October 1, 2008

Keynote to Focus On State Initiatives to Bring Consumer Technology to Human Service Programs

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (September 30, 2008) – The 2008 Institute for Behavioral Health Informatics on October 30th and 31st in Washington D.C. will feature a keynote address from Peter Bisbecos, Director, Division of Disability & Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) for the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). This year’s address will focus on the State of Indiana’s initiatives to leverage technology to improve state services for consumers with disabilities

The Institute for Behavioral Health Informatics (IBHI) is the only national meeting focused on emerging technological tools and their implications for leaders of organizations that pay for or deliver behavioral health and social services. Mr. Bisbecos brings to the IBHI faculty his passionate advocacy for the use of technology to provide more effective services for consumers and will close the first day of the Institute with his keynote address, “Using Advancements in Technology to Solve Challenges in the Public Sector.” His experience leading a number of breakthrough initiatives includes:

• State funding of up to $10 million a year to provide consumers with assistive devices such as hearing aids and touch-screen communication displays

• The DDRS partnership with Purdue University’s Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering to fund the Indiana Center for Assistive Technology, a research center that will match new advancements in technology with the needs of individuals with disabilities

• Design of state-led initiatives for both a unified billing system for all provider organizations and an aggregate consumer personal health record for consumers served by Indiana FFSA

• Creation of a Medicaid-funded technology-enabled remote case management program for individuals living in the community

Monica E. Oss, chief executive officer of OPEN MINDS, says “Indiana is fortunate to have such a creative, passionate leader working to serve residents with disabilities in the most efficient, effective way possible. Mr. Bisbecos has been in the forefront of government initiatives to leverage technologies that create more independence for consumers. His remarks will provide a unique payer perspective for Institute participants who are evaluating technology investments.”

The 2008 Institute will be held at the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington Virginia, on October 30th and 31st. Additional information is available on the OPEN MINDS web site:

• Peter A. Bisbecos biography – www.openminds.com/educ/ibhi08_keynotes.htm

• Full agenda – www.openminds.com/educ/ibhi2008_agenda.htm

• Faculty list – www.openminds.com/educ/ibhi2008.htm#Presenters

• Registration list – www.openminds.com/educ/ibhi2008_attendees.htm

• Technology demonstrations & sponsorships –www.openminds.com/educ/ibhi2008.htm#Executives

• Sponsoring associations – www.openminds.com/educ/ibhi2008.htm#Associations

For more information on this event or to schedule an interview with Dr. John Talbot, please call Mary Lynn Billitteri, Director of Education Services, at 877-350-6463 or at mlbillitteri@openminds.com.

OPEN MINDS is a national behavioral health and social service industry market research and management consulting firm. Founded in 1987 and based in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the 75+ associates provide executive education, information, market research, and management consulting services.

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