May 6, 2003
NR-03-003
 
AEGIS IS THE FIRST MAJOR PROVIDER OF NARCOTIC TREATMENT PROGRAMS TO OPEN AN OMBUDSMAN’S OFFICE

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.”

"The Ombudsman is an independent neutral resource for mitigating and resolving conflicts involving patients and the Aegis Family of Corporations," said Bill Shilley, and added that, "Aegis is to be commended for being the first NTP Provider to offer such an amenity to its patients; it is reflective of Aegis’ agenda and set of values."

Professor Shilley (Oxnard Community College) has extensive experience in dispute resolution, having previously served as Ombudsman for Ventura County. Professor Shilley is also quite familiar with several Aegis clinics, and is an expert in the field of chemical dependency counselor training.

For further information on the Ombudsman’s Office please visit www.aegisombudsman.com.

Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., operates one of the largest chains of narcotic treatment programs in the nation. Headquartered in Canoga Park California, Aegis has 26 clinics throughout the state serving over 5,500 patients per day. For the last six years, Aegis has focused its efforts on raising clinical standards and regulatory compliance. Since 2000, Aegis has allocated significant resources to the training of its 300 employees, and to the development of new and more effective treatment policies, protocols and procedures, as well as expanded its Scope of Practice to address the various medical, mental and socio-economic needs of its patients. 

Aegis is also supporting the successful recover of its patients through its Patient Advocacy and Advisory Group (PAAG), Keys To Recovery (K2R) support groups, as well as commissioned offices for an Ombudsman, General Counsel, and Legislative Analyst (Jim Gonzalez & Associates). Additionally, Aegis has participated in pharmaceutical and behavioral research studies with other leading institutions (e.g., NIDA, Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, Rand Corporation, Friends Research, etc.) 

The Aegis Family of Corporations includes Aegis Medical Systems, Inc., Aegis Institute, Inc. (a non-profit organization), and Nationwide Medical Group, Inc. (a professional corporation).

Contact Persons

William L. Shilley, M.A.
Aegis Medical Systems, Inc
(800) 644-9998

Priscilla Shrader, Executive Assistant
Aegis Medical Systems, Inc.
(818) 206-0360



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