波克萊台灣商會赴台出席世界台商總會年會

波克萊台灣商會的游勝雄（右一），郭競儒（右四），李淑玲（左五），張文欽（左三）等人日前出席世界台灣商會聯合總會第22屆年會，匯報在圓山飯店舉行的這一會議，選出了第22屆總會長李耀熊 (歐洲 - 西班牙)，監事長邢增輝 (中南美洲 - 厄瓜多爾)。

經李耀熊總會長提議，明年3月4-6日，將在西班牙首都馬德里市舉行第二
次理監事與會員代表聯合會議，會後旅遊分四團，包括地中海巴塞隆納豪華遊輪加安道爾日遊，摩洛哥深度之遊，西班牙葡萄牙七日遊，西班牙南部七日遊.等。

該一會議也選出了各洲總會長，訂定了各個年會日期與地點，包括北美洲總會長林金益，06-24-2016在加拿大多倫多市舉行；中南美洲總會長梁輝騰，06-28-2016在厄瓜多爾舉行；亞洲總會長江永興，07-21-2016在台灣高雄市舉行；歐洲總會長吳輝舟，05-24-2016在奧地利國舉行；非洲總會長溫嵐珠，04-8.9.10-2016在南非約翰尼斯堡市舉行；大洋洲總會長鍾依霖，07- 7.8.9.-2016在紐西蘭首都奧克蘭市舉行。

波克萊台灣商會共有16人，參加了這次世界台灣商會聯合總會年會，其中有8人具有世界台灣商會聯合總會資深顧問，顧問，理事等頭銜。（圖由波克萊台灣商會提供）

AG HEALEY OPPOSES BINDING ARBITRATION CLAUSES IN LONG-TERM CARE CONTRACTS

AG HEALEY OPPOSES BINDING ARBITRATION CLAUSES IN LONG-TERM CARE CONTRACTSJoins Multistate Effort Urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to Put Stronger Consumer Protections in Place

BOSTON – In order to better protect patients in long-term care facilities and their families, Attorney General Maura Healey joined a coalition of states in urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to prohibit binding arbitrary clauses and implement stronger consumer protections.

AG Healey, along with 14 other states and the District of Columbia, submitted comments urging CMS to remove these clauses from long-term care contracts. The attorneys general argue that the use of binding arbitration clauses takes away from consumers the ability to assert their claims in court when disputes or incidents at the facilities occur.   

“Making the decision to enter long-term care and nursing home facilities can be an emotional time for our most vulnerable populations and their families,” AG Healey said. “In these difficult circumstances, consumers need to be able to hold providers accountable for any wrongdoing in the care of themselves or their loved ones.”

The attorneys general argue that an individual entering a nursing home or other long-term care facility, or family members acting on their behalf, are often making a health care choice under stressful circumstances, and are unlikely to make an informed decision about the best method to resolve future disputes. These particular situations are unlike business negotiations between commercial parties that are the more usual place for binding arbitration clauses.

In many instances, a resident or family member only discovers the existence of a binding arbitration clause after a dispute arises or a tragic event happens. It typically requires that claims against the business – even for cases of abuse or neglect – must be brought before a private arbitration provider chosen by the facility, prohibiting consumers from filing suit.

The comments are consistent with the position of the American Arbitration Association, which determined in 2003 that it would not administer healthcare arbitrations between patients and service providers that related to medical services, unless all parties agreed to arbitration after the dispute occurred.

A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) study of arbitration agreements in financial services contracts found that consumers were largely unaware about whether their contracts contained an arbitration clause and that it restricted their ability to sue in court. In November 2014, the AG’s Office lead a multistate effort urging the CFPB to restore consumer protections, rights and bargaining power by regulating arbitration clauses that are often inserted by financial institutions into contracts for credit card, payday loan and checking account agreements.

Other states that signed on to today’s comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, drafted by Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia.

MAYOR WALSH'S MENTORING MOVEMENT RECRUITS 500 NEW MENTORS

波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin J. Walsh）日前宣佈，增召500名新輔導員，以加入全州性的麻州輔導夥伴（Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP)）計畫，幫助拓展青少年與成人建立關係，加強傳承活動效果。            波士頓市長去年推出兩年內招募1000名新輔導員為波士頓青少年服務的計畫，這一增募500名新輔導員行動，將列入前述計畫的一部分。            在麻州為250多個輔導項目服務，支援大約33,000名青少年的“麻州輔導夥伴“將協助波士頓市長，居間聯繫輔導者及青少年。查詢波士頓市長的輔導行動（Mentoring Movement），可上網bostonmentors.org，或上推特#BostonMentors。     MAYOR WALSH'S MENTORING MOVEMENT RECRUITS 500 NEW MENTORS

Boston - Thursday, October 15, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today joined Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP), a statewide organization fueling the movement to expand empowering youth-adult relationships to meet the needs of communities across Massachusetts, to announce the recruitment of more than 500 new mentors so far as part of the Mayor's Mentoring Movement. The Mayor's initiative was launched late last year with the goal to recruit 1,000 new mentors over the next two years to serve Boston youth.   "We are thrilled that so many caring adults have answered the call to be the difference in the lives of young people all across the City of Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "Through our continued efforts, we hope to reach even more people who are willing to invest themselves and ensure that every young person has access to these empowering relationships." Mass Mentoring Partnership is helping Mayor Walsh to connect volunteer mentors with mentoring opportunities by referring them to partner mentoring programs across the city, who then match the adults with young people waiting for mentors. To learn more about the Mayor's Mentoring Movement, visit: bostonmentors.org. Follow the conversation on Twitter: #BostonMentors. "We want to thank our mentoring program partners for all of their work to achieve this exciting milestone," said Marty Martinez, President & CEO of Mass Mentoring Partnership. "These empowering youth-adult relationships can help young people reach their full potential and strengthen our community." Mentors encourage positive choices, promote high self-esteem, and academic achievement. They foster confidence in young people that allows them to be the best version of themselves, and more productive members of society. The impact of a caring adult's dedication and care can lift youth off of a bad path and place them on a road to success.  ABOUT MASS MENTORING PARTNERSHIP Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP) is fueling the movement to expand empowering youth-adult relationships to strengthen communities across Massachusetts. MMP serves more than 250 mentoring programs and youth development organizations statewide supporting 33,000 youth in caring relationships. Visit: www.massmentors.org.

BOSTON MAN INDICTED FOR ARMED BANK ROBBERY

BOSTON MAN INDICTED FOR ARMED BANK ROBBERY

 

BOSTON – A Boston man was charged today in U.S. District Court in Boston in connection with robbing a Citizens Bank in Brighton. 

 

Kenneth E. Denny, 60, was indicted on one count of armed bank robbery. 

 

According to court documents, on July 24, 2015, a man, dressed in a tan hat, gray wig, blue sports coat, shirt and tie, entered a Citizens Bank on Washington Street in Brighton.  Once inside the bank, the man allegedly handed the teller a demand note, removed an item which appeared to be a bomb from a newspaper he was carrying, placed it on the teller’s counter, and demanded money.  The man was given $4,040, but was confronted by the bank’s manager when he attempted to leave.  The man dropped the bag containing the money removed a white cell phone from his pocket and stated “I am going to blow it up.”  The individual then exited the bank and was seen heading down Washington Street. 

 

The Boston Police Bomb squad arrived and determined that the bomb was a hoax.  Inside the bank, law enforcement officers allegedly found that the robber had left his wallet on the teller’s counter with a picture ID inside in the name of Kenneth E. Denny.  Law enforcement officers recalled that they had observed a man who resembled Denny on Washington Street as they were approaching the bank.  A few minutes later, officers located the man and confirmed that his name was Kenneth Denny.  Denny was asked to produce identification and stated he must have lost his wallet. 

 

Denny was detained and returned to the bank for a live line-up.  Court documents allege that bank employees identified Denny as the man who had robbed them earlier in the day. 

 

The charging statute provides for a sentence of no greater than 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

 

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit. 

 

        The details contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law. 

Governor Baker Files Landmark Substance Use Legislation

Governor Baker Files Landmark Substance Use Legislation Bill Boosts Opioid Education, Tightens Prescribing, and Adds Pathway to Treatment BOSTON – Continuing the series of initiatives to combat the opioid epidemic, Governor Baker today unveiled legislation to provide medical personnel with the power to intervene with patients suffering from addiction, control the spread of addictive prescription opioids and increase education about substance use disorder (SUD) for providers and in the community.  The bill, titled “An Act Relative to Substance Use Treatment, Education and Prevention,” contains several additional provisions developed by the Governor’s Opioid Working Group to address prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery. “Combatting the opioid epidemic in the Commonwealth calls for a comprehensive approach, and filing today’s landmark legislation is a critical step toward creating more effective treatment pathways and better controlling opioid prescribing practices for first-time patients,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “Our administration has already implemented a series of the Working Group’s recommendations to tackle this epidemic from every angle, ranging from prevention to recovery support.” This bill calls for new requirements for practitioners, educators and communities and amends the civil commitment statute, section 35, to specify that women committed for substance use treatment may be sent to new secure treatment units approved by the Departments of Public Health (DPH) and Mental Health (DMH) and ends the practice of sending women to MCI Framingham for treatment.  Further, medical professionals will be granted the authority to involuntarily commit an individual for treatment for 72 hours if they pose a danger to themselves or others.  Currently, individuals suffering from substance-use disorders can only be held for treatment through an order from the courts, which are not always in session, limiting access for families and patients in need of a 24 hour “front door” to treatment for a substance-related emergency. To better control opioid prescribing practices, this legislation contains a provision limiting patients to a 72-hour supply the first-time they are prescribed an opioid or when they are prescribed an opioid from a new doctor.  Practitioners will also be required to always check the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) prior to prescribing an opioid to a patient, and will be required to fulfill five hours of training on pain management and addiction every two years. “Our administration is utilizing every tool in the toolbox to fight the opioid crisis tainting every corner of the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito.  “Filing today’s bill serves as the latest call to action to execute a dynamic strategy and we look forward to working with the legislature to enact meaningful laws to help our citizens.” Governor Baker and Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders announced the landmark legislation at a State House press conference, joined by Department of Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel and members of the Working Group, including Dr. Sarah Wakeman.  “Since the Working Group’s Action Plan was made public in June, we have expanded treatment services, eliminated insurance barriers and worked to increase education for students, parents, and faculty, broadened public awareness of the crisis and expanded access to life-saving Narcan,” saidMarylou Sudders, Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and Chair of the Opioid Working Group.  “This legislation will allow us to continue progress in order to bend the trend of overdoses and addiction that is devastating individuals, families and our communities.” “Addiction is a disease that is caused by a mix of genetics and exposure,”said Dr. Sarah Wakeman, a member of the Opioid Working Group.  “As physicians, legislators and community members we cannot change people's genetics but we can begin to work on the exposures that leave individuals vulnerable to this deadly disease.” In June, the 18-member Working Group released 65 recommendations, including short and long term action items, to be implemented over the next three years.  While some require legislative action, other reforms require funding or can be achieved through partnerships with private industry and federal leaders. Already, the Baker-Polito Administration signed a budget to allocate more than $114 million in spending for substance misuse prevention, education and treatment, increased bulk purchasing of Narcan in municipalities and changed reporting requirements for the Prescription Monitoring Program from 7 days to 24 hours.  Further, 113 treatment beds have opened in six communities (Quincy, Princeton, New Bedford, Boston, Westborough, Fall River) with more expected in Greenfield this winter.  The administration named a Drug Formulary Commission to look at the safety, effectiveness and cost of abuse deterrent pain medications, met with the Mass Medical Society and state medical deans and issued best practices guidelines for opioid prescribing. In June, the administration also launched a series of multi-media public service announcements to warn the Commonwealth of opioid use, and plans to unveil a new public campaign to tackle the stigma of addiction soon. A full update on the Governor’s Opioid Working Group progress can be found at: www.mass.gov/stopaddiction. Key Provisions In The Act Relative to Substance Use Treatment, Education and Prevention (STEP): -        Limits Prescribing Practices for First-Time Opioid Prescriptions: o   The first time a patient obtains a prescription for an opioid or when they see a new doctor, the patient will be limited to a 72-hour supply. o   This section provides an exception for emergency situations and permits the Department of Public Health to identify additional exceptions to the 72-hour limit. -        Allows Clinicians to Treat and Assess Patients for 72-hours: o   Creates a new pathway for treatment of individuals with substance abuse disorder by allowing clinicians to retain a patient for 72-hours so they can attempt to engage the patient in voluntary treatment or seek court ordered involuntary treatment.  o   Instead of limiting the “front door” to obtain involuntary treatment for a substance use disorder to the court system, the bill makes hospitals as a new “front door” that can provide access to involuntary emergency treatment for an initial 72-hour period.  This provision parallels existing law that permits a 72-hour period of involuntary treatment where a physician determines that a person suffers from a mental illness and poses a serious risk of harm.  -        Strengthens the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP): Requires every practitioner, including emergency room clinicians, to check the prescription monitoring program (PMP) prior to prescribing an opiate. -        Mandates Controlled Substance Training for Practitioners: Requires that practitioners who prescribe controlled substances receive five hours of training every two years related to effective pain management and the identification of patients at high risk for substance use disorder. -        Requires Educational Training on Substance Misuse for Coaches and Parents: All public schools subject to the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association rules are required to provide training for parents, coaches, trainers and parent volunteers, physicians and nurses on the dangers of opioid use during the annual mandatory head injury safety training program. -        Amends the Civil Commitment Statute (Section 35 of Chapter 123 of the General Laws): o   Removing the provision allowing the civil commitment of women to MCI-Framingham for substance disorder treatment. o   Requiring the department of public health to identify for the court the facility where a bed is available for the treatment of an individual committed under section 35; o   Expanding access to treatment beds by authorizing the department of mental health to identify DMH licensed beds, with enhanced security comparable to that now maintained at the Men’s Addiction Treatment Center, in Brockton, and the Women’s Addiction Treatment Center, in New Bedford, that are available to treat individuals with a substance use disorder who have been committed under section 35; o   Clarifying the executive branch’s existing authority to transfer patients between facilities while the patient is committed under section 35 and receiving treatment services.  -        Requires Insurers to File Opioid Management Policies: Mandates insurers regulated by the Division of Insurance (DOI) to file policies annually to encourage safe prescribing practices. -        Improve Access to Recovery High Schools: Recovery high schools (RHS) provide a safe, sober and supportive learning environment for students who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Currently, students attending a RHS do not receive funding from the Commonwealth to cover transportation costs. This act requires the Department of Public Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop a transportation plan for students who attend a recovery high school. -        Requires DMH and DPH to promulgate regulations related to the implementation of this act.