Overview
The Council of Behavioral Health Care Providers is a discussion forum that reviews and provides recommendations to HAP about issues relating to psychiatric and behavioral health care. Steve Bucciferro, director of Behavioral Health Services at Holy Spirit Hospital, is Council Chair.

Membership
Council membership includes facility-designated representative(s) from each HAP-member health care organization/facility that provides related patient services, or from HAP-member facilities with an interest in these types of services.

Meetings
The Council meets several times a year, either in-person or via conference call, from 9:30 a.m. to approximately 12:30 p.m. In-person meetings are held at the HAP building, 4750 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, 17111. If you choose to stay in the area for lunch following a meeting, staff can provide information about local restaurants. For member convenience, conference call participation also is available for all meetings.

2012 Council Meeting Schedule

• March 22, 2012 - HAP Headquarters Building, Harrisburg
• July 26, 2012 - via conference call
• November 15, 2012 - HAP Headquarters Building, Harrisburg

Special Council Efforts: Ad Hoc Groups
Behavioral Health Safety Special Workgroup

Restraint and Seclusion Task Force: This task force was formed during 2006 to work with the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) during its potential restraints and seclusions elimination initiative. The task force was charged with reviewing and analyzing current practices and, after an extensive survey process, a comprehensive report was presented to DPW that demonstrated a clear willingness among hospitals to strive to continue individual restraint and seclusion reduction efforts.

Adult Placement Workgroup: Beginning during 2007, this workgroup was created to discuss alternate placement and levels of care for certain consumer groups. During its initial year, the workgroup identified applicable consumers and how best to serve them.

Contact Information
Michael Lane, Director, Health Care Finance Policy, Phone: (717) 561-5317.