Beth Carpenter and Associates
August 2009
THE PATHFINDER
In This Issue
RESOURCES FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO TWEET!
UPDATE ON THE "RED FLAG" RULE
Join Our Mailing List
ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH?
 
Since 1995 Beth Carpenter and Associates has provided its real-world experience to the management of healthcare companies, especially those  organizations with a focus on home health, hospice and private duty, in the areas of operations, clinical services, sales and marketing.  We work with management to identify the strategic direction of the organization and implement the necessary changes that allow health care providers to move forward in today's environment.
 
We help you choose the right path to success and then we walk it with you.
 

Hello!

Welcome to the August 2009 issue of THE PATHFINDER. 

Traffic was a mess last week!  We were experiencing the first day of school. Everyone's schedule was delayed and cars backed up on the streets as the buses stopped to take on the students.
 
On the plus side, I really enjoyed the views of Moms and Dads putting their children on the bus.  This is the season of new starts, new teachers, new backpacks, new shoes and new crayons.  It is the start of the season of color changes and the crunchy sounds of autumn.  Did we ever start the school year before Labor Day.......I think not.
 
It reminded me of some of my fondest memories of school ....  am I the only one who remembers the smell of mimeographed handouts?  Didn't we lean down and put our noses right on the paper to smell that unique smell?  Would I recognize it today?  

One of the first assignments we always had during the first week of school was to write some paragraphs on "How I Spent My Summer Vacation"'
 
If I were given that assignment today, here's what I would write:
 
   "I spent my summer learning new things.  I finally took a class in Excel so that I can be minimally efficient at putting together a spread sheet, but I am still intimidated by the program.  And I took a class in PowerPoint and can actually make things move across the screen when I prepare a slide presentation.  Frankly, I am quite proud of that!
 
   I joined the rest of the world and finally established a Facebook page for friends and family.  And through Facebook I have learned that my nieces, nephews and the children of close friends have grown up to be wonderfully funny, imaginative, sometimes irreverent picture-taking individuals. 
 
  But here is the really good thing.... I began to Twitter!  (@bethcarp) What is Twitter?  It is a form of short messaging, a method of online communication that allows you to gather information quickly and over a broad spectrum of opinions - in 140 characters or less!"
 
To be honest, when I first began, I felt as though I had stepped into a conversation stream that was moving at light-speed.  But after a few days I found others in healthcare: physicians, nurses, and organizations like the Kansas City Hospice that is being led into the newest communication technology by their medical director, Dr. Sinclair (@ctsinclair).  Why am I bringing this up? 
 
Because I feel that "tweeting"
    * gives us the opportunity to do professional networking,
    * complete research on topics quickly,
    * increase the visibility of an organization,
    * provide events for professional development
    * generate an additional social media tool.
 
 
I'll include some resources for you, if you are ready to explore the world of Twitter, in a separate section of this month's newsletter.
 
The second article this month is Elizabeth Hogue's update on Enforcement of the "Red Flag" Rule to Help Prevent Identity Theft.  As always her articles keep us up-to-date on industry developments.
 
Other resources on the Red Flag Rules for your use include the following:
 
 
Here's to wishing each of you the chance to enjoy the warm sunny days and the cool evenings of the season.  Find the time to take a walk this week and look for signs of autumn. 
 
If we can provide you with any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 
Best wishes,  Beth Carpenter
 
"Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success"  David O. McKay
SOME RESOURCES FOR THE THOSE WHO WANT TO START TWEETING...........
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Enjoy learning about and using Twitter!  If you find more resources, please let me know and I'll include them in a future newsletter.
                                          Beth

 
 
UPDATE ON ENFORCEMENT OF "RED FLAG" RULE TO HELP PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT
 
By Elizabeth Hogue Esq.
 
....Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) received from providers:
 
      1. Is our organization required to comply with the Rule?
All providers that are "creditors" and have "covered accounts" must comply.
 
 

Beth Carpenter
Beth Carpenter and Associates
847-382-1035
I would like to invite you to visit our website, www.bethcarpenterandassociates.com, to learn more about how we can help your organization move forward and find your path to success.
 
Beth Carpenter and Associates has earned a reputation as a company with deep industry experience and one that works closely with its clients to identify solutions that meet their business goals and strategic objectives.  We do not simply advise.  We partner with our customers to implement the solution and ensure its success.
 
Sincerely,
Beth Carpenter