National MIS User Group

NTST Acquires Seaquest

Acquisition is Key Step as Netsmart Leads Industry Transformation to Collaborative, Coordinated Care Netsmart, the leading provider of clinical solutions for health and human services organizations nationwide, today announced that it has acquired Sequest Technologies, Inc., based in Lisle, Illinois. Sequest provides the TIER� (Totally Integrated Electronic Record) family of clinical and practice management solutions, which will continue to be developed and supported as a Netsmart solution. The acquisition of Sequest supports Netsmart�s commitment to deliver innovative solutions to providers across the entire human services continuum of care. The Complete ARRA-certified TIER solution is designed to meet the clinical workflow of substance use treatment and social services agencies, private inpatient psychiatric hospitals, child and family services agencies and smaller behavioral health provider organizations, helping all of these providers more quickly adopt an EHR and enhance quality of care. �Our acquisition of Sequest aligns directly with the fast-evolving shift in the overall healthcare ecosystem to collaborative, coordinated care,� said Mike Valentine, Netsmart chief executive officer. �To continue to be the industry leader, we must provide our clients with leading-edge clinical and practice management solutions specifically designed for their care settings and with clinical support for those care settings.�

AR Enhancements This Summer

The AR Committee was notified at Connections that there are a couple of AR Enhancements scheduled to be released this summer: � AR Aging Report Default to Open Item Processing � Client AR Correction & Uscript

ARRA Certification Completed

MEDIA CONTACT: Dave Kishler Netsmart Technologies 614.764.0143, Ext. 7252 dkishler@ntst.com

CMHC/MIS Electronic Health Record Solution from Netsmart Technologies Attains Complete ARRA Certification

Complete ARRA ONC-ATCB Certification Demonstrates Netsmart�s Commitment to Helping CMHC/MIS Clients Qualify for Meaningful Use Funds

Great River, N.Y., June 20, 2011 - Netsmart Technologies, Inc. (www.ntst.com), a leading provider of software and services for health and human services organizations, today announced that its CMHC/MIS 4.2 electronic health record (EHR) software for behavioral health provider organizations has achieved 100 percent ONC-ATCB ARRA Ambulatory Certification.

�We are fully committed to providing clients of each of our enterprise platforms a direct, complete and comprehensive path to qualify for ARRA Meaningful Use funding,� said Michael Valentine, chief executive officer, Netsmart Technologies. �Meaningful Use can provide invaluable financial resources to help our clients better serve their consumers. That�s why we were a strong advocate for the program�s establishment and are at the forefront of advocacy to provide behavioral health with the same full access to incentive funds as already provided to other healthcare entities.�

CMHC/MIS 4.2 software is now designated as a Complete EHR on the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology Certified Health IT Product List. Netsmart was the first behavioral healthcare software provider to offer a Complete ARRA-certified EHR when it achieved Ambulatory and Inpatient certification for its Avatar� 2011 enterprise software in December 2010. In addition, Netsmart�s Insight� 7.0 public health solution achieved ARRA Modular Certification earlier this year and is expected to attain 100 percent ONC-ATCB ARRA Ambulatory Certification in the third quarter of 2011.

Testing was conducted under Drummond Group's Electronic Health Records ONC-ATCB program. Drummond Group, Inc., is an Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB) named by the Office of the National Coordinator to provide Meaningful Use certification for EHR systems and applications.

�We are pleased with Netsmart�s commitment to the CMHC/MIS solution and their dedication to pursuing complete ARRA certification,� said Dawn Stiles, president of Spurwink Services, a Maine-based, nationally accredited non-profit organization providing mental health, educational and residential services for children, adolescents, adults and families. �With the frequent state and federal changes that behavioral healthcare agencies must adapt to, we have peace of mind that our software is fully certified and meets the requirements for Meaningful Use incentive funds.�

Behavioral and public health organizations are currently eligible for Medicaid or Medicare Meaningful Use funds based on the number of Eligible Professionals (EPs), such as physicians and nurse practitioners, in their organization, assuming the organization meets criteria for Meaningful Use of a certified EHR and the professionals assign their incentives to the organization. The total benefit for Medicaid Eligible Professionals is $63,750 per EP over a six-year period � a significant financial incentive for organizations.

In the first year of participation in the Meaningful Use funding program, healthcare providers need only adopt (purchase) an ARRA-certified EHR to meet the Meaningful Use requirement of using an ARRA-certified EHR. There is no requirement to demonstrate Meaningful Use in the first year, and no EHR reporting is required. Eligible providers who have already adopted, implemented or upgraded to an ARRA-certified EHR would also receive a first year payment.

In addition to the Meaningful Use monetary incentives, use of EHR technology can improve quality of care, advance patient safety, increase customer satisfaction and enhance office efficiency.

Netsmart is also working with national mental health associations to support passage of Senate Bill 539, introduced by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and the introduction of a similar bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. This corrective legislation would extend eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare Meaningful Use incentive funds to behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse treatment professionals and facilities not currently included as eligible for Meaningful Use funds. For more information about this important corrective legislation, visit www.ntst.com/legislation.

To learn more about how Netsmart can help behavioral health and public health organizations qualify for Meaningful Use incentives, visit www.ntst.com/meaningfuluse.

About Netsmart Technologies

Netsmart Technologies is an established, leading supplier of software-as-a service (SaaS) and internally-installed software solutions for health and human services providers. More than 18,000 client organizations, including 350,000 care providers and more than 40 state systems, use Netsmart products to help improve the quality of life for millions of people each year.

Netsmart clients include mental health and substance abuse treatment agencies, psychiatric hospitals, private and group mental health practices, public health departments, vital records offices, and managed care organizations. Netsmart�s products are full-featured information systems that operate on a variety of operating systems, hardware platforms, and mobile devices, and offer unlimited scalability.

Netsmart provides the solutions and expertise that help clients both meet all the criteria for Meaningful Use of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 and avoid the costly, time-consuming process of integrating solutions from multiple vendors.

Building upon the complete EHR, Netsmart clients can also create a complete connected care environment using Netsmart OrderConnect� for e-prescribing and order entry, Netsmart CareConnect� to share clinical information and lab results, and the Netsmart ConsumerConnect� Web portal to provide secure and private consumer access to care information.

For information about Netsmart Technologies� full range of solutions for health and human services organizations, visit www.ntst.com or call 1-800-472-5509.

Data Warehouse Patch Reduces Export Time

More Exciting Than March Madness!!!

Netsmart released a much anticipated enhancement to CMHC Data Warehouse.

Patch 421711 will now allow you to limit your export to a specified date range for the Accounting Detail, Journal Detail, Events and ISN�s.

This could reduce the export time significantly for organizations that have been using CMHC for many years or have a high volume of accounting and do*****entation activity.

Thanks to the NUG AAI Committee for advocating for this enhancement!

Netsmart Passes ARRA Certification

Netsmart Technologies� CMHC/MIS Behavioral Health Software Passes ARRA Certification Tests

Successful Completion of 21 ARRA ONC-ATCB Certification Tests for CMHC/MIS 4.2 is Next Step Toward Complete ARRA Certification for all of Netsmart�s Enterprise Products

3/10/2011 - (Great River, NY) Netsmart Technologies, Inc., a leading provider of software and services for health and human services organizations, today announced that its CMHC/MIS 4.2 electronic health record (EHR) software has successfully completed ARRA ONC-ATCB certification testing for the 21 ARRA certification tests for which it was submitted, earning a Certificate of EHR Compliance for 19 General and Ambulatory criteria. Netsmart plans to complete the 13 remaining ARRA tests in the second quarter of 2011 to make CMHC/MIS 4.2 software a Complete Ambulatory ARRA-certified EHR.

The successful testing of CMHC/MIS 4.2 software included passage of nine required security-related modules and other tests in such areas as health information exchange connectivity, monitoring smoking status, capturing vital signs, plotting growth charts, providing client-specific education resources, generating client lists and reminders, and maintaining an up-to-date problem list.

�This significant step towards complete certification demonstrates our ongoing commitment to our Netsmart customers on the CMHC/MIS platform,� said James L. Conway, chief executive officer, Netsmart Technologies. �By using a complete certified solution, providers can enjoy the benefits of working with one technology partner to achieve Meaningful Use without integrating multiple module certified products.�

Testing was conducted under Drummond Group's Electronic Health Records ONC-ATCB program. Drummond Group, Inc., is an Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB) named by the Office of the National Coordinator to provide meaningful use certification for EHR systems and applications.

Netsmart was the first behavioral healthcare software provider to offer a Complete ARRA-certified EHR when it achieved certification for its Avatar� 2011 enterprise software in December 2010. In addition to CMHC/MIS 4.2 software, Netsmart is also preparing its Insight� public health software product for ARRA certification in 2011. These three enterprise software products, in conjunction with Netsmart�s order entry, e-prescribing, consumer Web portal and health information exchange (HIE) interoperability technology, will help behavioral and public health provider organizations take advantage of the significant funding provided for the Meaningful Use of EHRs.

�As a long-time CMHC/MIS customer, I�m extremely pleased that Netsmart is dedicating the resources to make sure the software meets all the requirements for ARRA certification. As the MIS National User Group chair, I see this as one more step Netsmart is taking in its commitment to the CMHC/MIS product and users by ensuring the product continues to evolve,� said Deb Coulter, chief information officer at FMRS Health Systems, Inc. in Beckley, W. Va.

Behavioral and other healthcare providers must use an ARRA-certified EHR and meet all required criteria to qualify for Medicaid and Medicare incentive payments for the Meaningful Use of EHR technology. Behavioral health organizations are currently eligible for ARRA incentives based on the number of Eligible Professionals (EPs), such as physicians and nurse practitioners, in their organization, assuming the organization meets criteria for Meaningful Use of a certified EHR and the professionals assign their incentives to the organization. The total benefit for Medicaid Eligible Professionals is $63,750 per EP over a six-year period � a significant financial incentive for organizations.

In the first year of participation in the Meaningful Use funding program, healthcare providers need only adopt (purchase) an ARRA-certified EHR to meet the Meaningful Use requirement of using an ARRA-certified EHR. There is no requirement to demonstrate Meaningful Use in the first year, and no EHR reporting is required. Eligible providers who have already adopted, implemented or upgraded to an ARRA-certified EHR would also receive a first year payment.

Netsmart is working with national mental health associations to enable passage of corrective legislation in Congress to extend eligibility for Medicaid and Medicare Meaningful Use incentive funds to behavioral health, mental health, and substance abuse treatment professionals and facilities not currently included as eligible in the HITECH Act. As drafted, the legislation will help behavioral health, mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities become eligible for higher levels of Medicaid and Medicare incentive funds. The legislation also expands Hospital Meaningful Use incentive funding eligibility to include inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and expands eligibility to include mental health treatment facilities and substance abuse treatment facilities. It also expands the definition of Eligible Professional to include clinical psychologists and social workers.

To learn more about how Netsmart can help behavioral health and public health organizations qualify for Meaningful Use incentives, visit www.ntst.com/meaningfuluse

About Netsmart Technologies, Inc.
Netsmart Technologies is an established, leading supplier of software-as-a service (SaaS)and internally-installed software solutions for health and human services providers. More than 18,000 customer organizations, including 350,000 care providers and more than 40 state systems, use Netsmart products to help improve the quality of life for millions of people each year.

Netsmart customers include mental health and substance abuse treatment agencies, psychiatric hospitals, private and group mental health practices, public health departments, vital records offices, and managed care organizations. Netsmart�s products are full-featured information systems that operate on a variety of operating systems, hardware platforms, and mobile devices, and offer unlimited scalability.

Netsmart provides the solutions and expertise that help its customers meet all the criteria for Meaningful Use of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. These include a Complete ARRA-Certified electronic health record and associated solutions including
e-prescribing, order entry, the Netsmart CareConnect� service that enables the sharing of clinical information through health information exchanges, the Netsmart ConsumerConnect� Web portal to provide consumer access to their care information, and a flexible platform to capture and share outcomes data. Netsmart customers can utilize Netsmart solutions to meet all Stage 1 Meaningful Use criteria, avoiding the costly and time-consuming process of integrating solutions from multiple vendors.

Netsmart�s Connected Care initiative allows behavioral and public healthcare providers to share clinical data electronically within their internal processes, externally with other providers, and with consumers via a Web-based portal, enabling high quality, consumer-directed care.

For information about Netsmart Technologies� full range of solutions for health and human services organizations, visit www.ntst.com or call 1-800-472-5509.

Avatar 2011 and the CMHC/MIS 4.2 EHR Module are 2011/2012 compliant and have been certified by the Drummond Group, an ONC-ATCB in accordance with the applicable certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. This certification does not represent an endorsement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or guarantee the receipt of incentive payments.

Avatar, InfoScriber, Insight, Netsmart CareConnect and Netsmart ConsumerConnect are trademarks of Netsmart Technologies, Inc.

MORE NUG WEBINARS COMING SOON

The NUG One-Hour Webinar Series continues with these next two sessions:

Feb. 23, 2011 2:00 PM EST -- mtSchedule Customizations -- Presented by Shayne Devorah-Spratt, Systems Manager, Lifeworks NW

Feb. 24, 2011 1:00 PM EST -- Getting Ready for the CMHC Data Warehouse -- Presented by Joel Rhodes, System Administrator, Rebekah Children's Services

Invitations to attend these webinars go out via an email to the full CMHC listserv. If you have not received an invitation to register, please contact Deb Coulter at dcoulter@fmrs.org for instructions.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM NUG

Access to the protected sections (downloads, meeting minutes, etc.) is granted when an Agency is a paid NUG member. When membership dues become delinquent for an extended period of time, access to these sections is withdrawn.

We are currently in the process of checking membership and updating access lists so if you find yourself unable to get to the Downloads repository, please check to make sure your Agency's dues are current.

If you believe access has been withdrawn in error, please contact Deb Coulter at dcoulter@fmrs.org immediately for resolution.

New Web Training

Scott Harris, Business Analyst for Geminus Corp., has once again volunteered to share his expertise with NUG members.

Scott will be presenting a webinar on Thursday, January 20, 2011 (1:30 EST) on the steps involved in setting up eCET.

Session Title: Basic eCET Setup

Session Description: This presentation will cover the set up of progress notes, treatment plans, IRMS, and Front Desk Plus. Information will also be given on the project process Geminus used to create a totally electronic medical record using eCET.

Watch the CMHC listserv for more information on how to register.

Don't miss this very informative learning opportunity by one of the most knowledgeable in the field!

Latest e-News Uploaded

The electronic newsletter for July 2010 is now available in the "downloads" section of this website.

Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare Receives NTST INNOVATION Award

At Connections 2010, NTST named Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare of Orange County, Fla. as the winner of the first annual Netsmart Customer Innovation Award.

The Netsmart Customer Innovation Award recognizes organizations for their use of Netsmart and other technology in new and creative ways to effectively address client needs, achieve organizational goals and respond to regulatory and reporting demands. Lakeside will receive a $10,000 cash award and two complimentary registrations to the Netsmart CONNECTIONS2010 Customer Conference to be held May 3-6 in San Diego.

A private, not-for-profit organization, Lakeside provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient community behavioral healthcare services to more than 18,000 people in Central Florida.

Lakeside was recognized for implementing innovative technology solutions that reduced medication errors by 56 percent (.036 to .016) and cut client check-in time on the inpatient census from 20 minutes to one minute, enabling their clinicians to dedicate more time to client care.

For inpatient care, Lakeside developed a census tracking system that significantly shortened the time needed to admit new clients, reduced repetitive paperwork and streamlined the entire admissions, transfer and discharge processes. The system, used by inpatient staff members across seven inpatient units and 200 beds, also unified how data was managed, accessed, consolidated and retrieved, and provides �at a glance� reports of census data. Billing has also become more efficient and accurate.

For outpatient care, Lakeside implemented an electronic medication management system to reduce the possibility of prescribing and dispensing errors. This comprehensive system streamlined procedures and enhanced coordination between various programs. Through the new easy-to-use system, doctors can easily review clients� medication histories, update allergies, add new prescriptions and refill or discontinue current medications with just a few mouse clicks.

�We�re honored to receive this award that recognizes substantial enhancements to our client care processes through the innovative use of technology,� said Jerry Kassab, president and CEO, Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare. �We couldn�t be happier with our ability to provide the enhanced care our patients are receiving as a result of these innovations.�

�Providing innovative solutions that enhance care is at the heart of our mission, so we�re pleased to recognize organizations that have partnered with us to improve patient/client care and make a tremendous difference in the lives of others,� said James L. Conway, chief executive officer, Netsmart Technologies. �The selection committee was impressed by how Lakeside�s efficient use of technology significantly impacted their ability to provide quality client care. In fact, among the many excellent entries received, Lakeside received the highest score possible for �impact on care� from all members of the selection committee,� said Conway.