House Co-Sponsorship Memo to Advance Telehealth Bill to Address In-Office Time and 4 Walls Medicaid Standard
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RCPA BI Committee Meeting With OLTL on July 30
DeafBlind Awareness Week June 25–July 1, 2024
This week is marked annually in honor of leading humanitarian Helen Keller’s birthday on June 27. Being deaf and blind herself, Keller’s work made a large difference in the lives of DeafBlind people. It is much more common than many people realize. Over 15 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with severe DeafBlindness. This week is a chance for us to raise awareness of deafblindness and make Pennsylvania a more DeafBlind-friendly place.
Deadline for National Core Indicators State of the Workforce Survey Extended
ODP Announcement 24-062 is to inform all provider agencies employing DSPs that the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI) has extended the deadline for completing the 2023 National Core Indicators® (NCI) State of the Workforce Survey. The portal will now close on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.
HSRI is aiming for a 5% or lower margin of error (MoE) for each participating state. The lower the MoE, the more representative and impactful the data will be. Pennsylvania currently has a 5.5% margin of error, and ODP would like to see it reach the recommended level since it is within reach. Therefore, ODP strongly encourages eligible provider agencies to complete the survey if they have not already done so. A final reminder will be issued via the portal in mid-July.
For questions, contact Ms. Lee Stephens, ODP IM4Q/NCI Statewide Lead.
RCPA Joins Pennsylvania Coalition for Oral Health in Letter to Restore Adult Dental Medicaid Benefits
ISAC Performance Review Subcommittee and ODP Updates
Today, both the ISAC Performance Review Subcommittee and the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) meetings were held. During these meetings, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) announced that as a result of public comments received regarding Performance-Based Contracting, some adjustments are being made to the plans. Tomorrow, ODP will release an announcement with more details, but for now, we know the following:
- Residential providers will be offered a choice of when they are assigned into a tier. This will be based on which data they chose for ODP to review and make a tier determination upon. The choices will be:
- Calendar year 2023 data reviewed with notification of tier assignment occurring in November, to be effective January 1, 2025 – June 2026; or
- Review of Calendar year 2024 data with notification of tier assignment occurring in May, to be effective July 2025 – July 2026.
ODP plans to submit the proposed waiver to CMS on July 19, 2024.
In addition, the presentation from the MAAC meeting can be found here.
Documents from the Performance Review Subcommittee can be found below:
ODP Releases Information on Individual Participation in Decisions About Community Participation
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-061. The purpose of this communication is to inform providers of:
- Federal requirements for individuals to be involved in decision-making about desired community activities;
- How these requirements relate to regulatory requirements in Chapters 2380, 2390, and 6100; and,
- What must be done to comply with the requirements.
Please view the announcement for information and details.
OMHSAS Schedules Next Stakeholder Webinar for August 1
The next Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) Stakeholder Webinar is scheduled on Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. To participate, please register for the webinar using the provided registration link. After registering, a confirmation email will be sent to you with details on how to join the webinar.
If you have any other questions, please contact RCPA COO and Policy Director Jim Sharp.
ODP Shares Information on True Friendships Free Learning Sessions
Reminder: Webinar on SimplyHome Services for PBC to Be Hosted July 11
July 11, 2024
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Register Here
Join RCPA to learn about enabling technology to support independent living and how SimplyHome aligns with performance-based contracting. SimplyHome designs and installs innovative and affordable technology solutions that transform how we care for individuals with disabilities, aging adults, and veterans. Their technology empowers individuals to live their own self-determined lifestyle while addressing the concerns of caregivers.
We will hear from Kristie Ondisco, PA/OH Representative, and Matt Wright, Enterprise Director of Sales.
Register here for this informative session. If you have any questions, contact Carol Ferenz.
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