In this issue

2 • NewDOLCommissioner

• Indianaproductsforyourholidaytable

3

The TorchispublishedmonthlybytheStatePersonnelDepartment

andisavailableonlineatwww.in.gov/spd

Submityourstoryideasto:spdcommunications@spd.in.gov

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8• 2014Holidays• DNRannualpassesavailable

• 11tipsforhealthyholidayeating

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December 2013

• 2013wastheyearofwellness!

• Ninewaystosaveonhealthcare

Insurance Commissioner to Seniors: know your options for MedicareOnNovember11,CommissionerStephenRobertsonadvisedseniorswhohaveMedicareAdvantageplanswithUnitedHealthcare,includingonessoldthroughAARP,toconfirmthattheirpreferredproviderswillbepartofthenetworkthroughout2014,becauseofreductionsthecompanyrecentlymadetoitsprovidernetwork.

“Seniorswhowanttostaywiththehealthcareproviderthey’recurrentlyseeingmaybeabletodoso.IrecommendthatanyonecurrentlyonaUnitedHealthcareMedicareAdvantageorAARPplan–oranyMedicareAdvantageplan–callourSHIPcounselors,checkwhethertheirdoctorwillcontinuetobeapartoftheirplan,andlearnabouttheiroptions,”saidRobertson.

SHIP,theStateHealthInsuranceAssistanceProgram,isafreeandunbiasedcounselingprogramprovidedbytheIndianaDepartmentofInsuranceforMedicarebeneficiariesinIndiana.SHIPisnot

affiliatedwithanyinsurancecompanyandisstaffedbyacrewofvolunteercounselors.

“Ourcounselorsattendsemi-annualtrainingeventsandhaveup-to-dateinformationavailableregardingMedicarecoverageoptions,”saidCherylSt.Clair,

SHIPDirector.“IencourageeveryonewhoisunsureabouttheirMedicaredecisionstocallforhelp.”

MedicareAdvantageplansaredifferentthantraditionalMedicareplans,becausemembersarerestrictedtothedoctorswhoparticipateintheirnetwork.Thus,itiscriticalthatseniorsunderstandtheiroptionsduringtheMedicareopenenrollmentperiod,whichendsDecember7,2013.

AlthoughSHIPcounselorscanbefoundstate-wide,SHIP’scentralofficecanbereachedat(800)452-4800.Informationonitswebsitecanbefoundatwww.medicare.IN.gov.

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The Torch 2

New DOL commissioner named

Governor appointments

Choose Indiana products to fill your holiday table

Holiday eating

IndianaisrightfullyknownforouragriculturalheritageandthereisnobettertimetoshowcasethemanygreatproductsmadeinIndianathannow.Withtheholidayseasoninfullswing,itiseasierthanevertoaddelementsofIndiana’sbountytoanyfestiveholidaytable.Whetherit’sdrinks,sides,ingredientsorthemaincourse,Indiana’sartisanalfoodproducershaveyoucoveredthisseason.BelowarejustafewsamplesofgreatIndianaproductsfortheChristmasandholidaytables.FormoreinformationonIndiana’sagriculturalproducts,logontoVisitIndiana.com:

TurkeyPotPie:StrongbowInn,Valparaiso-OneofthemostfamousThanksgivinglocationsinthestateisStrongbowInn,whichserves3,500peopleonThanksgivingDay.Alotofpeoplealsostopbytopickuppie,desserts,turkeypies,orwholedinnerstoeatonThanksgivingoranyday.

Riesling:OliverWinery,Bloomington-OliverisIndiana’soldestandlargestwineryandRieslingisaperfectaccompanimenttothetraditionalThanksgivingmeal.

DeBrandChocolates:DeBrandChocolatier,FortWayne-DeBrandhasanumberoffallandwinterthemedchocolateflavors-sweetpotatopiechocolate,sugarandspicebarandaclassichotchocolatekit.

GreatHarvestBreadCompany:TurkeyBreadLoaves,Lafayette-GreatHarvesthandcraftsbreaddailyusingonlypureandsimpleingredients.Theturkeyshapedbreadloafisaspecialtyproductfortheholidays.

Pumpkindesserts:GhyslainChocolates,Richmond-Ghyslainmakesbeautifuldessertsyearroundandhasflavorsthatareperfectfortheholidays-pumpkincheesecake,pecanbourboncarameltart,applecinnamoncheesecakeandthefallCharlemagne,adecedentdessertwithchocolateonchocolateonchocolate.

ThisisjustasamplingofwhatIndianahastooffer.Ouragriculturaloutputfeedsthecountry,butweHoosierssavethebestforourselves.

OnNovember4,GovernorMikePencenamedRick Ruble CommissioneroftheIndianaDepartmentofLabor(DOL).

“RickRubleistherightmanattherighttimetoleadtheIndianaDepartmentofLabor,”saidPence.“WithextensiveexperienceinavarietyofroleswithintheIndianaDepartmentofLabor,hisskillsandbackgroundwillservehimwellashestrivestoadvancethesafety,healthandprosperityoftheHoosierworkforceintheyearsahead.”

RublecurrentlyservesasInterimCommissionerforDOL,apositionhehasheldsinceSeptember18,2013.Priortothisrole,RubleservedasDeputyCommissionerofLaborandGeneralCounselwithintheagencybeginningin2007.HealsoworkedwithinDOLintheResearchandStatisticsdivisionfortenyearsbeforegraduatingfromlawschoolinthelate1990sandenteringprivatelawpractice.

Ruble,ofMartinsville,earnedhisundergraduatedegreefromIndianaUniversityandhislawdegreefromIndianaUniversityRobertH.McKinneySchoolofLaw.

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2013 was the year of wellness but this is just the beginning

Continued on next page

Thisyear,StatePersonnellaunchedtheInvestInYourHealthwellnessprogram,topromoteahealthylifestyleculture,educateonthehealthcaresystemandprovidetoolsandsupporttohelpyouspendyourtimeanddollarsmorewisely.

GovernorMikePencedeclaredSeptemberHealthandWellnessMonthtoengageemployeesinadailyroutineoffocusingontheirhealth.Tocelebrate,SPDpackedthemonthwithvariousactivitiesandpromotionsthatgotemployeesthinkingabouttheirhealthandpossiblymakingsmallchangestoimproveit.Duringthismonth,thestateplannedavarietyofdailyactivitiesandheldacontesttowinaFitBitZipwirelessactivitytracker.Morethan700stateemployeesloggedontotheInvestInYourHealthIndianawebsitetoregisterfortheirchancetowinand21luckyemployeeswon.“MywifelovesusingtheFitBittotrackherdailyactivity.ItgivesyoumuchmorethatIthoughtitwould.Youcantrackcalories,yoursteps,theintensityofyouractivityandyoursleeppatterns.Itisaneatproduct,”saidJasonHouse,IndianaDepartmentofEnvironmentalManagement.Youcanseeafewofthewinnersandheartheirstoriesbyclickinghere.Congratulationstoallthosewhowon!WehopethatyourFitBitZiphelpsyouliveamoreactivelifestyle.

AlsoduringHealthandWellnessMonth,theStepsChallengewasastatewidewalkingchallengehostedontheHealthyLifestyleswellnessportal.Morethan1,100stateemployeeswalkedalmost117millionsteps.Thatamountofstepsequatesto58,401mileswhichisfarenoughtowalk

aroundtheplanetearthtwice!Thisaveragedtoabout6,991stepsadayfor30days.Employeesreportedhavingmoreenergy,losingweight,beingmoresocialwithneighborsandtryinghealthierfoodallbyjustdedicatingtimetowalkeveryday.

Readoneemployee’sstory:“I’vebeenwalkingeveryday,whereinthepastIwouldskipadayorso.Myweighthasstayedprettymuchthesameduringthechallenge,whichisgreatbecauseforthefirsttimein20+years,I’matmyidealweight.Idon’tneedtoloseanymoreweight,andthecaloriecounterhasreallyhelpedwiththat.I’mgoingtocontinueusingthewebsiteevenafterthechallengeisoverattheendofthismonth.I’venevertriedtocountcaloriesbeforebecauseitseemedtoocomplicated.EnteringeachfoodIeatandtheamountiseasyonthewebsiteandthecomputerprogramdoestheentiremath.Iwenttothedoctorsixmonthsagoandmytotalcholesterolwashigherthannormal,andIthoughtthatIhadbeeneatinghealthy.Iwenttothedoctortwoweeksago,andeveryoneofmynumberswentdown.”

GreatjobtoallofthosewhoparticipatedintheStepsChallengeandwehopeyoucontinuetowalkandtrackyoursteps!

Inanattempttogainabetterunderstandingoftheneedsofstateemployeesfromawellnessperspective,theStatePersonnelDepartmentalsolaunchedawellnesssurvey.Thesurveyconfirmedthatover70percentofrespondentsagreedthattheywouldliketoparticipateinwellnessprograms.Further,welearnedthatthebiggest

areasofneedincludenutrition,physicalactivity,weightlossandstressmanagement.Thisfeedbackwillhelpusbuildonourcurrentwellnessprogramtomeettheseneedsandservestateemployeestothefullestpotential.Staytunedforfuturewellnessprograms.

TheStateEmployeeHealthyRecipeContestwasanothereventthatsawgoodparticipationthroughoutthestate.Overall,38recipesweresubmittedbystateemployees.ThewinningrecipewasadeliciousItalianStuffedZucchini,submittedbyNatashaPulleyofFSSA.Youcanreadherstorybyclickinghere.CongratulationsNatasha!

Themonthconcludedwithapairofweekendevents.Saturday,Sept.28wasStateEmployeeFamilyFitnessDay.AvarietyofYMCAlocationsthroughoutthestateopenedtheirdoorsofferingfreeadmissiontostateemployeesandtheirfamilymembersfortheday.Sunday,September29wasNationalLandsDaysponsoredbytheStateParksandRecreationDivisionoftheDepartmentofNaturalResources.Insimilarfashion,allstateparksallowedfreeadmissiontostateemployeesandtheirfamilymembersfortheentireday.

CastlightSincelaunchingCastlightinJune,5,848employeeshaveregistered.CastlightHealthisasearchabledatabasethatenablesthestate

The Torch4

Lifestyles.Sincethen,morethan4,400employeeshavesignedupforthefreeserviceofHealthyLifestyles.Thissiteoffersyouapersonalizedwell-beingprogramthatsetsyouupforsuccess.Ifyou’rewillingtocommitsometimeandenergy,thisprogramcanhelpyoulookandfeelbetter,increaseyourenergy,decreaseyourstress,andimproveyourlongevitytojustnameafew.

WithapersonalWell-BeingPlancreatedjustforyou,youareabletotakesmall,manageablestepstowardsahealthier,happierlife.Morethan3,400employeeshavecompletedtheonlinehealthassessment.StartyourstodayanddiscoveravarietyoftoolsandsupportatMyHealthyLifestyles.com.

Youcanalsobenefitfromhelpfulresources,tools,programsandguidancetoassistyou.Yourinvolvementiscompletelyconfidentialandfreeofcharge.

Thesiteisfullofcustomizedtrackerstohelptakechargeofyourexercise,medication,weightorhealthyeatinggoals.Otherfeaturesinclude:• Personalizedmemberhomepage• Self-improvementplanning,

includingsuggestionsandgoalstomanagestress,anxiety,exerciseandnutrition

• Healthandwellnesspractices,references,recipesandself-caretipsforallfamilymembers

• AccesstoQuitNet,a

2013 was the year of wellness but this is just the beginningContinued from page 3

ofIndianaanditsemployeestotakecontrolofhealthcarecostsandimprovecare.Itprovidescostestimatesandqualityratingsfordoctorsandprocedures,whilealsoeducatingemployeesaboutcomplianceforchronichealthcareconditions.

PositivetestimonialsofhowCastlightissavingemployeestimeandmoneyhavebeentricklingintoSPD.Readjustafewofthesebelow:• “IhavefoundCastlighttobevery

usefulandveryuserfriendly.Ireallylikethatitdoesthemathforme,soIdon’thavetocalculateout-ofpocketexpenses,limits,deductibles,andotherconfusingthings.Ialsolikethatitexplainsyourcoveragewitheasytounderstandgraphs,”saidIsabel Carrero,DepartmentofChildServices.

• “IsignedupwithCastlightsothatIcouldcomparesometestsmyhusbandandIweregoingtohavetoseeifweweregettingthematthelowestpricepossible.I’vealsocomparedourdoctorwithsomeofthesurroundingdoctorsbecausewearediscussingthepossibilityofchangingdoctors,”saidSheila Heidenreich,DepartmentofRevenue.

Stateemployeeswhohavebeenenrolledinmedicalbenefitsformorethan30dayscanregisterandbeginusingCastlight.FormoreinformationonCastlightandhowtosignup,pleasevisitwww.investinyourhealthindiana.com/castlight/

Healthy LifestylesInthespring,SPDlaunchedHealthy

comprehensive,Internet-basedapproachtotobaccocessation,includinganonlinecommunityofmorethan1millionmembers

• Emailandsiteremindersforvaccinations

• Onlinecoachingfromcertifiedpersonaltrainers,registereddieticiansandaccreditedpsychologists-allavailabletoanswermemberquestions

• Wellnessresources,includingvideos,articles,healthyrecipesandmore.

• Onlinegroupsforconnectingwithpeoplewhohavethesamegoals.

• HealthyLifestylesisavailableonlytostateofIndianaAnthemmembersandtheiradultdependents.

Youaretheonewhocanmakethebiggestimpactonyourownhealth.Tomaintainorimproveyourhealth,younotonlyneedtomakegoodlifestylechoices–youneedsupportandhelptodoso.Sothinkaboutwhatyouwantinyourplanforyourhealthandgoforit.Becomeintentional,informedandinvolved.Youwillundoubtedlyseesomepersonalhealthbenefits.SPDwishestothankalltheemployeeswhoparticipatedinthewellnessprogramsthisyear.Ourgoalistocontinuetoofferhelpandsupportalongwithprogramsandservicestohelpyoucreateahealthierlife.

Lookformoreeventsandopportunitiesin2014withInvestinYourHealth.ContinuetocheckoutInvestinyourhealthindiana.comforstories,healthresources,tipsandrecipesthroughouttheyear

The Torch 5

Eleven tips to help you survive holiday eating this season

Thanks to the Indiana Dietetic Association for this submission.Bean & Tomato Salad with

Honey Vinaigrette

Theholidayseasonisfullofjoy,planning,wrapping,partiesandforsomeofustrepidationaboutwhattoeatandhowtokeepourcaloriesincheck.Whiletheseasonitselfiswonderfulandfulloffamilyandworkgatherings,itisstillimportanttokeepfocusedonbalancingyourdietandactivitypatternsduringthisbusyholiday.

Whenattendingorpreparingforfamilygatherings,workparties,churchpitch-ins,orothereventswherefoodisinvolved,alittleplanningcangoalongway.Itcanbemoredifficulttoeathealthyatthesetypesofgatheringsbutitisn’timpossible.Attimes,youmaynotknowwhatistobeserved.Othertimes,youmayknowtheyarenotservingveryhealthyoptions.Therearewaystoenjoyfriends,familyandthefoodandstillkeepyournutritionandhealthingoodshape.Hereareafewtips:

Be realistic.TheaverageAmericangainssixpoundsbetweenThanksgivingandNewYear’sDay.Tryingtoloseweightduringtheholidaysisanuphillbattle.Instead,settingyourgoalatmaintainingyourweightduringtheholidaysismorerealistic.

Do not arrive at holiday parties hungry! Nineoutof10individualsovereatiftheyskipmeals.Ourbodiesaredesignedtoeateveryfourtofivehours.Skippingmealsto“savecalories”forpartyeatingsetsyouupforfailure.Eatalightmealbeforeapartyandarriveincontrolofyourappetiteandactuallyeatless.

Make time for exercise during the holidays. Eventhebest-derivedplansleaveroomforerror.Exercisehelpsburnoffsomeadditionalcalories.However,

keepinmind,thatyouhavetowalkapproximately30minutesatfourmilesperhourtoburnoffonesmallsliceofpumpkinpie.

Donate food gifts to a food pantry. Don’teventemptyourselfbybringingholidayfavoriteshome.

Call ahead! Ifyoufeelcomfortablewiththepeoplehostingtheparty,callaheadtofindoutwhattheyareserving.Ifthefoodisgoingtoberatherhighinfat,trytochooselowerfatchoicesthroughouttherestofday.

Look before you leap.Besuretolookoverallofthechoicesbeforestartingtofillyourplateandmakeaplan.Ifyouknowwhatisattheendoftheline,youmaywanttopassupsomethingatthebeginningofthelinetoallowforthatitem.

Get your fill of healthy fibers. Trytochoosemoreofthefruits,vegetablesandwholegrainfoodswhenavailableandlessofthehigherfatfoods.Choiceswithoutgraviesandsaucesreducecaloriesaswell.

Think about your drink.Drinkwaterorsugarfreedrinks.Sodas,punch,fruitdrinksandalcoholicbeveragescanaddseveralcaloriestoameal.

Eliminate the sampler platter.Ifseveraldessertsareserved,chooseonetotry.Asmallsampleofallofthemcanaddupinfatandcaloriesveryquickly.

Take a healthy food choice as a gift. Takingavegetableorfruittrayisanicegestureandyouareassuredyouhaveatleastonechoicethatishighinnutritionandlowincalories.

Turkey Trot!Ifyoustilleatalittlemorethanusual,talkfamilyorfriendsintogoingforawalkafterdinner.Itisagoodbondingtimeforpeopleatthegatheringandallowsyoutoburnthoseextracalories.

Lightenupmealsthatyouprepare.Youcantrysomeofthefollowingideas:• Makealistbeforegroceryshopping.

(Don’tshopwhenyou’rehungry!)• Servemealsonsmallerplates.• Whenpreparingturkey,choosea

plainbird,ratherthanaself-bastingbird.

• Removetheskinonturkeybeforeeating.

• Useagravycuporrefrigeratethepanjuicesandskimthefatoffthetopbeforemakinggravy.(Itcanremoveupto56gramsoffatpercupofgravy.)

• Whenpreparingdressing,uselessbreadandaddmoreonions,celery,vegetablesandevensuchfruitsascranberriesandapples.

• Leaveoutthemargarineandmarshmallowswhenpreparingyams.Instead,sweetenthedishwithfruitjuice,suchasapple,andflavoritwithcinnamon.

• Whenpreparingmashedpotatoes,useskimmilk,garlicpowderandalittleparmesancheeseinsteadofwholemilkandbutter.

Allfoodscanfitwheneatinghealthy.Itmayjusttakealittleplanning.Don’teliminateyourfavorites,butlimittheservingsizeanddon’tfeelpressuredto“tryeverything.”Taketimetothinkaboutyourfoodchoicesandmakeconsciousdecisions.Mostimportantly,enjoyyourselfbecauseyouareworthit!

The Torch6

Nine ways to save on health care Establish a relationship with a primary care doctor. Yourfirstvisitwithanewdoctorcosts30-50percentmorethanareturnvisit,evenfornewproblems.Youcanavoidmultiplefirst-timevisitchargesbymaintainingarelationshipwithoneprimarycaredoctor.It’simportanttoselectaprimarycaredoctorthatofferstheaffordable,high-qualitycarethat’srightforyou.

Take advantage of covered preventive care.Underthenewhealthcarelaw,healthplansarerequiredtopay100percentforyourannualphysicalandotherage-andgender-appropriatepreventivescreenings(e.g.,wellchildexams,mammogramsandcolonoscopies)regardlessofyourdeductiblestatus.And,ifyouuseyourfreeannualphysicalforyourfirstvisitwithanewdoctor,youcanavoidthehigherfirst-visitcostsaltogether.

Use specialists only when referred by your primary care doctor. Specialistscanchargedoubleormorethanaprimarycaredoctorforanofficevisit.Plus,youalsowillincurtheadditionalfirst-timevisitorconsultationfeeforyourfirstvisittoaspecialist.Agoodprimarycaredoctorcantakecareofmostofyourproblemsandcanreferyoutospecialistsonlywhenneeded.Usingaspecialistasyourprimarycaredoctoraddssignificantcoststhatmaynotbenecessary.

Use national laboratory groups for blood tests.Similartohowyoucantakeadrugprescriptiontothepharmacyofyourchoice,youcanaskforawrittenlaborderandtakeittothelabofyourchoice.Nationallaboratorygroups,suchasQuestandLabCorp,havesignificantlylowerprices.

Ask for copies of all lab and imaging results. Keepafilethatyoutaketoallofyourdoctorvisits.Notonlydoeshistoricaldatahelpyourdoctorprovidemorecomprehensivecare,butyoucanavoidunnecessaryduplicatetests.

Get your flu shots and other preventive shots.Knowwhatvaccinesarecoveredbyyourplanandgetvaccinatedaccordingly.Talktoyourdoctoraboutwhatsafeandeffectivevaccineswillhelpyouavoidthecostofaseriousillnesslater.

Avoid the ER.Studiesshowthatmorethan25percentofERvisitsarenon-urgentandshouldbetakencareofinotherfacilities.AnERvisitcaneasilycostyou$1,000morethanavisittoaprimarycaredoctor.Inthecaseofanemergency,neverhesitatetogototheERimmediately;butfornon-urgentcare,gotoyourprimarycaredoctororconsideryourlocalurgentcareclinic.

Identify your closest urgent care clinic.Urgentcareandwalk-inclinics(suchasCVS’sMinuteClinic)provideaconvenient,low-costalternativefornon-emergencycareafterhoursandonweekends.Planaheadandidentifytheurgentcareclinicsnearesttoyourhome.Whenyoucan’tgetintoseeyourprimarycaredoctor,anurgentcarecliniccanbethemostaffordablewaytogetcare.

Use Castlight.Castlightisanexcellentresourcetohelpyoufindthehighestqualityaffordablecareforyourgivensituation.Infact,usingCastlightistheeasiestwayforyoutotakeadvantageofallofthesuggestionsabove!

IjustwantedtoletyouknowhowhappyI’vebeenwiththehealthcarecoachingthroughConditionCare.

Ifirstsignedupbecauseofmydiabetes,butbecauseofthealertandpersistentquestioningofthenursesstaffingthephoneline,Igotmyselfintoanallergistanddiagnosedwithasthma.Withtheirencouragement,I’vebeenmanagingmyasthmawhichhasinturnhelpedmydiabetesmanagement.

Iusedtogetsickeverycouplemonthswithasinusinfection.Thesehavebecomemoreandmoreseriousastheyearsgobyandmoredifficulttorecoverfrom.Lastwinter,Ihadanextendedillnessthatwasafrighteningexperienceforme.

Thisseason,Ifeelmuchstrongerandhavebeenabletofightoffseveralsnufflesbeforetheyturnedintocolds,muchlesssinusinfections.MyenergylevelishigherandIfeelmuchmorepositiveaboutmyhealth.Withoutthesupportofthenurseline,Iprobablywouldhavesettledintodenialtoavoidyetanotherdiagnosis.

IthoughtAnthemwouldwanttodiscouragemefromgoingtoyetanothersetofdoctorsbecauseofthecost.Instead,theyhelpedmerecognizemycondition,accesstreatment,andimprovemyoverallhealth.Thelong-termcostsareprobablycheaper.Iamveryimpressedwiththisservice.Thanksagain.

Sincerely,anFSSAEmployee

A letter to State Personnel Department

The Torch 7

Four Indiana state hospitals recognized as top quality performersAwards

OnOctober30,IndianaFamilyandSocialServicesAdministration(FSSA)announcedthatMadisonStateHospital,EvansvilleStateHospital,LogansportStateHospitalandLaRueD.CarterMemorialHospitalhaveallbeenrecognizedasaTopPerformeronKeyQualityMeasures®byTheJointCommission,anindependent,not-for-profitthataccreditsandcertifieshealthcareorganizationsandprogramsintheUnitedStates.

Outof3,343eligiblehospitalsthatsubmittedaccountabilitymeasuredatatoTheJointCommission,1,099wererecognizedasaTopPerformeronKeyQualityMeasures,astheymetorexceededevidence-basedaccountablymeasuresthatareshowntoimprovecareconditions.

“ThisrecognitionfromtheJointCommissionreinforcesourcommitmenttoqualitycareand

exceptionaltreatment,”saidKevinMoore,directoroftheDivisionofMentalHealthandAddiction.“Agreatdealoffocusandeffortbyhospitalstaffcreatedthisopportunityforsuccess.Iamveryproudthatfourofourstatehospitalshaveattainedthislevelofqualityachievement.”

TobenamedaTopPerformeronKeyQualityMeasureseachhospitalhadtoachieveacumulativeperformanceof95percentoraboveacrossallreportedaccountabilitymeasures.Eachaccountabilitymeasurerepresentsanevidence-basedpractice.Examplespertainingtopsychiatrichospitalsincludeappropriateadmissionscreenings,patientsafetypracticesandcreationofcontinuingcareplans.Hospitalshadtoalsoachieveperformanceof95percentoraboveonallreportedaccountabilitymeasureswheretherewereatleast30casesandhaveat

leastonecoremeasuresetthathadacompositerateof95percentorabove.

“EachoftheseIndianahospitals,andalltheTopPerformerhospitals,havedemonstratedanexceptionalcommitmenttoqualityimprovementandtheyshouldbeproudoftheirachievement,”saidMarkR.Chassin,M.D.,FACP,M.P.P.,M.P.H.,presidentandchiefexecutiveofficerofTheJointCommission.“Wehavemuchtocelebratethisyear.NearlyhalfofouraccreditedhospitalshaveattainedornearlyattainedtheTopPerformerdistinction.Thistrulyshowsthatweareapproachingatippingpointinhospitalqualityperformancethatwilldirectlycontributetobetterhealthoutcomesforpatients.”

Deer attractants illegal for use in hunting in IndianaTheDepartmentofNaturalResourcesisremindingIndianahuntersthateventhoughdeerattractantsfoundatretailstorescanbepurchasedandusedinthewild,huntingnearthemisillegal.

Theyareconsideredbait.

Indianaregulationsprohibitthehuntingofdeerwiththeuseoraidofbait,whichisdefinedas“afoodthatistransportedandplacedforconsumption,including,butnotlimitedto,pilesofcornandapplesplacedinthefield;apreparedsolidorliquidthatismanufacturedandintendedforconsumptionbylivestockorwilddeer,including,butnotlimitedto,

DNR

commercialbaitsandfoodsupplements;salt;ormineralsupplements.”

ThisincludesartificialproductsmarketedundernamessuchasDeerCo-Cain,BuckJam,TrophyRock,aswellasmineralblocks,

saltblocks,andevennaturalfoodssuchascornandapples.

“Basically,ifyouplaceanythingthatisn’tgrownintheareaandhuntthere,it’sillegal,”saidLt.LarryMorrison,outdooreducationdirectorforDNRLawEnforcement.“Huntingnexttoacornfieldorfromanappletreeislegal,butplacingcornorapplesunderyourtreestandwouldputyouinconflictwithcurrentIndianalaw.”

Anareaisconsideredbaitedfor10daysaftertheproductandtheaffectedsoilisremovedfromanarea.

Odordiffersfrombait.Coverscentsorscentattractantsarelegaltousewhenhunting.ArcheryseasoncurrentlyisunderwayinIndianaandcontinuesthroughJan.5,2014.TheurbanzonesegmentindesignatedareascontinuesthroughJan.31,2014.

Indiana’sdeerhuntingseasonwithfirearmsendedDec.1,followedbythemuzzleloaderseason(Dec.7-22)andthespecialantlerlessseason(Dec.26-Jan.5,2014).

AviolationofIndiana’snobaitingregulationisaClassCmisdemeanor.

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Center for deaf and hard of hearing education aligns community services

Education

OnOctober24,thegrandopeningcelebrationfortheCenterforDeafandHardofHearingEducation(CDHHE)markedthebeginningofalignedoutreachandsupportservicesforIndiana’sdeafandhardofhearingchildrenandtheirfamilies.AlthoughtheCDHHEhada“soft”openingonJuly1,thepastfewmonthshavebeenspentcreatingtheinfrastructurethatwouldallowtheCentertobefullyoperational.“GovernorDanielsandtheIndianaLegislatureestablishedtheCenterin2012toensurethatchildrenwhoaredeaforhardofhearingacquireoptimallanguageskillsandacademicabilitiesregardlessofthemodeormodesofcommunicationused,”saidStateHealthCommissionerWilliamVanNess,M.D.“WearehonoredtheyentrustedtheIndianaStateDepartmentofHealthtohousetheCenterandcarryoutitsimportantmissionandpleasedtocelebrateitopeningwithmembersofthecommunity.”TheCDHHE’scentralofficeislocatedonthecampusoftheIndianaSchoolfortheDeafinIndianapolis.TheCenterwillalsohaveapresenceacrossthestatethroughtheestablishmentofregionallocationsoverthecomingyear.TheCenterisresponsiblefortheeducationalneedsofalldeafandhardofhearingchildreninthestate,including:• Trackingandmonitoringindividualchildprogressfrombirththroughschoolexit.

• Coordinationwiththevariousstateagenciesinvolvedinprovidingservicestodeafandhardofhearingchildren.

• Trainingandsupportforbothprofessionalsandparents/guardiansaboutallcommunicationoptions.

• Assessmentservicesandsupportofschoolsinmeetingtheneedsofthechildrenintheirdistricts.

“I’mveryexcitedaboutthepossibilitiesthattheCDHHEembodiesforchildrenwhoareDeafandHardofHearinginIndiana,”saidCDHHEDirector,GaylaHutsellGuignard.“Wearebringingseveralservicesunderoneumbrellatoenhanceandbuilduponsomeofthegoodthingswewerealreadydoingandcapitalizingonthissynergytobenefitchildrenandtheirfamiliesbyprovidingamoreseamlesssystemofservices.”

TolearnmoreabouttheCDHHE,visitwww.in.gov/isdh/25883.htm.

On Oct. 24 Members of the Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education transition team raise their hands at the Center’s grand opening.

Thefollowingisalistofthe2014stateholidaysandthedatesonwhichtheywillbeobserved:

New Year’s Day:Wednesday,Jan.1Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday,Jan.20Good Friday:Friday,April18Primary Election Day:Tuesday,May6Memorial Day:Monday,May26Independence Day: Friday,July4Labor Day:Monday,September1Columbus Day:Monday,October13General Election Day:Tuesday,Nov.4Veterans Day:Tuesday,Nov.11Thanksgiving Day: Thursday,Nov.27Lincoln’s Birthday: Friday,Nov.28Christmas Day:Thursday,Dec.25Washington’s Birthday:Friday,Dec.26.

Annualentrance,boatingandhorsebackridingpermitsforIndianaStateParks&Reservoirsfor2014areavailableonlineatInnsGifts.comandatstateparkandreservoirpropertyoffices.

StateParks&Reservoirsentrancepermitscost$40forIndianaresidentsand$60forout-of-stateresidents.GoldenHoosierPermits,whichareentrancepermitsforHoosiersage65orolder,cost$20.

AnnualentrancepermitsallowentranceintoalloftheIndianastateparksandreservoirsandgatedstateforestrecreationareas,andmakegreataholidaygiftorstockingstuffer.

Campinggiftcardsareavailableatpropertyofficesandatcamp.IN.gov,andadditionalgiftsforoutdoorsloversaresoldatInnsGifts.com.

Mark your calendars for next year’s holidays

Holiday list

2014 annual passes are now available

State parks

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Nappanee Apple Pie, Holiday World and Notre Dame are “Best of Indiana”

Tourism

BMV’s social media presence grows

BMV

ThevotershavespokenandLt.Gov.SueEllspermannandtheIndianaOfficeofTourismDevelopment(IOTD)haveannouncedthewinnersofthe2013BestofIndianaFallcontest.Thecontest,acomponentofthepopularfalltravelsiteVisitIndianaFall.com,askedHoosierstoselectIndiana’sbestsignaturefallfood,bestfallfamily-fundestinationandbestcollegefootballgamedaytraditioninthestate.Thewinnersare:

• Best Signature Fall Food: NappaneeAppleFestival’s600poundapplepie

• Best Fall Family-Fun Destination:HolidayWorld’sHappyHalloweenWeekends

• Best College Football Game Day Tradition:UniversityofNotreDame

“FallisaspecialtimetotravelIndianaandthesewinnersarejustthreeofthemanyreasonswhy,”saidMarkNewman,IOTD’sexecutivedirector.“Allofthisyear’snomineesshowcaseadiversityoftravelopportunitiesthatisunrivaledbyanystate.”

Indiana’snationally-recognizedtraditionofheritageandculturalfestivalsincludesaveritablebountyoflocalandseasonaldelicacies.Thisyear’sBestSignatureFallFoodwinnerispreparedduringNappanee’sannualAppleFestival.Sevenfeetindiameterandweighingmorethan600pounds,theNappaneeAppleFestival’sapplepieisIndiana’slargestandamusttasteforthefestival’s80,000annualvisitors.

WhilebasketballmaybethesportmostassociatedwithIndiana,collegefootballintheHoosierStatehasalegacysecondtonone.Thislegacywascreatedinlargepart

becauseofthehistoricsuccessofthisyear’swinnerforBestCollegeFootballGameDayTradition,theUniversityofNotreDame.TheFightingIrishhavewonmanygamesandchampionshipsonthefield,andthefanshavetakenthatwinningtraditionoffthefieldtocreateIndiana’sbestcollegefootballgamedayexperience.

HolidayWorld&Splashin’SafariisagreatIndianadestinationthroughouttheyearandisuniquelysointhefall.Votersselectedtheaward-winningthemepark’sHappyHalloweenWeekendsasIndiana’sBestFallFamily-FunDestination.ManyofHolidayWorld’sfamousridesremainopenduringthesespecialtyweekends;andtheyarejoinedbyanumberofseasonalactivitiesforkidsofallages.

NomineesforBestSignatureFallFoodandBestFallFamily-FunDestinationwererecommendedbymembersofIndiana’stravel,tourismandhospitalityindustry.EachofIndiana’s21collegefootballprogramswaseligibleforvoting.

VisitIndianaFall.comisassociatedwithVisitIndiana.com,theofficialstatetravelwebsitewherediscounts,tripideasandhelpfultipsareeasilyaccessible.

TheBureauofMotorVehicles(BMV)recentlyaddedaccountsonseveralmediaplatforms,includingFacebook,TwitterandInstagraminanefforttoimprovecommunicationwithcustomers.TheBMV’sFacebookandTwitteraccountsareupdateddailywithtips,alertsandhelpfulinformation.

TheagencyalsohasitsownfreemobileapplicationforiPhonesandAndriodsthatisavailablefordownload.Itallowsuserstocompleteanumberoftransactionsfromtheirmobiledevice,suchasrenewingadriver’slicenseandupdatinginsuranceinformation.Forthemostup-to-dateinformationfollow@INBMVonTwitter,andvisitthemonfacebook.com/inbmvandinstagram.com/inbmv.

Step Challenge results

FromSept.3toOct.1,employeeswentwalkingforastepschallengeissuedbyHealthyLifestyles.Congratulationstothefollowingindividualsandteamsforwinningthechallenge!

Individuals:1. Carol Foster, DOC-Indiana

Women’sPrison:1,259,6802. Melissa Cline,IDEM:

1,157,2753. Lisa Olson,DCS-LakeCounty:

1,077,360

Teams:1. StatePersonnelDepartment2. HomelandSecurity3. PutnamvilleCorrectional

Facility-DOC

The Torch10

INDOT reminds you to be a cautious driver this winterWinter driving

ThetoppriorityoftheIndianaDepartmentofTransportation(INDOT)duringwinterissnowandiceremoval.INDOTusesallavailableresourcestokeeproadsassafeaspossibleandmaximizethemobilityofthetravelingpublicduringwinterweather.However,thebiggestimpacttosafewintertravelbeginsandendswithdriverbehavior.Bepreparedforwinterweatherconditionsbeforedriving.

Know the roadway conditions.Gotowww.TrafficWise.in.govorcall1-800-261-ROAD.INDOTFacebookandTwitterpageswillalsoofferupdates.

Know the forecast.Safedriversknowtheweatherandtheirlimits.Ifthe

weatherisbad,remember“IceandSnow,TakeitSlow…orjustdon’tgo.”

Prepare and inspect your vehicle.Abreakdownisbadonagoodday,anddangerousinwinterweather.Checkyourvehicle’sbattery,tires,wiperblades,fluids,lights,beltsandhoses.Removeanysnoworiceonyourvehicle’swindows,lights,brakelightsandturnsignals.Makesureyoucanseeandbeseen.

Give snowplows room to work and drive safely. Inthewinter,INDOTsnowplowdriversareoutontheroadstokeepthemclearofsnowandicetokeepyousafe.Unsafedrivingin

winterweatherputspeopleindanger,andacrashthatcausesbackupscanpreventsnowplowsfromreachingcongestedsectionsofroadways.

Slow downanddriveatasafespeedforconditions.Bepatient.Leaveplentyoftimetoreachyourdestinationsafely.

Stay attentive of other vehicles,especiallysnowplows.Giveyourselfspacefromothervehicles,avoidtailgatingandtrynottopass.

Avoid distractions.Drivinginbadweatherconditionsisdifficultenoughwithoutdistractions.Remember,distracteddrivingisdoinganythingotherthandriving.

Formorewinterdrivingsafetytips,visitwww.winterdrivingsafety.in.gov.

On Nov. 13, Governor Pence greets attendees of the first-ever Governor’s Information and Awareness Adoption Fair, which brought together more than a dozen adoption organizations to provide resources for adoptive and potential adoptive families. To see more pictures of Governor Pence, visit www.in.gov/gov/2387.htm

Artwork by Jerry Williams

Holiday specials

Online accounts to help with planning

Open Enrollment help

Something all your own.

31317 0913

Because you’ve been very good this year.

Valid 12/8/13–12/14/13. Exclusions apply.

Shop our stores.

10% OFFall in-store

purchases.*

Shop staples.com®.

$15 OFFall staples.com

orders over $150.**

These offer cards are extra special. They’re not for business purchases through your company’s Staples Advantage® ordering site — they’re exclusively for your personal use at Staples® retail stores or at staples.com®.

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**Valid online at staples.com® only. Not valid in store. Excludes Daily Deals. Limit one per customer, nontransferable. Minimum purchase requirement of $150 must be met with purchases to which no other coupon or instant savings offer applies. May not be combined with any other coupon. No cash/credit back. Not valid on any desktop or laptop computers, netbooks, tablets, eReaders including Amazon Kindle® and NOOK®, Apple® products, Bose® products, Epson® ink and toner, custom printing orders placed online, services, promotional products, gift cards, Staples Industrialsm purchases, prior purchases or any purchases on other provider Web sites. Tax and shipping not included in calculating minimum purchase. Offer valid 12/8/13–12/14/13.

When ordering online or by phone, include coupon code: 16010

*Valid in Staples® U.S. stores or by phone at 1-800-333-3330 only. Not valid on desktop or laptop computers, tablets, netbooks, Apple® products, Amazon Kindle®, NOOK®, Bose® products, custom printing orders placed online, gift cards, mobile phones and mobile phone services, Staples® EasyTechsm professional-grade and on-site services, depot repair and parts, phone cards or postage stamps. Each item purchased can only be discounted by one coupon, applied by cashier in the order received and prior to tax. Coupon not valid if purchased or sold and must be surrendered. No cash/credit back. Not valid on prior purchases or purchases made with Staples® Procurement or Convenience Cards. Offer valid 12/8/13–12/14/13.

To redeem offer: Bring this card into any Staples U.S. store to receive your exclusive discount.

Cashier instructions: Use 10% Program Discount Key to process discount.

Valid 12/8/13–12/14/13. Exclusions apply.