PAAG MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY – 11 AM,
Corporate Office,
Alicia
Smith
Deanne
Yocum
Elisa
Jones
Georgia
Raines
Laird
Maryann
Sandoval
Mike Marks
Norma
Gonzalez
Richard
Lopez
Rueben
Ornelas
Russell
Idanza
Linette
Sanboy
Maria
Morales
Notes taken by
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The
following matters were discussed and concluded:
1.
Introductions: The PAAG Members and Aegis
Staff Members were introduced, and the sign-in sheet was signed.
2.
Previous Meetings:
3.
Keys to Recovery: The forum held an extensive
discussion on the major role of support groups in the successful recovery of
patients, and therefore the necessity for the development of K2R Local Chapters
in adjacent to each of the clinics.
The discussion revolved around
the best methods to develop and maintain effective weekly meetings. The following recommendations were made:
a.
P,P&P’s: It is
important that the local chapters maintain their autonomy and run their
meetings to the best interests of their specific chapter. However, it is equally important that the K2R
comply with the K2R Policies Protocols and Procedures and that all local
chapters will share the same values, and structure, especially as it relates to
Code of Ethics.
b.
Preferred Venues: It was concluded that it
is very important and practical to run the weekly meetings in the Aegis
facilities. Some members have raised the
concerns that venues other than Aegis clinics are hurting the attendance
rates.
In clinics with
limited space, it recommended that the meeting would be scheduled during hours
of non-operation. It was also
recommended that the members consider consolidation of meetings of nearby
clinics. The use of community venues
(e.g., Churches, Hospitals, etc.) will be considered a last resort.
c.
Preferred Days and Hours: It was
agreed that the best attendance is achieved when the meetings are conducted
through the clinic’s operating hours (when possible), and that after hours and
weekends will be considered a second priority, mainly as a compromise when
space is limited.
d.
Proximity of Aegis Staff Members: All the
members have expressed their opinion that the “closed meeting” should be held
outside of the immediate presence (both sight and sound) of Aegis Staff
Members. The distance would allow the
meeting to be held in full confidentiality.
However, it was agreed that the local members would reserve the right to
invite Aegis staff members or any other individual to an “open meeting”, as
provided in the Policies, Protocols and Procedures. Most times, the group will invite outside
third parties to help them with education on relevant topics (e.g., Medical
Lectures and nutrition, parenting, etc.)
The
members acknowledge the logistical and regulatory constraints of holding K2R
meetings, which require the presence of Aegis staff members in the clinic
during the meeting period, especially to protect confidentiality of patient
records and ensure the security of the facility. It was also noted that the compensation for
the Aegis staff members’ time and other related expenses (e.g., cleaning, food
and beverages) would be paid by Aegis Institute.
e.
Meeting Optimal Attendance: Steve
has emphasized the importance of reaching a “critical mass” in each of the
weekly meetings. He expressed his
opinion that the optimal attendance would be above seven participants, and also
mentioned that based on his experience it is better to begin with at least ten
members in a K2R local chapter.
f.
Dedicated Groups: All the other members
have repeated the previous motion that support groups play a major role in the
successful recovery of patients, and that the more Aegis patients attend these
groups, the higher their clinical and recovery success rates will be. It was also recommended that Keys to Recovery
would develop dedicated groups for Relapse Prevention, Life Skills, Alcoholism,
Single Parents, Hep-C, Anxiety, Mild-Anger Management, etc.,
g.
Referrals: It was also recommended that
the Aegis clinics would support the local chapters, by referral of their
patients to the meetings, and reinforcing the participation with K2R as part of
the patient’s rewarding system (e.g., “Take Homes”).
h.
Non-Aegis Patients: The members did not
conclude the discussion on the involvement of non-Aegis patients in the weekly
meetings. On one hand, it is important
to do Outreach for other audiences (e.g., recovering addicts) and set an
example of acceptance and compassion that is different from some of AA and NA
practices. On the other hand, the group
has acknowledged the patients sensitivity to
confidentiality related matters. It
seems that each chapter will have to develop their own opinion on this matter.
4.
K2R Best Practices: The members had a short
discussion on the best practices for having successful K2R weekly meetings, and
the possible obstacles that they may face.
It was agreed that in extreme situations the meeting chair may need to
exclude a destructive member or one who acts as a nuisance to the group.
5.
PAAG Involvement with K2R: Steve
has opened a discussion on the involvement of the PAAG members in the
development of local PAAG chapters, as well as the heading of weekly K2R
Meetings. The following members have
expressed their interest in taking the additional responsibilities, which
include:
6.
AB2136: Udi has presented to the
members, the provisions of AB2136 as they relate to the protection of patient’s
rights and the prohibition of judges, parole & probation officers from
making medical decisions (ordering people to get off methadone). The members have reviewed the enclosed AB2136
Opinion Letter, and endorsed the new legislation. The signed sheets are held with
7.
Update on Computers: Udi
updated the PAAG forum on the progress Aegis Institute has made on the progress
that Aegis Institute has made in getting donated computers, and expressed the
hope that the computers would be available within the next two months.
8.
Meeting Adjournment, delivery
of materials.