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Authors Posts by Sharon Militello

Sharon Militello

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As communications director, Sharon Militello is responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of the association website and social media pages; editing and preparation of communications; preparing and running webcasts; cultivating media relations; and maintaining relationships with technology support vendors.

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RCPA has been involved with a specialized provider work group that has engaged with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and DHS Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF) to answer ongoing educational questions and clarifications during the COVID-19 pandemic for 2019–20. See the FAQ document here. The FAQ provides answers and guidance related to provision of services, planning, testing, and other systems related areas. If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Children’s Division Director Jim Sharp.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2020

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Corrections Sec. John Wetzel today announced that, beginning May 26, the DOC will begin the demobilization (or reopening) process for state prisons and will use a system of five levels that is guided by the governor’s statewide reopening plans.

“As the Governor reopens Pennsylvania, we, too, must return to a more normal operation, and get back to preparing individuals to successfully reenter society.” Wetzel said. “I’m very appreciative of our staff who have worked tirelessly to slow the spread of this virus, and it’s time to move forward with caution.”

A detailed chart explaining the levels is available on the DOC’s website.

Wetzel said the plan is consistent with Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan that consists of a phased approach that relies on safety and science. Specifically, as counties go from red, yellow, and green, prisons within those counties will be gradually increasing the “cohort size” or number of inmates allowed out at one time, and programs and religious services will slowly transition from cell based, back to an approach with smaller numbers to ensure social distancing.

The DOC’s plan consists of 5 levels, with Level 5 being most restrictive and Level 1 being least restrictive. Successful movement to lower levels will depend on whether there are any new confirmed COVID-19 positive cases among staff or inmates. The designation of the county in which the prison is located also plays a role in determining the appropriate level of reopening.

“While we may never return to pre-COVID operations, we do expect to return to near normal operations that includes social distancing and continued monitoring of staff and inmates for symptoms,” Wetzel said. “We believe in acting quickly and aggressively when responding to this virus, while affording more out-of-cell time and allowing inmates to return to work, education, programing and activities.”

On May 26, the following facilities officially will move to Level 4:  Camp Hill, Chester, Coal Township, Dallas, Frackville, Huntingdon, Mahanoy, Phoenix, Retreat, Smithfield and Waymart.

On May 26, the following facilities will move to Level 3: Albion, Benner Township, Cambridge Springs, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Houtzdale, Laurel Highlands, Mercer, Muncy, Pine Grove, Quehanna, Rockview and Somerset.

Wetzel said that employee enhanced screening will continue and that both staff and inmates will be required to wear masks.

Contact visits remain suspended through all levels until the entire state is “green.” Video visits – which have been well received by inmates and visitors — will remain an option, and directions for participating in video visits can be obtained from the DOC’s website.

Additionally, a COVID testing strategy has been initiated that includes (in part) testing of all transfers within the DOC, all individuals who are to be released from the DOC, and all new commitments from county jails.

DOC officials are drafting reentry and parole supervision demobilization plans and expect to finalize them in June.

Find the latest information, including a daily dashboard, on the DOC’s COVID-19 efforts here. 

Find the latest information on the coronavirus here.

MEDIA CONTACT: Susan McNaughton, smcnaughto@pa.gov; Maria Finn, mfinn@pa.gov

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Yesterday at the RCPA IDD Meeting, there was a conversation regarding retainer payments for CPS providers. During the discussion, Deputy Secretary Ahrens mentioned that the continued funding of the retainer payments are now in the appropriations process. It was unclear if providers could expect a payment for May. We have received clarification that ODP is still anticipating sending May’s retainer payments.

As a result of feedback from providers to the request for information surrounding COVID-19 testing of individuals and staff in licensed facilities, the Department of Health has stated that they would accept data provided from agencies by license rather than submitting data per individual site address.

ODP is urging providers to please participate in this survey as the data is critical to accounting for the needs of our system.

And again, as follow up to the discussion of CPS for individuals living in a residential group home:

CPS may NOT be provided and billed as a separate service for individuals living in group homes. Residential providers are expected to provide the individuals with activities as appropriate to the individual’s needs, and the guidelines from DOH.

A residential provider may choose to contract with a CPS provider if they choose to do so, but for now, residential programs are continuing to be paid at a “without day services” rate.

When a county enters the “green” phase, then facility-based CPS sites may begin to provide services once again.

Notes from the full meeting will be available soon; also if you would like to listen to the recording of the meeting, it is available on the RCPA website on the Members Only Meeting Recordings page.

If you have any questions, contact Carol Ferenz.

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Today, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs put out an announcement and information regarding the following online conference.

“Leading the Challenge” Dynamic Online Conference – June 9–12, 2020
Registration is open for The Commonwealth Prevention Alliance’s 30th annual conference. See the conference brochure here.

Message from DHS’ Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS)
Please see this memorandum for guidance on the suspension of certain prior authorization requirements for behavioral health providers enrolled in the PA Medical Assistance program. OMHSAS anticipates theses suspensions to facilitate access to services during the COVID-19 disaster emergency declaration period.

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