Medical Marijuana Public Comment Meetings Next Week
We’ll be holding four public comment meetings for the Medical Marijuana Rules next week. Public comment meetings are the part of the Rulemaking process whereby “an agency shall afford persons the opportunity to submit in writing statements, arguments, data and views on the proposed rule, with or without the opportunity to present them orally”. We technically aren’t required to conduct [...]
Childcare Facilities Efficiency Report
Those of you that were working here in 2009 (or even if you weren’t) probably remember all of the angst and unrest that occurred when we increased our licensing fees for child care facilities (for the first time in over 20 years). The goal was to have licensing fee revenues cover the actual costs incurred by the State to ensure [...]
The President reportedly quit smoking, are you ready?
Reports from Washington today say the President hasn't smoked in almost a year. He said last summer he's spent his adult life trying to give up cigarettes. Research shows that quitting is easier if you have help - Arizona Smokers' Helpline can help you. We have resources on the phone, online and even medication to help you achieve your goal. [...]
Maximizing Birth Outcomes
Although we know a lot about the role of proper nutrition, exercise and general health in having a healthy baby, occasionally a baby is born with a special health condition or a birth defect. Our Newborn Screening Program tests babies for 29 special health conditions including hearing loss. These conditions, like phenylketonuria (PKU), can be managed by medication, diet or [...]
Marijuana Use & Earlier Onset of Psychosis?
A number of published studies have found that using marijuana (and other psychoactive substances) is associated with an earlier onset of psychotic illness (notice I said “is associated with” rather than “causes”). National mental health surveys have repeatedly found more substance use, especially cannabis use, among people with a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder. A new study published today on-line [...]
Behavioral Health Trifecta
This month we also distributed to stakeholders (and posted on our website) a new resource called “An Introduction to Arizona’s Public Behavioral Health System.” It's a high-level summary for people who wish to better understand who we are and what we do. The short document covers the service delivery structure and the continuum of care available, member enrollment and demographics, funding, [...]