OLYMPIA -- Russell Johnson, an attorney with 30 years of experience, has been selected as the new Manager of the Office of Hearings and Appeals in the Health and Recovery Services Administration of the Department of Social and Health  Services.

In his new position, Johnson will supervise the attorneys and staff who hold Fair Hearings and appeals involving Medicaid as well as other medical assistance programs, mental health services and chemical dependency treatment.

Johnson is an active member in good standing with the Washington State Bar Association. He has more than nine years of legal management experience managing appeals, hearings and litigation, and managing public disclosure – all areas that fall under the Office of Hearings and Appeals. He also has a solid understanding of the state’s legislative and rule-making processes.

In addition to experience as a Hearings Officer and Claims Attorney, he served as general counsel in both government and the private sector. His appointment was effective September 1.

NEW MANAGERS: The Office of Quality and Care Management in the Health and Recovery Services Administration has appointed two new Section Managers:

• Barb Lantz is the new Section Manager of the Quality Monitoring section. Lantz, a nurse, as been responsible for many aspects of quality management for the Healthy Options program, and in her new role, will assume additional responsibility for the quality management of other managed care programs.

• Alison Robbins is the new Section Manager of the Care Management section. Robbins has served as the lead worker for care coordination in the past, and now will have additional responsibility for the development of the "medical home" program. 

The medical home program – an effort to address health care needs from a more holistic perspective through a relationship with a single primary care provider – was mandated by the Legislature as well as by recommendations of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Health-Care Commission.

DASA MANAGER: Region 1 of the Division of Alcohol and Drug Abuse has appointed Dan Cable as Regional Treatment Manager. Cable has worked for the Klallam Counseling Services with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe since 1999 as the Program Administrator.

DASA Director Doug Allen said Cable brings 14 years of chemical dependency experience and expertise to the division and Region 1, which covers the Spokane area.

"I am confident he will be a great asset to DASA and the community," Allen said.

Cable begins his new duties on September 17.

FOR ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND, CONTACT: Jim Stevenson, Communications Director, HRSA, DSHS, 360-902-7604 (Pager: 360-971-4067).