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Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

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ODP Announcement 24-064 is to inform trainers and learners of an upcoming system upgrade for the Medication Administration system. The system will be undergoing an upgrade starting Thursday, July 25, 2024, and ending Friday, August 2, 2024. During this time, it will be completely unavailable to learners and trainers. Please finish any self-paced learning by Monday, July 22, 2024, including online lessons, quizzes, activities, post multiple choice, and post written documentation exams.

If you have questions about this upgrade or if you need assistance during this transition, you may contact the Medication Administration Help Desk website to log a ticket. The help desk will be available to address any concerns during this transition.

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This week is marked annually in honor of leading humanitarian Helen Keller’s birthday on June 27. Being deaf and blind herself, Keller’s work made a large difference in the lives of DeafBlind people. It is much more common than many people realize. Over 15 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with severe DeafBlindness. This week is a chance for us to raise awareness of deafblindness and make Pennsylvania a more DeafBlind-friendly place.

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ODP Announcement 24-062 is to inform all provider agencies employing DSPs that the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) has extended the deadline for completing the 2023 National Core Indicators® (NCI) State of the Workforce Survey. The portal will now close on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

HSRI is aiming for a 5% or lower margin of error (MoE) for each participating state. The lower the MoE, the more representative and impactful the data will be. Pennsylvania currently has a 5.5% margin of error, and ODP would like to see it reach the recommended level since it is within reach. Therefore, ODP strongly encourages eligible provider agencies to complete the survey if they have not already done so. A final reminder will be issued via the portal in mid-July.

For questions, contact Ms. Lee Stephens, ODP IM4Q/NCI Statewide Lead.

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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Today, both the ISAC Performance Review Subcommittee and the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meetings were held. During these meetings, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) announced that as a result of public comments received regarding Performance-Based Contracting, some adjustments are being made to the plans. Tomorrow, ODP will release an announcement with more details, but for now, we know the following:

  • Residential providers will be offered a choice of when they are assigned into a tier. This will be based on which data they chose for ODP to review and make a tier determination upon. The choices will be:
    • Calendar year 2023 data reviewed with notification of tier assignment occurring in November, to be effective January 1, 2025 – June 2026; or
    • Review of Calendar year 2024 data with notification of tier assignment occurring in May, to be effective July 2025 – July 2026.

ODP plans to submit the proposed waiver to CMS on July 19, 2024.

In addition, the presentation from the MAAC meeting can be found here.

Documents from the Performance Review Subcommittee can be found below:

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July 11, 2024
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Register Here

Join RCPA to learn about enabling technology to support independent living and how SimplyHome aligns with performance-based contracting. SimplyHome designs and installs innovative and affordable technology solutions that transform how we care for individuals with disabilities, aging adults, and veterans. Their technology empowers individuals to live their own self-determined lifestyle while addressing the concerns of caregivers.

We will hear from Kristie Ondisco, PA/OH Representative, and Matt Wright, Enterprise Director of Sales.

Register here for this informative session. If you have any questions, contact Carol Ferenz.

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Thursday June 20, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) held the fourth Provider Preparedness Summit for residential providers. Additional discussion on specific performance standards for Performance-Based Contracting took place.

The PowerPoint can be viewed here, and a recording of the session will be posted shortly on the MyODP website.

ODP staff answered many questions submitted by providers and will take questions/comments into consideration for change. The discussion was primarily focused on an overview of the performance standards, including Competitive Integrated Employment, Community Inclusion, and use of Remote Support Technology.

ODP staff referenced the ISP Manual, which contains useful information on Remote Supports.

ODP also polled participants for questions such as the possibility of postponing Provider Tier assignments until March, and acceptable referral process for individuals in Needs Group 4.

No changes have been made at this time, but ODP is interested in feedback from stakeholders.

Providers are encouraged to attend all four sessions as well as watch a pre-recorded webinar. All of these recordings and resources can be found on the MyODP website.

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Photo by Kane Reinholdtsen on Unsplash

RCPA is partnering with The Arc of PA, PAR, TPA, The Alliance of Community Service Providers, and MAX to hold a press conference on Wednesday, June 26, 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Speakers scheduled to participate include House Human Services Co-Chairs Rep. Doyle Heffley and Rep. Stephen Kinsey, self -advocates, families, and DSPs to express our appreciation and support of the governor’s proposed budget funding for ID/A services in PA. Members are welcome to join us in the rotunda of the Capitol. No registration is necessary. There is a limit to the amount of people who are permitted to be in the rotunda for these events, so we are not encouraging large groups to attend. Any questions, please contact Carol Ferenz.

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