Meeting & Agendas

Members introduced themselves. Discussed the representation of the board and suggested groups that should always be represented. These included: Austin Recovery, TCADA, St. Edwards, Criminal Justice, LTC – Rehabilitation Commission; ACC Continuing Education. Community in Schools, Consortium Representative, TSU, Park University, and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.

Enrollment has been good for both the new course in addictions and the TR courses. TR has noticed that students fail to keep up with the course and often drop. More local students are also enrolling in the DL courses for TR. The department hopes to do more marketing and wants to update the HUSE web page to raise enrollment in TR. Discussion about marketing issues. The group reviewed and discussed marketing activities from August 02-03.

Increased needs within the criminal justice system were discussed. Employers are no longer reimbursing employees for coursework. TRC is about to change the designation that addiction is a disability, thereby not funding individuals with substance dependence disorders for college programs.

Texas Tech has a scholarship for students who identify themselves as in recovery from addiction. There is a movement in TR for more community-based programs and jobs in consulting. St. Edwards is offering a new course this summer in Community development. Vicki Totten discussed upcoming events with NOSHSE including next year’s national conference in Houston hosted by HCC and a regional conference in San Diego. NOSHSE is also talking to agencies to see whether creating a human services credential would increase employability and pay levels. HIPAA compliance: All interns must complete the on-line HIPAA training prior to beginning internship. ACC has developed the on-line training course, and once submitted, the verification of completion is filed with the department. Criminal background checks are the next requirement to be implemented. An administrative rule is being written concerning the procedures for these checks. A sample of a video on Motivational Interviewing that was produced with the TIF money was shown to the group. Sandra Eames discussed the new computer software being used by all TCADA facilities. The software (BHIPS) involves screening and assessment, treatment and discharge plans, and progress notes. She recommends creating a CE course in BHIPS to make our students marketable. A motion was made that ACC should offer a CE course in BHIPS (Sandra) and seconded by Vicki Totten. Passed unanimously. Jan and Sandra will discuss creation of course.