Boston Region Newsletter
December 18, 2019 (Volume 2 for December 2019)
News and Updates: Informing School Nurses of the Boston Region 2019-2020!
In this issue:
- MDPH School Health Unit News and Updates with a personal message from Karen Robitaille and an update from Juliet Berk.
- Urgent request for support for Dr. Shuster's research on marijuana abstinence.
- EEE survey
- Reminder - change in date of Boston Region meeting - it's Jan 17!
- Meeting Updates: SCHENA and CSHS Nurse Leader meeting schedules.
- Opportunity for high school students with food allergies
- Resources: New SBIRT date added; Managing Students with Seizures: School Nurse Training Program; Culturally Competent Nursing Care: A Cornerstone of Caring; Protecting Immigrant Families; 2019 Multicultural Mental Health Resource Directory; Stop Bullying Now!; Supporting a Child After Loss; Pediatric Nursing - "Concussion";
- Clinical Updates: MA BORN RN LICENSE RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS 2020 and meningitis immunization requirements
- Professional Development: registration links to Northeastern University Webinars of Medicaid billing and Leadership series; Children's Hospital Evening Series: Energy Medicine for School Nurses and Community Initiative: Caring for children with CP; MassHealth and UMASS Medical School present: School-Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) Training; SBIRT Webinar series; MIAA Wellness Initiative; UMass Amherst Seminar on Transforming Education for Social Justice Conference; Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) Immunization initiative
In every issue:
- Boston Region News.
- Infectious Disease Bureau contact information
- Data requirements for CSHS and non-CSHS programs
- CSHS Payment Update
- Licensure and BU SHIELD links
- Link to the Comprehensive School Health Manual
- Contact information for DPH School Health Unit Personnel and all Regional Consultants
MDPH News and Updates
MDPH School Health Unit - From the desk of Karen Robitaille
Greetings from the DPH School Health Unit!
I've always said that I would not like to be a school superintendent, for many reasons, but not the least of which is making difficult weather-related decisions. Well, I now certainly have a better understanding of the challenge! I realize that Westborough did not close on December 17th, and that district is what we generally base decisions on as far as state meetings and other trainings. However, with a full-day event predicted, which would impact some parts of the state heavily, we made the decision we did in the interest of safety. Additionally, by canceling early, we are able to rebook the event and thus do not lose the costs associated with it. My priority is the health and safety of our students, and by extension, the health and safety of those charged with caring for them. I take that responsibility seriously, and so I hope you can practice patience and understanding when these difficult decisions need to be made. I'd like to thank Bev and the BU SHIELD team for their flexibility and work to reschedule the meeting not once, but TWICE!
I also realize that we will now meet three months in a row, in March, April (rescheduled from December) and May. I'm hopeful that with enough notice, you will be able to attend all three, and if school psychologist/social workers are still able to attend in April, even better! A reminder that you no longer need to worry about getting your superintendents there in May. We are going to work on another way to get school health issues in front of superintendents...so stay tuned. I also feel there may be a real opportunity to feel more connected by meeting three months in a row, and hopefully the regional meetings before then help to keep the momentum going.
Thank you for everything you do every day for the staff and students in our schools. I hope your holiday break is restful and joyful and fills you back up. We'll see you in the New Year!
Karen Robitaille, MBA, MSN, RN, NCSN
< she, her, hers>
Director of School Health Services
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Bureau of Community Health & Prevention
250 Washington Street, 5th floor
Boston, MA 02108
617-624-5427
And from the desk of Juliet Berk:
This is to remind everyone that the nurse leaders are ideally listed as the point of contact/contract managers for the CSHS grant contract for the purpose of a seamless operation of the CSHS grant contract. Consequently, most communications regarding the CSHS grant is initially sent to the nurses, with the expectation that the nurses will pass the information/or documents on to the relevant people in their organization– this can be for signatures or so forth that DPH is requesting for the school/district to sign and send back to DPH. We understand that for others who are new and just starting on this grant this may be new to you, and may require building relationships with the Business Office or Administration folks at your schools/districts.
Thank you.
Juliet
Juliet Sithole-Berk, MPA, MSCED
Unit Coordinator
Phone: (617) 624-5447
Email: Juliet.Berk1@State.ma.us
Time-sensitive request from Randi M. Schuster, PhD
Dr. Schuster is a neuropsychologist at Mass General Hospital conducting research on the cognitive effects of marijuana abstinence. Medford Public Schools is one of 9 public school districts who are study sites for her research. She is reaching out to us to obtain letters of support for a new grant application. Please see her request below and respond by Thursday, December 19, 2019.
Greetings Massachusetts school nurses and nurse leaders!
We have an opportunity to apply for a huge $7-10 million grant through the American Heart Association that could transform our understanding of electronic cigarette use in youth on combustible tobacco use, other addictions etc, particularly with regard to racial and socioeconomic factors that may mitigate or exacerbate effects. One aim we would like to include, consistent with what we have been discussing for the past two weeks, is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and initial efficacy of school-based intervention that serves as an alternative to discipline for nicotine use infractions (e.g., INDEPTH).
The catch is that I need letters of support from 20-40 interested schools by Wednesday of this week (Thursday at the absolute latest). If the grant is funded, I will staff the intervention and we would have plenty of time to work out the details with each individual school. I have attached a draft letter that school administrators can edit how they see fit, sign, place on school letterhead and email back to me at RSCHUSTER@mgh.harvard.edu.
Thank you!
Randi M. Schuster, PhD
Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School
Center for Addiction Medicine
Massachusetts General Hospital
101 Merrimac Street, Suite 320
Boston, MA 02114
Office: 617.643.6673 Fax: 617.643.1998
Let it snow! And snow!
Dear Colleagues,
The countdown to Winter break is on. I hope you each gets a little time to share the Holiday Season with family and friends and don't forget to take some time for yourself!
I ask you to please share this newsletter with other nurses in your district or your local area as this is the primary way we get important school health updates and information out Statewide. And please send along any Regional news or program highlights you would like to see featured in our newsletter. Pictures and other documents that you would like to share are welcome, too. Thank you so much!
DPH has asked that you take a moment to complete the EEE short survey below:
This was a particularly active year for cases of mosquito-borne illnesses, including Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), in Massachusetts. The state Department of Public Health is seeking feedback from school and district leaders, school nurses, and others regarding communication and other activities during the 2019 season. This feedback is important and will help inform planning for the next season. Please take a few moments to complete this short online survey by Friday, December 20.
If anyone wishes to be added to the email list, or has any questions, please feel free to email me: mobrien@bostonpublicschools.org
Thank you, as always, for everything you do for our students, families and communities. I'm sending warm wishes to you this holiday season.
Mary Jane
Boston Region News
Reminder!!! - Combined Boston/MetroWest Regional Meeting
Beginning with the January regional meeting, the Boston and Metro West regions will be combining for all future regional meetings during the 2019-2020 school year.
Combined Boston/MetroWest Regional Meeting will take place on:
January 17, 2020 (Snow date Feb. 3, 2020)
It's FREE to attend!
Reminder - bring your own lunch
WHERE:
Assabet Valley Collaborative- 28 Lord Road, Marlboro, MA 01752
Registration 8:00-8:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Regional Consultants sponsor quarterly meetings for all school nurse leaders in their regions. These meetings provide networking and consultation opportunities in areas such as leadership development, policies, emergency preparedness, and the role of the school nurse leader.
UPCOMING MEETING REMINDERS
CSHS Nurse Leader Meeting
School and Community Health Equity Needs Assessment (SCHENA)
These meetings are required for all CSHS Model Programs and optional for CSHS Affiliate Programs. Those who are registered are able to access meetings and webinars HERE!
Additional Upcoming SCHENA Meeting Dates:
- 1/14/2020 - Webinar: 9:00-10:30 AM
- 2/11/2020 - Webinar: 9:00-10:30 AM
- 3/17/2020 - Live Course: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM, DoubleTree, Westborough
- 4/14/2020 - Webinar: 9:00-10:30 AM
- 5/19/2020 - Live Course: 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM, DoubleTree, Westborough
Those who are registered are able to access meetings and webinars HERE!
Anyone who is feeling they need additional assistance with the course,there are help sessions with the professor. In addition, please email me if I can assist in any way: mobrien@bostonpublicschools.org
*If having trouble registering on any of the above links, please call 617-358-5005.
Opportunity for students with food allergies!
High School Age "Mentors" with Food Allergies needed!
Great Opportunity for Fulfilling Community Service Requirements and Qualifying for College Recommendation Letters!
Dear High School Nurses working with MA Students with Food Allergies!
We are looking for dedicated and responsible high school age "Mentors"!
The MassGeneral Hospital for Children Food Allergy Center at MGH, is excited to launch the first year of its Food Allergy Buddies Program, a program of community-building events for children and families managing food allergies.
In this yearlong program, young children with food allergies will be teamed with older children and teenagers managing food allergies (“Mentors”); over the course of 4-5 events annually, the groups will share experiences, build confidence, develop self-management skills, and – most importantly – create friendships and have fun! Interested parents, as well, will benefit from access to community-building and educational events throughout the year with our partner AAFA New England.
What you need to know:
- Applications are open December 1 through December 30. Apply here: https://forms.gle/5eixGg2opXPywLqR7
- Teen mentors (students in 9th-12th grade) will be eligible for college recommendation letters and community service hours through this program. https://forms.gle/xp7botrHcTsNcBt49.
- Applications can be submitted prior to the reference person submitting their form.
- Participation in this program is free and is open to all children / families managing food allergies, even those receiving care outside of the Massachusetts General Hospital Food Allergy Center.
- We are committed that costs should not be a barrier for participation in this program; transportation can be arranged for children and families, as needed.
- Please be aware that we will be requesting signed parental consent forms to participate in this program. If you are selected as a mentor, you will receive this form with other orientation materials and asked to bring it to the first event.
- As this is the first year for the program, we anticipate we will have a limited number of slots available. Applicants who are not selected will be provided with a list of local supports and resources for families and children managing food allergies.
- We hope to be able to accommodate more children and families in future years, and we will contact interested families about those opportunities.
- Tentative program dates for the 2020 year are January 26th, March 29th, May 17th, September 13th, and December 6th. We ask that all program participants commit upfront to make every effort to attend all sessions.
For more information and to apply, please visit http://bit.ly/FoodAllergyBuddies.
If you have questions, please email us at foodallergybuddies@mgh.harvard.edu.
We look forward to your enthusiasm and support for our program!
MassGeneral Hospital for Children Food Allergy Center
Resources for School Nurses, Staff and Others
Additional SBIRT Training Date:
An SBIRT in Schools session is being added to SHIELD's training schedule.
Date:
Friday, January 17
Location:
Crosstown Building
801 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston MA
Registration will open by mid-day December 20 on the SHIELD website.
Reminder this is a blended class that requires an hour of pre-course online work; registrants should plan accordingly.
Managing Students with Seizures: School Nurse Training Program
Arlene Swan-Mahony, Care Coordinator from BPS, shares this free on- line course through the Epilepsy Foundation.
Upon completion, you will be awarded 2.2 contact hoursCulturally Competent Nursing Care: A Cornerstone of Caring
This 3 module course from the US Department of Health and Human Services awards 3 credit hours for each module, totaling 9 credit hours for the full course. You can complete at your own pace. https://ccnm.thinkculturalhealth.hhs.gov/
Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF)
PIF (Protecting Immigrant Families) Campaign has new translations available for community education materials. Please see the links below and these are all now LIVE on the website on our KNOW YOUR RIGHTS page.
In addition to the Spanish translation we provided last week, we now have copies translated into Anharic, Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Korean, and Vietnamese.
- Public Charge: Does this apply to me?
- Anharic | Arabic | Burmese | Chinese | French | Haitian Creole | Hindi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese (PIF)
- Should I Keep My Kids Enrolled in Health & Nutrition Programs?
- Anharic | Arabic | Burmese | Chinese | French | Haitian Creole | Hindi | Korean | Spanish | Vietnamese (PIF)
2019 Multicultural Mental Health Resource Directory
This directory contains information about organizations in Massachusetts that offer linguistically and culturally appropriate mental health and related services for communities of color, LGBTQ community, immigrants, and refugees.
Stop Bully Now! HRSA's Video series to assist staff in talking with students about bullying
Supporting a Child After Loss
While some children can recover and adjust to life after the death of a loved one, others may experience difficulty with coping and managing their grief. A child’s reaction to loss can vary based on several factors, including their age, developmental level, emotional health before the death, and family and social environment. If these responses are severe and interfere with his or her functioning, a child may be experiencing Childhood Traumatic Grief. The NCTSN.or the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, offers resources to help parents or caregivers, educators, and mental health providers offer stability, care, and support to children who might be experiencing childhood traumatic grief. Their mission is to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States.
Concussion: Why Nurses Need to Understand This Hidden Injury
On the spectrum of brain injury classification, a concussion is labeled as a "mild traumatic brain injury" (mTBI), yet if not managed properly, it can lead to prolonged symptoms, and less commonly, to serious chronic impairments. Children experiencing a concussion often exhibit unique vulnerabilities and challenges, thus it is crucial that pediatric nurses be knowledgeable about current recommendations and best practice to recognize, manage, and educate patients, families, and significant others to promote best outcomes.
CLINICAL UPDATES
MA BORN RN LICENSE RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS 2020
Alzheimer’s Training: Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112 §74, licensees must complete a one-time course of training and education in the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients with cognitive impairments, including, but not limited to, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. You must complete the course to satisfy license renewal requirements. This mandatory training can be included as a portion of the 15 contact hours required for license renewal. For a list of available trainings, please see pages 20-21 at the following link: http://patientcarelink.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/18-11-19ALZandDementiaFINAL.pdf.
Also you are able to get CEUs fast at:
https://ceufast.com/course/alzheimer-and-dementia
Domestic & Sexual Violence Training: Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 112 §264, all LPNs, RNs and APRNs must complete a one-time training on domestic and sexual violence. Visit https://www.mass.gov/service-details/domestic-and-sexual-violence-integration-initiatives for compliance information. Nurses who participated in an approved in-person training program will be considered to have met the requirement and do not need to take the online course by DPH. This mandatory training can be included as a portion of the 15 contact hours required for license renewal.
New Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MenACWY) Requirement for School Entry
Grade 7 entry: 1 dose of MenACWY for all students.
Grade 11 entry: 1 booster dose of MenACWY received on or after 16 years of age. (1 or more doses of MenACWY are acceptable as long as 1 dose was received on or after 16 years of age.)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
School-based Medicaid Billing: Where DO I Start?
New Online Program
This online program features an overview of School-Based Medicaid programs, requirements, and expansion with the Free Care Rule clarified. School Municipal Medicaid Expert Jennifer Robinson discusses experiences in states, including Massachusetts, Arizona, California, Florida, New Hampshire, and Texas.
1.0 Contact hour, $10
Register here for Medicaid Billing on-line program.
Weekly Webinars coming in 2020!
- Advocacy: The Boston, MA, School Nurse Experience
- Diversity & Inclusivity
- Immunizations
- Psychopharmacology
- Health Curriculum for Young Adults with Disabilities
- School-based Medicaid Claiming
- Teaching Health in the Classroom
- More to come!
Announcing
2020 School Nurse Leadership Certificate Series
Are you looking for consistent, individualized continuing education opportunities, connections with other colleagues in a positive culture, and contact hours that you can use for licensure and national accreditation?
Then consider joining this next cohort of school nurses learning in our School Health Academy leadership certificate series!
In response to school nurses' positive experiences with our leadership series offered since 2016 (in person and hybrid: in person & online), we are offering a fully online version for those nurses who can't travel to Massachusetts locations! Join Jenny Gormley, DNP, MSN, BA, RN, NCSN & Kathy Hassey, DNP, MEd, BSN, BA, RN, school nurse educators, as they teach & facilitate this workshop series for school nurses.
· expanded and fully online
· monthly webinars
· small cohort of school nurses
· individualized attention
· beginning January 2020
Information about contact hours, cost, and schedule coming early December! In the meantime, if interested in this series, please complete this brief survey.
Online Learning Opportunities
We are updating our online programs monthly. Scroll down for our subject index, and/or click here to browse our 52 online programs and our Online Program Package for $99!
You can take these programs online anytime, anywhere and earn contact hours from a nationally-accredited ANCC provider! All programs are 1 - 3.25 contact hours, and cost $10 - $25 each. Or, you can register for 10 programs of your choice at once with the Online Program Package for $99, up to 24.75 contact hours!
Boston Children's Hospital Community Initiative
For questions about payment and registration, contact:
Judi Naar
Phone: 617-355-8431
Fax: 617-730-0591
Email: judi.naar@childrens.harvard.edu
On Tuesday 1/21/20 - Energy Medicine for School Nurses: Practical Tools for Supporting Ourselves & Our Students - See flyer below - Boston Children's Hospital @ Waltham; Deveber Conference Room. Register early here and scroll down to see the latest offerings!
MassHealth and UMASS Medical School present: School-Based Medicaid Program (SBMP) Training
MassHealth, in conjunction with UMass Medical School, is pleased to announce the dates for February in-person regional trainings throughout the Commonwealth!
Stay tuned! Agenda topics and intended participants will be distributed before winter break, along with registration information.
Mark your calendars to save the date for one of the following trainings that will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on:
· Tuesday, February 11, 2020 (snow day TBD): Somerville
· Wednesday, February 12, 2020 (snow day 3/4): Chicopee
· Tuesday, February 25, 2020 (snow day 3/5): Taunton
· Thursday, February 27, 2020 (snow day 3/11): Marlborough
Transforming Education for Social Justice Conference
WHEN: Saturday, March 14th 2020 at 8:30am- 4:30pm
WHERE: Integrative Learning Center, UMass Amherst, MA
MORE INFORMATION: The Transforming Education for Social Justice Conference is a regional conference that brings together people in Western Massachusetts who are interested in social justice and equity in K-12 schools, early childhood classrooms, and the surrounding communities. Participants at this regional conference will examine the specific regional challenges that young people are facing in our education system which are central to their lives and to the vitality of our communities. As we examine the challenges, we will also look to each other for visions and practices that can guide our work towards transforming education for social justice. Conference sessions will cover a variety of social justice and equity topics as they relate to K-12 schools.
For more information, contact: Erin Sullivan, Professional Development 413.588.5981 esullivan@collaborative.org
Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) Immunization initiative
The Immunization Initiative of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MCAAP) is dedicated to fully immunizing Massachusetts children and adolescents against vaccine preventable diseases through advocacy, education, networking and communication of best practices.
See: https://mcaap.org/immunization-initiative/whats-new-immunization/
In Every Issue:
DATA REQUIREMENTS for CSHS & NON-CSHS PROGRAMS
CSHS Model, Affiliated, and Non-funded program data requirements
MANDATED Reporting Reminders for CSHS Model and Affiliate Funded Programs
CSHS MONTHLY REPORT INFO
The correct link to the Monthly report form is shown below:
https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/MonthlyReport-2020.survey
Questions related to CSHS mandated grant reporting should go to: dph_eshs_data@dph.state.ma.us
All CSHS Report forms and instructions can be found here: CSHS pdf forms 2019-2020
Clicking the link will download a zip file.
CSHS Budget Questions:
Questions related to CSHS budget and spending can be directed to Juliet Berk at juliet.berk1@state.ma.us
State Reports for Non-CSHS Funded Schools:
Epinephrine administration report form:
https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/Epinephrine-Report-2020.survey
SBIRT data report form: This is an Excel spreadsheet that needs to be downloaded, completed, and then returned as an email attachment.
Single user version: SBIRT data collection form 2019-2020 (Single screener)
Multiple user version SBIRT data collection form 2019-2020 (Multiple screeners)
If the file does not automatically download, but opens in Excel, click “ok” when prompted then select “save as” and then save the file to a folder of your choosing (you can re-name the file if needed).
BMI report form: This report is required of districts that are not funded through the CSHS program. CSHS-funded districts and schools should NOT submit a separate BMI report. This report is optional for non-public school districts.
https://mdph.checkboxonline.com/SchoolHealth2020.survey
Asthma and Diabetes Survey questions may be directed via email to the project mailbox at DPH-BEH-Asthma@state.ma.us or via telephone to 617- 624-5757. Please ask for the Pediatric Asthma Coordinator.
School Immunization Survey information can be found here: https://www.mass.gov/lists/school-immunization-surveys
Concussion Report information can be found here: Head injury and concussion information for schools, school staff, coaches, athletic trainers, and volunteers | Mass.gov
Questions? E-mail your question to: DPH_ESHS_data@MassMail.State.MA.US
CSHS PAYMENT UPDATE from Juliet Berk
Comprehensive School Health Services grant funds will be disbursed in two installments. Each district received an e-mail with an attached MA state Payment Voucher (PV) that reflects the first disbursement to their CSHS program for FY 2020. This covers all CSHS program expenses from July 1, 2019 to December 30, 2019. Juliet requests that the PV's be printed and signed in blue ink on the “Vendor Certification” portion shaded in grey. Do not scan, fax, copy or email the PVs. Return this signed PV by snail mail/or courier services as soon as possible to Juliet's attention at:
Upon receipt of the signed PV DPH will electronically transfer the requested funds into the school/district bank account on file with DPH. Please note that the second and last disbursement for FY 2020 will be processed in the same manner in later months.
LICENSURE
Board of Registration in Nursing
CONTACT INFORMATION
For MDPH School Health Unit:
Karen Robitaille, MBA, MSN, RN, NCSN
Director of School Health
Phone: (617) 624-5427
Caitlin Pettengill, DNP, RN
Assistant Director of School Health
Phone: (617) 624-6058
Email: caitlin.pettengill@state.ma.us
Juliet Sithole-Berk, MPA, MSCED
Unit Coordinator
Phone: (617) 624-5447
Email: Juliet.Berk1@State.ma.us
Robert Leibowitz, Ph.D.
Epidemiologist
Email: robert.leibowitz@state.ma.us
Phone: (617) 624-5474
Fax: (617) 624-6062
Evelyn Levenson (interim)
Medication Program Coordinator
Phone: 617) 624-6013
Fax: (617) 624-6062
Email: evelyn.levenson@state.ma.us
Click here for more information from MDPH School Health Unit
Statewide Regional School Nurse Consultants:
Boston
Mary Jane O'Brien, PhD, RN, CPNP, NCSN
mobrien@bostonpublicschools.org
(617) 635-6788
Metro West
Jill Connolly, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN
jill.connolly@braintreeschools.org
(781) 848-4000 x7841
Central
Janet Guertin-Moruzzi BSN, RN, NCSN
(781) 392-7726
Northeast
Shanyn A. Toulouse, MEd, BSN, RN NCSN
shanyn.toulouse@haverhill-ps.org
(978) 420-1919
Southeast
Ann M. Linehan, DNP, MSN, RN
(508) 580-7363
West
Veronica Webb Barrett, MSN, MA Ed Psych, RN, HNB-BC
webbv@springfieldpublicschools.com
(413) 896-8100
Contact info for Mary Jane
Mary Jane O'Brien, PhD, RN, CPNP, NCSN
Comprehensive School Health Services
Greater Boston Regional Consultant
Boston Public Schools
443 Warren Street
Suite #2
Boston, MA 02121
Email: mobrien@bostonpublicschools.org
Website: https://www.bucme.org/node/1076
Location: Boston Public Schools Health Services, Warren Street, Boston, MA, USA
Phone: 617 635 6788