SCO Information Gathering Survey for Upcoming Meeting with ODP
Carol Ferenz
Affordable Connectivity Program: Webinar and Information
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides funds and discounts for families and households struggling to afford internet service. You are likely eligible if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line. Visit here to check your household’s eligibility.
Eligible households may receive assistance of up to $30 a month in discounts for broadband service and/or a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop, computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. See the flyer for more information. Visit here to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program and learn more.
ACP Information Session
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is hosting a webinar to provide an overview of the ACP for interested stakeholders. The webinar will cover more information on the ACP, who is eligible, how to apply, ACP outreach grant opportunities, and a Q&A session. Visit here to register for the ACP Overview webinar.
Now Open: Registration for Certified Investigator (CI) Initial Certification Course
ODP Announcement 22-120 communicates that registration for the January – June 2023 Certified Investigator (CI) Initial Certification Course classes (also known as cohorts) are now open on MyODP. Due to continued concerns regarding COVID-19, the January – June 2023 CI Initial Certification cohorts of the course will be provided virtually rather than in person.
If you do not have a MyODP account, use the MyODP login page and follow the instructions under “Is this your first time here?” If you are not sure whether or not you have a MyODP account, contact MyODP Support or Kiyona Duncan.
For assistance with registration, contact Kiyona Duncan. For questions regarding course content, contact Amanda Black.
ACL Webinar on December 14 — Strengthening Advocacy in the HCBS Settings Rule
ACL invites you to a webinar in their series on strengthening advocacy in the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule, “Getting the Services You Need From the Waiver,” on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm EST. Register for the webinar here.
The HCBS Settings Rule can improve community-based services and supports for people with disabilities and older adults for decades to come. This webinar will provide insight into one of the main strategies stakeholders can use to get the promise of the rule into everyday life: influencing the services that are included in the waiver application.
The webinar will highlight why you should pay attention to the waiver application and what is in an application, with a focus on Appendix C – Services. It will also look at what states have to put into the application and highlight best practices for commenting on your state’s waiver application.
Live captioning will be provided. A video replay and transcript will be made available following the event on ACL’s HCBS Settings Rule web page.
Speakers:
- Jill Jacobs, Commissioner, Administration on Disabilities, ACL
- Nancy Thaler, Senior Advisor, ACL
- Laura Miller, Managing Attorney, Equip for Equality
Contact Erin Shea with any questions.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations and Boosters — Holiday Guidance
ODP Announcement 22-118 reminds Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) providers of the expectation to support individuals to access all available and recommended vaccinations and promote health and safety by providing helpful reminders about holiday gatherings.
ODP expects that providers will ensure that all individuals supported have timely opportunities to remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination as defined by the CDC and are educated on how to practice heathy habits. This announcement also shares resources available to support people in making safe decisions during the holiday season.
Continuation of Exceptional Rates Notice for Residential Providers Serving Individuals With ODP
From the Office of Developmental Programs:
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will be renewing all existing exceptional residential rates for individuals who have a current NEA, approved through 12/31/22, for the second half of the fiscal year. Providers should ensure that all individuals with exceptional rates have a current Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST).
This extension will require a critical revision to the individual’s ISP. The rate segment has been entered into PROMISe and is available for use. Please work with Supports Coordinators and Administrative Entities to ensure the ISP is updated and approved.
Thank you,
Rick Smith l Director
PA Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs
Bureau of Financial Management and Program Support
625 Forster Street Room 412, Harrisburg, PA 17120
717-783-4873
MyODP
Abuse and Neglect Registry Taskforce Recommendations Complete
The Abuse/Neglect Registry Taskforce completed its work, and the report was provided to the Governor’s Office, Secretary Torres, Secretary Snead, and the House Human Services and Senate Health and Human Services Committees. You can view the report here.
ODP QM Virtual Certification Classes: Registration Now Open for February and March 2023
ODP Announcement 22-119 provides information on the registration process for the Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) February and March 2023 Virtual Quality Management (QM) Certification Classes. Key things to know about the virtual class:
- Class size is limited to 28, and registration is on a first come, first serve basis. There is no wait list option, and registration will close 15 days prior to the start of a class.
- Prerequisite modules are required to prepare learners for the class and must be completed prior to attending class. Completion of modules is tracked, and failure to complete all modules will prevent you from joining the virtual class.
- Classes are held over 2 consecutive days, from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Participants must attend the entire time and complete the post-test with a score of at least 84% to obtain ODP QM certification status.
You must register for a training class by logging into MyODP and navigating to the 2023 Quality Management Certification Program — Virtual Training Course (Training > Quality Management > Quality Management Certification Program > 2023 Quality Management Certification Program — Virtual Training) or by visiting here.
Questions about the QM Strategy, the ODP QM Certification Program, or other questions related to QM can be sent to the ODP QM Inbox.
Hometown Hero: Bucks County Nonprofit Aims Toward a More Inclusive Community
2022 House Resolution 212 Calls for Legislative Task Force Study of Pennsylvania’s ID/A System
In June of 2022, Pa House Resolution 212 was adopted, establishing a legislative task force on intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and autism (ID/A), and directing the Joint State Government Commission to study the impact of this Commonwealth’s current delivery of services to individuals with ID/A. The task force is to report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives in December of 2023.
The task force is charged with examining the efficiency, uniformity, and best practices of the administration of services through the county system, Quality of Life outcomes, including waiver services, waiting lists, and transitional protocols; and of moving into and out of one waiver or program to another, transitioning out of high school, and how current Federal and State laws and regulations impact and limit supports and services. There are several areas specified in the House Resolution that the task force members are to consider, including:
- Collaborations between the Department of Human Services, managed care organizations, and providers, including reimbursement rate settings, direct support professionals, other funding sources, and how providers collaborate to serve individuals with ID/A.
- Opportunities for integrated job coaching, community participation supports, including for individuals who chose not to go into the community because of underlying issues, and additional programs offered through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, or the Employment First Commission.
- Current treatment needs, including network capacity to treat and care for high acuity individuals, individuals with complex medical needs in addition to intellectual disabilities, and individuals who need special care and assistance with intensive behavioral health issues. The study examines all available living settings, including intermediate care facilities, community homes, state centers, services in family homes, Lifesharing, independent living with assistance, farmhouse settings, campus settings, and any other innovative residential services.
- Barriers and obstacles in transportation for individuals living in the home or receiving community-based services for jobs, medical appointments, and peer-to-peer groups.
- Workforce issues with direct support professionals, supports coordinators, behavioral and mental health specialists, or health care practitioners who assist with the provision of services.
- Providers who have ceased operations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Input from representatives and advocates from all aspects of the sector and continuum of care to assist the Joint State Government Commission with its findings and recommendations in the report.
The task force held its introductory meeting in October to begin the process. Dr. Richard Edley, RCPA President and CEO, has been appointed to serve on the task force. Additionally, RCPA was successful in advocating for members and partners to be assigned; Marian Baldini, President/CEO of KenCrest; Christopher Betts, MA, Executive Director of Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health; Lisa Liston, Coordinator of Special Services and Family Support at Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children; and Amy Lutz, PhD.
Representative James Struzzi, II, and Representative Eric Nelson, along with Representative Benham and Representative Joseph Hohenstein have also been appointed to serve on the task force.
Additional appointed members include Oscar Drummond, Representative, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Programs; Mayme Carter, MSW Director, Bradford County Human Services; Jane Gonzalez, Guardian, Advocate, Mother; Anne M. Couldridge, Executive Director, The Arc of Cumberland & Perry Counties (CPARC); Ryan E. Hyde, MEd, CRC Executive Director – Acting Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry Office of Vocational Rehabilitation; G. N. Janes, Chief Executive Officer, Valley Community Services; Daisy V. Shirk, DO, DFAPA Adolescent Psychiatrist Reading Hospital, Honorable Ryan M. Tira Pennsylvania Supreme Court Autism and the Courts Task Force Member; Melissa Watson, PhD, LPC, BCBA, Senior Vice President PAHrtners Deaf Services; Maria Martin, Representative, Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council; Ned Whitehead, Vision For Equality; Edward Yongo, CEO Pathways of Southwest; Pamela Zotynia, Service Director, Participant Directed Services, Values Into Action.
The task force is staffed by Executive Director Glenn J. Pasewicz, Yvonne Llewellyn Hursh, Esquire, Staff Attorney Stephen J. Kramer, Esquire, and Executive Secretary/Office Manager Wendy L. Baker.
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