Assistive Technology, Accommodations, and the Americans with Disabilities Act

This brochure on Assistive Technology, Accommodations, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is one of a series on human resources practices and workplace accommodations for persons with disabilities edited by Susanne M. Bruyère, Ph.D., CRC, SPHR, Director, Program on Employment and Disability, School of Industrial and Labor Relations - Extension Division, Cornell Universit

Avoiding admissions : the most cost effective delivery of acute care to residents of aged-care facilities in the Hutt Valley : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Business Studies in Management at Massey University

The highest annual costs of health care occur in the last one to two years of life. The most expensive part of health care provision during this period is aged-residential care. As residents of aged-care facilities are frail and suffer from chronic illness, periodic medical care is required. For residents of aged-care facilities in the Hutt Valley, this medical intervention is either provided on-site with the assistance of the contract general practitioner or the resident is acutely admitted to the Hutt Hospital. Such admissions incur a significant cost to the District Health Board, which continues to pay for the aged-residential care bed for up to 21 days in any one calendar year even if a bed is vacated for an acute hospitalisation. This study examined acute admission data of aged-care facility residents admitted into Hutt Hospital during 2003 from 1 Dec 2002 to 30 November 2003. This was compared (the acute admission data) to a census of 18 aged-care facilities in the Hutt Valley to identify the most cost effective delivery of acute care to the residents. Analysis of data collected from the study supported a number of variables that impact on acute admission rates. These variables included attitude of the aged-care facility manager to acute admission, access to registered nursing, facility characteristics and contractual arrangements with general practitioners. Five alternative models of acute care delivery were examined for possible impact on acute admission rates and cost effectiveness. The most cost effective delivery of acute care to residents of aged-care delivery is through a twenty-four hour contractual arrangement with a general practitioner. However, variables such as contractual obligations of aged-care facilities, profit status, staffing configuration and whether a facility also offers other retirement options such as villas impact on acute admission rates and have implications in the development of older persons policy in New Zealand. Health researchers in New Zealand have not explored this area to date. Given the cost to the economy and the future fiscal risk with the increasing number of older people, this is an area that requires urgent research attention

Strategic Aspects of Voluntary Disclosure Programs for Corruption Offences - Towards a Design of Good Practice -

Even though high penalties for corruption offences have a deterrent and preventive effect, they also entrap bribe-takers and bribe-givers in their corrupt relationship. Moreover, pending penalties can be misused to make threats against opportunistic behavior and can thus stabilize risky bribe agreements. This paper shows how voluntary disclosure programs can be strategically applied to break the ‘pact of silence’ and to promote opportunism in a targeted way. Against this background the paper studies the leniency provisions in the penal codes of 56 countries. The analysis reveals deficiencies in the utilization and in the design of voluntary disclosure programs for corruption offences.Corruption, Criminal Law, Leniency, Self-Reporting, Voluntary Disclosure Program

Contracts Induced by Means of Bribery: Should they be Void or Valid?

This paper argues that contracts induced by means of bribery should be valid. Nullity and voidability decrease the incentive for voluntary disclosure, assist corrupt actors with enforcing their bribe agreements and provide leeway for abuse. Thus, they run counter to effective anti-corruption. It is argued that other instruments are more suitable for preventing corruption.Bribery, Contracts, Corruption, Due Diligence, Enforcement, Impugnment, Liability, Leniency, Nullity, Private Law Validity, Voidability, Voluntary Disclosure (Program)

Strategic aspects of voluntary disclosure programs for corruption offences: Towards a design of good practice

Even though high penalties for corruption offences have a deterrent and preventive effect, they also entrap bribe-takers and bribe-givers in their corrupt relationship. Moreover, pending penalties can be misused to make threats against opportunistic behavior and can thus stabilize risky bribe agreements. This paper shows how voluntary disclosure programs can be strategically applied to break the pact of silence and to promote opportunism in a targeted way. Against this background the paper studies the leniency provisions in the penal codes of 56 countries. The analysis reveals deficiencies in the utilization and in the design of voluntary disclosure programs for corruption offences. --Corruption,Criminal Law,Leniency,Self-Reporting,Voluntary Disclosure Program

Guns and Roses: Advocacy in an Emerging Democracy

Draws on campaigns for gun control and same-sex marriage in South Africa to offer a framework for effective advocacy. Discusses defining issues and goals, research, strategic partnerships, mobilizing, working with the media, lobbying, and other elements