Jefferson Regional Behavioral Health Director to Participate in Senate Briefing by Information Technology Coalition
efferson Hills, PA - July 13, 2011
Joseph Cvitkovic, PhD, director of Behavioral Health at Jefferson Regional Medical Center, has been invited to participate in a discussion panel at a Senate staff briefing in Washington, D.C. on July 20 at the request of the Behavioral Health Information Technology Coalition.
The briefing in support of the Behavioral Health Information Technology Act (S. 539) will examine the role that Electronic Health Records (EHRs) can play in reducing health care expenditures and potentially saving the lives of persons with serious mental health and addiction disorders.
Dr. Cvitkovic (shown in photo) is a clinical psychologist at Jefferson Regional, where he oversees Behavioral Health Services which includes both inpatient psychiatric services and outpatient counseling services. Dr. Cvitkovic was selected by the American Psychological Association to present information that demonstrates the importance of this Act. He was selected based on his years of experiences and knowledge in this area.
A recent study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration points to a high incidence of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma among the more than 6 million Americans served in the public mental health system, along with a high mortality rate.
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) introduced the Behavioral Health Information Technology Act in March. If enacted, the measure would extend the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act portion of the 2009 stimulus legislation resulting in a substantial budget savings, according to supporters of the bill.
In addition to Dr. Cvitkovic, others who will participate in a panel discussion on this issue include:
Moderator Mark Covall, president and CEO, National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems;
- Dennis King, president of Maine Health Mental Health Partners and CEO of Spring Harbor Hospital, Westbrook, Maine;
- Joan Sivley, board member, Centerstone Research Institute, Nashville, Tenn.;
- Don Miskowiec, chief executive officer, North Central Behavioral Health System, Inc, Lasalle, Ill.
- Kevin Scalia, executive vice president, Netsmart Technologies.