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Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

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ODP Announcement 22-105 provides the most recent update to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about details for COVID-19 vaccine and boosters. Release of this announcement will obsolete “ODPANN 22-046: COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Reminder.”

This updated guidance includes information on newly available booster vaccines, which are referred to as bivalent or updated vaccines. The guidance also discusses the availability of a newer primary vaccine called the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC has updated information regarding the vaccination schedule for individuals based on age and provides considerations based on additional factors. Full information is available at the CDC’s Interim Clinical Considerations for Use of COVID-19 Vaccines Currently Approved or Authorized in the United States.

ODP Announcement 22-106 states that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) contracts with Temple University Harrisburg to deliver the ODP Certified Investigator Program and that ODP and Temple University are conducting Certified Investigator Friday Forums. These forums are an opportunity for current Certified Investigators and other interested parties to receive up-to-date information about the incident investigation process.

The next session date and time is Friday October 7, 2022, at 10:00 am – 11:30 am. The topic being covered is the Certified Investigator Report (CIR).

Please submit questions to Amanda Black by close of business Friday, September 30, 2022.

The seats are quickly filling as we get closer to the 2022 RCPA Conference Together! Be sure to register now to see our exciting workshops in person and earn continuing education credits. The final online registration deadline is Friday, September 30. Take a look at our full brochure to view the schedule and find valuable information on our upcoming workshops, which include:

  • Competing for Quality: Strategies for Becoming a Top Talent Manager
    • Presented by Ed Krow of Ed Krow, LLC
  • Creating the Playbook on the Fly: Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic That Will Endure as We Navigate to the “New” Normal
    • Presented by Woody Rosenbach, Trapeta Mayson, Tyrone Howell, and LaMar Brooks of COMHAR
  • Reducing Obstacles to Care: Low-Barrier Access to Buprenorphine and Other Life-Saving Treatments
    • Presented by Mark G. Fuller and Stuart Fisk of Allegheny Health Network
  • Reviewing Data Together: The Impact of the COVID Crises on Children’s Services Outcomes
    • Presented by Dan Warner of Community Data Roundtable
  • Healing-Centered Supervision: Lessons From Peer Support
    • Presented by Emily Ferris and Dana Lombardi of Magellan Behavioral Health of Pennsylvania
  • One Hospital Diversion VBP Project: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
    • Presented by Lisa M. May and Mandy Fauble of UPMC Western Behavioral Health at Safe Harbor
  • Technologies Needed to Be Successful in Healthcare Reform for Mental Health, Substance Use, Developmental Disabilities, and Human Service Organizations
    • Presented by Michael Lardieri of Core Solutions
  • Supporting Children With Medically Complex Conditions — Overview of Medical Support Needs
    • Presented by Gregory Cherpes and Rhonda Gengler of the Office of Developmental Programs

Note that sessions will be recorded to allow registered participants to view content after the event concludes.

In addition to an amazing roster of speakers, our 2022 Conference will have an exciting array of sponsors and exhibitors. We thank those who have committed to our conference thus far! If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, visit here for more details. For sponsors and exhibitors to be included in signage, RCPA will require contracts no later than Thursday, September 15.

We’d like to give a special shoutout to our Connections Hall sponsor Beacon Health Options as well as our Welcome Reception sponsor UPMC Community Care Behavioral Health Organization. Thank you for your support!

Questions about the conference may be directed to Carol Ferenz or Sarah Eyster, Conference Coordinators.

Theory to Practice:
Real World Applications of PBS Strategies

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is requesting proposals that focus on the lived experience of professionals who provide support for individuals on the autism spectrum to present at the 2022 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference: #PATCImplement2022. We will be highlighting the concept of implementing Positive Behavioral Support (PBS) practices. We want to give you the opportunity to share your PBS experiences, challenges, and successes.

Deadline Extended!
September 26, 2022

For more information, including instructions on how to submit your proposal, see the flyer.