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Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

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The ISAC Committee met today and the Deputy Secretary and Dr. Cherpes provided an update.

Deputy Secretary Ahrens shared that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) budget request items were in fact included in the state budget. This includes an initiative to address the waiting list through the addition of 732 Community Living Waiver and 100 Consolidated Waiver placements for emergencies.

The incentive program for providers to transition individuals from group homes to Lifesharing or Supported Living is also included. ODP is working on developing the details of this initiative, which is expected to be implemented in January 2022.

The plan for the American Rescue Plan funds is still being developed by the Department of Human Services (DHS). They have been in discussions with Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to determine the parameters.

The temporarily increased rates for CPS and Transportation Trip will continue to be in effect.  Individuals may exceed their waiver caps, and no one should lose a single unit of service through the pandemic. This is approved by CMS in Appendix K.

Appendix K is approved based upon the federal public health emergency (PHE), which has recently been extended and is likely to be extended again. Appendix K can be in place for 6 months after the PHE has ended. Therefore, Appendix K will be in effect at least until March of 2022, likely though to June.

ODP shared the results of the recent CPS survey that was completed. Providers should keep in mind that individuals cannot be denied services due to their inability or unwillingness to wear a mask.  This would be considered an ADA accommodation.

Julie Mochon provided an update on the Home and Community-Based Settings rule and Pennsylvania’s plan to meet the expectations from CMS.

Leah Sheffield presented an update about ISAC Recommendation #1 — Assure Effective Communication and shared that ODP intends to make changes to this service definition in the new waiver renewals. Ron Melusky also provided information on Self Direction in services.

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This 3-day training provides a comprehensive overview of Discovery (an alternative to traditional vocational assessments) and how to complete Discovery. For those seeking to become certified providers of Discovery through Marc Gold & Associates, it is the prerequisite training for certification. Individuals not seeking certification will gain valuable information and insight and may attend as auditors to the session.

When: Online Zoom meeting October 4–6, 2021 from 9:00 am–4:00 pm. Registrants must have a computer or laptop with a webcam. The training will use Zoom to host the conference. Registrants will not be able to join by phone.

Where: This training will be done completely online.

Who is this for: Job Coaches and Job Developers, Supports Coordinators, Parents and Families, Transition Coordinators and School Transition Teams

Please review the brochure for registration information and course system requirements. For questions, please email Jen Hipps.

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Close-up of Hands holding pens and making notes at the conference

The Office of Developmental Programs is pleased to announce the availability of four additional courses in the College of Employment Services (CES).

Employment Services for People with Mental Health Disabilities: In this course we’ll talk about common obstacles facing job seekers with mental health issues, and proven principles and specific skills that can help you support them. In these four lessons, we’ll look at some research-supported ways to help this population succeed in the workforce.

Employment for People with Disabilities and Criminal Histories: Welcome to our course about employment services for people with disabilities and criminal histories. In these two lessons, you will learn about specific strategies that can help you support these job seekers.

Preparing for a Seamless Move from School to Adult Life: In this six part course you’ll learn about strategies and partnerships in schools and communities that support high expectations around work and post-secondary education. You’ll also learn about governmental policies and programs to support employment and post-secondary education.

Ticket to Work: You’ve probably been hearing about the Social Security Ticket to Work program for years. But what is it, and how can it help the job seekers you support? Get an overview of this useful work incentive in this special feature.

If you have questions concerning CES access, please contact the state wide administrator using the following email address and telephone number.
Email
Phone Contact: 866-865-6170

New Organizations:
Olivia Sullivan
860-202-4237

Existing Organizations:
Leigh Evans
404-799-4009

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A message from ODP to Residential Providers:

ODP has recently learned that residential providers need additional support and access when recruiting Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). Recruitment of CNAs for residential facilities which have a medical focus could be a valuable staffing resource. ODP can assist providers to overcome obstacles in order to achieve appropriate staffing.

The PA Department of Health’s (DOH) Long-Term Care Facility division oversees the CNA registry program. ODP outreached to DOH to get clarification on the requirements, and the DOH explained that PA does not certify nurses’ aides, but the CNA Registry is utilized to meet the CMS mandate for the long-term care facilities. A common challenge, “community homes,” are not listed as qualified facilities, which is required for a CNA to maintain inclusion on the CNA Registry. Despite this challenge, providers may request to be added to the registry, especially in cases where the homes have a medical focus.

How to get enrolled?

To be added to the CNA Registry, providers can send requests directly to DOH, Stephanie Kirkpatrick. The following information must be included with requests to be considered:

  • Name of the provider
  • Contact information
  • Copy of the CNA Job Description
  • Description of the nursing oversight as required by DOH

If approved, the provider will be notified and will be added to the CNA Registry. Providers who have a medical focus and nursing oversight are encouraged to apply for inclusion in this registry.

Thank you for your continued efforts.

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From Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens:

Thank you again for all your support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As PA DOH and DHS prepare for the potential for updated vaccine guidance from the CDC, we request that all Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs), Congregate Care Facilities, and Residential Providers fill out the below one-time survey discussing each facility or community home’s vaccine access plan. The survey consists of only a few questions and should take no more than 3 minutes of your time.

Survey: https://form.jotform.com/212066323150139

Long-Term Care and Congregate Care Facilities are asked to share the following information about vaccine access in their facilities:

  • Plan for accessing COVID-19 vaccine doses for residents
  • Who will administer the COVID-19 vaccine at the facility

Please respond to this survey no later than Tuesday, August 17.

Please notify PA DOH if you have any questions about the survey or how to access the COVID-19 vaccines with the subject of the email “Long Term Care Facility Survey Questions.”

Survey: https://form.jotform.com/212066323150139

Thank you for all of the work you’ve done to vaccinate residents and community members during this pandemic.

Kristin Ahrens | Deputy Secretary
PA Department of Human Services | Office of Developmental Programs

 

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Healing from the Heart
How We Can Connect to Help Ourselves and One Another in Times of Trauma and Loss

The National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) and the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) have partnered to offer a premium webinar series focused on trauma and loss. The series, entitled, “Healing from the Heart: How We Can Connect to Help Ourselves and One Another in Times of Trauma and Loss” will occur every Wednesday until mid-September. Full descriptions of the webinars can be found on the NADD website here. Please note this webinar series is priced per session, and registration will be hosted on the NADD website. For all questions related to webinars, email NADD.

August 18, 2021 (2:00 pm–3:00 pm EST) — Session 1: Beyond Trauma-Informed: Trauma Responsive Care, Part One

August 25, 2021 (2:00 pm–3:00 pm EST) — Session 2: Safe, Connected, and In Control: Trauma Responsive Care, Part Two

September 1, 2021 (2:00 pm–3:00 pm EST) — Session 3: Dangerous Empathy: Burnout, Compassion Fatigue & Empathetic Distress

September 8, 2021 (2:00 pm–3:00 pm EST) — Session 4: Wings of the Bird: Everyday Brain-Body Practices for Healing, Resilience and Self-Care

September 15, 2021 (2:00 pm–3:00 pm EST) — Session 5: One Step Ahead: Being a Trauma Responsive Supervisor in Crazy Times

Register Now

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