Jeremy Chapman

Recent Posts

In Montana, many problems with newborn screening

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Screenings

Editor’s note: Montana’s newborn screening program depends on speed to save babies from a plethora of deadly disorders at birth. But the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services fought for 10 months to keep hospitals’ performance records hidden from public view, before finally agreeing to release the data with hospital names. The results are not good, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability to ensure an effective newborn screening program for Montana families. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Montana, News, American College of Medical Genetics, Charles Brokopp, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Montana Center for Investigative Reporting, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

Limited weekend lab hours add to delays

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Building

In Montana and 26 other states around the country, newborn screening samples are not processed on the weekends, creating unnecessary delays that put little lives at big risk. The Montana Public Health Laboratory is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with limited hours on Saturdays. The lab is closed on Sundays. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Montana, News, Montana Center for Investigative Reporting, Montana Public Health Laboratory, Wisconsin State Labpratory

State lab courier system explained

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September is newborn screening awareness month. And one of the key components of Montana’s newborn screening program is the state courier system connected to the Montana Public Health Laboratory in Helena. Medical Logistic Solutions, with locations in Billings and Bozeman, has the state contract that includes the majority of healthcare facilities with birthing centers in Montana. Drivers pick up the newborn screening blood samples from healthcare facilities and provide same-day delivery to the lab for testing, with coverage in more than 50 Montana cities. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Montana, News, Department of Public Health and Human Services, Jason Nye, Medical Logistic Solutions, Montana Center for Investigative Reporting, Montana Public Health Laboratory

A look at newborn screening records across Montana

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Using data released by the Department of Public Health and Human Services, MTCIR reviewed thousands of records for dozens of healthcare facilities in Montana. After analyzing all the data to determine the on-time performance for each facility as it pertains to newborn blood samples, we mapped them out. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Montana, News, Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Center for Investigative Reporting, Montana Public Health Laboratory

Health department gets creative in denying data requests

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It’s been 259 days and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services continues to drag its feet fulfilling a public records request the Montana Center for Investigative Reporting originally submitted last Oct. 29, asking for newborn screening records. Getting answers to questions about Montana’s newborn screening program and its performance has been a daunting task. Why are the DPHHS and local hospitals so reluctant to release information? (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Carol Ballew, Department of Health and Human Services, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Jon Ebelt, Mile Meloy, Montana Center for Investigative Journalism, Shannon McDonald

Asked for basic data, state agency hides behind HIPAA

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Tests

Every year, about 12,000 babies are born in Montana, among the 4 million babies born annually in the United States. Like every other state, Montana has a newborn screening program. Shortly after a baby is born, between 24 and 48 hours of age, it is subjected to routine tests for 28 rare disorders that, if left untreated, could result in intellectual disability, brain damage or death. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Montana, News, Donald Jones, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Montana Public Health Laboratory, Newbord screening, Richard Opper

Breaking down the militarization of local law enforcement

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Bear

HELENA — You may or may not have heard of the Pentagon’s 1033 program, which provides surplus military equipment to local law enforcement agencies, but you have probably noticed your local law enforcement agencies looking more and more like our military forces with each passing day. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Montana, News, Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense, Law enforcement, The Marshall Project