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Authors Posts by Jim Sharp

Jim Sharp

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The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is developing a series of interactive webinars about innovative services and supports for transition age youth and young adults. These webinars will raise awareness of the needs of youth and young adults, highlight best practices, and promote dialogue about supports and services at the local, regional, and state levels. The first in this series of webinars will focus on psychiatric rehabilitation services and supports for transition age young adults. Presenters will include:

  • Scott Heller, Pennsylvania Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services
  • Heidi Eastman, Dickinson Center, Inc.
  • Angel Rogalinski, The ReDCo Group

The presentation and webcast will be held on Thursday, July 30, 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Registration is not required. In-person participation will be held at the Clothestree Building on the grounds of the Department of General Services Annex in Harrisburg.

Online via telephone and internet connection instructions:
1. Use this link
2. If requested, enter your name and email address
3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: Doris##1
4. Click “Join”

To join the audio conference only:
To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the meeting, or call the number below and enter the access code.
Call-in toll-free number (US/Canada): 1-877-668-4493
Call-in toll number (US/Canada): 1-650-479-3208

Meeting Number: 642 324 254. Meeting Password: Doris##1

For additional information, please contact OMHSAS Transition Specialist Doris Arena.

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The Department of Human Services Bureau of Human Services Licensing (BHSL) has released a draft Regulatory Compliance Guide (RCG) for Chapter 3800, relating to child residential and day treatment facilities. The RCG provides guidance about how the Department of Human Services will interpret and apply the chapter’s regulatory requirements during licensing inspections and investigations.

BHSL is inviting the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association to work with members to review and comment on this draft guide. Please review the draft document and send your comments, suggestion and recommendations to Connell O’Brien. RCPA will collect provider input and share that information with the leadership of BHSL. Comments are due to RCPA by July 10 for submission to BHSL by July 17. The leadership of BHSL has communicated their clear interest in provider input and plans to take all comments into consideration prior to issuing a final RCG later this summer.

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Governor Tom Wolf has announced that fees for child abuse clearances and criminal background checks required by the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) will be waived for volunteers working with children. Beginning July 1, volunteers are required to obtain background checks, including the Child Abuse History Clearance, issued by the Department of Human Services (DHS); and the Criminal History Record Check, issued by the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP).

Additionally, DHS and the PSP will be reducing the cost of both the child abuse and criminal history record checks from $10 to $8 for all other applicants. Individuals seeking employment for work with children, and others required under the law, will still be assessed fees for the clearances, but at a reduced cost of $8 each. FBI clearances are also required for all employees and volunteers who have not been continuous residents of the commonwealth for the last ten years, but because these are administered by the federal government, current costs will continue to apply. These changes will take effect July 25.

More information about clearances required under the CPSL can be found here. Individuals seeking clearances can create an individual account and apply online.

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RCPA was pleased to have played a role in Pennsylvania’s Collaborative Care Summit. This joint effort was sponsored by the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Department of Health, Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Office of Medical Assistance Programs, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Leadership Council, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Society, Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association, PH/BH Learning Community, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, and Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. The information presented focused on the importance of strengthening the link between meeting individuals’ physical and behavioral health care needs, and the collaboration between medical and behavioral health professionals. The presentation materials from the summit are now available to practitioners, providers, health system and health insurance leaders, and policymakers across Pennsylvania.

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