Public Policy Commons^™

Electronic Medical Records In Nebraska Security, Privacy, And Health Care Quality

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

This is a background document to prepare you for the November 17^th discussion about electronic health records. This discussion guide is intended to serve as a jumping-off point for our upcoming conversation. The discussion is not a test of facts, but rather a chance to offer your perspectives on the issues with other Lincoln residents.

Priority Lincoln: We’Re Listening A Community Conversation On The City Budget

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

This is a background document to prepare you for the Priority Lincoln: We’re Listening discussion on the Lincoln City Budget on April 12. This discussion guide is intended to serve as a jumping-off point for our upcoming conversation. The discussion is not a test of facts, but rather a chance to offer your perspectives on the issues with other Lincoln residents.

A Balance Of Power: Project Will Spread Information On Alternative Energy Sources, Antona Beckman

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Renewable energy.

The phrase sounds good, but many Nebraskans may not know much about what it means. People may have seen those two wind turbines north of Lincoln, but what do they do, and whom do they serve? And what other alternative energy sources are available? Would it be possible and efficient to use solar power? And what exactly are the benefits of ethanol?

In an effort to inform Nebraskans about such alternative energy options, the College of Journalism and Mass Communications, along with the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center, received a grant of $12,000 to help Nebraskans learn …

Nebraska’S Drug Courts Evaluation, Mark Dekraai

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Nebraska Public Policy Center conducted an evaluation of Nebraska’s Problem-Solving Courts for the Administrative Office of the Courts. The evaluation was conducted from March – September of 2007 and covered eight probation problem-solving courts in Nebraska, including three adult drug courts (Midwest Nebraska, Northeast Nebraska, Sarpy County), four juvenile drug courts (Scottsbluff, Lancaster County, Douglas County, Sarpy County) and one young adult problem-solving court (Douglas County). The goal of the Nebraska’s Problem-solving (Drug) Court evaluation was to understand how well drug courts work, examine offender characteristics, examine current practices and procedures, and determine outcomes for offenders entering problem-solving courts.

A Case Study In Data Sharing: 211 Helplink And The Airs Xsd, Ian Cottingham, Ben Kutsch, Nancy C. Shank

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN) helps communities prepare for and respond to disasters. The ability to exchange up‐to‐date information about resources and clients is central to effective response. To facilitate the exchange of resource data, CAN has been working with information & referral organizations, namely 2‐1‐1s, to ensure that their existing data about community services may be easily and quickly shared with CAN in the event of disaster. CAN has been working with 211 Helplink (San Francisco, California) to develop an exchange using the data standard developed by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, AIRS XSD 2.07. The data …

Energy And The Future

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Debate over energy policy in the United States has reached its pinnacle in recent years. Among the key issues that have pushed energy into the spotlight is concern over foreign oil dependence, competition for scarce resources from growing economies, and a mounting scientific and popular consensus that global climate change is a serious challenge of irreversible proportion.

The planet’s population is increasing, living longer, and in fast developing economies like China and India—getting wealthier—a combination of forces leading to both greater consumption of energy and increased production of greenhouse gases. Finding clean, alternative energy sources has thus become a critical …

Evaluation Of Nebraska’S Probation Problem Solving Courts

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Eight Nebraska problem solving courts were examined for this evaluation: three adult drug courts, four juvenile drug courts, and one young adult problem solving court. The key questions intended to be addressed through this evaluation included the following:

1. To what extent do problem-solving courts serve appropriate persons, specifically in relation to risk classification?

2. How do the demographic characteristics of participants compare to the general population and other offenders?

3. To what extent do policies and procedures adhere to the proposed problem solving court rules

4. How do policies and procedures compare across courts?

5. What are possible areas …

Priority Lincoln: Budgeting For Outcomes

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

As a centerpiece to its 2008-09 budget determination process, the City of Lincoln invited the community to provide input about how the City should prioritize budget items. Several thousand residents provided input over a period of approximately 90 days, starting in February 2008 and ending in May 2008. This Report presents the results from the City’s public participation process.

Constructs Of Justice: Beyond Civil Litigation, Alan Tomkins, Kimberly Applequist

Alan Tomkins Publications

It is the case that civil justice problems constitute the bulk of courts’ work in both the state and federal legal systems (see, e.g., Court Statistics Project, 2006; U.S. Courts, 2007). Nevertheless, a decision rendered by a jury (or a judge) takes place in only a relatively small percentage of civil disputes. There are exponentially more civil disputes resolved outside of court than are resolved via jury verdicts (see, e.g., Galanter, 1983, 1993, 1996; Miller & Sarat, 1980–1981; Trubek, Grossman, Felstiner, Kritzer, & Sarat, 1983), a state of affairs true for the UK as well as the US (Pleasence, 2006). …

Using Research And Engagement To Inform Policy Making, Alan J. Tomkins

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center specializes in policy-relevant research and engagement activities in five areas: 1. Access to Government Services
2. Application of Information Technology to Health
& Human Services Delivery Systems
3. Behavioral Health and Human Services
4. Public Participation in Policy Making
5. Water Resources

Evaluation Of The Public Engagement Project On Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Prioritization Phase I: Evaluation Of Public And Stakeholder Input

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

This report presents the results of an evaluation of the Public Engagement Project on Pandemic Influenza Vaccine Prioritization, an effort to engage citizens and stakeholders in discussions about methods to prioritize vaccine distribution in the event of an influenza pandemic. Meetings with citizens occurred January 2007 in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Nassau County, New York; and during November 2007 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Hendersonville, North Carolina. Citizens were provided information about pandemic influenza and deliberated about the issues and challenges of vaccination priorities. Stakeholders met in Washington, D.C. after the first two citizen meetings and again after the second …

The Nebraska Minority Justice Committee Progress Report 2008

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Nebraska Minority Justice Committee (MJC) is a unique statewide collaboration that works to develop and implement just and sustainable policy reforms that will not only improve the system of justice but will also strengthen public trust and confidence in our laws and court system. The Committee is a joint effort of the Nebraska State Bar Association and the Nebraska Supreme Court, appointed by the Supreme Court in May of 2003 in response to a Task Force's two-year investigation into whether racial and ethnic bias and discrimination exists in Nebraska's justice system.

The mission of the Committee is to achieve …

Nebraska Gamblers Assistance Program Biennial Report Fiscal Years 2006-2007

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Table of Contents:

History of the GAP
Mission, Goals and Principles of the GAP
Service Components of the GAP
Work Force Development
Certification
Contract Management
Helpline
Voucher Program
Treatment
Increasing Demand
Monitoring Outcomes
Expenditures
Funding
Administration
The GAP’s Historical Administrative and Legislative Landmarks
Strategic Planning
Expansion of the GAP
Accomplishments
Program Evaluation
Focus Groups and Interviews
Helpline Data
Consumer Survey
Magellan Data Analysis
Cost Analysis Clinical Treatment
Magellan System and NOMs
APPENDIX A DHHS Administrative Contact Personnel
APPENDIX B State Advisory Committee on Problem Gambling
APPENDIX C Organizations Involved In Problem Gambling
APPENDIX D List of Providers - Prevention
APPENDIX …

Priority Lincoln: Budgeting For Outcomes

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

As a centerpiece to its 2008-09 budget determination process, the City of Lincoln invited the community to provide input about how the City should prioritize budget items. Several thousand residents provided input over a period of approximately 90 days, starting in February 2008 and ending in May 2008. This Report presents the results from the City’s public participation process.

2-1-1 In The Mid South Delta: A Collective Case Study, Nancy Shank

Nancy Shank Publications

In the summer of 2005, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation awarded a $200,000 grant to the United Way of America to demonstrate the ability of three Mississippi Delta states to develop 2-1-1 services and enable community resource data sharing. The three states, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi, face significant social and economic challenges, particularly in the Mississippi Delta region. The focus of the Kellogg Foundation funding was development of resource databases and 2-1-1 in Arkansas and Mississippi, with particular focus on the Mid South Delta area. The 2-1-1 for northeast Louisiana, located in Louisiana’s Delta area, also received funding to enhance their …

The Dialogue, Summer 2007

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

CONTENTS:
Ask the Field
Profile of the Center for Disaster and Extreme Event Preparedness
Program Design Elements of Successful Crisis Counseling and Outreach Programs Following a Disaster
A Model for Entry into Schools: A Practice Module Which Demonstrated Success
Remote Management of Crisis Counseling Program Teams in Colorado
Learning from the Past: Historical Disasters—Perspectives for the Field
Recommended Reading
Conference Highlights
Upcoming Meetings

Lr 42 Services Coordination Study

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

In 2003, Senator Byars was approached by a group of developmental disability providers and advocates to review the role and function of service coordinators for the developmentally disabled. A task force of clients, advocates, providers, and Health and Human Services agency personal were assembled to review the quality and effectiveness of services coordination. Topics of consideration were training and staff development, quality review mechanisms, and the ability of the service coordinator to work effectively on behalf of the client.

By The People: Dialogues In Democracy Immigration And Nebraska

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

On Sunday, October 14th, 2007, 100 residents of the City of Omaha gathered at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) campus to engage in a By The People: Dialogues in Democracy deliberation. The By The People project is a national-local partnership intended to foster civic dialogue about important public policy issues facing the nation. MacNeil/Lehrer Productions has led the initiative on the national level since 2002. In Nebraska, a collaborative partnership between NET Television and the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center has convened By The People deliberations since 2004.

Besides Omaha, ten other communities across the nation participated …

The Public Engagement Project On Community Control Measures For Pandemic Influenza Findings And Recommendations From Citizen And Stakeholder Deliberation Days

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Public Engagement Project On Community Control Measures for Pandemic Influenza was carried out in October and November 2006 to engage the public in discussions and deliberations about the economic and social tradeoffs associated with community control measures to slow the spread of the disease. The project was sponsored by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and The Keystone Center, serving as a third party neutral facilitator. Fourteen other organizations participated, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). To conduct this public engagement, the sponsors made use made use of the Policy Analysis CollaborativE (PACE), …

Nebraska Judicial Structure And Administrative Task Force Final Report, Nebraska Judicial Structure And Administration Task Force

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Nebraska courts face a challenge shared by many state courts, determining the optimum number of judges needed to successfully do the work of the district, county and juvenile courts. Maintaining an adequate level of judicial resources is essential to effectively manage and resolve court business while providing meaningful access to the courts for the citizens of Nebraska. In order to meet these challenges, an objective assessment of the number and allocation of judges needed to handle caseloads is necessary. To this end, the Administrative Office of the Courts contracted with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to conduct …

Precedent Of The European Convention On Human Rights To The Cia's High Value Detainees Program In And Through Europe, Tarik Abdel-Monem

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Rendering terror suspects to nations that permit the use of torture is one of several methods the United States has added to its national security arsenal in recent decades. News leaks and reports regarding the "outsourcing of terror" are not new, especially after September 11, 2001. According to a former CIA official, "[w]e pick up a suspect or we arrange for one of our partner countries to do it. Then the suspect is placed on civilian transport to a third country where, let's make no bones about it, they use torture. If you want a good interrogation, you send someone …

A Quarterly Technical Assistance Bulletin On Disaster Behavioral Health

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Disaster behavioral health is more than a set of clinical interventions
or the delivery of psychological first aid. The behavioral health response has to be organized and deployed in a way that fits with the greater response to disaster or our ability to reach those who could benefit from education or intervention will be limited. ICS principles provide a common base from which to begin a conversation about organizing a comprehensive behavioral health response to disaster that fits within an overall response structure. ICS is a standard, on-scene, all-hazards incident management system that is already in use by firefighters, hazardous …

Behavioral Health Guidelines For Medical Isolation, Denise Bulling, Robin Zagurski, Stacey Hoffman

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Contents:

I. Introduction and Background

II. Behavioral Health Guidelines for use with Hospital Isolation Precautions
Section I: Patients
Section II: Staff
Section III: Family (of Patients
Section IV: Community
Table: Summary of Behavioral Health Guidelines for use with Hospital Isolation Precautions

Appendix I: TEMPLATE – POLICY AND PROCEDURE

Appendix II: Sample Suicide Precautions Protocol

Appendix III: Screening Resources

Appendix IV: COMMON STRESS REACTIONS

Nebraska Judictial Structure & Administration Task Force Final Report

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The Nebraska courts face a challenge shared by many state courts, determining the optimum number of judges needed to successfully do the work of the district, county and juvenile courts. Maintaining an adequate level of judicial resources is essential to effectively manage and resolve court business while providing meaningful access to the courts for the citizens of Nebraska. In order to meet these challenges, an objective assessment of the number and allocation of judges needed to handle caseloads is necessary. To this end, the Administrative Office of the Courts contracted with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to conduct …

Reform And Empire: The British And American Transnational Search For The Rights Of Black People In The Late Nineteenth And Early Twentieth Centuries, Thomas E. Smith

Department of History: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Late nineteenth century modernity forced reformers in Great Britain and the United States to embrace a new sense of immediacy in their strategies. These new strategies, however, rarely extended to black people who were often subject to violence and discrimination in the period of high imperialism. Instead, when most reformers discussed the problems black people faced all they could offer were traditional promises of religious-based protections or “uplift.” The violence of lynching in the 1890s forced reformers to address the problems of white supremacy in a direct fashion, while promoting an understanding of the connection between the plight of African …

Responding To The Storm: Exploring The Psychological Support Of Emergency Responders After The May 2004 Storms In Southeast Nebraska, Denise Bulling, Stacey Hoffman, Martin Klein, Brooke Olsen, Harry Walles

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

A large number of emergency personnel were involved in the response to the May 2004 storms that devastated a 52 mile swath of Southeast Nebraska. Emergency workers who responded the night of the storm were exposed to bad weather, darkness, and uncertainty about their own safety. Later, they were asked to work alongside survivors and neighbors who had lost everything amidst widespread destruction of farms, homes, and businesses. Some, but not all of the emergency personnel were offered formal psychological support services like critical incident debriefing to assist with the emotional processing of the event.

The research literature is mixed …

Developmental Disabilities Service Coordination In Nebraska (Final Report Summary)

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

The LR 42 Service Coordination Workgroup, coordinated by the office of State Senator Dennis Byars, asked the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center to conduct a study of developmental disabilities service coordination in Nebraska. The Public Policy Center explored the perceptions and experiences of a variety of stakeholders involved in the service coordination system for people with developmental disabilities. The goal of the research project was to better understand:

• Stakeholder satisfaction with service coordination
• The roles and responsibilities service coordinators currently are fulfilling
• The importance of various aspects of service coordination
• How service coordination may be …

Developmental Disabilities Service Coordination In Nebraska

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

Table of Contents:

Executive Summary
Introduction
Statewide Results
Service Coordinator Activities -- Proportion of Time Spent and Importance
Mean Comparisons -- Service Coordinators and Provider Employees
Service Coordinator Responses by Service Area
Service Coordinator Responses by Years of Experience
Service Coordinator Responses by Education Level
Service Coordinator Responses by Number of Providers
Provider Employee Responses by Service Area
Provider Employee Team Experience by Service Area
Provider Employee Responses by Years of Team Experience
Comparisons across Three Surveys
References

Developmental Disabilities Service Coordination In Nebraska, Nancy Shank

Nancy Shank Publications

At the request of the LR 42 Service Coordination Workgroup, coordinated by the office of State Senator Dennis Byars, the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center conducted a study of developmental disabilities service coordination in Nebraska. The Public Policy Center explored the perceptions and experiences of a variety of stakeholders involved in the service coordination system for people with developmental disabilities. Analysis of the quantitative and qualitative data gathered from consumers of developmental disabilities services, consumers’ family members or guardians, Service Coordinators, and Service Provider Employees resulted in the following general observations.

Stakeholder satisfaction with service coordination:
• Many respondents …

Report To The Nebraska Supreme Court On Indigent Defense Systems And Fee Structures, Nebraska Minority Justice Committee

University of Nebraska Public Policy Center: Publications

On May 18, 2005 the Nebraska Supreme Court adopted the following resolution: “The Minority and Justice Implementation Committee shall study indigency attorney fee structures statewide and report and make recommendations, if any, to the Supreme Court regarding indigency fees throughout the State of Nebraska.”

The Nebraska Supreme Court’s resolution was influenced by a certain county’s attempt to establish a flat fee for court appointed attorneys. The legal profession’s concern with this policy is that such a drastic rate reduction would likely encourage attorneys to spend less time on court appointed cases, and discourage more experienced attorneys from accepting court appointments …