Call for Virtual Exhibitors: Paving the Way to Educational Success Conference Oct 13–15
Jim Sharp
PA to Distribute $117 Million in CARES Funding for Child Care Providers
Gov. Wolf: $17 Million to Help Schools Improve Services to Historically Underserved Students
APA Extensions: Crucial for Care of Vulnerable Populations
As the September 1, 2020 date approaches for the HealthChoices BH-MCOs to declare their intentions on the continuation of the Alternative Pay Agreements (APAs), RCPA is releasing the Member APA recommendations.
These recommendations were formulated through a member survey which represented RCPA member programs that serve thousands of Pennsylvania most vulnerable citizens.
RCPA APA Recommendations
- All BH MCO APAs be extended to December 31, 2020, at a minimum;
- A uniform APA reconciliation process across all BH-MCOs;
- Provider engagement in future APA rate discussions;
- Revised APA rate calculations based upon 2020 service delivery; and
- Development of quality indicators for future performance-based rates.
RCPA and its members applaud the HealthChoices BH-MCOs and OMHSAS’ financial response at the onset of the pandemic by creating Alternative Pay Agreements (APAs). It is RCPA’s hope that all BH-MCOs will continue to pay the APAs to providers, to ensure continuation of the multitude of services being delivered under Governor Wolf’s Disaster Declaration.
RCPA will continue its work with all stakeholders to ensure that providers are able to continue to meet and treat the needs of all consumers and families.
RCPA Member APA Survey Overview
RCPA, with the aid of its members and HealthChoices partners, created a survey to gauge the members’ experiences with Alternative Payment Arrangements (APAs) during this pandemic period. We are pleased to be able to provide an overview of the responses as well as some guided recommendations for the future of how the APAs may be utilized. This information will assist RCPA and its members in further discussions with our stakeholder community as we move forward. We would like to thank our members and partners for their feedback and participation in the survey.
OCYF Updated Bulletin: Certification Process for Specialized Residential Settings
This OCYF transmittal bulletin provides the application timeframe for voluntary certification in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020–21, and application periods that will be offered prior to the start of each subsequent state fiscal year.
The timelines established for the voluntary certification process for SFY 2021–22 and beyond allow private agencies to engage in conversations with the potential contracting County Children and Youth Agencies (CCYAs) and Juvenile Probation Offices (JPOs) prior to the submission of the Needs-Based Plan and Budget (NBPB) on August 15, before the start of the SFY for which the certification is being requested.
This step is critical, as private agencies should gauge county agency interest in these services as part of the determination to pursue certification. In addition, private agencies may anticipate increased costs to meet the enhanced program standards. County agencies utilize the annual NBPB process to request reimbursement of allowable child welfare expenses so anticipated increases for private agencies should be considered at that time.
The steps outlined in this transmittal must be completed for a 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3800 licensed child residential facility or Chapter 3680 SIL program to be considered for certification as a specialized setting. All information is to be included as part of the letter of intent and application packet and submitted via email so that the certification review can be assigned to the appropriate OCYF Regional Office. If you have questions, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp.
OMHSAS Encounter Forms/Client Signature Suspension
RCPA Member APA Survey Extended to August 12
The RCPA member Alternative Pay Arrangements/Agreements (APA) survey has been extended to close of business Wednesday, August 12. Members may access the survey here.
The survey responses we have received so far have provided excellent insight, and we look forward to collecting additional thoughts by extending the survey. We respectfully request that one survey be completed for each program areas if the APAs differ across your service continuum. The data we collect will be instrumental in our collective efforts with the Department of Human Services and managed care organizations regarding strategic fiscal considerations in the coming months.
Thank you for your support! If you have questions, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp or your RCPA Policy Director.
OMHSAS Releases Updated IBHS FAQ August 2020
As part of the ongoing Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) Implementation, OMHSAS has released an updated IBHS FAQ. This guide represents a composite of updated inquiries regarding the standards and will be updated as a companion piece to the implementation.
The RCPA Children’s IBHS Work Group continues its work on standards and implementation values for our members and will convey its findings to the Children’s Division via Alerts, Infos, and regularly scheduled divisional meetings. Contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp with questions.
Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 Updates
- Reminder: Masks are required in all public spaces and law enforcement officials are able to cite Pennsylvanians who aren’t wearing a mask.
- The Pennsylvania Department of State will provide funding for postage so voters can return their mail ballots at no cost for the 2020 general election.
- Postsecondary institutions will receive $28 million to help them keep students, faculty, and staff safe and meet the unique challenges presented by COVID-19.
- The Department of Health has launched a violence data dashboard to collect data on the scope, frequency, geography, and populations affected by violence in Pennsylvania.
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