WACASE Meeting Minutes DRAFT

November 4, 2011

10:00am – 2:00pm

Tacoma, WA (TCC)

  1. Welcome, Brief Introductions: Chuck Anderson (Tacoma Community College), Lindsy Anderson (CDPWS), Irene Bittrick (Olympic College), Stacie and Richard Bell (Peninsula College), Tina Burrell (WA DBHR), Mirelle Cohen (Olympic College), Deb Cummins (WA DBHR), Dan Drischell (Highline Community College), Bob Groeschell (Seattle Central Community College), Dave Harris, Tui Lindsay (Edmonds Community College), Bob Malphrus (Skagit Valley Community College), Lynn McIntosh (Northwest Frontier ATTC), Marcia Roi (Clark College), Mike Towey (Tacoma Community College), Paul Weatherly (Bellevue Community College).

Also, via conference call: Grace Creaseman (EWU), Hayley Lake (EWU) Kaydee Steele (EWU), Cynthia Moreno-Tuohy (NAADAC), Diana Camp?

  1. WACASE Business:

A. Minutes: Members voted to approve minutes from the May 20, 2011 meeting.

B. Treasurer Report (Irene Bittrick): Irene reportedWACASE has $4,537.34 in checkingand $2,305.01in savings (savings includes dues held for NAADAC fees payable when YR02 fees come due).

C. Membership Dues Update Discussion:

NAADAC Contract Discussion and Vote (Cynthia Moreno-Tuohy and WACASE Members). Members voted to decrease WACASE dues from $150 to $100/year (payable January 1), and decided that prior to setting fees for non-educator affiliate membership they need to review by-laws (fees will probably be $50-$75/year). WACASE dues were reduced in part to balance an anticipated increase in NAADAC dues from $400to $600/two years. A draft contract to formalize the WACASE-NAADAC agreement was reviewed, but the group deferredvotinguntil a final contract is available; the contract will be distributed and voted on via email.

  1. Old Business (Irene Bittrick, Mike Towey):

A. Current Housing of NAADAC Membership Files. As voted previously by members, TacomaCommunity College will be the lead school to house NAADAC membership files; also, future applications and paperwork will be handled on-site at NAADAC by Shirley Beckett Mikell.

B. Certification – Testing Sites and Schedules.

Procedures, Policies, More Information: At the last (May 20) WACASE meeting Irene distributed a document on testing procedures; this was included ver batim in those minutes. Washington's DOH website has information about dates and sites for testing, someone noted.

Paul Weatherly, who says BellevueCommunity College is in its eighth round of testing, described BCC's testing procedures. BCC provides written information to students and Paul said he would email thisto the listserv. He noted that it's up to educators to determine if students are ready to test; and that he uses the crosswalk for transfer students, to determine if classes translate to eligibility to test; also, his students sign a statement saying that passing the test does not guarantee a WA State credential. (A general note of caution offered by another educator: if approached by students not from your college but wanting to test it's best to deny this, since scores would reflect on the school's statistics.)

A discussion followed about the need for more test prep classes and other testing assistance. TCC may take the lead in offering a class on the west side (possibly a two-day weekend event). In terms of on-line options, NAADAC has an archived webinar on how to take the test (free or $25 for five CE). NAADAC also has a sample on-line test; it can be taken for free but costs $60 for grading. NAADAC might host national study groups at some point; Paul mentioned there is evidence that students who study in groups get higher test scores and also do better in classes.

Pros and Cons of Testing On College Campuses and Test Timing: Oneeducator said that they had justified paying the NAADAC membership by claiming they could offer the NAADAC test on-site. They now need to justify why they would continue paying NAADAC dues if that is not possible. Cynthia Moreno-Tuohy, President of NAADAC (who participated in the meeting viaphone) cited three reasons:

1) Students of NAADAC-member colleges can test when they graduate, while knowledge is fresh, instead of up to years later when after they've completed the required work experience (plus test scores are good for four years). The educator responded that some students say they learn a lot in the field and would prefer to test later; Cynthia said one a theory is students have more trouble in that case.

2) Also, Cynthia said students could test on campuses, but WACASE decided not to allow this because it would cost more for students, and the cost would have to be uniform across schools, with no fee being agreed on. This could, however, be brought back for discussion. (Note: colleges can't charge more than the $135 fee that DOH charges for testing).

3) NAADAC will not be the agency for testing anymore. NASAC (see "Other NADAC News" below) will be the "gold seal of approval for schools", and Cynthia said the process WA colleges have gone through with NAADAC should put them ahead of the curve with NASAC,in terms of pre-qualification and initially reduced (i.e., grandfathered in) membership fees (at least initially)..

Other NAADAC News:

  1. SAMHSA convened a meeting of stakeholders in 2010 to discuss and report on their vision for the future of CD provider credentialing. The result was a report entitled "Scopes of Practice and Career Ladder for Substance Use Disorders Counseling", which envisions a four-tiered career ladder. Lynn McIntosh had brought copes of this document to distribute, and noted the document is downloadable for free from SAMHSA Stores <http:store.samhsa.gov>..
  2. A national committee (in which Mike Towey is involved)is developing a national curriculum for two-year, four-year, and doctorate degree levels. The committee had recommended that NAADAC and INCASE merge, which has occurred. The mergerspawned the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC), which is in the process of developing a website. Mike Towey said he believes that the merger of INCASE and NAADAC "represents a major pass through toward national standards". (Note: IC&RC doesn't have certification standards(is not a college/university accrediting body), but is rather "a testing product used by some states", so was not included in the merger.
  3. If a college's curriculum hasn't already been approved by NAADAC they will have to go through NASAC review, a more costly procedure. Cynthia thinks the cost will be $1,500/three years, and cautioned WACASE members to renew with NAADAC at the end of the year to avoid paying the steeper fee until the next renewal period.
  4. Cynthia noted the following knowledge areas and treatment models NAADAC foresees as being particularly important for the future: Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), neuroscience; and EBPs in general (and making sure to feature them in curriculum); important EBPs includeMotivational Interviewing; Motivational Enhancement Therapy; Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment; Health Information Technology; and Electronic Records.

C. Statewide Training Committee (sponsored by CDPWS and WACASE). A committee is forming and volunteer members include Stacie Bell, Irene Bittrick, Mirelle Cohen, HayleyLake, Tui Lindsey, Bob Malphrus, Paul Weatherly, Lindsy Anderson, Mike Towey, Cynthia Moreno-Tuohy, and Lynn McIntosh (who offered to create a listserv for the committee, if one is needed, and could possibly host some conference calls).

D. Other Old Business? Irene asked members if there was any objection to her being Treasurer and Mirelle Cohen being Secretary (in essence trading positions from what was voted on). This was approved.

  1. New Business:

A. Budget Crisis - Response from the Field (Paul Weatherly, Bob Malphrus, Tui Lindsay, Mike Towey). The current proposed budget includes drastic cuts to CD treatment and, if passed, could devastate the state's treatment infrastructure.

  • BobGroeschell reported on related DOH CD Certification Committee activityand distributed documents from the Governoron proposed budget cuts and an executive order to extend the state's moratorium on non-critical rule making.
  • Mike Towey provided a handout of documents compiled by past DASA Director Ken Starkabout negative impacts of the proposed reductions in terms of increased costs in areas including criminal justice, healthcare (including ER), and long-term care.
  • Per DBHR, the push to defend CD treatment must come from providers, though DBHR can provide information.
  • Important dates include November 17 (a new fiscal forecast), November 21 (release of the governor's budget), and November 28 (special legislative session begins). Also, on November 19 Faces and Voices of Recovery is holding a training on advocacy.
  • A discussion about need and opportunities for advocacy followed. A website ( has been set up to share budget news and advocacy opportunities; it includes contact information for legislators.

B. New Washington Administrative Code (WAC). Deb Cummins reported that despite the Governor's Executive Order on rule-making (referenced above), plans for the new WAC chapter are moving forward. To recap, the new WAC chapter is being developed with stakeholder inputand includes Mental Health, Chemical Dependency, and Problem Gambling. Its goal is to streamline the process for dually-licensed programs, combining manuals, requirements, charts, etc., by having a standard set of regulations across agencies. It is being designed foranyone who wishes to be certified//licensed under the new rule, though agencies may choose to stay under their current WAC. Currently there are two funding streams and data sets, with providers getting either MH or CD funding, and truly integrated "COD" services don't exist.

DBHR is also trying to streamline the process for credentialing people with a master's degree and above, including exploringalternative training optionsto the requirement of45 education credits, which may be redundant for some given prior experience and education. The topic is at the CDP Advisory Committee. Cynthia Moreno-Tuohy added that there is a related national movement driven, in part, by Healthcare Reform initiatives,and also third-party payers (who she anticipates will be the future "drivers" in the healthcare system). SAMHSA is looking to NAADAC as a model and Cynthia predicts that at some point a master's degree or above (or supervision by a master's level clinician) will be required to do clinical work. NAADAC is also working with other countries related to CD credentialing standards.

C. Children’s Administration Training Offer. Chuck Anderson provided an updateon the training initiative entitled “Children’s Administration Substance Abuse Training – Partnering Across Systems”. The facilitated two-day training, featuring curriculum developed in partnership with CSAT,is for Children’s Administration social workers and CDPs and focuses on developing skills for partnering across systems and within communities. It was initially collaborationbetween CA and DBHR, with trainings offered about two times per year in six regions (more recently reduced to three regions), but DBHR trainers can no longer be involved due to workload/budgetary issues. CA has been re-funded to provide the training. A TOT that included WACASE members at TCC garnered positive feedback; another TOT will be held in Yakima. Co-trainers will receive honoraria and a "test run" will occur next year.

D. DBHR and DOH Updates (Deb Cummins). A legislative bill may eventuate in agency certification being moved from DBHR to DOH, with a concurrent shift away from a technical assistance toward a more punitive approach. Also, beginning September 1, agency certification fees for CD and MH will increase from $350 to $750/year, and there will no longer be exemptions for government agencies. Lastly, DBHR is moving away from Mental Health and back to their previous offices.

E. NFATTC Updates. Lynn McIntoshupdated the group on NFATTC news; time was short at the end of the meeting and by request a few more details are being included here in the minutes.

UW Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute Clearinghouse. ADAI now houses a scaled-down version of the Washington State Alcohol and Drug Clearinghouse, which lost funding and closed last June. The ADAI Library still provides clinical and research resources and services for academic, provider, and policy communities; but now also offers prevention information (e.g. brochures, posters, videos) for schools, parents, prevention groups, and others. Jennifer Velotta is staffing the ADAI Clearinghouse.

ADAI has added "What's New" blogs. The CTN Dissemination Library, a digital repository of free research resources related to NIDA's national Clinical Trial Network, has a new "What's New" blog to allow people keep abreast of the latest information on CTN research protocols; training (including Blending Initiative products) and other resources. ADAI library added a "What's New" bog as well.

New NIDA-SAMHSA Blending Initiative Suite of Resources about Motivational Incentives Resources. The suite includes three products:
1. Promoting Awareness of Motivational Incentives (PAMI), a package of resources offered as a four-hour trainingfor raising awareness and increasing knowledge about M. Inc., has been completely revised, including the video,FAQs, and an addition of a comprehensive trainer's guide.
2. MI:PRESTO (Motivational Incentives: Positive Reinforcers to Enhance Substance Abuse Treatment Outcomes). This new on-line course focuseson the process of adopting or utilizing M. Inc. Modules are self-paced and interactive; the course is free, or for $25 provides 5CE from NAADAC or the National Board for Certified Counselors (for mental health clinicians).
3. M. Inc. Implementation Software, developed by NIDA and available at no cost, the software allows providers to store information related to using incentives with patients, such as maintaining record of appointments, attendance and abstinence, draws and prizes awarded, and patient history of compliance and relapse.

The ATTC Network is expanding an on-line library of courses:
New CS Foundations course: Developed to fulfill the 30-hourr educational requirement for national certification, it includes 15 hours each of on-line and in-person training. The course is very basic, being designed for people who haven’t yet been supervisors. (NFATTC will continue to offer the standard in-person Clinical Supervision trainings, which are more advanced and interactive.)
Substance Use Disorders with Minority Men Who Have Sex with Men; also Introduction to Women w. SUD. Two new on-line courses on gender-based treatment approaches.
Medication Assisted Treatment for Specific Populations. Expected to be available in January, this will consistof two self-pacedcourses, one for Primary Care and one for Behavioral Health providers. Courses will consist of three core modules that touch on MAT and outreach in general, plus four population-specific modules addressing issues critical to engaging clients from the following groups: (1) African American; (2) American Indian/Alaskan Native; (3) Hispanic/Latino; and (4) Asian/Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders.
ATTC ILearning series: free monthly webinars open to the public held on the third Thursday of the month;each month a regional ATTC takes the lead to present on a topic effecting the field;; slides and audio are archived (including a winter 2010 webinar on Health Care Reform).
More/Educational Opportunities.
New or Upcoming NFATTC Course:
ROSC (Recovery Oriented Systems of Care): Day-long (shorter by request) workshop taught by David Jefferson, who has done several ROSC workshops in WashingtonState.
Health Care Reform: Ninety to two-hour "HCR 101” course providing basic info for behavioral health managers and clinical supervisors on the fundamentals of HCR and preparing for service integration (WACASE members expressed interest in having a presentation at a meeting and Lynn will follow up with David.)
Adolescent Treatment: may by ready in spring; stay tuned.
Screening Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT). In WA, NFATTC is doing the training for WA DBHR's new SAMHSA SBIRT grant (the second round), which will implement SBIRT in selected King County community health clinics. In OR, NFATTC has collaborated with a SAMHSA-funded OHSU medical residency/family clinic SBIRT implementation project. For more information, including free on-line training modules:
Cultural Considerations in serving Hispanic/Latino Clients: two-day training on providing culturally-tailored services. The trainer, Janese Olalde, has 20 yrs experience in addictions treatment; is Spanish speaking; lived for four years in Mexico; and has involved for 30 years with Latino communities.
For an updated NFATTC course list:

Training and Other Trends: NFATTC continues to focus increasingly more efforts on the provision of ongoing technical assistance (e.g. Learning Collaborative) versus one-time training events. This year in WA NFATTC if offering considerably more Motivational Interviewing and also MI-based SBIRT training. Also, as HCR, and other forces, continue to drive services integration, NFATTC is offering services to an expanded audience, including mental health and primary care providers, and staff at Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHS).NFATTC is also developing areas of expertise in line with eight strategic initiatives outlined in SAMHSA's Leading Change: A Plan for SAMHSA’s Roles and Actions: 2011-2014. SAMHSA's initiatives, in prioritized order, are: 1: Prevention of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness; 2: Trauma and Justice; 3: Military Families; 4: Recovery Support; 5: Health Reform; 6: Health Information Technology; 7: Data, Outcomes, and Quality; 8: Public Awareness and Support.