WHEREAS:

There is an increasing trend towards having state-run health care facilities accredited by various national accrediting bodies such as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations (JCHO) and the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA); and

WHEREAS:

The result of adjusting staffing levels in order to achieve accreditation from these agencies is often an increase in the number of so-called "professional" staff; and

WHEREAS:

The role and importance of so-called "para-professional" staff in the treatment of mental illness and other human services is not properly understood by these accrediting bodies; and

WHEREAS:

This has led to a decrease in so-called "para-professional" jobs which are needed by our communities, an increase in the cost of providing public services and also a decrease in AFSCME membership in some jurisdictions, often with no clear benefit to the clients we serve.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME will work toward the goal of having so-called para-professionals in the health care field appointed to the relevant boards of the various national agencies which accredit health care facilities.

SUBMITTED BY:

Jon Grossman, President and Delegate
Rosalind P. Horner, Delegate
AFSCME Local 470, Council 93
Massachusetts