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Authors Posts by Jim Sharp

Jim Sharp

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) Mental Health Planning Council (MHPC) will host its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The meeting will feature committee meetings for adults, older adults, and children, as well as a joint session. Details for accessing each session remotely are provided below:

  • Children’s Committee:
    • Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    • Access Code: 2631 909 4263
    • Webex Link
    • Password: fnQK8Tvb2w4
    • Phone: 1-415-655-0001
  • Adult Committee:
    • Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    • Access Code: 2633 120 2679
    • Webex Link
    • Password: q7NFKxgYp72
    • Phone: 1-415-655-0001
  • Older Adult Committee:
    • Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    • Access Code: 2631 734 4409
    • Webex Link
    • Password: ASnju542NBg
    • Phone: 1-415-655-0001
  • Networking Lunch:
    • Time: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
    • Note: Each Committee Session meeting (Older Adult, Adult, and Children’s) will remain open until 12:45 pm for optional networking. Please note, OMHSAS staff may not be available consistently throughout the entire networking time.
  • Joint Session:
    • Time: 12:45 pm – 3:00 pm
    • Access Code: 2634 353 5963
    • Webex Link
    • Password: BJjxPx6FP53
    • Phone: 1-415-655-0001

Attendees are not required to pre-register or create an account to attend the MHPC meetings. However, it’s recommended to test the Webex program prior to the meeting and log in 10 minutes early. Phone-only participants can use *6 to mute/unmute and *9 to “raise their hand” to speak. For any questions, please email OMHSAS. If you have additional questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

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The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 03-2024, effective immediately, which introduces updated guidance on complying with Act 66 of 2023, signed into law by Governor Shapiro in December. The guidance specifically outlines all regulatory flexibilities for SUD treatment facilities enabled through the law and describes the process for project directors to notify DDAP of their intent to use any of these flexibilities. In part, Act 66 allows:

  • An increase in staff-to-client ratio for adult nonhospital residential treatment and rehabilitation programs, from 1:8 to 1:12;
  • Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNP) and Physician Assistants (PA) to serve as counselors;
  • Individuals lacking previous clinical experience to still qualify as counselors if they possess a bachelor’s or associate degree in relevant fields or hold a current Registered Nurse license; and
  • Facilities to hire up to three counselor assistants for each staff person meeting clinical supervisor or counselor qualifications.

Additionally, the alert underscores the importance of continued compliance with other regulations, such as clinical supervisor ratio requirements, counselor assistant supervision, and evaluation requirements. For additional questions, contact the Bureau of Program Licensure.

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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 02-2024, effective immediately, to inform opioid treatment programs (OTP) about the recent final rule issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on February 2, 2024, concerning medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). RCPA issued an alert to its members on February 1 announcing the final rule.

This rule modifies and updates regulations pertaining to OTP accreditation, certification, and standards for the treatment of OUD. The most crucial aspects of SAMHSA’s final rule include the permanent adoption of COVID-19 era flexibilities, allowing patients to receive more take-home doses of methadone, which is proven to enhance treatment retention and reduce illicit opioid use. The update also permits the initiation of methadone and buprenorphine treatment via telehealth through OTPs and removes stringent admission criteria, thereby improving access to care for individuals in need.

DDAP is currently reviewing the final rule, set to take effect on April 2, 2024, with a compliance deadline of October 2, 2024, and plans to issue a follow-up Licensing Alert soon. For further information, contact the Bureau of Program Licensure.

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The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) requests your assistance to complete, and further disseminate, a survey that will assist the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee (JJDPC) and PCCD gather relevant information related to current resources and gaps in local diversion policy, practices, and programming. The utilization of diversion policies, practices, and programs, in appropriate cases, can reduce the impact of formal involvement with the juvenile justice system for youth who commit minor offenses, while ensuring balanced and restorative justice.

PCCD recognizes the importance of capturing feedback from their stakeholders. Please complete the below survey and feel free to forward the survey link to any stakeholder you deem appropriate. This survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete. Your participation is extremely important, as results from the survey will help shape effective strategies and drive positive change in our approach to diversion. The information collected through this survey may also be used to make future funding and policy recommendations to the JJDPC.

The survey link can be found here. The survey will remain open until the close of business on February 29, 2024. Please contact PCCD staff, Teresa Wilcox, via email with any questions or assistance in completing the survey.

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance. PCCD looks forward to receiving your important feedback.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today released recommendations from its Blueprint Workgroup, an interdisciplinary group comprised of representation from state and local governments, health care, education, service providers, managed care, and family advocates. The workgroup sought to evaluate challenges children and youth with complex, co-occurring physical and behavioral health care needs, and their families experience like accessing care and services that adapt to a youth’s changing circumstances and needs, lessening the likelihood of child welfare system involvement, reducing trauma experienced by instability, prioritizing emotional wellbeing, and supporting family- and youth-driven care and choice.

“The detailed recommendations outlined by the Blueprint Workgroup set a course that now allows DHS and partners at the local level and systems of care to begin the work necessary to see how we make change happen so children with complex needs get the care that improves their quality of life, and the family is supported as they navigate these systems,” said Dr. Val Arkoosh, Secretary of DHS. “Systems of care should uplift those we seek to help, not create confusion and consequences from lack of coordination. The Blueprint Workgroup recommendation align our focus around the children and families we must always prioritize, and I am grateful for the work to this point and moving forward that will build a better future for children and families in Pennsylvania.”

Read the full press release, including details on the Blueprint Workgroup’s priorities, here.

RCPA will continue its work on the complex care needs through our Residential Services Steering Committee and ongoing efforts for the implementation. If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

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RCPA is pleased to report several successful collaborative efforts this week, including a meeting with DHS, OMHSAS, and a delegation of House and Senate Representatives. We reviewed proposed language for a new bill that would address the 4 walls standard for ongoing telehealth with practitioners not within the 4 walls of a clinic. The bill will also include language previously introduced on the Psychiatric Outpatient Regulatory requirements for the 50% in-office time for clinics and the use of advanced practice professionals to meet those time requirements.

The language for both target areas was approved by all parties and will now move on to the House Human Services Committee. RCPA has a meeting scheduled for early next week to review the finalized version prior to its introduction. We have also met with Senate counterparts to support the measure.

Lastly, RCPA continues its dialogue with OMHSAS for guidance and clarification, including sharing members’ and stakeholders’ feedback. We have had the opportunity to speak with our BH-MCO members and understand OMHSAS Deputy Secretary Jen Smith will be meeting with that group and the county contractors on the processes moving forward.

We are hopeful for an expedited legislative solution that will aid OMHSAS in making any resulting policy, practice, or program changes that will support the initiative. We are extremely encouraged by the system’s efforts and focus this week and will continue to provide key updates to members and stakeholders.

If you have any questions, please contact RCP Policy Director Jim Sharp.

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The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) announces the opening of registration for the 2024 Criminal Justice Advisory Board (CJAB) Conference, themed “An Evolving Justice System: Adapting and Navigating New Directions.” The conference is scheduled for April 9 – 10, 2024, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College. The event will convene criminal justice, behavioral health, and treatment partners for a dynamic one and a half-day gathering. Featuring a lineup of national and local experts, discussions will center on emerging issues impacting criminal justice and behavioral health systems, offering innovative strategies and collaborative solutions.

Registration and conference details are available on the 2024 CJAB Conference page on PCCD’s website. Additionally, notable sessions include a plenary by Jason Snyder, RCPA SUD Policy Director, on April 9, and a workshop on SUD confidentiality facilitated by RCPA, which will include representatives from the SUD treatment and criminal justice systems on April 10. Attendees should be aware that the discounted room rate deadline is Friday, March 8, 2024.

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