Community Health Aide Program Certification Board Newsletter

ISSUE

03 Volume 15

Community Health Aide Program Certification Board Newsletter

August 2013

CHAPCB Members Karen O’Neill, MD Norton Sound Health Corporation Chair CDR Paul Hager, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Vice-Chair Sheila Stein, CHP Maniilaq Health Services Secretary Kenneth Glifort, MD, MPH Alaska Area Native Health Service Arnie Loera, MD Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation Andrew McLaughlin, CHP, EMT, BS, AAS Chugachmiut Jane Russell, PharmD, BCOP, CAPT, USPHS Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Shellie Smith, MBA, MLS Division of Public Health State of Alaska Mary E. Williard, DDS Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

this issue June 2013 Certifications

P. 2

Letter from the Chair

P. 4

CHAP Training

P. 6

Distance Ed S&P

P. 6

Summary of Board Actions

P. 8

eCHAM Update

P. 9

Scope of Practice Letter

P. 12

DHAT Update

P. 14

DLN

P. 15

Pictured left to right are the recipients of the 2013 AACHAPD “Shining Star” Awards: Nikkitta Holguin, CHP (CHA IV at time of award), Fairbanks (Tanana Chiefs Conference); Kyla Westcott, CHP, Pelican (SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium); and Jessica McGinty, CHP, Kaltag (Tanana Chiefs Conference).

2013 CHAP Forum More than 60 Community Health Aides/Practitioners (CHA/Ps) representing 15 Alaska Tribal Health Organizations joined us April 15-19 for the annual CHAP Forum, hosted by ANTHC staff in Anchorage. The forum offered 26 hours of continuing education on a variety of topics, training on how to use the new ANTHC-produced Electronic Community Health Aide Manual (eCHAM), presented awards and honors, and provided a rare chance for CHA/Ps to share their successes and challenges with one another.

found online and viewable on iPads or other tablet and mobile devices for greater mobility. Additional eCHAM trainings will be conducted in person and via webinar in the near future.

The big news of the week was the eCHAM launch, which will provide faster and easier access to the knowledge found in the Alaska Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual when it is released this fall. The eCHAM will be

During the luncheon, the CHAP Rising Star award was presented to Nikkitta Holguin, CHP (CHA IV at time of award) from the Tanana Chiefs Conference for displaying competency and

Another forum highlight was the Executive Proclamation from Alaska Governor Sean Parnell that designated April 15-19 as Community Health Aide, Community Health Practitioner, Dental Health Aide and Behavioral Health Aide Week. The proclamation was presented during the forum’s Shining Star awards luncheon.

Continued page 5

June 2013 Certifications, Congratulations! 28. Hurley, Rhonda M., CHP  Akiachak 57. Nunez, Alexandria, CHA III ▲  29. Walcott, Julia, CHA II  1. Frederick, Marsha E., CHP  Juneau  2. Phillip, Evangeline N., CHP  Emmonak 58. Hills, Alexis J., PDHA II   30. Johnson, Bonnie J., DHAT  Akiak 59. Mercer, Barbara S., BHA III   31. Leopold, Stella M., CHP  3. Lake, Crystal C., CHP  Kake  32. Moore, Miranda M., CHA III  Aleknagik 60. Aceveda, Marcia L., CHP  33. Redfox, Charles F., PDHA I  4. Togiak, Danielle, CHA II  61. Moler, Kimberly A., PDHA II     Fairbanks Allakaket Kalskag 34. Attla, Helen, CHP  5. Bergman, Gladys, CHA IV  35. Bifelt-Parrish, Darlene E., CHP  62. Hetherington, Mae S., CHA I   63. Hetherington, Bernice T., BHA II  36. Dayton, Debra A., EFDHA I  Aniak 37. Demoski, Michael J., EFDHA I   6. Lee, Jessica A., CHA I  Kaltag 38. Holguin, Nikkitta, CHP ▲ 7. Mattson, April C., CHA II ▲ 64. Esmailka, Erica, CHP ▲ 39. Reed, Debra D., CHP  8. Murat, Carmen R., CHA II ▲ 65. Nickoli, Henry P., CHP ▲ 40. Sylvester, Barbara J., DHAH  9. Murat, Conan S., DHAT  66. Semaken, Loreena, CHA I     False Pass Bethel Kasigluk 41. Hoblet, Nicole D., CHP  10. Mael, Adeline M., CHP ▲ 42. Morgan, Amanda H., CHA III  67. Martin, Margaret B., PDHA I   11. Nelson-Rothschild, Elena, CHA IV   Kiana 12. Tinker, Anna P., CHP  Fort Wainwright 68. Norton, Victoria L., CHP   43. Bryant, Dorota, EFDHA I  Brevig Mission 69. Shellabarger, Vivian, CHA I    13. Seetot, Sara, CHP ▲ Fort Yukon King Cove  44. Cadzow, Corrina L., DHAT  70. Babcock, Bonita J., CHA III  Chalkyitsik   14. Nathaniel, Mary, CHA IV  Galena King Salmon  45. Gregory, Nicole R., CHA I  71. Dobkins, Danielle, CHA II  Chignik Bay  15. Anderson, Monica, CHA III ▲ 72. O'Domin, Olaf, CHA III ▲ Gambell 46. Booshu, Jill, CHP   Kipnuk Chignik Lake Glennallen 16. Kalmakoff, Nana, CHP  73. Evan, Norma A., CHP ▲ 47. Kildal, Victoria A., BHP  74. Martin, Lorena L., CHP  17. Stepanoff, Francine, CHA II   48. Lanfear, Kristina M., CHA I  75. Paul, Adolph, CHA II ▲ Copper Center  49. Tsinnie, Junior R., CHA III ▲ 18. Horton, Sheila E., BHP  Kivalina  76. Booth, Isabelle K., CHA IV  Golovin Deering 77. Swan, Emma R., CHA IV ▲ 50. Lock, Sharon, CHA II  19. Iyatunguk, Bobbie Sue, CHA I    Klawock 20. Moto, Dorcas M., CHA III ▲ Goodnews Bay  78. George, Roberta L., PDHA I  51. Martin, Sally, CHP  Dillingham 79. Hobart, Chelsie D., PDHA I  52. Smith, Fannie M., CHA III ▲ 21. Andrews, Berna R., CHP  80. Kennedy, Daniel B., DHAT   22. Walker, Gladys, CHA II  81. Safford, Kristina M., PDHA I  Grayling   53. Hamilton, Jorian R., CHA II ▲ Dot Lake Kobuk 23. Deeter, Jeffrey, CHP ▲ 82. Horner, Sherry P., CHA I  Holy Cross  54. Walker, Constance M., CHA IV ▲  Eek Kodiak 24. Beebe-Hoffman, Kimberly N., CHP Hughes 83. Sargent, Wayne L., CHA III ▲ 25. Brown, Carol D., BHA I  84. Vaudrin, Joanne C., CHA III ▲ 55. Oldman, Patricia, CHA I  26. Henry, Verna R., CHP  Koliganek  27. Petluska, Mary A., CHA I  85. Kapotak, Charlie K., CHP  Igiugig Ekwok  56. Hobson, Marisa, CHA III  Page 2

June 2013 Certifications, Congratulations! Kongiganak 86. Andrew, Evelyn G., CHP  87. Evan, Gwendolyn J., CHA I   Kotlik 88. Murphy, Alvina J., CHA III ▲

115. Hanson, Gloria, CHP  116. Petla, Marian M., DHAT  117. Wonhola, Sophie A., CHP   Newtok 118. John, Rosemary A., CHP   Nightmute 119. White, Miranda A., PDHA II ▲

Kotzebue 89. Curtis, Marissa A., BHP  90. Fleming, Vivian, BHP  Nikolai 91. Greene, Andrea, EFDHA I  120. Petruska, Miranda B., CHP ▲ 92. Huffman, Pamela A., BHP  93. Jorgensen, April L., EFDHA I  Ninilchik 94. Keena, Barbara J., BHP  121. Finney, Caroline K., CHP  95. McKay, Edward G., BHP  96. Skinner Lewis, Natalie E., BHP   Noatak 97. Smith, Janice L., EFDHA I  122. Monroe, Bessie, CHA II  98. Stein, Sheila A., CHP  99. Trombley, Geraldine, EFDHA I   Nome 100. Watkins, De-An M., BHP  123. Simon, Derek S., EFDHA I    Kwethluk Noorvik 101. Olick, Martha E., CHP  124. Sheldon, Travis D., CHA II ▲  125. Tebbits, Kathleen J., CHA IV  Larsen Bay 102. Kenoyer, Samuel F., CHA IV   Northway 103. Leach, Josh, CHA II  126. Frank, April, CHA III ▲  Lower Kalskag Nulato 104. Wise, Amanda F., CHA III ▲ 127. Ekada, Martina, CHP   Manley Hot Springs Nunam Iqua 105. Brooks, Kathryn, CHA III ▲ 128. Pete, Darlene M., CHA I   Manokotak Nunapitchuk 106. Paul, Melissa A., CHP  129. Mochin, Darlene W., CHA III ▲  130. Sumi, Martha M., CHA IV  Mekoryuk  107. Davis, Linda M., CHP  Old Harbor 108. Davis, Shara C., CHA II  131. Elvehjem, Joyce L., CHP    Mountain Village Perryville 109. Agwiak, Arielle R., CHA II  132. Kalmakoff, Jennifer M., CHP  110. George, Gloria A., CHA III    Pilot Point Naknek 111. Morgan, Crystale M., CHA IV  133. Veal, Tracy L., CHP   112. Thomas, Sheri L., CHP  Pilot Station  134. Beans, Danielle M., CHA II ▲ Nanwalek 135. Paul, Regina M., CHA II ▲ 113. Active, Aquilina M., CHA II   Port Graham  136. McMullen, Tania R., CHA III ▲ Napakiak 114. Nelson, Candace C., CHA II  Port Lions  137. Perkins, Alfred B., CHA III  New Stuyahok

 Quinhagak 138. Church, Carol R., CHP ▲ Ruby 139. Simon, Krystie, CHA I   Russian Mission 140. Larson, Margie M., CHA I   Saint Mary's 141. Johnson, Janelle G., CHA III ▲ 142. Potter, Sarah R., CHP ▲ 143. Wilde, Phylicia M., DHAT   Saint Michael 144. Acoman, Veronica D., CHP ▲ 145. Lockwood, Cheryl A., CHP ▲ Saint Paul Island 146. McGlashan-Shabolin, June , CHA II  147. Wegeleben, Aubrey M., BHP   Sand Point 148. McMillan, Joseph M., CHA IV   Scammon Bay 149. Rivers, Isiah T., CHA I  150. Smith, Marsha A., CHA III ▲ Selawik 151. Ticket, Maureen C., CHA IV   Seward 152. Swearingen, Karen M., CHA III ▲ Shaktoolik 153. Nayokpuk, Melinda R., CHP   Sitka 154. Hamrick, Janice L., BHP  155. Perkins, Tatiana R., PDHA II  156. Stonebreaker, Selma J., PDHA II   Stebbins 157. Katcheak, Marlene C., CHA IV   Stevens 158. Simon, Renee, CHA I   Continued on page 4 Stony River 159. Willis, Sheila L., CHA III ▲ Takotna 160. Meglitsch, Colin G., CHP ▲

Page 3

June 2013 Certifications, Congratulations! Tanacross 161. Isaac, Martha, CHA II ▲ Tok 162. Young, Joni E., BHA II   Toksook Bay 163. Sipary, Myra J., CHP   Tuluksak 164. Lamont, Gail M., CHA I  165. Napoka, Martha M., CHP   Tuntutuliak 166. Jimmie, Lucy, CHP 

 Unalakleet 167. Ivanoff, Henrietta, CHP  168. Johnson, Sharon M., CHP  169. Turner, Jerilyn E., EFDHA I   Venetie 170. Simple, Margaret M., CHA I 

LEGEND 

CHA/P, DHA or BHA/P who has renewed certification.

▲

CHA, DHA or BHA who has upgraded in certification.



CHA/P, DHA or BHA/P who is initially certified.

Board Members Transition Sheila Stein, CHAP Manager, Maniilaq Health Services, representing the Association of Community Health Aide Program Directors recently resigned from the Board. Michael Horton, Behavioral Health Director, Copper River Native Association, representing the Tribal Behavioral Health

Directors, resigned from the Board in May 2013. Both Sheila and Michael started on the Board at the January 2012 meeting. The Board thanks them for their contributions and wishes them well.

Letter from the Chair Greetings from the Board. We all hope that your summer is warm and bountiful and we Thank You for all the great work that you do.

do (push IV meds, remove a toenail, etc.); if you have NOT been trained you should tell them you have not been trained to do what they are asking, and should only consider doing something that you have not been previously trained to in a The Board recently sent a letter to dire emergency. all of the doctors and midlevels that you report your patients to. The letter is a reminder about If you always use your CHAM and do not perform your “Scope of Practice”. Your “Scope of Prac- procedures that you were not trained in, you will tice” includes the procedures, actions and pro- be “practicing within your scope”. If your medical cesses that you have had education, experience providers want to teach you to do something not and proven competency to keep patients safe. in your training, it can be done with proper trainSee page 12 for a copy of the letter. ing, documentation and signed authorization – check with your CHAP Director. Your CHAM, which you should use for every patient encounter, gives you patient care protocols Keep up the good work. and “best practices” for you and your patients. Sometimes a medical consultant will ask you to do something that you have not been trained to Page 4

Karen O’Neill, MD

2013 CHAP Forum continued skill while visiting clinics around her region. Kyla Westcott, CHP from SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium was awarded the Shining Star award for her quick thinking and resourcefulness in crisis situations. Jessica McGinty, CHP of Tanana Chiefs Conference earned the Outstanding Accomplishments award for her compassion to patients as demonstrated through many long days in the clinic as a sole provider and during many emergency responses in 2012. And as always, the awards luncheon was an opportunity to remember CHA/Ps who passed away last year. This year’s forum also marked the first time the event was hosted at ANTHC rather than at an Anchorage hotel. We were proud to host our CHA/Ps in our buildings owned and managed by all the Tribes and Tribal Health Organizations in Alaska. “We were worried about how the CHA/Ps would react to being on campus,” said Torie Heart, ANTHC’s Director of CHAP/ Rural Health Services. “But our presence on campus was well received by both participants and staff and we will try to schedule it to be on campus again next year.”

To see the complete Shining Star awards presentation and to nominate CHA/Ps for the 2014 awards go to: http://www.akchap.org/html/library/chapdirectors/shining-star.html.

Shellie Smith (left), Director, Rural Hospital Flexibility Program, Division of Public Health, State of Alaska, presents Governor Sean Parnell’s Proclamation to Kyla Westcott, CHP, Pelican (SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium). The Governor proclaimed April 15-19, 2013 as Community Health Aide, Community Health Practitioner, Dental Health Aide, and Behavioral Health Aide Week.

Attendees at the 2013 CHAP Forum. Page 5

Meeting Held to Discuss CHAP Training The Association of Tribal Health Directors (ATHD), Association of CHAP Directors, and CHAP Training Center Directors met August 12 to discuss the future of CHAP Training. The meeting was facilitated by the Alaska Native Health Board and held at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium in Anchorage. The halfday meeting was well attended with representation from around the state. The meeting was prompted by the decision of SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) to suspend CHA Training in March, 2013. SEARHC leadership confirmed at the meeting that the training center would not reopen. For 20 years, SEARHC provided a robust training opportunity for hundreds of Community Health Aides. Their contribution will be missed.

There was much discussion about the history, cost, and need for training. Depending on regional needs and staffing, tribal organizations have been struggling for years with the limited training slots available. High staff turnover is also a contributing factor. The closure of the SEARHC Training Center prompted the Association of Tribal Health Directors to meet with the CHAP Directors with the intent of coming up with a set of recommendations to help raise the CHAP training capacity to meet the need of the Alaska Tribal Health System. A draft set of recommendations will consider the training schedule and sessions taught; how distance technology and regional clinical training can be combined to add capacity, and the potential for developing another training center. This topic will be on the ATHDs agenda scheduled for November 13-14.

CHAP Distance Learning S&P Language Changes The Community Health Aide Program Certification Board met June 24-25, 2013. The Board recognizes its role in setting the standards for the Community Health Aide Program and reviewed recommendations, justifications and citations to the Standards and Procedures (S&Ps) to integrate contemporary practices into the training and education process(es). The Board voted to approve the recommended amendments to the CHAPCB Standards and Procedures as a first reading adding the Distance Delivery Education Language changes into the existing Standards and Procedures.

open to the public for comment. If you have questions or would like to send comments in writing, please contact: Ella Gonzalez Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Community Health Aide Program Certification Board CHAPCB Program Administrator 4000 Ambassador Drive, 4th Floor Anchorage, AK 99508 Ph: 907-729-3624 Fax: 907-729-3629

email: [email protected]

To review the recommended changes to the Since this is a substantive change to the Stand- Standards and Procedures that have been apards and Procedures, it will require a second proved by a first reading in June 2013, please reading that the Board intends to do at the next click link: meeting in October. If approved for a second read, it will be added to the Standards and Pro- http://www.akchap.org/html/library/chapcedures after the October 2013 meeting. The certification-board.html Board meeting will be held in Anchorage and is Page 6

CHA/P Certification Rates The Community Health Aide Program Certification Board would like to take this opportunity to recognize the following Tribal Health Organizations below for achieving the Community Health Aide/Practitioner certification rate of 90% or above as of June 2013. The overall certification rate for CHA/Ps is 86% statewide.

organizations, to measure our progress and to identify areas that require attention.      

BBAHC – Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation Chugachmiut EAT - Eastern Aleutian Tribes Maniilaq Health Services SCF - Southcentral Foundation SEARHC - SouthEast Alaska Regional Health The Board recognizes the hard work and dediConsortium cation it takes to achieve and maintain this level  TCC - Tanana Chiefs Conference of certification. We would like to congratulate  Yakutat Tlingit Tribe each organization for this accomplishment and commend them for their commitment and work  YKHC - Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, includes Akiachak & Native Village of in certifying their community health aides. Kwingahak The Board collects Community Health Aide/ Practitioner employment counts twice a year in January and June. The goal is to determine and plan future training needs for health aides in all

CONGRATULATIONS!

Community Health Aide Program Certification Board Organizations with CHA/P Certification rates of 90% or greater June 2013

Certification Rate

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

97%

93%

80%

100%

90%

100%

100%

70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Organization

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Summary of Board Actions to Date Total number of Community Health Aides/Practitioners, Dental Health Aides and Behavioral Health Aides/Practitioners certified by the CHAPCB as of July 29, 2013:

Count

Total Community Health Aides Certified 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

CHAPCB Future Meeting Dates

384

●

October 28-29, 2013 Anchorage, Alaska

●

January 2014 Anchorage, Alaska

198

26 CHA I

57

68

CHA II

CHA III

35 CHA IV

CHP

Total

www.akchap.org

Total Dental Health Aides Certified 65

70 60

Count

50 40 25

30 20

12

http://www.akchap.org

14

13

10

Go to the Library/ Certification Board

1

0 PDHA I

CHAPCB Standards and Procedures, applications and other information can be accessed on the CHAP website:

PDHA II EFDHA I

DHAH

DHAT

Total

Count

Total Behavioral Health Aides Certified 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0

23 ●

11 2 BHA I

Page 8

2013 Tribal Behavioral Health Directors Future Meeting Dates

40

●

4 BHA II

BHA III

BHP

Total

August 20-22, 2013 December 10-12, 2013

eCHAM Update The eCHAM is almost complete! The eCHAM Project will be wrapping up September 30, 2013. That’s the date that the grant funded project will be over and operations will transition to the ANTHC CHAP Statewide Services Office. Many CHA/Ps received an iPad and some training on the use of the eCHAM at the April 17 eCHAM Launch Event. Project staff provided training and listened to feedback. Forum participants were also treated to an awesome evening barbeque.

for licensing the eCHAM. Tribal Health Directors will consider these at their November meeting. It is anticipated that most THOs will be using the eCHAM by June 30, 2014. Once all organizations have successfully transitioned to the eCHAM, the process of content revision will begin.

We are fortunate that both Beth and Rebecca will remain with ANTHC. On October 1, Beth will assume the responsibilities of Project Management Office Manager in IT. Rebecca will be the AssisRebecca Moore-Pazdernik, eCHAM Content Ex- tant Director for CHAP Statewide Services with a pert, provided on-site training to each of the CHA focus on eCHAM content revision. Training Centers. More recently, Rebecca has been developing a series of training modules that For more information please contact: will be available for eCHAM users via webex. Beth Fleischer, [email protected]. There is even a “Tech 101” for people who may not already be familiar with small electronic data devices. Rebecca also plans to have live Q&A sessions so that people can get all their questions answered. Rebecca continues to play a critical role in content quality assurance. Beth Fleisher, Senior Project Manager continues to work with the contractors to assure that all the behind the scene pieces are working with the database, server, user website, ePUB, iPad application, and eCHAM public website (www.eCHAM.org –check out the multi-media demo!). In addition, Beth is working with all of the organizations to assure that the iPads (or other equipment) are distributed to users throughout the state. Beth has also drafted several models

The ANTHC team that provided eCHAM training and initial iPad distribution are pictured above, left to right: Kathy Gibson, eCHAM Project Assistant; Cheryl Moon, Project Management Office Manager; Rebecca Moore- Pazdernik, eCHAM Content Expert; and Beth Fleischer, Senior Project Manager.

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September 2013

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Community Health Aide Program Meetings of Interest Date

Meeting/Event

September 18, 2013 (AM)

RAC

ANTHC COB Conference room 3

September 18-20, 2013

ARC


September 23-24, 2013

AACHAPD

POLYCOM/Connect Pro

September 25, 2013

AACHAPD Executive

POLYCOM/Connect Pro

October 14-18, 2013

Convocation

ANTHC COB Conference room 1 and 2

October 28-29, 2013

CHAPCB


November 13-14, 2013

Alaska Tribal Health Directors

To be announced

December 9-10, 2013

AACHAPD


December 11, 2013 (AM)

AACHAPD Executive


December 11, 2013 (PM)

RAC


December 12-13, 2013

ARC


Page 10

Location

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2 9 16 23 30

Using the Expressive Arts of Moving, Drawing, & Sculpting to Support Learning scribed healthy changes they had made to take better care of their health, the health of their family, patients, and community.

In response to Community Health Aides and Community Health Practitioners desire to learn more about cancer, the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium sought and received funding from the American Cancer Society (2009-13) to develop arts-based cancer education. In the words of an Alaska Native Community Health Worker,

Art activities to compliment the course manual ‘Understanding Cancer’ are available on the www.akchap.org website under ‘resources’ and ‘cancer education’.

The arts give a comfortable traditional way to share experiences and healing. My people have always shared wisdom through songs, dances, arts. The arts bring a heart and spirit connection to the learning to make it more meaningful. Art is a way of life from the ancients. Between May 2009 and March 2013, art activities were woven into eight 5-day cancer education courses and six 5-day wellness courses that included information on cancer basics, prevention and risk reduction behaviors for 137 diverse adult learners engaged in community health. On written post-course evaluations and during extended-interval telephone interviews, participants described the arts as a culturally traditional way of knowing that increased their cancer knowledge and comfort with talking about cancer. Course participants talked about how the arts expanded their perspectives, sparked creativity and imagination, freed/transformed emotions, made learning more memorable/more meaningful, infused learning with laughter, created community, and broke the silence that often surrounds the topic of cancer in Alaskan rural communities. As a result of receiving cancer and wellness information, course participants de-

Participants continue to use arts activities to engage their community in wellness conversations and action. If you have a story about how you have used artsbased learning in your community, please email and share your ideas. We hope to expand the website with examples of how people are passing cancer information forward to make a difference in patient education and community health. Thank you to the many course participants who have allowed us to be part of their learning journey. Form more information please contact: Melany Cueva at: [email protected] (907) 729-2441.

Upcoming Courses:  The Wellness Course September 23-27, 2013

Applications due: August 20, 2013  Cancer Education Course October 14-18, 2013

Applications due: September 17, 2013

As part of arts-based cancer education, participants are invited to draw what wellness looks like to them as a respectful opening to meaningful conversations about healthy choices and cancer risk reduction behaviors. Additionally, participants use play dough to sculpt wellness activities that help to decrease cancer risk. This play dough creation (left) symbolizes a basket of colorful berries, rich in antioxidants.

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Scope of Practice Letter Community Health Aide Program Certification Board Authorized by Alaska Area Native Health Service Administered by

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium 4000 Ambassador Drive, 4th Floor Anchorage, AK 99508 Phone: (907) 729-3624/3642 Fax: (907) 729-3629 Email: [email protected] Web: www.akchap.org

Karen O’Neill, MD Norton Sound Health Corporation Chair CDR Paul Hager, MPAS, PA-C, DFAAPA Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Vice-Chair Sheila Stein, CHP Maniilaq Health Services Secretary Kenneth Glifort, MD, MPH Alaska Area Native Health Service Arnie Loera, MD Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation Andrew McLaughlin, CHP, EMT, BS, AAS Chugachmiut Jane Russell, PharmD, BCOP, CAPT, USPHS Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation Shellie Smith, MBA, MLS Division of Public Health State of Alaska Mary E. Williard, DDS Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

July 26, 2013 Dear Tribal Health Provider: The Community Health Aide Program Certification Board is a federal board that sets the standards for the Community Health Aide Program and is responsible for certifying individuals who practice within the Alaska Tribal Health System as community, dental, and behavioral health aides. Each of these individuals is subject to specific requirements and engages in a specific scope of practice and must practice only under the supervision and day-to-day direction of individuals who are familiar with the Community Health Aide Program, the Community Health Aide Program Certification Board Standards and Procedures, June 19, 2008, as amended, the Alaska Community Health Aide/Practitioner Manual, 2006 (CHAM), and are employed by the federal government or tribal health program. CHAPCB Standards and Procedures, applications and other information can be accessed at the CHAP website: http://www.akchap.org. The Board has been made aware of requests from providers to have Health Aides perform treatment or services for which they have not received formal training within their scope as defined by the Standards and Procedures. As a provider in a Tribal Health Organization, it is expected that you are familiar with the CHAM as well as the Standards and Procedures, and that you are not instructing Health Aides to provide treatment or services that are not within their scope of practice. The Board acknowledges that in some rare life-threatening cases Health Aides may agree to perform treatment or procedures for which they are not formally trained, while in direct contact with a provider. These are not the instances that we have received concerns about. The Board would like to thank you for your support and faith in the Community Health Aide Program and providing supervision to these professionals, as without you, the program would not exist. Please ensure that when you are providing supervision and guidance that you keep in mind the scope of the Health Aide that you are directing. Sincerely,

Karen O’Neill, MD Chair, CHAP Certification Board

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Alaskan Plants as Food and Medicine Symposium The Second Annual Alaskan Plants as Food and Medicine Symposium was held in Girdwood at the Alyeska Hotel during the 2013 Memorial Day weekend. The event was an incredible success with many gifted speakers presenting topics about Alaska plants and their uses. The role of plants in promoting health and preventing disease is growing even more apparent. As a rural Alaskan and clinician, this becomes more and more evident to me. I am hoping that more CHA/Ps can attend this conference in the future. There is no doubt in my mind that information like this is key to putting us onto a pathway of becoming the healthiest people on earth. Sharing space with so many caring people who are all on a pathway to learn and share as much as we can about plants and their benefits proved to be one of the most incredibly rewarding conferences I have ever attended. Presentations ranged from ANTHC’s Store Outside Your Door education, wild food and medicine preparation, genetic effects created by diet, to basic and in depth traditional plant knowledge shared by presenters such as the esteemed Dr. Rita Blumenstein. Ethical plant harvesting, harmony with health, connection to the earth, and general supportive energy was shared by the plant loving attendees. Traditional and cultural knowledge abounded as information was shared about which plant species are used most commonly in certain regions of our state for certain ailments. The common denominator was plants and the event was nothing short of spiritual.

concept “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” I would recommend attending this conference to anyone in the future who has interest in healthy foods, plants as medicine, and subsistence resources that can help their patients avoid disease. It proved to be a rewarding experience for all who attended and in my view topics like these should be prerequisite training for all CHA/Ps who provide health care in rural Alaska. We are what we eat and I am convinced that eating healthy foods from local sources will prove to be a vital ingredient to enable health for our future generations. If we do so then we will decrease our disease rates dramatically and our happy healthy lifestyles will exist in perpetuity. Andrew McLaughlin, CHP, EMT, BS, AAS Chugachmiut PO Box 8043 Chenega Bay, AK 99574 [email protected]. Note: Andy was a presenter at the conference. His presentation was titled, “Alaskan Home Gardening: A Rural Village Gardener’s Perspective on How He Grows Healthy Food for His Family”. Andy’s digital story can be viewed at: http://www.akchap.org/html/resources/ cancer-education/cancer-movies/digitalstories---wellness-ways.html.

Plant identification information was reinforced by both photographs and plant walks. Most plants which are not basically considered medicine by mainstream society, are considered in many rural places simply as food. The nutrition gained from these plants in turn proves in fact to be medicine for our bodies. A common theme of the Symposium was that Food is Medicine. This notion fits right in with Hippocrates’ (father of medicine) Page 13

Congratulations Dental Health Aide Therapists-Class of 2013!

2014 DHAT transitioning class left to right: Samantha Brown (Maniilaq Association); Shawn Martin (Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation); Renee Cheemuk (Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation; Angelica Afcan (Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation) and Lauren Reed (Maniilaq Association).

2013 DHAT graduates left to right: Savannah J. Bonorden (SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium); Cora M. Roberts (SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium); Melanie B. Kerschner (YukonKuskokwim Health Corporation; and Elsie J. Pelowook (Norton Sound Health Corporation).

The Alaska Dental Health Aide Therapist class of 2013 graduated from the ANTHC/University of Washington DENTEX Dental Health Aide Therapist Training Program in a celebration event held June 6, 2013, at the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Hundreds of family, friends, tribal leaders, staff, and program supporters came to recognize the graduates. Graduates will now complete a preceptorship with a dental supervisor leading to certification by the CHAPCB and practice in their communities. On July 22, the seventh class began their DHAT education program. Six students from around Alaska will go through two years of courses. The first year of coursework will be in Anchorage, the second year in Bethel, followed by a preceptorship. The six students in the new class, and their regional sponsors, are: Charles Redfox from Emmonak (YukonKuskokwim Health Corporation); Carrie Tikiun from Bethel (Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation); Sharon Nanalook from Togiak (Bristol Bay Area Health CorporaPage 14

tion); Amanda Miles from Kodiak (Kodiak Area Native Association); Sabrina Manacio from Juneau (SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium); and Sadie Green from Hooper Bay (Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation). ANTHC's Educational Program is the starting point for future DHATs who will work around Alaska improving the oral health status of our people. There are currently 25 certified DHATs working around Alaska, most in their home regions. Learn more about ANTHC's work with the Alaska DHAT program at www.anthc.org/chs/chap/dhs or "like" our page on facebook at ANTHCsmile. Rachel D. Schierholt, Program Manager Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium DHAT Educational Program email: [email protected] UW Website: http://depts.washington.edu/dentexak/

CHAP Distance Learning Network During CHAP Distance Learning Network’s third quarter (April 1 – June 14, 2013), 25 students earned Continuing Education hours in 92 online courses. Five CHA-Ts passed Pre-Session in the new online format and are ready for, or have entered into Session I training.

The CHAP DLN would like to extend a thank you and farewell to Program Administrator, Saeng Yabut, who left in May to pursue a program management position in telecommunications. Saeng provided great organization and support to DLN and helped to build the program into the success it is today.

This quarter DLN released two new online courses: “Understanding Cancer” and “Awakening Choices: Colon Health - Our Stories”. Understanding Cancer is a comprehensive course exploring the many ways cancer can affect peoples' lives. In Awakening Choices, students are presented with colorectal cancer screening guidelines and learn the importance of recommended screening exams.

DLN is still offering the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) for Community Health Aides Trainees, free of charge! Contact Kyle von Bose for information on how to take the test. DLN is always looking for input into what courses you would like to see. What courses would be helpful for your region’s CHA/Ps? Help us deliver important information and CE credits to CHA/Ps throughout the state by contacting Kyle von Bose.

Several courses are currently under development. New CE courses will cover issues such as Diabetic Emergencies, MRSA, Nutrition, Sexually Transmitted To register for Pre-Session, CE courses or view quarInfections, and Vaccines. Online CE courses are easy terly course schedules, visit our page at to access and are now available 24/7. www.akchap.org. CE courses released now and into the future will feature audio narration and interactive user experience. Our goal is to create CE courses that are accessible, informative and fun.

Please contact Kyle von Bose at [email protected] for more information.

CHAP Convocation October 14-18 eCHAM by Beth Fleischer and Rebecca MoorePazdernik and a Round Robin on Electronic Health Records and implementation throughout the state. On Tuesday, Melany Cueva will present an adult education session featuring digital stories. Diana RedThe Convocation brings together Training Center and wood will be talking about colorectal cancer screening data and methods for increasing screening. Field Instructors to:  Ensure consistency and the quality of training for Other topics being considered are: CHA Basic TrainCommunity Health Aides and Community Health ing Curriculum Update, AFHCAN Referrals, DiscusPractitioners.  Share and develop curriculum materials and eval- sion of Alaska Tribal Health Directors recommendations related to Basic Training, CHAPCB Standards uation tools.  Review and apply adult education learning theory and Procedures related to distance education, and CHA Basic Training by Distance. and practice approaches.  Provide continuing education relevant to the CHA If you have any ideas for topics and suggested speakProgram. ers, please contact Sue Steward, Chair, Alaska Association of Community Health Aide Program Directors, Day one starts with a welcoming lunch and Keynote Speaker, Stewart Ferguson, ANTHC Director of Infor- [email protected]. Look for draft agenda and mation Technology. Following is an update on the registration materials at www.akchap.org. CHAP Convocation will be held October 14-18, 2013 at the Alaska Tribal Health Consortium office building. This years’ theme is “Technology and Teaching in the Field”.

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Community Health Aide Program Certification Board Volume 15, Issue 03 August 2013

Please Deliver To:

Community Health Aide Program Certification Board 4000 Ambassador Drive, 4th Floor Anchorage, AK 99508-5909 907.729.3624 phone 907.729.3629 fax www.akchap.org

CONTACT INFORMATION: To submit suggestions, corrections, or story ideas please contact the CHAP Certification Board office at: Phone: 907-729-3624 Email: [email protected]

ANTHC EDITORIAL STAFF Ella Gonzalez Program Administrator CHAP Certification Board Shae Aliu Program Administrator CHAP Statewide Services

5th Annual Behavioral Health Aide Forum November 4‐8, 2013 For more information: http://www.anthc.org/chs/behavioral/bhaforum.cfm

Victorie Heart, RN, MS Director, CHAP/Rural Health Dabney VanLiere Senior Office Specialist Behavioral Health and Rural Services

To conserve paper and energy we have converted to a digital newsletter and will distribute the newsletter electronically. We will continue to print a limited number of newsletters. If you would like to be added or removed from our email list or are requesting a hard copy please contact Shae Aliu at [email protected].