';
Authors Posts by Carol Ferenz

Carol Ferenz

1410 POSTS 0 COMMENTS

ODP Announcement 22-116 releases updated protocols for the Health Risk Screening Tool. The accompanying document is an update to the previously released protocol for HRST. It contains information regarding expectations, timelines, and reflects changes in the process since the initial protocol was distributed. Additionally, it provides guidance regarding roles and responsibilities for those expected to use the tool.

Assistance can also be obtained by contacting HRST support and HRST Assistance.

ODP Announcement 22-114 reports that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) contracts with Temple University Harrisburg to deliver the ODP Certified Investigator Program. 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. See the announcement for full details.

Concept of important day, reminder, organizing time and schedule - red pen marking day of the month on a calendar

Power up your December with the Self Advocacy Power Network for All (SAPNA)!

SAPNA is a project of the PA Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), managed by Self Advocates United as 1 (SAU1). See the flyer for info on December events. Each item below is linked to the event, or you can join from the SAU1 Events Calendar.


Friday, December 2, 2022
10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Let’s Talk About Your Vision for YOUR Everyday Life

  • What do YOU want in your life?
  • How do you make it happen?
  • Who can help?
  • Learn how to plan for, and get, the life YOU want!

Monday, December 5, 2022
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Let’s Speak Up!

  • Do you know your rights?
  • Are you getting what you want and need?
  • Join us to learn all about speaking up.
  • Tell us ways YOU speak up!

Monday, December 12
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
All About Jobs!

  • Your rights
  • Planning to work
  • Finding a job
  • Keeping your job
  • Workplace accommodations
  • ODP-funded supports
  • Other supports
  • Work and your benefits

Friday, December 16
11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Power Talk With ODP!

  • Join us to talk about services, issues, and COVID.
  • Get the answers you need to speak up, and live your life, your way.
  • Call or email us by December 1 with your questions and comments,, and we will share them with ODP!

Date: November 16, 2022
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm EST

The Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Final Rule was made effective on March 17, 2014. The settings rule set specific requirements for settings presumed to have institutional characteristics, including settings in institutions, settings on the grounds of or adjacent to a public institution, and settings that have qualities that isolate Medicaid beneficiaries. Referred to as “presumptively institutional settings,” states are required to assess these settings and, where the state has determined that the setting overcomes the institutional presumption and the setting complies or will comply with the settings rule by March 17, 2023, submit to CMS documentation that demonstrates the setting’s compliance. CMS has launched a series of heightened scrutiny site visits to presumptively institutional settings in states. This training will cover:

  • An overview of CMS’ heightened scrutiny site visit process;
  • Overarching themes identified during CMS’ heightened scrutiny site visits; and
  • Considerations for states moving forward.

Following the presentation, webinar participants will have the opportunity to share any questions, comments, experiences, or suggestions with CMS and the presenter.

Please register for this webinar here.
Conference Line: 844-875-7777; Access Code: 715810#

Please note that closed captioning will be provided.

Photo by visuals on Unsplash

Please join the Department of Human Services (DHS) for an upcoming Virtual Road Show series “Technology to Support Independence in PA!” People from all backgrounds will be sharing their personal stories and experiences with exploring how technology can support and improve everyday lives. Each session will include scheduled presentations and plenty of time for group conversation, questions, and feedback. Please bring your own experiences to share so that everyone can learn from each other! Pre-registration is required. Visit the session title below to register.

November 15, 2022, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Incorporating Enabling Technology as a Natural Support: A Provider’s Perspective
Nathan Gerhard, Associate Executive Director, Keystone Human Services
Julie Daly, Director of Enabling Technologies, KenCrest

December 13, 2022, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Technology to Support and Enhance Communication
Karen Velocci, President of SI-Services, Director of Programming and Technology at The Center at Hampton House, and First and Foremost, Mom to Stefan, who is a 25-year-old living with Autism
Lauren Enders and Rachael Smolen, AAC Specialists, Assistive Technology Team at Bucks County IU

January 18, 2023, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Person-Centered Planning With Technology
Maria Baker and Lucas Schwanke, Supports Coordinators
Rankin Christian Center (RCC), Mon Valley Supports Coordination (MVSC)

February 16, 2023, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Imagine, Discover, Explore, Try, and Get – A Pathway to Assistive Technology
Kim Singleton, Senior Director of Assistive Technology Programs, TechOWL, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
Sandra McNally, Assistant Director of Assistive Technology Programs, TechOWL, Institute on Disabilities at Temple University
Includes Assistive Technology Users who will share their experiences!

This content brought to you by the ODP Technology Task Force, Expanding Technology to Support Independence Workgroup. For comments, questions, or suggestions about future content, please contact Marian Tresky. Hope you can join us for the Road Show!

ODP Announcement 22-113 is to provide guidance and a timeline for the implementation requirement of the 2022 Online Medication Administration Training Course and manual. It is also to announce the discontinuation of the 2004 paper course and paper examinations, effective on January 1, 2024.

All Medication Administration trainers are now required to take the new 2022 online Medication Administration Training Course. Existing trainers who have not been certified through the new course are required to take the 2022 online course when their certification expires. Both new and existing trainers may continue to monitor students and practicum observers.

If you have any questions regarding the new Medication Administration Training Course, please email the Help Desk.