The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has shared their success story publication, The Story, highlighting teachers and nurses. We hope you enjoy reading about these individuals’ journeys!
Make sure you check out the social channels (OVR on Facebook; OVR on X; OVR on LinkedIn; and OVR on Instagram) in the coming weeks for highlights of these stories as well!
The Office of Developmental Programs has shared this important announcement from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) related to possible exposure to an individual positive for measles.
On October 11, the Pennsylvania DOH was notified by the New Jersey DOH that Pennsylvania residents could have been exposed to measles.
The New Jersey Health Department’s confirmed measles case is a resident of Monmouth County who presented with measles following recent international travel. The individual developed a rash and was subsequently confirmed to have measles via positive measles PCR results. He visited several healthcare facilities and public venues while infectious for measles.
DOH notes that anyone who visited the following New Jersey locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed and should contact a health care provider immediately to discuss potential exposure and risk of developing the illness.
Potentially exposed individuals, if infected, could develop symptoms as late as October 29, 2024.
When to Suspect Measles
Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone with a febrile rash illness lasting three days or more, a temperature of 101ºF (38.3ºC) or higher, and clinically compatible symptoms (cough, coryza, and/or conjunctivitis), particularly if the patient was potentially exposed to a case of measles or has recently traveled to an area with an on-going measles outbreak and are not fully vaccinated.
CareWide, located in Scranton, PA, has been awarded grant funding from the Department of Labor and Industry and is now offering FREE training for PCAs, DCWs, caregivers, and similar staff members!
From now until the end of the year, you can send your caregivers or PCAs to CareWide for hands-on in person training in over 40 personal caregiving skills — all at no cost to you. The training is held from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and is completed in one day. Additionally, if the worker needs CPR, AED, and First Aid certification, they can return for another 4 hours of training, also free of charge. That’s a total of 12 hours of training for free! This offer is valid through the end of 2024.
To learn more, read CareWide’s rack card.
Questions can be directed to:
Marilyn Major, CEO
CareWide, LLC
570-340-0555
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has drafted proposed changes to the 2024-2027 VR Services Portion of the Combined State Plan to implement an Order of Selection. A public comment period will be opened from October 7, 2024 – October 28, 2024.
Members of the public may provide feedback on the proposed changes by submitting comments electronically or by submitting live comments during one of two State Plan Public Meetings. Please note that comments should be limited to the proposed changes only.
To access the State Plan draft, please visit here.
Public meetings will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am as well as Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. During these meetings, OVR will review the proposed changes to the VR Services Portion of the Combined State Plan. These meetings will contain the same content, so it is not necessary to attend both. Following a summary presentation, the public will be invited to provide comment. CART and sign language interpreting will be provided during both meetings.
Virtual Public Meeting Information
Meeting #1
When: October 16, 2024, 9:00 am Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Zoom for October 16 Public Meeting
Meeting #2
When: October 17, 2024, 3:00 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Zoom for October 17 Public Meeting
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has released ODPANN 22-083. Please note: Updates are in red. The survey link has been updated. Deadline for submissions is October 31, 2024. Please review the announcement for details.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-095, to inform all stakeholders that the most recent version of the AAW Provider Information Table has been published. The table reflects updated rates for services effective July 1, 2024. Updated rates and any text added to reflect the changes are highlighted in gray. The table is effective October 1, 2024. Please review the announcement for additional information on accessing the table.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-094, to inform providers of updated guidance for complying with tuberculosis (TB) testing requirements in ODP licensing regulations. Please review the announcement for additional information and detail.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared communication ODPANN 24-093, to inform providers of modifications to the annual licensing inspection schedule for Chapters 2380, 2390, 6400, and 6500. Please review the announcement for additional information and detail.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared a Health Alert regarding accompanying individuals to emergency rooms. The alert discusses how it is critical that community home staff accompany individuals to the hospital, stay informed about treatments, be actively involved in discharge arrangements, and understand the follow-up care required. This health alert serves as a reminder of the importance of continuity of care in these situations. Please review the alert for additional information and detail.
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