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Authors Posts by Cathy Barrick

Cathy Barrick

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism and their families to join in a virtual exploration and discussion with members of the Division of Policy and Program Innovation. These sessions are informal, meaning the conversation will not be recorded, and rules will be set before the session starts to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe to provide questions and comments. The session will be held through Microsoft Teams.

Please note: This event is being held only for individuals and family members; this is not an event for someone who is only a professional.

What Will Be Covered?
Family members often want to stay as involved as possible with the services their relative receives. This session will consist of an overview of services that family members can provide through ODP’s 1915(c) waivers, as well as who is considered family and other important definitions. The session will also include time to explore where this information can be found.

Audience:
Individuals and Families

Date:
September 18, 2025, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Register Here

Please share these important PA Family Network workshops and support groups with your network! Register for upcoming events at PA Family Network’s website.

Good Life Group, Support Groups

LifeCourse Workshops

Waiver Workshops

Today, August 13, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) held the first Supports Coordination Organization Performance-Based Contracting SCO Summit. The PowerPoint is available here. All sessions will be recorded and available on MyODP.

Additional Summits, PAS Trainings, and VOHs will be held on the following dates:

  • August 25 — Measure by Measure
  • September 5 — Measure by Measure
  • September 8 — Payment and Billing
  • September 15 — PAS Training and Preparedness
  • September 18 — Virtual Office Hours
  • October 1 — Virtual Office Hours
  • October 8 — Virtual Office Hours
  • October 16 — Virtual Office Hours

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared this important announcement from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA MedWatch — DermaKleen, Dermasarra, Kleenfoam, and Perigiene Products by DermaRite Industries

DermaRite Industries is recalling the below products due to microbial contamination identified as Burkholderia cepacia.

Risk Statement:

Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) in these products may result in serious and life-threatening infections. The contaminated products may be used by immunosuppressed individuals or by people attending to immunosuppressed individuals. In healthy individuals with minor skin lesions, the use of the product will more likely result in local infections, whereas in immunocompromised individuals the infection is more likely to spread into blood stream leading to life-threatening sepsis.

The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States and in Puerto Rico.

To date, DermaRite has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

Background:

  • DermaKleen is an OTC Healthcare antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.
  • DermaSarra is an OTC External analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to dry skin, insect bites, detergents, sunburn.
  • KleenFoam is an OTC Antimicrobial foam soap with aloe vera indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin after changing diapers, after assisting ill people, or before contact with a person under medical care or treatment.
  • PeriGiene is an OTC Antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area.

Recommendations:

  • Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product.
  • Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Mary Goldberg at 973-569-9000 x104 or via email.
  • DermaRite has notified its distributors and customers by email to immediately examine available inventory and destroy all affected products in accordance with each facility’s process.

For more information about this recall and specific product number, visit the FDA’s website.

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A performance-based contracting (PBC) forum is being provided on September 10, 2025, from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm, to support provider preparedness. This forum aimed at residential providers. Register here to attend.

Topics of discussion include:

  • Updates to measures;
  • Introducing the new Performance Analysis Services (PAS) data submission tool;
  • Technical assistance; and
  • Provider performance review data.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Registration for the August Virtual Office Hour (VOH) sessions are now available for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators. If interested in joining, please select the registration link available on the Med Admin Trainer Dashboard. VOH for the August 21, 2025, sessions are listed below.

  • 10:00 am – 11:00 am
  • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

If you are unable to attend, the next VOH session will be September 18.