Community Corner
Donna Policastro Appointed to Special Joint Commission on Primary and Behavioral Health
Donna Policastro, RNP, ED, the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Nurses Association [RISNA], has been appointed to the Special Joint Commission on Primary and Behavioral Health. Together, this group of dedicated medical professionals will complete a comprehensive study and make recommendations regarding the current status and impact of primary care and behavioral health in Rhode Island.
This past legislative session, the General Assembly created the Special Joint Commission to provide findings and recommendations on the State’s ability to create a Primary Care Trust and to report back to the Governor, Office of Health and Human Services and the legislature no later than January 28th,
2014.
Find out what's happening in East Providencefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Commission will establish three working groups surrounding issues of policy and system gaps, payment reform, and funding and sustainability, with the intent of educating and engaging stakeholders on research and findings for potential policy recommendations. Donna Policastro, along with other members of the Commission, will organize themselves in smaller groups, delegating their efforts most effectively.
These working groups will examine trends, current policies concerning behavioral health, and the use of primary care in Rhode Island. Policy restrictions that currently prevent the integration of primary care and behavioral health will be scrutinized. They will assess the role of multi-players within the delivery systems payment reform as well as investigate possible funding and grant opportunities for the Primary Care Trust.
Find out what's happening in East Providencefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Commission strives not only to improve efficiencies and care in the industry, but to advance the health and well-being of Rhode Islanders. The expertise and profound knowledge that Donna Policastro brings to the Commission bolsters their efforts toward improving healthcare in Rhode Island.
About RISNA:
The Rhode Island State Nurses Association (RISNA), a constituent member of the American Nurses Association (ANA), is dedicated to the promotion, advancement, and protection of nursing thereby improving the quality of an access to health care in Rhode Island. More information is available on the RISNA website, www.risna.org.
