Via Elegante provides input to address Arizona’s public health opioid emergency

  TUCSON, AZ - 11/13/2017 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

This past September The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZ DHS), along with Governor Doug Ducey, officially passed an emergency ruleset addressing the opioid epidemic in Arizona. A special committee was then established to refine the ruleset and create a permanent replacement. The committee was comprised of board of health professionals throughout Arizona including representatives from Mayo Clinic, Banner Health, ALFA, and other prestigious health centers. Michael W. McHugh, a representative from Via Elegante Assisted Living, was appointed to input his expertise into the opioid epidemic ruleset addressing this full-blown public health emergency.

Mr. McHugh was honored to be a part of the committee selected to help guide the changes to the ruleset specifically addressing the concerns regarding Resident Facilities. ”I really think something needs to be done to help curb the attitude of “there’s a pill for that” that is so prevalent these days. At Via Elegante, we are in the business of palliative care, and we need to be sure that our methods and those of other resident facilities are not only effective but embrace the best practices for our residents. Thoughtful regulatory oversight makes sense and I was really honored to be able to help.”

Andy Briefer, Managing Partner at Via Elegante said, “It is important that we provide a strong ruleset to create a law that changes the lives of family and friends who suffer from abusing opioids.  We are proud that Mike was chosen to bring his knowledge and experience to the committee.

The new ruleset, completed on October 23rd and under final review for adoption, will help ensure an effective and sensible public health response to the opioid overdose epidemic in Arizona. Mr. McHugh has high hopes for the positive effect that these new laws will bring to our communities.

About Via Elegante:
Via Elegante is an assisted living community that carries a team of registered nurses, caregivers, wellness directors and health professionals. This community provides aid with cooking, cleaning, medical care, and home safety assistance. Michael McHugh works as Via Elegante’s Director of Operations and Logistics to provide the Arizona based communities the best environment in all aspects of comfort, health, and happiness.