Friday, July 31, 2009

Journal of Computer Information Systems

Journal of Computer Information Systems: Call for Papers



The Journal of Computer Information Systems (JCIS, ISSN 0887-4417) is the flagship journal of the International Association for Computer Information Systems (IACIS www.iacis.org) published on a quarterly basis. The JCIS is a refereed publication containing articles related to information systems research including innovative and advanced technologies. The aim of JCIS is to provide academically robust papers, research, and critical reviews on the issues associated with computer information systems. It is designed to be read by academics, scholars, professionals, practitioners, and those seeking an update on current experience and future prospects in relation to contemporary computer information systems.



The JCIS interests are wide ranging, seeking contributions that build on established lines of research work as well as break new ground in computer information systems. High-quality research in computer information systems is welcome, including theoretical, analytical, and empirical studies in computer information systems. The JCIS editorial team is committed to providing subscribers with the best quality articles in a timely manner, ensuring a journal that subscribers will find stimulating and useful in their professional and teaching activities.



· The JCIS was recently identified as an A* journal in Information Systems by the Excellence in Research in Australia (ERA, http://lamp.infosys.deakin.edu.au/era/?page=fordet&selfor=0806).

· The JCIS maintains a very rapid electronic submission, review and publication process. The turnaround time and quality of review comments ranks amongst the best in the field (average of 6-8 weeks from submission to a first decision).

· The JCIS acceptance rate is 12-13%. Over the past year, we have experienced a steady and impressive growth in submissions. In the past 12 months, the JCIS received more than 500 manuscripts.

· The JCIS editorial board numbers around 150 professional academics from around the globe, ranging from long established senior scholars to the next generation of leading edge researchers.

· The JCIS is an ISI-ranked journal http://scientific.thomson.com/cgi-bin/jrnlst/jlresults.cgi?PC=MASTER&Alpha=j. The 2007 Impact Factor of JCIS is 0.528. Additionally, the JCIS is listed as a very popular IS journal in the Index of Information Systems Journals at http://lamp.infosys.deakin.edu.au/journals/.

· The H-Index (based on Harzing’s Publish or Perish software) of the JCIS during 1999-2009 is 22. On average, cites per published paper during 1999-2009 = 5.23.



The JCIS guidelines www.iacis.org/jcis/jcis_guidelines.html must be followed when submitting a manuscript to be reviewed for publication in the JCIS. Manuscripts must be word processed and electronically submitted as a Word document attached to an e-mail to me. Hard copy submission will not be accepted. The first page of the manuscript should contain only the following information: title, name and institutional affiliation of the author(s), address, phone number, fax number, and e-mail address for each author. The number of authors of a paper submission is limited to a maximum of 4. The length should be approximately 20-25 pages. Manuscripts are first reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief. Those suitable for further review are forwarded to members of the JCIS Editorial Review Board. Contributors of articles accepted for publication will receive a complimentary copy of the issue in which their article appears.



Please also check the Table of Contents with abstracts of current issues at http://www.jcis-online.org/jcis/jcis_tocs.html.



Dr. Binshan Lin

BellSouth Corporation Professor

Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Computer Information Systems http://iacis.org/jcis

Louisiana State University in Shreveport
Shreveport, LA 71115
Phone: 318.797.5025, Fax: 318.797.5127
Email: Binshan.Lin@LSUS.edu




This message is intended only for the use of the Addressee(s) and may contain information that is PRIVILEGED, CONFIDENTIAL, and/or EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the information contained herein is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. If you received this communication in error, please destroy all copies of the message, whether in electronic or hard copy format, as well as attachments and immediately contact the sender by replying to this email.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Civic Engagement in Government Audio Session

Dear Tom Seymour,

For local governments looking to partner with citizens to create better
solutions, join us for the informative 60-minute webinar:

"Civic Engagement in Government: Harness the Power of Public Participation"
Thursday, August 27, 2009 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET
http://www.governmenteducator.com/Y3/0/2/p2N5S6c/p2WDSTFMi/p0e


Whether it's budgeting, zoning, or any number of other hot-button issues, local
governments are beginning to realize that involving the public through civic
engagement leads to better solutions. Civic engagement is much more than public
hearings and comment periods at council meetings ? it's a partnership between
citizens and governments to create effective solutions. Join us for this
60-minute webinar where you and your colleagues will discover:

** How to identify and overcome the top barriers to civic engagement
** Strategies for establishing programs to increase and foster civic vitality
** Discover actionable plans to promote public confidence in local government
** How to harness the power that citizens bring to government partnerships


Expert Speaker:

Ed Everett, recently retired city manager, has a passion for helping cities
understand and implement "community building/civic engagement" and sharing his
research and practice in this field.

** Ed was city manager of Redwood City, California since 1992. In 2007, Ed was
awarded ICMA's "Award for Career Excellence."

** As an executive coach, Ed uses his 34 successful years in local government
to assist managers move up in the profession.

** While overseeing what some call the renaissance of Redwood City, Ed lead the
city to achieve its core purpose: "Build a Great Community Together."

Hosted by Government Educator, the leader in actionable advice on workplace
issues, the webinar gives you the opportunity to add immediate, impact
to your local government efforts in a manner that is:

FAST - No wasted time here. Get right to the heart of the matter in a
1-hour block designed to easily fit into your busy schedule.

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Listen from the comfort and convenience of your desk.

EASY - A telephone and computer are all the equipment you need. Just dial in,
punch in your access code, log on to the website and you're in. That's it.

ACTIONABLE - Our webinars provide money-saving tactics you can
start using right when you hang up the phone.

IDEAL FOR MULTIPLE LISTENERS - Use a speakerphone and as many people as
you want can listen in - at no extra cost to you. Many professionals
use these sessions as a cost-efficient, time-efficient means of
training supervisors, managers, and staff and reinforcing key
issues in a fresh new manner that they will remember and act on.

AFFORDABLE - Priced at $199, it is a fraction of the cost of travel and
attendance fees for other high-priced conferences or seminars.

**"Civic Engagement in Government: Harness the Power of Public Participation"**
** Live, 60-Minute Webinar **
** Thursday, August 27, 2009 1:00 PM ET **

Register now for this exciting event by clicking the following link or
calling 800-964-6033.
http://www.governmenteducator.com/Y3/0/2/p2N5S6c/p2WDSTFMi/p0e

We hope you'll join us.

Sincerely,

Government Educator
384 Technology Drive
Malvern, PA 19355

P.S. As usual we offer a full refund if not satisfied from now until
7 days after the event.

If you do not wish to receive further notices about this conference, or
future conferences, please click here:
http://www.governmenteducator.com/Y3/9K/2/p2N5S6c/p2WDSTFMi/p0e

Please do not reply directly to this e-mail, as we are unable to
process it. We sent this using a "send only" address.

If registering by phone, please refer to your priority
code: 352445

ContactID#: -1792079654

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Medicare

Hello Everyone,



The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Region VIII Office invites you to participate in our toll-free Region VIII Medicare Chat with Your Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC). This call will feature HealthData Insights, the RAC for Region D (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming).



CMS and the featured RAC will give brief presentations, leaving the bulk of the time to answer your questions. Join us and enjoy the opportunity to talk to our experts.



This call is open to all providers, partners, and stakeholders in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. You do not need to register for this call.



Please pass this invitation and the attached agenda and presentations along to your colleagues and association members. We appreciate your assistance in publicizing this call. As always, we are looking forward to chatting with you.







Featured RAC: HealthData Insights – Region D - Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mountain Time (12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Time)

Toll Free #: 888-790-3587

PIN: Recovery













Lucretia James

Division for Medicare Health Plans Operations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Workforce Legislative Meeting in Bismarck

NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Tentative Agenda
WORKFORCE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Roughrider Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
9:00 a.m. Call to order
Roll call
Review of the Legislative Council supplementary rules of operation and procedure
9:10 a.m. Comments by the chairman regarding responsibilities of the committee
TECHNOLOGY STUDIES
9:15 a.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of background memorandums on the
studies of:
• Technology-based entrepreneurship and economic development best practices,
including a review of the best practices implemented by the Department of
Commerce and the effectiveness of the Department of Commerce Foundation
(Section 19 of Senate Bill No. 2018); and
• The establishment and development of certified technology parks (Section 1 of
Senate Bill No. 2390)
9:25 a.m. Presentation by Mr. Robert Olson, Regional Director, United States Department of
Commerce, Denver, Colorado, regarding research and technology best practices
10:10 a.m. Comments by Mr. Delore Zimmerman, Red River Valley Research Corridor, Grand
Forks, regarding the status of the Red River Valley Research Corridor
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Comments by Mr. Paul Lucy, Ms. Jolynne Tschetter, and Mr. Justin Dever, Department
of Commerce, regarding the committee's two technology studies
11:15 a.m. Comments by Ms. Elaine Fremling, Department of Commerce Foundation, regarding
the committee's study of the foundation's effectiveness
11:30 a.m. Comments by Mr. Gaylon Baker, Economic Development Association of North Dakota,
regarding the committee's two technology studies
11:45 a.m. Comments by interested persons
Committee questions and discussions
12:00 noon Luncheon recess
WORKFORCE STUDIES
1:00 p.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of a background memorandum on the
studies of:
• The state's system for addressing workforce needs through a workforce system
initiative, including a review of the alignment of taxpayer investment with programs,
coordination of programs, and the North Dakota workforce strategic plan; and
• The state's workforce system, the feasibility and desirability of enacting legislation to
address the issues identified in the 2007-08 interim Workforce Committee's
consultant's report, and the implementation of workforce initiatives enacted by the
61st Legislative Assembly
2
1:10 p.m. Comments by Mr. Larry Anderson, Department of Commerce, regarding the
committee's two workforce studies
1:30 p.m. Comments by a representative of the North Dakota University System regarding 2009
legislation impacting the North Dakota University System as the legislation relates to
workforce and economic development
1:55 p.m. Comments by Mr. Baker regarding the committee's two workforce studies
2:05 p.m. Comments by a representative of the Tax Department regarding the committee's two
workforce studies
2:15 p.m. Break
2:30 p.m. Comments by interested persons
Committee discussion and directives
INTERIM PLANNING
2:45 p.m. Committee discussion and directive regarding the study approach for the committee's
receipt of reports and study charges
3:00 p.m. Adjourn
Committee Members
Senators Tony S. Grindberg (Chairman), Tim Flakoll, Ray Holmberg, Karen K. Krebsbach, Dave
Nething, Larry J. Robinson, Mac Schneider, Tom Seymour, Ryan M. Taylor
Representatives Donald L. Clark, Eliot Glassheim, Nancy Johnson, Lee Kaldor, Lisa Meier, Corey
Mock, Lee Myxter, Michael R. Nathe, Ken Svedjan, Clark Williams

Monday, July 27, 2009

Special on Medicare

Hello Everyone,



The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Region VIII Office invites you to participate in our toll-free Region VIII Medicare Chat with Your Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC). There will be two calls. The first call will feature Connolly Consulting, the RAC for Region C (Colorado). The second call will feature HealthData Insights, the RAC for Region D (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming).



CMS and the featured RAC will give brief presentations, leaving the bulk of the time to answer your questions. Join us and enjoy the opportunity to talk to our experts.



These calls are open to all providers, partners, and stakeholders in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. However, we believe you will find it most beneficial to attend the call that features the RAC for your state. You do not need to register for these calls.



Please pass this invitation and the attached agendas and presentation along to your colleagues and association members. We appreciate your assistance in publicizing these calls. As always, we are looking forward to chatting with you.





Featured RAC: Connolly Consulting - Region C - Colorado

Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mountain Time (12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Time)

Toll Free #: 888-790-3587

PIN: Recovery







Featured RAC: HealthData Insights – Region D - Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mountain Time (12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Time)

Toll Free #: 888-790-3587

PIN: Recovery













Lucretia James

Division for Medicare Health Plans Operations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Medicare Update

Hello Everyone,

Please enjoy the information contained in this edition of Frontier Focus. Please be sure to share it with your members, colleagues, providers and office billing staff. Thank you for your continued efforts to broadcast Medicare information to the providers in Region VIII.





Table of Contents



1. DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Messages (3) With Important Information on What You Should Be Doing NOW to Get Ready



2. Important Notice Regarding Medicare Home Health Payments



3. Now Available ~ Report on Health Care Costing: Data, Methods, Future Directions



4. Five-Star Quality Rating System - July News



5. New Dedicated Website for 5010 Information Now Available



6. Release of the Draft Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS-C) Data Specifications Version 2.00



7. Medicare Remit Easy Print (MREP) Software Codes Update – FYI



8. New from the Medicare Learning Network



9. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs









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1. DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Messages (3) With Important Information on What You Should Be Doing NOW to Get Ready



The Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS)

Competitive Bidding Program Round 1 Rebid Is Coming Soon!!



Summer 2009

Ø CMS announces bidding schedule/schedule of education events

Ø CMS begins bidder education campaign

Ø Bidder registration period to obtain user ID and passwords begins



Fall 2009

Ø Bidding begins



If you are a supplier interested in bidding, prepare now – don’t wait!



Ø UPDATE YOUR NSC FILES: DMEPOS supplier standard # 2 requires ALL suppliers to notify the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC) of any change to the information provided on the Medicare enrollment application (CMS-855S) within 30 days of the change. DMEPOS suppliers should use the 3/09 version of the CMS-855S and should review and update:

• The list of products and services found in section 2.D;

• The Authorized Official(s) information in sections 6A and 15; and

• The correspondence address in section 2A2 of the CMS-855S.

This is especially important for suppliers who will be involved in the Medicare DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program. These suppliers must ensure the information listed on their supplier files is accurate to enable participation in this program. Information and instructions on how to submit a change of information may be found on the NSC Web site (http://www.palmettogba.com/nsc) and by following this path: Supplier Enrollment/Change of Information/Change of Information Guide.



Ø GET LICENSED: Suppliers submitting a bid for a product category in a competitive bidding area (CBA) must meet all DMEPOS state licensure requirements and other applicable state licensure requirements, if any, for that product category for every state in that CBA. Prior to submitting a bid for a CBA and product category, the supplier must have a copy of the applicable state licenses on file with the NSC. As part of the bid evaluation we will verify with the NSC that the supplier has on file a copy of all applicable required state license(s).



Ø GET ACCREDITED: CMS would like to remind DMEPOS suppliers that time is running out to obtain accreditation by the September 30, 2009 deadline or risk having their Medicare Part B billing privileges revoked on October 1, 2009. Accreditation takes an average of 6 months to complete. DMEPOS suppliers should contact a CMS deemed accreditation organization to obtain information about the accreditation process and the application process. Suppliers must be accredited for a product category in order to submit a bid for that product category. CMS cannot contract with suppliers that are not accredited by a CMS-approved accreditation organization.



Further information on the DMEPOS accreditation requirements along with a list of the accreditation organizations and those professionals and other persons exempted from accreditation may be found at the CMS website: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll/01_Overview.asp .



Ø GET BONDED: CMS would like to remind DMEPOS suppliers that certain suppliers will need to obtain and submit a surety bond by the October 2, 2009 deadline or risk having their Medicare Part B billing privileges revoked. Suppliers subject to the bonding requirement must be bonded in order to bid in the DMEPOS competitive bidding program. A list of sureties from which a bond can be secured is found at the Department of the Treasury’s “List of Certified (Surety Bond) Companies;” the web site is located at:

www.fms.treas.gov/c570/c570_a-z.html.



Visit the CMS website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/DMEPOSCompetitiveBid/ for the latest information on the DMEPOS competitive bidding program.



# # # #

DMEPOS Supplier Accreditation and Surety Bond Requirement Deadlines Coming In October

Suppliers May Choose to Voluntarily Terminate Enrollment If They Do Not Plan To Comply



Medicare suppliers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS), unless exempt, must be accredited and obtain a surety bond by October 1, 2009 and October 2, 2009, respectively.



If you have made the decision not to obtain accreditation or a surety bond when required, you may want to voluntarily terminate your enrollment in the Medicare program before the implementation dates above. You can voluntary terminate your enrollment with the Medicare program by completing the sections associated with voluntary termination on page 4 of the Medicare enrollment application (CMS-855S). Once complete, you should sign, date and send the completed application to the National Supplier Clearinghouse (NSC). By voluntarily terminating your Medicare enrollment, you will preserve your right to re-enroll in Medicare once you meet the requirements to participate in the Medicare program.



If you do not comply with the accreditation and surety bond requirements and do not submit a voluntary termination, your Medicare billing privileges will be revoked. A revocation will bar you from re-enrolling in Medicare for at least one year after the date of revocation.



Suppliers who do not plan to stay enrolled in Medicare are strongly encouraged to notify their beneficiaries as soon as possible so the beneficiary can find another supplier.



For additional information regarding DMEPOS accreditation or the provisions associated with a surety bond, go to www.cms.hhs.gov/MedicareProviderSupEnroll. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the surety bond requirement can be found on the NSC’s FAQ page at www.palmettogba.com/nsc.



# # # #



Take Action Now to Prepare for the Medicare Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics,

and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program!



A Special Edition MLN Matters education article identifying steps suppliers should take in preparation for the DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Program to ensure successful bidder registration is available at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0915.pdf.



The article highlights specific sections of the CMS-855S, Medicare Enrollment Application, where the accuracy of the Authorized Official information and correspondence mailing address are critical for successful bidder registration. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) urges suppliers planning to bid in the 2009 bidding cycle to read this article and make sure their most recent CMS-855S submission is still current and accurate.

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2. Important Notice Regarding Medicare Home Health Payments



Important Notice Regarding Medicare Home Health Payments



Some payments for home health providers received by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Healthcare Integrated Ledger Accounting System (HIGLAS) for processing for cycle dates from July 7, 2009 through July 9, 2009, may have been paid incorrectly due to the installation of the July release. Home Health Request for Anticipated Payment (RAP) and Low Utilization Payment Adjustment (LUPA) claims and adjustments where the original or adjustment amount ended in zeroes were truncated, and the zeroes were dropped from the payment calculation. This has resulted in underpayments and some overpayments on claims processing for payment. The problem has been identified and was corrected on July 11, 2009 to prevent future occurrences.



Claims that were placed in the approved to pay location prior to the installation of the fix will pay at the incorrect amount. All future claims will be paid correctly. CMS is aggressively working to identify and calculate the payment differences on all impacted claims. A process to issue payments to providers is being developed by CMS with the highest priority, with an expected completion date on or about July 31, 2009. The corrected payments for the home health original claim underpayments will be issued on or about July 20, 2009, followed by corrected payments for the adjusted claim differences on or about July 31, 2009.



Impact to Providers



All amounts due will be issued as non-claim payments and appear with your normal remittance advice. Some claims on payments during the timeframe referenced above were underpaid and some adjustments were overpaid. The claim details related to these claim payments will be reported correctly within the remit, however, the payment difference will appear in the ‘Adjust to Balance’ field. There is no action required by providers regarding this issue, since CMS will be issuing corrected payments to all impacted providers.

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3. Now Available ~ Report on Health Care Costing: Data, Methods, Future Directions



The National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are pleased to announce the publication of Health Care Costing: Data, Methods, Future Directions, published July 2009, Volume 47, Issue 7, Supplement 1 in Medical Care. Accurate measurement of health care costs is critical for developing health care budgets, setting priorities for allocating funds, and making health care policy decisions. Estimates of these costs are key inputs to cost-effectiveness analyses and other economic evaluations. The supplement takes a careful look at diverse methodologic issues related to this timely and important topic.



Written by experts in health economics, epidemiology, health services research, and biostatistics, the papers discuss ways to improve and apply health care cost estimation methods and promote research in this area. The supplement was developed by scientists at the NCI, the AHRQ, the VA, and Emory University. It was based on a 2007 workshop sponsored by the NCI and the AHRQ. For more information about the supplement and the workshop, visit http://healthservices.cancer.gov/publications/costing.html.



Requests for one free copy of the supplement may be made to the AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse. Please order by specifying AHRQ publication number OM 09-0079: Medical Care supplement on health care costing. If more than one copy is needed, please describe the reason in your request.

 In the United States, call the toll-free number 800-358-9295, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 Hearing impaired persons may call 888-586-6340 for the TDD service.

 Callers from outside of the United States only should use the telephone number (703) 437-2078.

 Written requests may be sent to: AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 8547, Silver Spring, MD 20907-8547.

 Electronic requests may be made to: AHRQPubs@ahrq.hhs.gov

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4. Five-Star Quality Rating System - July News



The Five-Star provider preview reports became available today, Wednesday, July 15, 2009. Providers can access the reports from the Minimum Data Set (MDS) State Welcome pages available at the State servers for submission of Minimum Data Set data.

Provider Preview access information:

· Visit the MDS State Welcome page available on the State servers where you submit MDS data to review your results.

· To access these reports, select the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) Reporting link located at the bottom of the login page.

· Once in the CASPER Reporting system,

i. Click on the 'Folders' button and access the Five-Star Report in your 'st LTC facid' folder,

ii. Where 'st' is the 2-digit postal code of the state in which your facility is located, and

iii. 'Facid' is the state assigned facid of your facility.

The Five Star helpline will be open from July 15, 2009 from 9 am to 5 pm EST through July 30, 2009

for questions and concerns about the July data. Alternatively, providers can write to

BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov.

Nursing Home Compare will update with July’s Five-Star data on Thursday, July 23, 2009.

Please visit http://www.cms.hhs.gov/CertificationandComplianc/13_FSQRS.asp for the latest Five-Star Quality Rating system information.



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5. New Dedicated Website for 5010 Information Now Available



5010: Taking EDI to the Next Level

CMS has launched its website for agency-wide information and education on Versions 5010, D.0 and 3.0. As you may already know, Version 5010 is the new version of the X12 standards for HIPAA transactions; version D.0 is the new version of the National Council for Prescription Drug Program (NCPDP) standards for pharmacy and supplier transactions; and version 3.0 is a new NCPDP standard for Medicaid pharmacy subrogation.

On this website, you can view background information on the new standards, regulatory information, educational resources, resources specific to D.0 and 3.0, as well as implementation information for the Medicare Fee-For-Service systems. CMS plans to add additional information as it becomes available so bookmark the site today!

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Versions5010andD0



You can also view the presentation, transcript and listen to the audio file from the June 9th national provider conference call on Versions 5010 and D.0 on the Educational Resources page or at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Versions5010andD0/Downloads/6-9-2009_National_Provider_Call.pdf on the CMS website.

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6. Release of the Draft Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS-C) Data Specifications Version 2.00



The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has requested the Office of Management and Budget’s approval to modify the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) data set that Home Health Agencies (HHAs) are required to collect in order to participate in the Medicare program.



CMS has developed a new version of the OASIS data specifications which will be called version 2.00. These data specifications should be considered provisional or draft and are subject to change until the final data specifications are published.



A draft of the OASIS-C version 2.00 data specifications, the associated OASIS-C data set version 12.4, and an explanatory document is posted at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OASIS/04_DataSpecifications.asp on the CMS website.



The final OASIS-C data specifications will be posted at a future date on the CMS website at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/OASIS/04_DataSpecifications.asp . The final OASIS-C instrument will be posted at a future date on the OASIS-C web page http://www.cms.hhs.gov/HomeHealthQualityInits/06_OASISC.asp on the CMS website.

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7. Medicare Remit Easy Print (MREP) Software Codes Update – FYI



The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is not providing an updated Codes.ini file with the implementation of the July 2009 release (CR6453). Due to the timing of when the Codes Committee meets, the list of updated Claim Adjustment Reason Codes (CARCs) and Remittance Advice Remark Codes (RARCs) will not be available until after the implementation of the July 2009 release. Therefore, CMS will provide an updated list of CARCs and RARCs via the Codes.ini file with the implementation of the October 2009 release.

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8. New from the Medicare Learning Network



Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Video Now Available for Download



A new video explaining the MLN and its benefits to Fee-For-Service healthcare providers, is now available for download on the CMS website. This video, approximately seven minutes in length, is suitable for self instruction or for use during provider education events. National associations and organizations may want to consider posting this video to their websites to educate their membership on the products and services of the MLN.



You can access the video here MLN Video - Quick and Basic Information about the MLN and its Benefits to Providers [ZIP, 44.1MB] , please note the large file size, download speeds will vary based on your internet connection.

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9. Extra Help for Beneficiaries Paying for Prescription Drugs



Do You Know Someone Who Is Having Trouble Paying For Prescription Drugs?

Medicare Can Help!



If an individual has limited income and resources, they may qualify for extra help from Medicare. It could be worth over $3,300 in savings on prescription drug costs per year.
Encourage people with Medicare to file for Extra Help online: https://s044a90.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.
State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) offices can assist with the application. Find contact information for a local SHIP Counselor at http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/static/allStateContacts.asp or by calling
1-800-MEDICARE.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~















Lucretia James

Division for Medicare Health Plans Operations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Education Review from the US Department of Education

ED REVIEW
July 24, 2009

...a bi-weekly update on U.S. Department of Education activities relevant to the Intergovernmental and Corporate community and other stakeholders
______________________________________________________________________
ARRA OUTREACH

Today, President Obama is slated to join Secretary Duncan at the Department’s headquarters to announce the publishing of a Notice of Proposed Priorities (NPP) in the Federal Register for the $4.35 billion “Race to the Top” Fund. This largest-ever federal investment in education reform will reward eligible states for past accomplishments and create incentives for future improvement in four areas of reform: adopting internationally benchmarked standards and assessments that prepare students for success in college and the workplace; building data systems that measure student success and inform educators how they can improve their practices; recruiting, developing, retaining, and rewarding effective teachers and principals; and turning around the nation’s lowest-performing schools. The public has 30 days to comment on the Fund’s proposed priorities, requirements, definitions, and selection criteria. The Department plans to make grants in two phases. Phase 1 will open late in calendar year 2009. Phase 2 will open in late spring 2010.

The President and Secretary will also announce the publishing of proposed requirements, definitions, and approval criteria in the Federal Register for Phase 2 of the $48 billion State Fiscal Stabilization Fund (SFSF). In Phase 1 of the SFSF, governors submitted applications for an estimated $36 billion, including 100% of the $8 billion in government service funds recently made available to states. In Phase 2, governors will apply for the remaining $12 billion. Once again, the public has 30 days to comment on requirement’s proposed “indicators” -- data on the four areas of reform that must be made available to educators and the public, so empowering them to identify needs and drive progress. Unlike “Race to the Top” grants, states would not need to demonstrate progress on the indicators to receive funds. Instead, states must ensure that the information is in place so stakeholders know where schools and students currently stand.

In addition, the Department will release fact sheets on approximately $9 billion in new grants to states and school districts, including two formula grants (Title I School Improvement Grants and State Educational Technology Grants) and four competitive grants (“Race to the Top,” the “Investing in Innovation” Fund, the Teacher Incentive Fund, and State Longitudinal Data Systems; a new notice inviting applications for State Longitudinal Data System grants; and a letter from the Secretary explaining how the programs work together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07242009.html.

Overwhelmed? On Monday (July 27), the Department will hold a webinar (2:00 p.m. ET) to review all of these materials. Everyone is welcome to participate. TO REGISTER, PLEASE GO TO http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=156972&s=1&k=414886F5439834B4CAF68D6A1746E35F.

Moreover, the Department will be conducting a series of web conferences designed to assist grantees and subgrantees in managing grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The goal of these conferences is to provide information and enhance communication as we all work together to spend Recovery Act funds effectively. The conferences will be held on a regular schedule, with the first conference held next Thursday (July 30) from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. ET. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE TO GO http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/leg/recovery/web-conferences.html.

Also: On July 7, the Department issued draft guidance on how to request waivers of specific statutory and regulatory provisions under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, including those affected by Recovery Act funding. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/programs/titleiparta/title-i-waiver.doc and http://www.ed.gov/programs/titleiparta/title-i-waiver-appendix.xls.
______________________________________________________________________
EARLY LEARNING

Last week, at the ED/HHS Children’s Center, Secretary Duncan and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius highlighted the Obama Administration’s blueprint to improve and strengthen early learning programs and announced their support for efforts in Congress to answer the President’s challenge to invest $10 billion in the Administration’s early learning reforms. The proposed Early Learning Challenge Fund -- an unprecedented collaboration between the agencies -- would utilize two key funding elements to encourage states to develop effective, innovative models that promote high standards of quality and a focus on outcomes across early learning settings. “We need to challenge ourselves to do better for kids,” Secretary Duncan said. “We know that the years prior to kindergarten are crucial in shaping how children learn and succeed in school.” FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/earlylearning/elcf-factsheet.html.
______________________________________________________________________
BLACK-WHITE ACHIEVEMENT GAPS

The Department’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has released a new report analyzing black-white achievement gaps at both the national and state levels, using National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) scores as a common yardstick. The study examines data from all main NAEP reading and math assessments through 2007, supplemented by data from long-term trend NAEP results through 2004. The study also provides context for understanding these gaps, examining both changes in the performance of black and white students and the changes in the black-white achievement gap over time. In most cases, NAEP reading and math scores have increased since the first time the main test was administered (early 1990s). These increases have been observed among both black and white students. Nevertheless, “statistically significant score differences between the two groups have also been observed.” FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/studies/gaps/. (Note: Secretary Duncan’s statement on the report is available at http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07142009.html.)
______________________________________________________________________
SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY

The following is a summary of recent developments in the area of school health and safety:

On July 9, Secretary Duncan joined other Cabinet officials and delegations from 54 states, tribes, and territories for the H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit at the National Institutes of Health to kick-off the government’s nationwide fall flu preparedness efforts. Administration officials laid out specific ways that states and local governments could start planning and preparation efforts and announced new programs and resources to help state and local governments, the greater medical community, and the American public prepare for the H1N1 and the fall flu season. Indeed, the federal government has centralized all communications about H1N1 and seasonal flu on a new web site: http://www.flu.gov/. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07092009b.html.
Later that same day, the Department announced $26 million in grants to 108 school districts under the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools program (http://www.ed.gov/programs/dvpemergencyresponse/) and $9.7 million in grants to 26 colleges and universities under the Emergency Management for Higher Education program (http://www.ed.gov/programs/emergencyhighed/), enabling them to develop and improve plans that address all four phases of emergency management: prevention-mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.
Next, on July 10, the agency announced $32.8 million in grants to 18 states and the District of Columbia under the Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative (http://www.ed.gov/programs/dvpsafeschools/), a joint effort by the Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Justice supporting school districts in the implementation and enhancement of comprehensive, community-wide plans that focus on multiple elements, including safe school environments, mental health treatment services, and early childhood learning programs. This highly competitive program attracted 422 applications nationwide. Since 1999, the program has provided more than $2.1 billion to local partnerships.
Then, on July 13, the agency announced $26.5 million in grants to 73 public schools and community-based organizations in 25 states under the Carol M. White Physical Education program (http://www.ed.gov/programs/whitephysed/), initiating, expanding, and strengthening physical education programs for K-12 students.
Lastly, the Federal Interagency Forum on Child and Family Statistics has released “America’s Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being, 2009.” This report continues a robust series of annual studies to the nation on conditions affecting children within the U.S. The report has three demographic background measures and 40 indicators to describe the population of children and depict “child well-being” in the areas of family and social environment, economic circumstances, health care, physical environment safety, behavior, education, and health. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.childstats.gov/.
______________________________________________________________________
PELL GRANT RECIPIENTS

Another new NCES report, “A Profile of Successful Pell Grant Recipients,” describes characteristics of college graduates who received Pell Grants and compares them to graduates who were not Pell recipients. For both groups of graduates, data from the Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study were analyzed to determine the time it took them to complete a bachelor’s degree, as well as the percentage who enrolled in graduate school within a year of college graduation. Among the key findings: roughly 36% of 1999-2000 bachelor’s degree recipients received at least one Pell Grant while in college; higher percentages of Pell Grant recipients had at least one of several undergraduate “risk characteristics” (e.g., delaying postsecondary enrollment) than did non-recipients; parents’ education was the only factor consistently related to both time-to-degree and graduate school enrollment for Pell Grant recipients, as those students whose parents did not attend college took longer to attain a bachelor’s degree and enrolled in graduate school at lower rates than students whose parents had at least a bachelor’s degree; and, although Pell Grant recipients had a longer median time-to-degree than non-recipients, when controlling simultaneously for undergraduate risk characteristics, parental education, and transfer history, Pell recipients had a shorter time-to-degree than non-recipients. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2009156. (Note: The Secretary’s statement on the report is available at http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07212009.html.)

Also: On the Department’s blog, the Secretary voiced his support for President Obama’s American Graduation Initiative (http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/investing-in-education-the-american-graduation-initiative/), with its Community College Challenge Fund, and for the introduction of the Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (http://edlabor.house.gov/newsroom/2009/07/chairman-miller-introduces-leg.shtml), which would originate all new federal student loans through the Direct Loan program. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/2009/07/american-graduation-initiative-strengthening-community-colleges/.
______________________________________________________________________
ODDS AND ENDS

In a brief public service announcement prepared for the web, Secretary Duncan urges families to read together, visit parks and museums, and keep kids learning during the summer months. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrQ4kVJQYMQ.
President Obama has announced his intent to nominate Alexa Posny, Commissioner of Education for Kansas, as Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-Announces-More-Key-Administration-Posts-7-6-09/). Also, the Secretary has named John Silvanus Wilson as Director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07172009b.html). For a complete list of political appointees at the agency, see http://www.ed.gov/news/staff/update.html.
Juan Sepulveda, Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, has begun a series of community conversations on the status of Hispanic education. July 12-17, he traveled across Texas. Between July and the end of September, he will visit several more states and Puerto Rico. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/07/07102009a.html.
Meanwhile, the Secretary’s “Listening and Learning” tour stopped in Indiana, where Peter Groff, Director of the Department’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, represented the Secretary in discussions and events around the City of Indianapolis. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/2009/07/listening-and-learning-tour-in-indianapolis/.
The latest What Works Clearinghouse practice guide offers five recommendations intended to assist administrators, program providers, and educators in designing out-of-school time programs that will boost learning for students. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/publications/practiceguides/#ost_pg.
On July 14, the Department announced $116 million in Teaching American History grants, designed to improve student achievement by enhancing teachers’ knowledge of traditional U.S. history through intensive, ongoing professional development in both content and research-based instruction strategies, to 123 school districts in 38 states. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/programs/teachinghistory/.
This year, Blue Ribbon School site visitors profiled eight exemplary campuses: two elementary schools, one middle school, two high schools, and three schools that combine elementary and middle school. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE GO TO http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/2008/profiles/.
The Department is redesigning its home page, and you can help! When visiting http://www.ed.gov/, what do you hope to accomplish? Please submit your thoughts at http://www.edgovblogs.org/duncan/2009/07/what-do-you-hope-to-accomplish-when-you-visit-ed-gov/.
______________________________________________________________________
QUOTE TO NOTE

“We have to ensure that we're educating and preparing our people for the new jobs of the 21st century. We've got to prepare our people with the skills they need to compete in this global economy. Time and again, when we placed our bet for the future on education, we have prospered as a result -- by tapping the incredible innovative and generative potential of a skilled American workforce. That's what happened when President Lincoln signed into law legislation creating the land grant colleges, which not only trans-formed higher education, but also our entire economy. That's what took place when President Roosevelt signed the GI Bill which helped educate a generation, and ushered in an era of unprecedented prosperity. That was the foundation for the American middle class. And that's why, at the start of my administration, I set a goal for America: by 2020, this nation will once again have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world. We used to have that. We’re going to have it again.”

-- President Barack Obama (7/14/09), speaking at Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan
______________________________________________________________________
UPCOMING EVENTS

On a weekly basis, the Secretary's public schedule is posted online at http://www.ed.gov/news/events/calendars/secschedule.html.

The week of July 27 is Education Week for United We Serve: http://www.serve.gov/.

Over the next two weeks, the Department will exhibit at the National Council of La Raza’s Annual Conference (July 25-28) and the National Urban League’s Annual Conference (July 29-August 1), both of which are being held in Chicago, and the Progressive National Baptist Convention in Louisville (August 3-8). If you are attending any of these events, please stop by the Department’s booth.
______________________________________________________________________

Please feel free to contact the Office of Communications and Outreach with any questions:
Director, Intergovernmental Affairs -- Stacey Jordan, (202) 401-0026, mailto:Stacey.Jordan@ed.gov
Program Analyst -- Adam Honeysett, (202) 401-3003, mailto:Adam.Honeysett@ed.gov
To be added or removed from distribution, or submit comments (we welcome your feedback!),
contact Adam Honeysett. Or, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/.

This newsletter contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user’s convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.

Friday, July 24, 2009

North Dakota Legislative Worforce Meeting in Bismarck on July 29

NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Tentative Agenda
WORKFORCE COMMITTEE
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Roughrider Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
9:00 a.m. Call to order
Roll call
Review of the Legislative Council supplementary rules of operation and procedure
9:10 a.m. Comments by the chairman regarding responsibilities of the committee
TECHNOLOGY STUDIES
9:15 a.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of background memorandums on the
studies of:
• Technology-based entrepreneurship and economic development best practices,
including a review of the best practices implemented by the Department of
Commerce and the effectiveness of the Department of Commerce Foundation
(Section 19 of Senate Bill No. 2018); and
• The establishment and development of certified technology parks (Section 1 of
Senate Bill No. 2390)
9:25 a.m. Presentation by Mr. Robert Olson, Regional Director, United States Department of
Commerce, Denver, Colorado, regarding research and technology best practices
10:10 a.m. Comments by Mr. Delore Zimmerman, Red River Valley Research Corridor, Grand
Forks, regarding the status of the Red River Valley Research Corridor
10:30 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Comments by Mr. Paul Lucy, Ms. Jolynne Tschetter, and Mr. Justin Dever, Department
of Commerce, regarding the committee's two technology studies
11:15 a.m. Comments by Ms. Elaine Fremling, Department of Commerce Foundation, regarding
the committee's study of the foundation's effectiveness
11:30 a.m. Comments by Mr. Gaylon Baker, Economic Development Association of North Dakota,
regarding the committee's two technology studies
11:45 a.m. Comments by interested persons
Committee questions and discussions
12:00 noon Luncheon recess
WORKFORCE STUDIES
1:00 p.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of a background memorandum on the
studies of:
• The state's system for addressing workforce needs through a workforce system
initiative, including a review of the alignment of taxpayer investment with programs,
coordination of programs, and the North Dakota workforce strategic plan; and
• The state's workforce system, the feasibility and desirability of enacting legislation to
address the issues identified in the 2007-08 interim Workforce Committee's
consultant's report, and the implementation of workforce initiatives enacted by the
61st Legislative Assembly
2
1:10 p.m. Comments by Mr. Larry Anderson, Department of Commerce, regarding the
committee's two workforce studies
1:30 p.m. Comments by a representative of the North Dakota University System regarding 2009
legislation impacting the North Dakota University System as the legislation relates to
workforce and economic development
1:55 p.m. Comments by Mr. Baker regarding the committee's two workforce studies
2:05 p.m. Comments by a representative of the Tax Department regarding the committee's two
workforce studies
2:15 p.m. Break
2:30 p.m. Comments by interested persons
Committee discussion and directives
INTERIM PLANNING
2:45 p.m. Committee discussion and directive regarding the study approach for the committee's
receipt of reports and study charges
3:00 p.m. Adjourn
Committee Members
Senators Tony S. Grindberg (Chairman), Tim Flakoll, Ray Holmberg, Karen K. Krebsbach, Dave
Nething, Larry J. Robinson, Mac Schneider, Tom Seymour, Ryan M. Taylor
Representatives Donald L. Clark, Eliot Glassheim, Nancy Johnson, Lee Kaldor, Lisa Meier, Corey
Mock, Lee Myxter, Michael R. Nathe, Ken Svedjan, Clark Williams

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Technology Conference in Germany

Dear Colleague,

On behalf of the Advisory Board, we would like to inform you of the:

SIXTH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON TECHNOLOGY, KNOWLEDGE AND SOCIETY
Freie Universitat Berlin, Germany
15-17 January 2010
http://www.Technology-Conference.com

Berlin, today, has great influence within the realms of science, technology, commerce, architecture and the arts. No other region in Europe has such a rich concentration of scientific, academic and research facilities, as does Berlin. Adlershof, a district of Berlin, has become one of the world's 15 largest science and technology parks and is named the 'City for Science, Technology and Media'. The focal points of Berlin's research span the depths of medical technology, biotechnology, information and communications technology, optical technology, material sciences and transportation and environmental technologies. Showing testament to the quality of this very research, one of the products of Berlin's research, a digital film recorder, received an Oscar for technical innovation at the 2002 Academy Awards in Hollywood. At the heart of the recorder, a new frequency-stabilized laser diode, was the creation of the Ferdinand Braun Institute for Highest Frequency Technology. Of addit
ional significance, the Max Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy generated the world's shortest light pulse (used to examine ultra-fast chemical processes and primary biological procedures), with a duration of only 3.8 femto seconds - another tribute to Berlin's thriving technological research.

This Conference will address a range of critically important themes in the various fields that address the complex and subtle relationships between technology, knowledge and society. The Conference is cross-disciplinary in scope, meeting points for technologists with a concern for the social and social scientists with a concern for the technological. The focus is primarily, but not exclusively, on information and communications technologies.

The Conference includes plenary presentations by accomplished researchers, scholars and practitioners, as well as numerous paper, workshop and colloquium presentations. Presenters may choose to submit written papers for publication in the fully refereed International Journal of Technology, Knowledge and Society. If you are unable to attend the Conference in person, virtual registrations are also available which allow you to submit a paper for refereeing and possible publication in this fully refereed academic Journal.

Whether you are a virtual or in-person presenter at this Conference, we also encourage you to present on the Conference YouTube Channel. Please select the Online Sessions link on the Conference website for further details.

The deadline for the next round in the call for papers (a title and short abstract) is 13 August 2009. Future deadlines will be announced on the Conference website after this date. Proposals are reviewed within two weeks of submission. Full details of the Conference, including an online proposal submission form, are to be found at the Conference website - http://www.Technology-Conference.com

We look forward to receiving your proposal and hope you will be able to join us in Berlin in January 2010.

Yours Sincerely,

Karim Gherab Martin
Visiting Research Scholar
Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
For the Advisory Board, International Conference on Technology, Knowledge and Society and The International Journal of Technology, Knowledge and Society

***

If you have any inquiries about this conference, please send them by reply to this email. All emails are answered in person by one of our conference administrators within two working days.

Note: If you would like to be removed from this list, please reply to this email with the word 'Unsubscribe' in the subject line. Make sure that you send your request to unsubscribe from the same e-mail address that received

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

North Dakota Policy Council

Dear Tom,



Have you thought about contributing to the cause of limited government and free markets? Are you not quite ready to give that big gift? Then why not make an automatic tax-deductible monthly donation of $8 to the North Dakota Policy Council? Your $8 will go towards creating a better economy. It's pretty simple, eight dollars for a better economy! Do your part to fight for free markets. Click HERE to make your $8 monthly donation.


It's a great way for you to contribute in small monthly doses! We're looking for 100 new subscriptions by the end of the summer. With state and local governments spending more of your hard earned money than ever before, NOW is the time to take that next step and do your part to ensure that North Dakota's economy stays strong by contributing $8 per month to the NDPC!








Win Signed Copy of Bestselling Book Meltdown


Sign up to contribute $8 monthly and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a FREE signed copy of the New York Times Bestseller, Meltdown: A Free Market Look at Why the Stock Market Collapsed, the Economy Tanked, and Government Bailouts Will Make Things Worse, by Dr. Thomas Woods. For every friend you get to sign up, you'll be given another entry into the drawing! Just be sure to tell your friend to email us with the referral.


Click HERE to read more.

Help the NDPC Build Upon Its Success


We've proven to be successful. Our efforts have increased government transparency, provided intellectual ammunition to property rights advocates, and exposed waste, fraud, and corruption in government. But as you know, there is a LOT more to do. That's where we need YOUR HELP. Donate $8 per month to help us continue our work towards creating a true free market and limited government in North Dakota.


Click HERE to help us now.

Ready to Take the Next Step?


Current supporters, have you thought about contributing more but just haven't taken that next step? A simple $8 monthly gift over and above you're yearly donation will solidify the NDPC's financial position and allow you to give more in smaller installments.


Click HERE to take the next step.

NDPC Receives Leafy Spurge


On July 20th, the NDPC and other critics of the Northern Plains National Heritage Area received the “leafy spurge” from the Fargo Forum editorial board.


Click HERE to read more.

NDPC in the Media: Healthcare Plan Does Away With Competition


But others, like the North Dakota Policy Council say this plan would put the government between patients and doctors and would inevitably crowd out the private sector, doing away with competition.


Click HERE to read more.

Subscribe to the NDPC's YouTube Channel


All NDPC videos that are on YouTube can be viewed by simply going to the NDPC's YouTube channel. Little screen shots of the videos make it easy to pick the ones you want to watch. On the upper left side of the page you can also select the "Subscribe" button to make sure you don't miss videos when they come out.


Click HERE to view the NDPC's YouTube Channel.

2nd Annual Free Market Forum


The 2nd Annual NDPC Free Market Forum can be viewed in its entirety at the NDPC's website. The video was too long to efficiently use YouTube.


Click HERE to read more.

Tax Deductible Support


Please, consider supporting the North Dakota Policy Council. You can make a tax deductible online contribution by clicking HERE, or simply send your tax deductible contribution to:


North Dakota Policy Council
PO Box 3007
Bismarck, ND 58502








Forward email

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Ken Tupa - Senator Dorgan - Against Cap and Trade

Hello North Dakota Energy Forum Members,

Cap-and-Trade is taking over Washington and inciting discussion all across the state. The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (more commonly known as the "Waxman-Markey Bill") was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and is now headed to the Senate.

I wanted to bring to your attention an editorial written by Senator Byron Dorgan, who came out and publicly opposed the Waxman-Markey bill as it currently stands. It's important that we continue to pressure our Senators into voting against the current version of this bill. Please take a moment to read Senator Dorgan's editorial.

The following is the link to Senator Dorgan's editorial in the Bismarck Tribune: http://www.bismarcktribune.com/articles/2009/07/19/news/opinion/letters/190161.txt

Monday, July 20, 2009

Missle Site Grand Opening in North Dakota - Cooperstown

Greetings to my colleagues in the House and Senate,



It is my pleasure to invite you to the grand opening of the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historical Site near Cooperstown on Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1, 2009. The State Historical Society along with the Friends of Oscar Zero have spent months preparing for this exciting day. The North Dakota Legislature played an important role in this project over the past two sessions and I wanted to make sure you had the opportunity to be part of the grand opening weekend.



The entire schedule of events are detailed at www.oscarzero.com. Most notable are the ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:00 AM on Friday morning at the Oscar Zero Launch Facility and the community grand opening celebration meal and program at 5:30 on Friday evening at the Griggs County Central School. The National Guard Military Band will be performing. Missileers from all over the country are returning to Oscar Zero to commemorate this historic event and several dignitaries will be participating in the program. The demand for tours of the facilities is going to be extremely high during the weekend.



If any of you would like to take part in the festivities, please contact me directly and I will personally arrange for your tour, dinner tickets, or for you to be along on the ribbon cutting ceremony. The community is planning for hundreds of visitors on this grand opening weekend and I would enjoy having you be a part of this event. Please contact me as soon as possible so that I can make the necessary arrangements. If you wish to give me a call, please contact my office at 797-2461.



Sincerely,

Don Vigesaa

Sunday, July 19, 2009

North Dakota Legislative Council Staff Members

Council Staff
To send an e-mail message to a staff member, click that individual's name:

Jim W. Smith - Director

Legal Services:
Jay E. Buringrud - Assistant Director
John Walstad - Code Revisor
Jeffrey N. Nelson - Assistant Code Revisor
John Bjornson - Counsel
L. Anita Thomas - Counsel
Vonette J. Richter - Counsel
Timothy J. Dawson - Counsel
Jennifer S. N. Clark - Counsel

Fiscal Services:
Allen H. Knudson - Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
Roxanne Woeste - Assistant Legislative Budget Analyst and Auditor
Becky Keller - Fiscal Analyst
Brady A. Larson - Fiscal Analyst
Sheila M. Sandness - Fiscal Analyst

Information Technology Services:
Jason J. Steckler - Director, Information Technology
Maryann F. Trauger - Manager, Information Technology Services
Mary H. Janusz - Information Technology Education Administrator
John A. Dvorak - Information Technology LAN Technician
Deb Gienger - Information Technology Systems Administrator

Administrative Services:
Karen J. Mund - Legislative Administrator

Library Services:
Marilyn Johnson - Research Librarian
Audrey Grafsgaard - Research Librarian Assistant

Administrative Support Services:
Patricia Geiger - Office Manager
Elizabeth Patterson - Assistant Office Manager
Phyllis Markel - Receptionist
Char Sackman - Information Processing Specialist
Della Schick - Receptionist
Joanne Buck - Information Processing Specialist
Becky Cudworth - Proofreader
Melissa Lewis - Proofreader
Andrea Cooper - Information Processing Specialist
Amy LaVallie - Information Processing Specialist

« Back Top

Saturday, July 18, 2009

North Dakota Department of Human Services News

NEWS from the North Dakota Department of Human Services

600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck ND 58505-0250


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 16, 2009



Contacts: Heather Steffl, Public Information Officer, 701-328-4933



Federal disaster help doesn’t affect public assistance benefits



BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Human Services wants public assistance clients to know that federal disaster-related help won’t affect income-based public assistance benefits. These benefits include supplemental nutrition assistance (formerly called Food Stamps), heating assistance, Medicaid, child care assistance, or other public assistance programs administered by the department.



“People who receive FEMA individual assistance to help them recover from a disaster don’t need to worry about their benefits being reduced or ending,” said Carol Cartledge, the Department of Human Services’ public assistance program director.



FEMA individual assistance grants typically help pay for temporary housing and other needs. The grants, Cartledge said, are not counted as income for public assistance programs.



“The goal is to help people recover from a disaster, and if that extra help affected public assistance programs for low-income persons, it would not support their recovery,” Cartledge said.



Public assistance programs administered by the North Dakota Department of Human Services and county social service offices assist qualifying low-income individuals. About half of them are children, and the remainder includes people who are elderly or who have disabilities, along with single parents residing in households that do not receive child support.



People can apply for public assistance programs at their county social service office. Information is available on-line at www.nd.gov/dhs/services/financialhelp.

# # #

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Medicare Update

Hello Everyone,



The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Region VIII Office invites you to participate in our toll-free Region VIII Medicare Chat with Your Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC). There will be two calls. The first call will feature Connolly Consulting, the RAC for Region C (Colorado). The second call will feature HealthData Insights, the RAC for Region D (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming).



CMS and the featured RAC will give brief presentations, leaving the bulk of the time to answer your questions. Join us and enjoy the opportunity to talk to our experts.



These calls are open to all providers, partners, and stakeholders in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. However, we believe you will find it most beneficial to attend the call that features the RAC for your state. You do not need to register for these calls.



Please pass this invitation and the attached agendas along to your colleagues and association members. We appreciate your assistance in publicizing these calls. As always, we are looking forward to chatting with you.





Featured RAC: Connolly Consulting - Region C - Colorado

Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mountain Time (12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Time)

Toll Free #: 888-790-3587

PIN: Recovery







Featured RAC: HealthData Insights – Region D - Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming

Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Mountain Time (12:30 AM to 2:00 PM Central Time)

Toll Free #: 888-790-3587

PIN: Recovery













Lucretia James

Division for Medicare Health Plans Operations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Region VIII
1600 Broadway, Suite 700
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 844-1568
lucretia.james@cms.hhs.gov

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Meeting Agenda for ND Legislative Information Technology Interim Committee on July 16

NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Tentative Agenda
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Harvest Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
9:00 a.m. Call to order
Roll call
Review of Legislative Council supplementary rules of operation and procedure
9:05 a.m. Comments by the chairman regarding the responsibilities of the committee
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
9:15 a.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of a background memorandum regarding
committee responsibilities
9:30 a.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of a memorandum regarding information
technology-related statutory provisions
9:45 a.m. Presentation by Ms. Lisa Feldner, Chief Information Officer, Information Technology
Department, and by other representatives of the Information Technology Department of:
• An overview of the department's divisions and services
• The statewide information technology budget for the 2009-11 biennium, including
information on the department's budget for the 2009-11 biennium
• Information on the status of the Statewide Longitudinal Data System Initiative
• Information on the kindergarten through grade 12 network upgrade
• Information on the department's Health Information Technology Office
• Information technology initiatives for the 2009-11 biennium, including a review of the
projects ranked by the State Information Technology Advisory Committee and
funded by the 2009 Legislative Assembly
• Information regarding the department's enterprise architecture initiative, including
information on the department's process of establishing information technology
policies, standards, and guidelines and a summary of current policies, standards,
and guidelines
HIGHER EDUCATION INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
11:15 a.m. Presentation by a representative of the North Dakota University System regarding
higher education information technology planning, services, and major projects
pursuant to North Dakota Century Code Section 15-10-44, including information on the
status of the Northern Tier Network project
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
11:30 a.m. Presentation by a representative of the Educational Technology Council regarding
elementary and secondary education information technology initiatives for the 2009-11
biennium
LEGISLATIVE APPLICATIONS REPLACEMENT SYSTEM COMPUTER PROJECT
11:45 a.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff regarding the status of the legislative
applications replacement system computer project - LEGEND
2
12:00 noon Luncheon recess
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LARGE PROJECT REPORTING
1:00 p.m. Presentation by the Legislative Council staff of a memorandum regarding the process
involved in planning and executing large information technology projects
1:10 p.m. Presentation by a representative of the Information Technology Department regarding
the information technology large project reporting process, including the most recent
quarterly summary status report on large information technology projects and any
department concerns regarding projects
1:30 p.m. Presentation by a representative of the Department of Human Services regarding the
status of the department's Medicaid management information system replacement
project
1:45 p.m. Distribution by the Legislative Council staff of the following project startup and project
closeout reports completed between October 2008 and March 2009:
Project Startup Reports
• Secretary of State - Data processing system
• Office of Management and Budget - ConnectND business intelligence
• Information Technology Department - Statewide automated victim information
notification (SAVIN) system
• Judicial branch - Unified court information system replacement - Implementation
phase
• Department of Human Services - OfficeVision mail replacement project
• Job Service North Dakota - Unemployment insurance modernization directional
study
Project Closeout Reports
• Office of Management and Budget - ConnectND absence management
• Information Technology Department - Mainframe migration project
• Information Technology Department - Criminal Justice Information Sharing Initiative
Portal 2.0
• Legislative Council - Legislative applications replacement system computer project -
Phase 2
• Judicial branch - Unified court information system replacement - Request for
proposal phase
• Department of Public Instruction - Special education individualized education
program project
• Department of Human Services - Continuous Medicaid eligibility project
OTHER
1:50 p.m. Comments by other interested persons regarding the committee's responsibilities
2:00 p.m. Committee discussion and staff directives
2:15 p.m. Adjourn
3
Committee Members
Senators Larry J. Robinson (Chairman), Randel Christmann, Aaron Krauter, Tom Seymour, Rich
Wardner
Representatives Craig Headland, Corey Mock, Bob Skarphol, Gary R. Sukut, Robin Weisz, Lonny
Winrich
Chief Information Officer Lisa Feldner

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Teacher Education

Following Graduates Into the Field – A U.S. Department of Education Inquiry

The U.S. Department of Education has asked AACTE to provide examples of what different educator preparation programs in higher education are doing to follow their graduates into the field and examine their impact on student achievement. We fully understand, as the Department does, that there are no comprehensive statewide data bases yet that link preparation programs to student achievement. However, we know that many of you have devised ways to make such determinations. The Department is looking for examples of what ed schools are doing in this area.

Please find three questions below related to this topic. We would be most appreciative if you could take a few minutes and respond.

Do you collect any data on your teacher graduates in terms of their impact on student achievement? If so, please describe (e.g. for how many years, what are the student achievement measures etc.)
Do you collect any data on your principal graduates in terms of their impact on student achievement? If so, please describe (e.g. for how many years, what are the student achievement measures etc.)
Do you publicly report any of these data? If so, please describe where you report.
Please send your responses to Mary Harrill-McClellan at mharrill@aacte.org.

Update on Teacher Quality Partnership Grants

As you know, the President recently signed into law technical amendments to the Higher Education Act, including two amendments to the Teacher Quality Partnership Grants. One issue that remains is that some institutions are finding it hard to secure eligible LEAs to partner with for the grants despite the fact that these are LEAs that serve large numbers of low-income students and/or have a high number of high-need schools. While it is too late to amend the law to create more ways in which an LEA might qualify as high-need in time for this grant competition, we would like to stay on top of this issue as we look for future opportunities to provide Congress with input. Thus,we are currently collecting examples of LEAs that are not eligible partners under the current statute that should be eligible. We plan to share these examples with Congress and the Department to develop a better understanding of this issue and possibly make changes to the statute. Our goal it to ensure that every LEA and school that serves significant populations of low-income children is an eligible partner.

If you have examples of LEAs that do not qualify as "high-need" that should, please let Mary Harrill-McClellan know (mharrill@aacte.org). (For example, Chattanooga, TN does not qualify because the poverty rate in the district is 19.8% and does not reach the 20% threshold.)

For those AACTE members who are not located near a "high-need LEA" (as defined by the statute), we encourage you to reach out to your neighboring institutions that do have eligible LEAs to see if there are ways partner. The Teacher Quality Partnership Grants are an opportunity to build/strengthen partnerships not only with LEAs and P-12 schools but also with our colleague institutions.

Monday, July 13, 2009

North Dakota Association of Telecommunications Cooperatives - Summer Conference - in Medora

NORTH DAKOTA

ASSOCIATION OF

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

COOPERATIVES




SUMMER CONFERENCE

JULY 13-19, 2009

MEDORA COMMUNITY CENTER
MEDORA, N.D.









REGISTRATION

Medora Community Center
Monday, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.








MONDAY, JULY 13



2:00 p.m. ANNUAL MEETING PROGRAM PLANNING COMMITTEE
East DeMores Room

2:30 p.m. POLICY & BYLAWS COMMITTEE
West Roosevelt Room

3:00 p.m. RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
East Roosevelt Room

3:30 p.m. PLANNING & EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Centennial Room

4:00 p.m. BOARD OF DIRECTORS= MEETING
East DeMores Room

5:00 p.m. WELCOME RECEPTION
Chuckwagon Patio





TUESDAY, JULY 14
General Session
West DeMores



7:00 a.m. FRUIT & PASTRY BUFFET
East DeMores

8:00 a.m. WELCOME
Randy Christmann
President
NDATC
Mandan, N.D.

David Crothers
Executive Vice President
NDATC
Mandan, N.D.

8:15 a.m. MAINTAINING AND DRIVING FINANCIAL VIABILITY
Leo Staurulakis
Executive Vice President
John Staurulakis, Inc.
Greenbelt, Maryland

9:00 a.m. BROADBAND STIMULUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR NORTH DAKOTA
Doug Eidahl
Vice President of Consulting
Vantage Point Solutions
Mitchell, South Dakota


9:45 a.m. BREAK
East DeMores

10:15 a.m. REMOVING THE FEAR FACTOR
Lori Young
Customer Care Supervisor
Dickey Rural Networks
Ellendale, N.D.

10:45 a.m. DCN: A STRONG BACKBONE FOR THE FUTURE
Evan Hass
Manager
Dakota Carrier Network
Fargo, N.D.

11:30 a.m. TAXATION RELIEF FOR NORTH DAKOTANS
Honorable Cory Fong
Tax Commissioner
State of North Dakota
Bismarck, N.D.



12:00 p.m. GROUP LUNCHEON
East DeMores



THEODORE ROOSEVELT NATIONAL PARK: BEHIND THE
SCENES, BEHIND THE SCENERY
Valerie Naylor
Superintendent
Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Medora, N.D.


1:30 p.m. FEDERAL REGULATORY REVIEW
Gordon Dauchy
Vice President
John Staurulakis, Inc.
Greenbelt, Maryland

2:00 p.m. THE CHANGING FACE OF RURAL NORTH DAKOTA
Lori Capouch
Rural Development Director
Rural Electric & Telecommunications
Development Center
Mandan, N.D.

2:30 p.m. TELECOM LEGISLATION IN CONGRESS
Tom Wacker
Vice President of Government Affairs
National Telecommunications Cooperative Association
Arlington Virginia

3:00 p.m. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES IN NORTH
DAKOTA: A LOOK FORWARD
Honorable Larry Robinson
State Senator
District 24
Valley City, N.D.

3:30 p.m. LEMONADE & COOKIES
East DeMores



NOTE: ATTENDANCE DURING THE FOLLOWING SESSION WILL BE LIMITED TO NDATC MEMBER COMPANY DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS



4:00 p.m. FEDERAL STIMULUS DOLLARS AND POTENTIAL TELECOM
PROJECTS IN NORTH DAKOTA
Keith Larson
Manager
Dakota Central Telecom Cooperative
Carrington, N.D.

Derrick Bulawa
CEO/Manager
BEK Communications Cooperative
Steele, N.D.

Doug Eidahl
Vice President of Consulting
Vantage Point Solutions
Mitchell, South Dakota

Warren Vande Stadt
Senior Technology Leader-Wireless
Vantage Point Solutions
Mitchell, South Dakota


5:00 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS

6:00 p.m. PICNIC
Medora Chuckwagon Patio

8:30 p.m. MEDORA MUSICAL
Burning Hills Amphitheatre







WEDNESDAY, JULY 15



7:00 a.m. FRUIT & PASTRY BUFFET
West DeMores



8:00 a.m. BOARD OF DIRECTORS' MEETING



____________________________________________________________



GENERAL INFORMATION



REGISTRATION
Monday, July 13, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (MDT) and Tuesday, July 14, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

RECEPTION
A welcome reception will be held at the Medora Chuckwagon Patio from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 13.

LUNCHEON
Tuesday, July 14, a group luncheon will be held in the East DeMores Room at 12 noon.

PICNIC
A picnic will be held at the Medora Chuckwagon Patio at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday July 14.

MEDORA MUSICAL
The Medora Musical is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at the Burning Hills Amphitheatre in Medora. Please pick up your tickets at the NDATC registration desk on Monday, July 13 or Tuesday, July 14.

DRESS CODE
Informal dress is encouraged at all the meetings and functions.

BADGES
At the close of the meeting on Wednesday , please leave your name badge in the box provided at the back of the room.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

North Dakota Legislative Council - Administrative Rules Committee - 2009

NORTH DAKOTA LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
Minutes of the
ADMINISTRATIVE RULES COMMITTEE
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Roughrider Room, State Capitol
Bismarck, North Dakota
Senator Tom Fischer, Chairman, called the
meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
Members present: Senators Tom Fischer,
John M. Andrist, Layton W. Freborg, Jerry Klein, Tracy
Potter; Representatives Randy Boehning, Duane
DeKrey, David Drovdal, Rod Froelich, Kim
Koppelman, Blair Thoreson, Dwight Wrangham
Members absent: Representatives Chuck
Damschen, Mary Ekstrom, Chris Griffin, Jon Nelson,
Louise Potter
Others present: See Appendix A
It was moved by Representative DeKrey,
seconded by Representative Thoreson, and
carried on a voice vote that the minutes of the
previous meeting be approved as distributed.
AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER
Chairman Fischer called on Mr. Wayne Carlson,
Program Manager, Livestock Services, Department of
Agriculture, for testimony (Appendix B) relating to
July 2009 rules of the Agriculture Commissioner.
Senator Klein said the state has experienced a
loss of dairy producers and asked whether the dairy
rules being adopted will put dairy farmers out of
business. Mr. Carlson said it is true that the state has
lost dairy producers recently, but he said the
expectation of the department is that these rules will
get some operators to improve their operations to
avoid getting shut down.
Representative DeKrey asked whether the
department still does a somatic cell count for dairy
operations. Mr. Carlson said the department does
monthly sampling and somatic cell count, bacteria
count, and other testing.
Representative DeKrey said the state is trying to
get more people into dairy production and he shares
Senator Klein's concern about more restrictive
regulations putting dairy producers out of business.
Mr. Carlson said the department appreciates that
concern and does not believe the rules will have that
effect. He said there were no objections received by
the department during the rulemaking process.
Senator Andrist asked if dairy producers must be
licensed. Mr. Carlson said producers must be
licensed. Senator Andrist asked whether truckdrivers
hauling dairy products must be licensed. Mr. Carlson
said drivers must be licensed. Senator Andrist asked
whether these licensing requirements are imposed by
rules of the Agriculture Commissioner or state
statutes. Mr. Carlson said licensing requirements are
imposed by state statutes and federal law. Senator
Andrist asked whether the Agriculture Commissioner
has reviewed the rules since taking office.
Mr. Carlson said he has discussed the rules with the
Agriculture Commissioner and the commissioner did
not express any significant concerns.
Representative Froelich said he discussed the
dairy rules with Mr. Nathan Boehm, Chairman, State
Board of Animal Health, and dairy producer, and
Mr. Boehm said the rules have been in process for
several years and he believes the rules are
acceptable and needed to meet federal standards.
Senator Andrist asked whether these rules will
increase the workload for the Agriculture Department.
Mr. Carlson said the rules should actually make
inspections easier to administer.
Senator Potter asked several questions regarding
the safety to consumers of raw milk cheese.
Mr. Carlson said sale of raw milk cheese is not
allowed by law and most recalls nationwide regarding
dairy products have been for products with
unpasteurized milk. He said the United States
Department of Agriculture standards require
pasteurization of milk for use in cheese.
Senator Klein asked why it was necessary to adopt
federal standards on meat inspection. Mr. Carlson
said the rules in place were effective through an
earlier date and the federal standards have been
updated. He said it is necessary to adopt the federal
standards effective July 1, 2009, so the state
standards are equivalent to current federal standards.
Committee counsel asked whether state
enforcement of meat inspection rules is dependent on
the contents of rules adopted by the state.
Mr. Carlson said that is correct and the Agriculture
Department may only enforce state rules that have
been adopted by the Agriculture Commissioner. He
said the Agriculture Department cannot enforce
federal rules so it is necessary to update state rules.
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS
Chairman Fischer called on Mr. Timothy Karsky,
Commissioner, Department of Financial Institutions,
for testimony (Appendix C) relating to July 2009 rules
of the department.
Mr. Karsky said the rules are primarily related to
loan production offices and deposit production offices.
Administrative Rules 2 June 11, 2009
He said a loan production office is essentially a bank
branch limited to loan-related activities and which is
not a full-service location. He said the rules on loan
production offices mirror the latest policies of the
Comptroller of the Currency. He said deposit
production offices are allowed by the rules of the
Comptroller of the Currency, which means deposit
production offices are allowed for national banks but
not state-chartered banks. He said adoption of these
rules by the state will allow state-chartered banks to
establish deposit production offices.
STATE BOARD OF REGISTRATION FOR
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS AND
LAND SURVEYORS
Chairman Fischer called on Mr. Clifford Keller,
Executive Secretary, State Board of Registration for
Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, for
testimony (Appendix D) relating to July 2009 rules of
the board.
After reviewing his testimony, Mr. Keller said
setting of monuments for surveys of easements will no
longer be necessary unless the easement duration is
five years or more. He said this rule change will
nearly eliminate the requirement for a survey in
acquisition of easements. He said the regulatory
analysis attached to his testimony indicates that the
rule change could result in saved survey costs of
thousands of dollars per mile of easement on a single
project.
Representative DeKrey asked whether the existing
rules allow surveyors to use common sense on when
markers are required. Mr. Keller said these rules
would not alter the current situation regarding surveys
when property is sold. Mr. Lyle Kirmis, legal counsel
for the board and special assistant Attorney General,
said existing law and rules would require a surveyor to
set markers for boundaries of property transferred
unless the job is so simple that a surveyor would not
be required.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Chairman Fischer called on Ms. Linda Butts,
Deputy Director, Driver and Vehicle Services Division,
Department of Transportation, for testimony
(Appendix E) relating to July 2009 rules of the
department.
Senator Klein asked whether the penalties
provided by these rules are now consistent with
federal provisions. Ms. Butts said the amended rules
are consistent with federal provisions.
Senator Potter asked when an out-of-service order
is used. Ms. Butts said if alcohol is detected for a
driver or equipment violations are found, an out-ofservice
order will be entered.
INSURANCE COMMISSIONER
Chairman Fischer called on Ms. Melissa Hauer,
General Counsel, Insurance Department, for
testimony (Appendix F) relating to July 2009 rules of
the Insurance Commissioner.
Ms. Hauer said the rules relate to Medicare
supplement insurance policies. She said these rules
are required by federal law and without these rules
changes, the state will not be allowed to regulate
Medicare supplement insurance. She said the rules
changes are based on National Association of
Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) model regulations.
She said the Insurance Commissioner accepted
suggestions offered from some commenters and
adjusted rules accordingly.
Representative Froelich asked how the rules can
be required by federal law and adjusted after
comments without violating the federal requirements.
Ms. Hauer said under the NAIC model there are some
optional rules provisions allowing a choice of
complying provisions. She said in some instances,
commenters suggested the option not chosen by the
department and the department made the suggested
changes.
Representative Koppelman said federal
requirements are in place that allow the Insurance
Commissioner options in adoption of complying rules.
He said the committee does not have information on
what choices were available and why the choices
made were chosen. Ms. Hauer said a summary could
be provided of the options that were available and the
options that were chosen.
Senator Potter said some of the plans authorized
by previous law would be eliminated by the federal
and state rules changes and asked whether new
products will be available. Ms. Hauer said new
products will be available and requested Mr. Michael
Fix, director of Life and Health Insurance and actuary
for the Insurance Department, to provide information
on the changes. Mr. Fix said Plans H, I, J, and highdeductible
Plan J are eliminated. He said prescription
drug benefits were removed from these plans. He
said Plan E is also being eliminated because after
changes it ended up being the same as Plan D.
Senator Potter asked if the rules cover how
companies will be allowed to approach customers with
new plans to replace plans being eliminated. Mr. Fix
said the rules do cover those situations.
STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Chairman Fischer called on Ms. Bridget Weidner,
Hospital Program Manager, Division of Health
Facilities, State Department of Health, for testimony
(Appendix G) relating to July 2009 Medical Records
Services rules of the department.
COMMITTEE DISCUSSION
Senator Andrist said the committee should hold
over consideration of the Agriculture Commissioner's
dairy rules to determine whether the new Agriculture
Commissioner has had time to review those rules and
whether the commissioner supports them. He said
information also should be obtained on the individuals
Administrative Rules 3 June 11, 2009
involved in the dairy industry subject to licensing
requirements, with information on whether the
licensing requirements are imposed by state or federal
law or by administrative rules. It was moved by
Senator Andrist, seconded by Senator Potter, and
carried on a roll call vote that the dairy rules of the
Agriculture Commissioner be carried over for
consideration at the next meeting. Senators
Fischer, Andrist, Freborg, Klein, and Potter and
Representatives Boehning, DeKrey, Drovdal,
Koppelman, Thoreson, and Wrangham voted "aye."
Representative Froelich voted "nay."
It was moved by Representative DeKrey,
seconded by Representative Koppelman, and
carried on a voice vote that the meeting be
adjourned. Chairman Fischer adjourned the meeting
at 12:00 noon.
___________________________________________
John Walstad
Code Revisor
ATTACH:7