Canoga Park, CAAegis Medical Systems Chico clinic held its first Family Support Group on May 26, 2010. The meeting was a great success and was attended by 16 parents, spouses and significant others of current patients. This was the first time that the Aegis clinic in Chico has opened its support groups up to family members, spouses and significant others that are positively supporting Aegis patients.    more

Canoga Park, CA - Arron Hightower, Director of Clinical Services, is proud to announce the establishment of a Clinical Board of Advisors for Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. Mr. Hightower will chair the board which includes three highly qualified Regional Clinical Directors from Aegis clinics in Chico, Roseville and Bakersfield. These clinicians are Paul Bugnacki, LCSW, Susan Landes, PsyD., MFT, and Edie Warkentin, LCSW.    more

Canoga Park, CA- Aegis patients have come to expect Keys to Recovery support groups in all of Aegis’ clinics. Now with the launch of the Online Keys to Recovery Support Groups, Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. is bringing the support group concept to its patients on a 24-hour basis. The new website (http://keys2recovery.com/K2R_Online.htm), which hosts the support groups, was officially launched in early February, and already has a hundred registered users.    more

Canoga Park, CA– Jade Kelly, Corporate Counsel, announces comprehensive revisions to Aegis Medical Systems’ patient health information policies. Ms. Kelly stated that, “Such changes are necessary due to the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (“ARRA”), which includes changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”). The changes are being collectively referred to as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act (“HITECH Act”).”    more

Canoga Park, CA - Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O., is proud to report on the unprecedented strides Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., made through 2009. He stated that, “We started 2009 with significant challenges, but we also had substantial goals to achieve. I am very pleased to be able to say that we far exceeded expectations, and 2009 represents the most remarkable year in Aegis’ 11 year history. In particular, we are proud of the tremendous progress in clinical outcomes that Aegis staff members and patients have achieved. Not too long ago, such outcomes would not have been thought possible.”    more

Canoga Park, California, Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O. is proud to announce the successful accreditation of Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. and seven of its clinics. The Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (“CARF”) awarded Aegis and its clinics the maximum accreditation term of three years. The recently announced accreditation results were granted following surveys conducted through the month of October.    more

Canoga Park, California - George Girgis MD, Chief Medical Director for Aegis Medical Systems. Inc. today announced that Aegis has begun the first phase of H1N1 vaccination of its staff members and patients.

Judson Lea, Director of Operations, stated that, “We would like to thank the State’s Department of Public Health Services for delivering the vaccines, as well as Aegis Institute, Inc., for its financial support of this important project.”    more

Canoga Park, California - Following an announcement from the World Health Organization declaring the H1N1 Virus as a pandemic, Aegis developed a contingency plan and completed preparations for the various possible scenarios and phases of the H1N1 Virus pandemic.

Dr. George Girgis, Chief Medical Director, stated, “Our corporate office coordinated preparations that include: the purchase of preventive gear for Aegis staff members and patients; the upload of patient health information to a central intranet database; the securing of back-up medication inventory; the development of procedures for emergency coverage; as well as the training of staff, and education of patients on prevention and containment.”    more

Canoga Park, Ca., June 05, 2009- Aegis Medical Systems is pleased to announce the launch of its newly redesigned and re-imagined www.aegismed.com website. The re-launch of Aegis’s website became necessary due to the far-reaching changes that have recently taken place within Aegis’s scope of treatment services, as well as Aegis’s organizational and treatment culture.    more

Canoga Park, California – Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O., congratulated Aegis Clinic Managers and the Department of Clinical Services for the significant improvements in patient clinical success rates and reduction in relapse rates that have been established since the implementation of the Aegis Model.    more

Canoga Park, California – Steve Day, PAAG Chairman, and Russell Iadanza, PAAG Board Member, were pleased to present the Board of Directors of Aegis Institute, Inc., a report of the extensive activities that the Patient Advocacy & Advisory Group took part in through 2008. These activities included the development of local PAAG chapters and initiation of specialized Keys to Recovery support groups throughout Aegis Medical Systems, Inc.’s, (“AMS”) network of clinics. The PAAG also played an essential role in the campaign against State budget cuts to NTP programs.    more

Canoga Park, California - Arron Hightower, Director of Clinical Services, is pleased to announce that the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (“BBS”) has authorized Aegis Institute, Inc. to be a provider for Continuing Education Units (C.E.U.’s).

Evan Shapiro, Ph.D., Regional Clinical Director for Aegis’ Simi Valley and La Mirada clinics stated, “The acceptance of Aegis as a CEU provider for the Board is an enormous accomplishment, and truly reflects on the hard work, dedication and clinical success that Aegis has achieved.”    more

Canoga Park, California, Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O., is proud to announce the completion of the Aegis Interactive Addiction Severity Index (“ASI”). This new tool is the result of over a year of development, and represents a significant milestone for Aegis and its patients.

Arron Hightower, Director of Clinical Services, stated, "Unlike previous assessment and evaluation protocols, which focused only on additiction and recovery, the ASI introduced a holistic approach to evaluation and treatment, which included a review of seven domains of the patients’ lives. Such domains covered the patient’s medical, psychiatric, nutirion, addiction and substance abuse, social, legal, financial and employment.”    more

Canoga Park, California, Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O., is pleased report to Aegis Directors on the initiation of a feasibility study for the development of mental health services. The study will assist Aegis in the development and deployment of mental health Services throughout Aegis’ network of clinics. It will determine whether mental health licenses are to be carried by Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., or its affiliate, Aegis Institute, Inc. (a CA non-profit corporation). Additionally, it will allow Aegis to negotiate contracts with the Departments of Mental and/or Behavioral Health within the fifteen (15) counties that Aegis presently serves.    more

Canoga Park, California, For years Aegis has supported state legislative efforts to include mental health and alcohol and other drug addiction services under health insurance coverage and bring their coverage into “parity” with coverage under the state Medicaid program known as Medi-Cal. Most recently, AB 1887 (Beall) passed both chambers of the California Legislature only to be vetoed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.    more

Canoga Park, California, In recognition of National Recovery Month, Aegis Institute, Inc. (a California non-profit corporation) has donated $60,000 for the treatment of individuals, who have not previously treated in a Narcotic Treatment Program (“NTP”), through the 21-Day Detox Program. This unique opportunity for free treatment is available through 10 free slots allocated to each of Aegis’ clinics throughout California. The program will be conducted in collaboration with local county government and agencies in the communities that Aegis serves. The program runs until the end of 2008.    more

Canoga Park, California, Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O., is pleased to announce the completion of the new Patient Orientation Video. The video was produced in house in collaboration with MCW Production of Bakersfield California, and with the help of Aegis patients and staff members.

The Patient Orientation Video is available both on DVD as well as through video streaming, and it will be incorporated into Aegis’ standard admission procedures. In addition to program rules, the video also covers patient rights, regulations, and elaborates on the various treatment services available to Aegis patients.    more

Canoga Park, California, On August 28th, Aegis celebrated its 10th anniversary. Since beginning operations in August 1998, Aegis has successfully treated tens of thousand of patients, allowing them to improve their health and quality of life. Aegis currently operates 24 Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTP's) in 15 counties, and treats over 5,000 patients a day. In addition, Aegis Institute, Inc. an affiliate operates an Out Patient Drug Free Program (ODF) as well as a PC1000 program in Bakersfield.    more

Canoga Park, California, Becky Heinicke, Director of Quality Assurance and Quality Control, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the first round of training of Aegis staff by Mallinckrodt on July 10th, 2008. The training which began in Modesto on January 18th was conducted over a six-month period covered the 1st Mallinckrodt training module, which focused on the development of methadone, and the bio-chemical effects of methadone on the brain. All Aegis staff members participated in the training sessions, including physicians, regional clinical directors, nurses, specialists, caseload managers, and administrative staff. The training was also open to the local medical and clinical community, and many providers and agencies took advantage of this unique opportunity and participated in the training.    more

Canoga Park, California, The Aegis Department of Information Technology is pleased to announce the completion of the development of the Front Office Module. He stated that, "The PHASE System is designed to replace all manual procedures and to allow Aegis to work in a paper-less environment. In addition, it will allow Aegis to streamline its operations and maintain quality control throughout the system. Furthermore, it will also serve as the infrastructure for future expansion."    more

Canoga Park, California, Aegis announces its support of the Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act (NORA), which has recently qualified for the November 2008 ballot. The new legislation, sponsored by the Drug Policy Alliance Network includes the most ambitious sentencing and prison reform measures in United States history.    more

Canoga Park, California, April 11, 2008, Steve Day, Chairman, submitted the Patient Advisory and Advocacy Group’s (“PAAG”) formal protest against the Governor’s proposal for a reduction of 2008-09 Drug Medi-Cal rates.

Mr. Day, expressed the PAAG stance that “The present rates and level of services are essential for the continued successful recovery of patients in Narcotic Treatment Programs. We believe that any reduction in the quality and level of services that patients are presently receiving may result in unnecessary relapses, incarcerations, as well as trauma to the patients, their families, and the communities in which they reside.”    more

Chico, California, Vita Callari, Chico Clinic Manager, is proud to advise Aegis' President and Department Directors of a recent report showing all patients treated at Aegis' clinic in Chico have tested negative (i.e., clean) for any illicit drugs through the month Janunary. This unprecedented achievement represents a significant milestone in the history of the Aegis' system of clinics, and perhaps the Narcotic Treatment Program (NTP) industry as a whole.    more

Canoga Park, CA, Ron Alvarado, Controller, is pleased to announce the execution of a new contract between Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., and Blue Shield for treatment of HMO and PPO insured individuals within Aegis' system of clinics throughout the state of California. The new agreement provides for the issuance of a provider number that extends Blue Shield’s coverage to treatment of patients for both methadone maintenance and detoxification programs.    more

Canoga Park, California - Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O, is proud to announce the inauguration of Aegis University (www.aegisuniversity.com), the first resource of its kind among Narcotic Treatment Programs (“NTPs”) in the state of California. The new site serves as a valuable resource for students of academic institutions and practicing clinicians, utilizing Aegis’ substantial electronic library of scientific, clinical and training materials.    more

Canoga Park, California, Arron Hightower, Director of Clinical Services, is pleased to introduce a new policy and protocol for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The policy was developed internally within Aegis, and includes a new screening tool customized for patients of Narcotic Treatment Programs, a training curriculum for Aegis clinical personnel, and a program for the education of patients.    more

Canoga Park, California, Arron Hightower, Director of Clinical Services, is pleased to announce the recent recruiting of Terry Jordan, in LA, William Schmidt in Santa Maria, Lorraine Ibold in Ontario, Joanne Snider in Santa Barbara & Oxnard, and Dan Bruce in Modesto as Regional Clinical Directors (RCD’s). He stated that, “This is a landmark for Aegis. From this point on, the majority of Aegis clinics will have RCD’s working alongside with our physicians, who serve as medical directors at our clinics.”    more

Canoga Park, California - Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O., is pleased to announce the appointment of Becky Heinicke to the position of Director of Quality Assurance & Quality Control, and Ron Alvarado to the position of Controller.

In his new position, Mr. Alvarado will be in charge of Aegis’ Finance Department, including the underlying billing and accounting sub-departments. Accordingly, he will oversee financial planning and reporting, internal budgets, financial operations, financial audits, as well as money management and cost management for the corporation.    more

Canoga Park, California - Becky Heinicke, Director of Q.A. & Q.C., is proud to announce the completion of the new Peer Review Policy. The policy provides a venue for the critical review of patient records and treatment, as well as for the effective training of Aegis physicians, nurses, clinical directors, counselors, specialists, and social workers.    more

Canoga Park, California, Arron Hightower, Director of Clinical Services, is pleased to report of the significant progress that Aegis’ has made in recent months in its negotiations for internship agreements with leading academic institutions. Such agreements have been signed with USC, CSU Stanislaus, and Loma Linda University, through the month of July. He added that, “The agreements with these three outstanding universities are the newest additions to those that Aegis has already signed with more than thirty other leading academic institutions throughout the state of California.”    more

Canoga Park, California, - Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O., has announced the contracting of Lockton Insurance Brokers, LLC for the handle all insurance matters for Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. and its affiliate corporations. Under the its agreement with Aegis, Lockton will negotiate for liability insurance coverage, including PLGL, EPLI, D&O, E&O, In addition, Lockton is negotiating our crime, property, and auto insurance.    more

Canoga Park, CaliforniaUdi Barkai, President & C.E.O., has announced the appointment of Jade M. Kelly, Esq., to the position of Aegis General Counsel. Mrs. Kelly, a senior associate of Avola & Associates, previously worked at the Office of the Aegis General Counsel from 2004 to 2006, upon relocating from New Zealand. Over the last three years, she has been involved with such matters as: legislative work for the protection of patient rights; development of policies, protocols and procedures such as Aegis' Corporate Compliance Policy; commercial matters, including insurance, real estate and HR employment matters.    more

Canoga Park, California - Arron Hightower, Director of Clinical Services, is proud to announce the initiation of an Internship and Training Program between Pepperdine University, Aegis Medical Systems, Inc and its non-profit affiliate Aegis Institute, Inc. The agreement with Pepperdine University is the most recent of collaboration that Aegis has established with leading academic institutions, which include: UCLA, USC, Cal State Chico, Fresno and Bakersfield, National University.    more

Canoga, Park, California - Steve Maulhardt, Aegis’ Vice President for Government Relations and Legislative Work, was pleased to report to the Aegis’ department directors in their January management meeting of the extensive schedule of activities that he and other Aegis staff members have maintained through the last quarter of 2006. These activities included:    more

Canoga Park, California - Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O. is proud to announce the successful accreditation of Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. and eight of its clinics, which were awarded the maximum accreditation term of three years. The award was granted following the surveys that were conducted by the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (“CARF”) in the months of November.    more

Canoga Park, California – The Patient Advisory and Advocacy Group (“P.A.A.G.”), in partnership with Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. and Aegis Institute, Inc., is proud to announce the amendment of the Keys To Recovery policies extending its scope to include groups which are dedicated to specific clinical or socio-economical needs of the patients. This group will serve as an addition to the “traditional” Keys To Recovery groups that are geared towards recovery and relapse prevention.    more

Canoga Park, California – Becky Heinicke, Director of Caseload Management and Counseling Services, is proud to announce the completion of a regional training in Aegis’ northern and coastal clinics. The five-day training covered both clinical and regulatory matters, with specific focus on new Cal OMS and HIPAA regulations, CARF Accreditation, as well as existing Title 9 and 22 regulations. Sixty staff members attended the training, including licensed and certified personnel, as well as BBS and Board of Psychology interns. In addition to the above-mentioned subjects, Aegis clinical staff members were trained on new policies and protocols for Clinical Risk Management, Relapse Prevention, as well as the specialized services that are all key components of the newly implemented Aegis Model (see press release of 06/05/06).    more

Canoga Park, California – The Patient Advisory and Advocacy Group (“P.A.A.G.”), in partnership with Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. and Aegis Institute, Inc., is proud to announce the amendment of its policies to allow for the development of a local P.A.A.G. chapter in every one of the 26 Aegis clinics.    more

Canoga Park, California – Udi Barkai, President and C.E.O., is proud to introduce the new “Aegis Model” for Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTPs). Unlike the traditional methadone clinic, the new model will also be extended to provide specialized services, educational programs, support groups, and social work.    more

Canoga Park, California – On Wednesday, May 10th, 2006, representatives from Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., Nationwide Medical Group, Inc., Aegis Institute, Inc., and the Patient Advisory and Advocacy Group, all came out to honor Bill Shilley for his dedication and commitment to Aegis’ patients across 26 treatment centers throughout California, since January of 2003.    more

Canoga Park, California – Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. is proud to announce the appointment of Arron Hightower to the position of Chico Clinic Manager, commencing April 19th, 2006.

Arron brings with him extensive experience in the field of Social Services and Mental Health, primarily working in supervisory roles. Prior to his arrival at Aegis, Arron worked as a Corporate Deputy Director of Social Services for Remi Vista, Inc., where he oversaw various Program Managers for Therapeutic Foster Care, Transitional Housing as well as Infant Development, just to name a few.    more

Canoga Park, California - Udi Barkai, President and CEO, is proud to announce the opening of an Outpatient Drug-Free (“ODF”) program in Bakersfield, California in March 2006. The new program is located at 501 West Columbus Street, and is sharing a 4,000 sq. ft. facility with a six year old Aegis Institute PC1000 program.    more

Canoga Park, California - Supporters of the Patient Advisory and Advocacy Group (“P.A.A.G.”) turned out at the Aegis corporate office on Thursday, February 16th, 2006, for an event recognizing the PAAG board members. The board members were presented with a plaque by Udi Barkai, President and C.E.O., as well as a Certificate of Achievement from Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, in recognition and appreciation of their outstanding contribution and commitment to the Patient Advisory and Advocacy Group, as well as for their involvement in the Keys To Recovery Program.    more

Canoga Park, California - As part of their on-going efforts to support Aegis clinics and their patients, Aegis Institute, Inc. (a non-profit organization) was proud to donate several hundred warm winter coats to Aegis patients who are struggling through financial hardships.

Udi Barkai, President, stated, “Aegis Institute, Inc. is supporting the recovery of thousands of Aegis Medical System’s (“A.M.S.”) patients by providing financial aid and other ancillary services. Such support includes the provision of bus passes, phone cards, and meal vouchers to needy patients, as well as financial support to the Patient Advisory and Advocacy Group (P.A.A.G.), Keys To Recovery, the Ombudsman, the General Counsel.” He further stated, “Recovery is extended to every domain of the patient’s life and should not be limited to the scope of services and reimbursement as defined by government Title 9 & 22. Over the last year, A.M.S. and its affiliates has approved a budget and has donated $400,000 to finance the above-mentioned activities.”    more

Canoga Park, California - Steve Maulhardt, Vice President, has expressed his satisfaction upon the approval of a new regulation requiring the certification of all personnel directly engaged in the provision of services to patients in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction.

Mr. Maulhardt has stated, “The campaign for certification of counselors in alcohol and drug programs has been a long and uphill battle for the last three years.” He further added, “The new regulation compliments Aegis’ efforts to raise the clinical standards of NTP’s, and makes it compatible with other medical and behavioral services.”    more

Canoga Park, California - Udi Barkai, President and C.E.O., is proud to announce the establishment of an Internship Agreement between Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., Aegis Institute, Inc., and the University of Southern California (“USC”). The new agreement is the most recent addition to previous similar agreements that were signed with other leading academic institutions, including California State University at Chico, Pepperdine and Antioch Universities.    more

Canoga Park, California - Becky Heinicke, Director of Caseload Management and Counseling Services, is pleased to announce the signing of an Internship Agreement with California State University, Chico. Becky stated, “We are hoping that the employment of CSU Chico students who are seeking professional careers as a licensed clinician will greatly improve our clinical standards and the quality of our patient care services in the Chico and Marysville clinics.”    more

Canoga Park, California - Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. is proud to announce the approval of a new protocol allowing for extended detoxification of patients up to 180 days. Udi Barkai, President and C.E.O. stated that, “The new protocol is filling a necessary gap in our scope of services, and treatment. It will allow recovering addicts to be treated in an NTP for a limited, however reasonable period of time.”    more

Canoga Park, California - Udi Barkai, President and CEO, Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., is proud to announce the approval of a new medical protocol allowing for extended Take Home Privileges up to 15 days, beyond the previous limit of 6 days of Take Homes. Following a twelve month transition period, Aegis will consider the extension of the privileges to 21 days, and thereafter up to 30 days.    more

Canoga Park, California - Steve Maulhardt, Vice President, proudly announces the grand opening of a new Aegis Medical Systems clinic in Merced. The 5,000 sq. ft. facility was leased in early 2005, and remodeled over a five-month period, with a total remodeling budget of approximately $100,000. The new facility meets the extensive regulatory requirements of the State of California, as well as the federal government (e.g., HIPAA, DEA, HHS/SAMHSA, CSAT/CARF accreditation, Cal OSHA). The clinic is located at 1343 West Main Street, Merced, California 95340.    more

Canoga Park, California - Dr. George Girgis, Chief Medical Director for Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., is proud to announce the approval of a new medical protocol allowing for elevated daily doses of Methadone, above the previous “ceiling” of 180mg.

Dr. Girgis stated that, “Over 90% of our patients are diagnosed with Hepatitis-C. This “silent killer” is affecting their liver condition, as well as their metabolism, requiring many of them to be treated with elevated daily doses of methadone.” He further noted that, “The prescription of medication is always done on an individual basis, following a close examination of each patient.”    more

Canoga Park, California - Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O. of Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. is proud to announce the completion of the RUS Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Project. The new infrastructure is the most advanced among Narcotic Treatment Programs (NTP’s) in the nation, and it allows thousands of Aegis patients daily access to the highest standard of care, despite their distance from large metropolitan areas. The project extended over a five-year period, with a total budget of $1,000,000. $348,000 of total budget was subsidized by the Department of Agriculture through the RUS / DLT Grant. The project resulted in the development and implementation of the following:    more

Canoga Park, California - In its continuing efforts to support patient rights, Aegis is proud to introduce the new Patients Advocacy & Advisory Group (“PAAG”) Identification Card. The PAAG ID card enables patients to quickly communicate their status as a protected class under the ADA, as well as cites the major provisions of laws and regulations, which establish the patients’ constitutional rights.    more

Canoga Park, California - Udi Barkai, President & C.E.O., and Steve Day, PAAG Chairman, are proud to announce the development of Keys To Recovery (“K2R”) dedicated support groups, a key component in the treatment and successful recovery of Aegis patients. These specialized weekly meetings include groups for patients diagnosed with Hep-C, dual diagnosis, single parenting, alcohol abuse, relapse prevention, as well as many others.    more

Canoga Park, California - Jason Davis, Director of Field Operations, proudly announces the relocation of the Pinedale clinic to the neighboring and larger city of Fresno. The new facility is located on a medical campus and directly across from a former Children’s Hospital.

The 5,000 ft2 free standing building was purchased in early 2004, and remodeled over a five-month period with a total purchase and remodeling budget exceeding $500,000. The new facility meets the extensive regulatory requirements of the State of California, as well as the federal government (e.g., HIPAA, DEA, HHS/SAMHSA, CARF accreditation). “The facility will enable us to provide over 240 patients with comprehensive counseling and state-of-the-art treatment services,” added Mr. Davis. “and further allow future growth in our patient census, as well as the scope of our services.”    more

Canoga Park, California - In its most recent quarterly state-wide board meeting of September 29th, 2004, the Patient Advisory & Advocacy Group (“PAAG”) has endorsed Keys To Recovery (“K2R”) support groups, and approved its Resolution #6, recommending that all newly admitted Aegis patients participate in K2R weekly meetings.    more

Canoga Park, California - Steve Maulhardt, V.P., is proud to report of the successful passage of Senate Bill 1838 (Chesbro). The bill is considered a significant victory to Aegis’ battle against the “stigma” associated with “Harm Reduction” and recovering addicts. This bill, once incorporated into new regulation, will increase the acceptance rates of NTP’s by “mainstream” practitioners, as well as improve the accessibility of these services to recovering addicts.    more

Canoga Park, California - In support of the Patient Advisory & Advocacy Group (“PAAG”), Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. and Aegis Institute, Inc. (a non-profit organization) have donated computers, e-mail accounts, and free internet access to the PAAG’s board members.

The recipients of the computers are exemplary patients, who serve as a model to many thousands of other patients. The donated computers will allow these patients to improve the communication among themselves, and with other patients throughout the state. It will also allow for better utilization of Aegis’ extensive scope of resources, including the offices of the General Counsel, Ombudsman, and Aegis department directors.    more

Canoga Park, California - Stephen Karlton Kop, General Counsel, and Steve Maulhardt, V.P., are proud to announce the approval of AB2136 by both the California Assembly and Senate.

Aegis has co-sponsored the bill in its effort to reform the California AOD treatment system, to allow indigent addicts access to treatment services at subsidized rate, below Drug Medi-Cal (D/MC) rates. Once approved by the Governor, the bill would establish a waiver to the principal of “lower cost and/or charges.”    more

Canoga Park, California - Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. is proud to announce the completion of a 21-Day Detox study that examines the low acceptance rates of methadone treatment among recovering and hardcore addicts. It is suggested that only five to six percent of opiate addicts are seeking treatment with methadone clinics, while the majority of addicts are choosing other treatment modalities, if any. The recently completed study has allowed addicts access to a 21-Day Detox program at a subsidized rate of $1 a day. The study compares the individual participant’s perceptions of NTP’s upon admission to the program, with their opinions on the day of completion.    more

Canoga Park, California - Throughout the month of March 2004, the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (“CARF”) performed in-depth reviews of the services at Aegis’ coastal clinics (Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Santa Paula). Their review process was based on rigorous guidelines for service and quality as well as an examination of each clinic’s performance in areas such as compliance with state and federal regulations, customer service, professional competence and accuracy of documents.    more

Canoga Park, California - The Aegis IT Department is pleased to report the successful installation of a complete Backup System for Aegis’ Electronic Data & LAN/WAN Network.

The backup location has been established at a highly secured underground facility in Downtown Los Angeles. The facility is supported by an alternate power supply and Tier 1 data lines, ensuring maximum protection from natural disasters, power outages and fires. Tushar Patel, head of Aegis’ IT Department added, “The new system synchronizes with our existing seven servers continuously, on a twenty-four-seven basis, thus providing Aegis with full redundancy for all its electronic records and patient data in particular.” The successful development of the Backup System paves the way for the full automation of Aegis and its clinics, by providing a “safety net” for all electronic correspondence and records.    more

Last November a pregnant patient at the Goleta clinic was denied methadone treatment while in the Santa Barbara County Jail (apparently wrongfully incarcerated). Consequently the patient and unborn fetus went through withdrawal trauma, which resulted in a miscarriage. The denial of treatment (including provision of methadone) to patients of narcotic treatment programs (“NTPs”) is a severe violation of the 1978 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as California law. These patients and a selection of other recovering addicts are a protected class under the ADA.    more

Canoga Park, California - Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. is sponsoring the "Keys To Recovery" (“KTR”) organization and local chapters throughout California. KTR was recently developed as a joint venture between Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., Aegis Institute and recovering addicts with the intention of allowing NTP patients access to highly needed support groups.    more

Canoga Park, California - In a significant development for the addiction treatment field, Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. is excited to announce its collaborative effort with The Rand Corporation, of Santa Monica, California, to help reduce relapse rates among patients treated by narcotic replacement programs (“NTPs”). Designed by Dr. Martin Iguchi, the study offers free treatment to “significant others” and compares relapse and retention rates among patients whose “partners” enter treatment.    more

Sacramento, California – September 3rd. Over a dozen patients and clinic workers from Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. will be participating in the Recovery Happens Rally in hopes of educating legislators, state workers and the community on the successes of methadone therapy. Patients will be telling their own stories and sharing the realities of recovery through methadone therapy in hopes of reducing stigma and creating understanding of this very effective form of treatment.    more

Bakersfield, California – For over five years, Aegis Medical Systems, Inc. has sought to raise industry standards and to bring narcotic treatment programs in line with mainstream medicine. The Aegis Model of treatment, encompassing: Replacement Therapy through provision of Schedule II medications (DEA); individual and group counseling services addressing various clinical and behavioral conditions; medical treatment for other disorders and illnesses (in addition to the addiction); Case Management and follow-up services, is now being implemented by highly trained physicians, nurses and counselors throughout California. The professional level of the Aegis Model has been further enhanced with the establishment of several new programs, including the Office of the General Counsel, the Patients Advisory and Advocacy Group (“PAAG”), the Ombudsman's office and the “Keys To Recovery” Organization.    more

Bakersfield, California – In an attempt to break the cycle of re-incarceration, the Kern County Parole Department has developed an orientation for all county parolees released from state prisons. The orientation is provided by the California Department of Corrections to familiarize parolees, approximately 300 per month, with available resources in Kern County, including: addiction treatment centers; adult learning programs; vocational training and other services to support lifestyle transition for these individuals.    more

Canoga Park, California – Aegis Medical Systems announces the establishment of its Patient Advocacy and Advisory Groups ("PAAG") throughout its statewide clinic system. PAAG members are current and recovered methadone patients who have been recruited from each clinic to provide advice and review the effectiveness of Aegis’ protocols and procedures. PAAG members meet quarterly at Aegis’ corporate headquarters and provide patient “feedback” –an essential “tool” for Aegis’ plan for improvement of patient care and customer service. These efforts are consistent with Aegis’ business philosophy and pursuit of exemplary ethical and clinical standards.    more

Canoga Park, California – Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., in collaboration with Bayer Diagnostics and Teragenix of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, has completed a valuable research study to help individuals at high risk for Hepatitis C. The results of the study are being used to develop a blood regent test for Hepatitis C – an important tool for early detection of Hepatitis C among opioid addicts.    more

Canoga Park, California – Setting a new threshold for the substance abuse recovery field, Aegis Medical Systems becomes the first major provider of narcotic treatment programs (“NTPs”) to institute an Ombudsman's Office. Udi Barkai, President of Aegis, proudly announces the appointment of Prof. Bill Shilley to fill the new position of the Ombudsman. He further states: “The appointment of the Ombudsman is an additional example of our business philosophy and ongoing commitment to excellence in patient care and customer service. We also hope it will set a standard to other providers in our industry.”    more

Canoga Park, California – Aegis Medical Systems, through its Sacramento governmental affairs office is co-sponsoring Assembly Bill (AB) 1308 mandating jail dosing treatment for opioid addicted inmates. AB 1308 will also prohibit the judiciary system from denying medical treatment to methadone patients or to other addicted persons.    more

Canoga Park, California – Aegis Medical Systems proudly announces its new "Tapering Off" of Methadone Protocol. In contrast to previous protocols for the detoxification of drug abusers for their addiction to illicit drugs, the new protocol targets stable patients who will be offered a “step-up” program which relies on counseling rather than medications (e.g., methadone).    more