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Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

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ODP Updates

The Office of Developmental Programs has issued the following information:

  • Announcement #051-15: Waiver Direct Service Provider Audit Requirements for Fiscal Year 2014/2015 Reporting Period; Questions may be directed to ODP Regional Fiscal Officer Agnes Rudolf.
  • Informational Packet #052-15: Rate Retention Factor Process Resulting from Provider Settlement Agreement; Procedures apply only to providers who signed and submitted the Provider Settlement Agreement Addendum.
  • Announcement #053-15: AE Oversight Monitoring Webcast Now Available in AE Information Center.
  • Announcement #054-15: Delay Implementation of Fourth Waiver Amendments for ODP Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support Waivers Effective July 1, 2015; ODP has not received federal CMS approval for the fourth set of waiver amendments. These amendments were shared in Announcement #039-15.
  • PA Bulletin on June 27 includes the notification of the Proposed Fee Schedule Rates for Fiscal Year 2015/16 for the Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support Waivers, Target Service Management and Community ID Base-Funded Programs.
  • PA Bulletin on June 27 includes the notification of the Proposed Rate Setting Methodology for the ODP Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support Waiver and Base-Funded Services for the 2015/16 Fiscal Year.

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ODP Updates
The Office of Developmental Programs has issued the following information:

DHS Managed Care Proposal
The PA Department of Human Services is developing a proposal for a managed long-term services and supports system, to be implemented in three phases, beginning in January 2017. The home and community-based services to be included in this proposal are those under the Office of Long Term Living. ODP waivers would not be included at this time. Information is available in the PA Bulletin and a “Discussion Document” for public comments to be submitted to DHS by July 15.

Employer Tax Incentives
The National Employer Policy, Research and Technical Assistance Center has released a fact sheet, Employer Incentives for Hiring People with Disabilities: Federal Tax Incentives At-a-Glance. Information is provided on:

  • Work Opportunity Tax Credit
  • Disabled Access Credit for Modifications and Accommodations
  • Architectural and Transportation Barrier Removal Deduction

Meetings and Webinars

  • July 2, 2:30 pm: Accessible Swimming Pools and Spas: Question and Answer Session
  • July 13-14, Advisory Committee on Increasing Competitive Integrated Employment for Individuals with Disabilities, Washington, DC; meeting is open to the public with a public comment period on July 13 from 2:15-3:00 pm and written comments may also be submitted by July 2.

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Community Providers Needed
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is seeking community service providers who are interested in serving individuals that wish to transition from state-operated ICFs/ID to a community setting. Interested providers may find information about qualifying individuals online at the ODP Provider Information Center. Use the same login username and password that you use for any of the ODP Information Centers (i.e., PIC, AEIC, SCOIC or SCC). New and updated information is posted regularly; providers are encouraged to check the website frequently.

IM4Q Training
ODP’s Independent Monitoring for Quality’s Annual Statewide Training is scheduled for July 29-30 at the Hilton Hotel, Harrisburg. ODP’s new Deputy Secretary Nancy Thaler will be the first speaker to start the conference. Details, agenda and registration information are now available.

ODP Updates
ODP has released the following information:

  • Bulletin #00-15-02: Rate Setting Methodology for Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support Waiver and Base-Funded Services for Individuals Participating in the Office of Developmental Programs Service System.
  • PA Bulletin June 20: Notice of final methodology for FY 2014/15 rate-setting methodology for waivers and base-funded services.
  • Announcement #049-15: Provider Application Orientation Requests for Plans from Administrative Entities; this new process is for individuals or agencies interested in becoming providers of waiver services. This mandated training is part of the enrollment process for provider applicants.

ABLE Act Update
The proposed regulations for the federal Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act of 2014 have been published in the June 22 Federal Register. Public comments must be submitted by September 21 and a public hearing is scheduled for October 14.

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ODP Updates
The Office of Developmental Programs has released the following information:

  • Informational Memo 048-15: Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Consolidated and Person/Family Directed Support Waivers Proposed Department Established Fees for Waiver Eligible Services, Residential Ineligible Services and Targeted Services Management.
  • Informational Packet #047-15: Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent Financial Management Services Wage and Benefit Ranges for Specific Participant Directed Services, Effective July 1.

Psychiatric Rehab Webinar

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Nancy Thaler will be the new Deputy Secretary of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) beginning June 29. Thaler recently served as the executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services, assisting 50 state agencies in policy and program development, where she was involved in strategic planning, managing the operating budget, and directing the association’s activities. She also previously served as the director of quality improvement for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and Deputy Secretary of ODP for both Republican and Democratic administrations.

H. Patrick “Pat” Clancy will be joining the Department of Human Services (DHS) as the special advisor to the secretary, focusing on employment issues and the federal Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act. Clancy has a strong background in developing and managing career and workforce development programs. He recently served as the director of workforce initiatives at Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County. He will join the department on July 13.

Steve Suroviec will become the special advisor to the secretary, focusing on employment issues for people with disabilities, where he will bring the impressive leadership skills he demonstrated as deputy secretary at ODP. Before joining DHS, Steve served admirably as the executive director of Pennsylvania’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. He will share his counsel and expertise in this crucial area beginning June 29.

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SCO Issues

  • ISP Checklist
    At the IDD Committee on June 11, ODP’s Patty McCool reported on the Futures Planning Work Groups and an issue specific to Work Group #5, Simplifying the System, related to the ISP Checklist. RCPA is asking its SCO members to share what works with the current ISP Checklist, what doesn’t work, and recommendations for changes. Please submit your recommendations to Linda Drummond by June 23, which will then be shared with ODP.
  • Cycle 5 Monitoring: ODP’s Sonya Hipple was asked about the timeframe for released of the Cycle 5 SCO monitoring sample; it will be released in either late June or early July on the SCO Docushare website.

ODP Update
The Office of Developmental Programs has released the following information:

  • Informational Packet #046-15: Agency with Choice Financial Management Services Wage Ranges and Benefit Allowance and Corresponding Department Established Fees for Specific Participant Direct Services Effective July 1.

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ADA Anniversary
In recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, the US Census Bureau is releasing “Facts for Features,” providing demographic information about institutionalization, transportation, employment, and accessibility.

LEAD Webinar
On June 24 at 3:00 pm, LEAD Center will hold its third webinar in the four-part series, “WIOA from a Disability Perspective.” This month’s webinar, “Understanding Changes Regarding Youth Services,” addresses cross-system collaboration and WIOA opportunities for career counseling, skills training, and job exploration.

DHS Home Modification
The state Department of Human Services (DHS) has released a discussion document on a proposed model for improving efforts to provide home modifications for those served by the Home and Community-Based Service waivers (OLTL and ODP). Comments are requested by July 2. Please share your comments with RCPA Policy Specialist Linda Drummond as well.

DHS: The Impact
In keeping with Governor Wolf’s commitment to transparency, DHS distributes regular updates to keep Pennsylvanians abreast of the good work happening at DHS and how it impacts the Commonwealth. The June 5 edition addressed “Managed Long-Term Supports and Services,” which are under discussion. This initiative is geared toward improving the health and welfare of older Pennsylvanians, and individuals with physical disabilities, by implementing a system that breaks down barriers and fills the gaps that currently exist.

Public hearings are being held across the state and comments are due by July 15. Further details can be found on the DHS website. The service systems being considered are the Aging and Office of Long Term Living waivers. ODP waivers are not being considered at this time. See press release here.

WIOA Comments Due
The April 28 IDD Update provided links to the proposed changes in the Federal Register and the five Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, regarding the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Comments are due by June 15 to www.regulations.gov. Please share your comments with RCPA Policy Specialist Linda Drummond.

ODP Update
The Office of Developmental Programs has released the following information:

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ODP Updates
The Office of Developmental Programs has released the following information:

Conferences

  • July 22-24: 2015 Pennsylvania Community on Transition Conference: Navigating the Road to Success, at the Penn Stater Conference Center, State College. The primary purpose of this conference is to expand the capacity of schools, agencies, and communities, in partnership with youth, young adults, and families, in promoting the successful transition of youth/young adults with disabilities to post-school outcomes of employment, post-secondary education and training, community participation, and healthy lifestyles. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about effective practices to assist youth/young adults with disabilities to explore possibilities, take advantage of their opportunities, and actively advocate for their futures.
  • August 3-6: 2015 National Autism Conference: Progress through Partnership, at the Penn Stater Conference Center, State College. The autism conference provides comprehensive, evidence-based information to assist educators, other professionals, and families in developing effective educational programming for all students with autism spectrum disorders.
  • September 15-16: 2015 Aging/Intellectual Disability Cross-Systems Conference: Building Bridges, at the Holiday Inn, Grantville.
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