this year and they wanted to discuss a pilot option. We are exploring this possibility right now.
Keep in mind, THEY CALLED US! This is a testament to the recognition that social work has established on Beacon Hill.
Also today, Kristina Whiton, Director of Continuing Education and Clinical Issues, finalized many of the over 70 presentations that are slated for the April Symposium 2010-the Chapter's signature Continuing Education event that draws over 800 participants, advertisers and exhibitors.
This is just a sampling of initiatives that the staff and I are vigorously working on to support you and the clients and communities that you serve. We are eager to hear from you about other ideas you have for the Chapter and the Association. The phone lines are open. The emails are alerted. And the fax is on. We await your feedback, your comments and your possibilities.
Carol Trust
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Musings
As I read the daily papers, tune into NPR for a wider view of the world, and discuss local and global issues with my chums, social work colleagues and family members, my range of responses can flow from eager involvement, acute listening, and thoughtful conversations to outrage, resignation, and then on to denial. On the one hand, I want, in my lifetime, to see the end poverty and homelessness, the dissolution of anger between people, and the presence of world peace. On the other hand I see how intransigent is our history of violence, how massive is poverty in our country and around the world and how complex is the array of solutions already tried and for the most part failed. I can be frustrated, disappointed,outraged and stay in those states. Or...
I can look for what is possible, what steps I can take--to make a difference. I can choose action. The tiny, medium or large steps. And here is where he juice lies. Getting into action. Will it make a difference, I wonder. Will I actually see the results? I am reminded of a biblical saying whose origins are lost. It goes like this. "It is not incumbent on us to finish the task, but neither are we free to desist from it. My response? 'Count me in!'
I can look for what is possible, what steps I can take--to make a difference. I can choose action. The tiny, medium or large steps. And here is where he juice lies. Getting into action. Will it make a difference, I wonder. Will I actually see the results? I am reminded of a biblical saying whose origins are lost. It goes like this. "It is not incumbent on us to finish the task, but neither are we free to desist from it. My response? 'Count me in!'
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Social Workers and Identity Theft: The FTC "Red Flags" Rule
Medical identity theft is a problem of increasing proportions and disturbing implications for the provision of health care. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued new regulations to address identity theft, including medical identity theft, and clinical social workers will need to review their operating procedures for compliance with the new requirements.
The Red Flags Rule to reduce and prevent identity theft is primarily directed to financial institutions and creditors; however, a broad interpretation of the new regulations by the FTC can include health care providers as “creditors.” Entities subject to the Rule are required to implement an identity theft program capable of recognizing and responding to possible fraudulent activity. The "potential patterns, practices or specific activities indicating the possibility of identity theft" are considered “red flags” that should alert businesses to take further action.
Clinical social workers in private practice, who bill patients and insurance companies, fall within the definition of “creditors” because they are allowing patients to defer payments. Practitioners who collect all payments at the time of service would not be considered creditors.
Clinical social workers in fee-for-service practice settings will need to comply with the FTC "Red Flags" Rule by November 1, 2009 if they are billing health insurers for services.
A small social work practice can develop simple written policies to readily comply. A do-it-yourself four-step guide is available online: Click to open the Do-it-yourself Prevention Program
The Red Flags Rule to reduce and prevent identity theft is primarily directed to financial institutions and creditors; however, a broad interpretation of the new regulations by the FTC can include health care providers as “creditors.” Entities subject to the Rule are required to implement an identity theft program capable of recognizing and responding to possible fraudulent activity. The "potential patterns, practices or specific activities indicating the possibility of identity theft" are considered “red flags” that should alert businesses to take further action.
Clinical social workers in private practice, who bill patients and insurance companies, fall within the definition of “creditors” because they are allowing patients to defer payments. Practitioners who collect all payments at the time of service would not be considered creditors.
Clinical social workers in fee-for-service practice settings will need to comply with the FTC "Red Flags" Rule by November 1, 2009 if they are billing health insurers for services.
A small social work practice can develop simple written policies to readily comply. A do-it-yourself four-step guide is available online: Click to open the Do-it-yourself Prevention Program
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Rita Van Tassel, former Chapter President Dies
Today we received word that Rita Van Tassel, President of the Massachusetts Chapter of NASW from 2001 to 2003, passed away on July 12, 2009. In addition to being the Chapter President, Rita championned the social work profession with the Managed Care Organizations when they first showed up on the mental health insurance landscape in the 1980's. She was an advocate, a mentor to many, (including myself) and a 'real' lady as some of my senior advisors have pointed out.
This spring, she charmingly shared with me that a former high school or college sweetheart had connected with her through Facebook. They fell in love, married, did some globe trotting and settled in Colorado. She truly lived her life 'in possibility.'
The obituary appears in the Boston Globe, July 14.
This spring, she charmingly shared with me that a former high school or college sweetheart had connected with her through Facebook. They fell in love, married, did some globe trotting and settled in Colorado. She truly lived her life 'in possibility.'
The obituary appears in the Boston Globe, July 14.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Join the Chapter in acting against hate crimes !
This Tuesday, July 14 2009 at 1:00 pm the NASW priority bill: HB1728 An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes is scheduled for a hearing in Gardner Auditorium, the State House
This bill will add Massachusetts to 13 other states, Washington D.C., and 102 counties and cities, including Boston, Cambridge, and Northampton making the protection of transgender people explicit, uniform, and visible to the general public. It will include gender identity and expression in the state's non-discrimination statute and will amend existing hate crime laws to explicitly protect people targeted for violence and harassment.
What can you do to help pass this bill?
1) Submit written testimony to the Judiciary Committee letting the committee members know you support House Bill 1728 and ask them to report the bill out favorably. Send your letter to the Committee on the Judiciary, State House Room 136, Boston, MA 02133
2) Call your state representative and senator and ask that they call the chairmen of the Judiciary Committee expressing their support for HB1728. To call your state representative or state senator, dial 617-722-2000 and ask to be connected to their office.
If you plan on coming to the State House on the day of the hearing, please be in touch with Rebekah Gewirtz at 617-227-9635 x12 or Gewirtz@naswma.org
This bill will add Massachusetts to 13 other states, Washington D.C., and 102 counties and cities, including Boston, Cambridge, and Northampton making the protection of transgender people explicit, uniform, and visible to the general public. It will include gender identity and expression in the state's non-discrimination statute and will amend existing hate crime laws to explicitly protect people targeted for violence and harassment.
What can you do to help pass this bill?
1) Submit written testimony to the Judiciary Committee letting the committee members know you support House Bill 1728 and ask them to report the bill out favorably. Send your letter to the Committee on the Judiciary, State House Room 136, Boston, MA 02133
2) Call your state representative and senator and ask that they call the chairmen of the Judiciary Committee expressing their support for HB1728. To call your state representative or state senator, dial 617-722-2000 and ask to be connected to their office.
If you plan on coming to the State House on the day of the hearing, please be in touch with Rebekah Gewirtz at 617-227-9635 x12 or Gewirtz@naswma.org
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
NASW member on Radio Station, WBUR
Adding to the good news we congratulate NASW member Lissa Robins Kapust, LICSW who appeared live on WBUR Radio, Friday June 26. Lissa is the Program Manager of the Cognitive Neurology Unit at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The broadcast explored elders’ driving and the alternatives when they can no longer drive. In the wake of several serious accidents by elderly drivers, lawmakers on Beacon Hill are considering changes to rules regarding seniors and driving, including one that would issue new driving tests to anyone over 85. Another bill makes it easier for doctors to recommend elderly drivers have their licenses revoked. There is debate as to whether or not the Registry of Motor Vehicles should take over screening elders when they apply for a new license.
Ms. Kapust and an environmental professor from MIT spoke about the challenges of the transportation infrastructure of MA and the US as a whole. She noted the difficulties for elders to get around and do simple things like get an ice cream without a driver’s license. It was noted that removing driving privileges should be a conversation that is addressed in a non-crisis time. It should begin when you notice that there have been minor issues like backing into a trash can. The focus of the conversation should be on the medical diagnosis that is impairing an elder’s mobility and the need for safety. The person who cares for the elder most often should have the conversation. Additional resources such as The Ride or private companies can assist in getting elders to and from where they need to go and should be presented as alternative options for the elder.
The broadcast explored elders’ driving and the alternatives when they can no longer drive. In the wake of several serious accidents by elderly drivers, lawmakers on Beacon Hill are considering changes to rules regarding seniors and driving, including one that would issue new driving tests to anyone over 85. Another bill makes it easier for doctors to recommend elderly drivers have their licenses revoked. There is debate as to whether or not the Registry of Motor Vehicles should take over screening elders when they apply for a new license.
Ms. Kapust and an environmental professor from MIT spoke about the challenges of the transportation infrastructure of MA and the US as a whole. She noted the difficulties for elders to get around and do simple things like get an ice cream without a driver’s license. It was noted that removing driving privileges should be a conversation that is addressed in a non-crisis time. It should begin when you notice that there have been minor issues like backing into a trash can. The focus of the conversation should be on the medical diagnosis that is impairing an elder’s mobility and the need for safety. The person who cares for the elder most often should have the conversation. Additional resources such as The Ride or private companies can assist in getting elders to and from where they need to go and should be presented as alternative options for the elder.
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