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Today, June 3, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) held the first of four Provider Preparedness Summits for Residential Services providers. The purpose of the summits are to take a deeper dive into the specifics that are being proposed for implementation of performance-based contracting (PBC).

The PowerPoint is now available, and a recording of the session will be posted shortly on the MyODP website.

ODP staff in attendance answered many questions submitted by providers. One of the key takeaways from today’s summit is that ODP will be postponing the due date for residential provider agreements to be signed and submitted to ODP. Originally, they were projected to be due by June 30, 2024; however, ODP has now stated that the due date will be July 31, 2024. The agreement has not yet been published, but it is expected to be released tomorrow, June 4, 2024.

There are three additional summits planned, and ODP will be recording each summit. Providers are encouraged to attend all four sessions as well as watch a pre-recorded webinar. All of these resources can be found on the MyODP website.

Contact Carol Ferenz for further information.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is sharing these important workshops and Good Life Groups! Register for upcoming events at PA Family Network’s website.

Support Groups

LifeCourse Workshops

Waiver Workshops

RCPA has gathered feedback from our members in multiple forums and attended several listening sessions hosted by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in order to hear and compile public comments on the proposed implementation of performance-based contracting (PBC) for Residential Services and waiver amendments to the Consolidated, Community Living, and Person/Family Directed Waivers. After reviewing all of the available information, we have submitted our comments to ODP.

Our members support the ideal of assuring quality services for individuals with ID/A that are integrated and person centered, enabling individuals to experience more independence and choices in their lives. Additionally, we are in favor of limiting the provider pool to only those providers that are able to demonstrate quality service provision.

RCPA wants to support this program for two reasons. First, any initiative by ODP that focuses on improving quality in the system is something we all should stand behind. Second, alternative reimbursement strategies with enhanced rates and additional funding based on quality and outcomes is certainly more innovative and progressive than traditional fee-for-service. It is time for the IDD system to move toward reimbursement policies that reward providers who are progressive in their service provision.

We are, however, concerned about the speed with which this incredibly complex systemic change is proposed to occur, and the amount of performance standards and measures proposed in this plan.

RCPA’s complete letter can be read here. For any questions, contact Carol Ferenz, Director, IDD Division.

Keep Your Providers Happy and Thriving With Going Back to In-Office Care
Monday, June 10, 2024
11:00 am – 12:00 pm EST
Register Here
Join RCPA Partner Eleos Health on June 10 for a webinar focusing on recruiting and retaining staff across behavioral health in PA. Andrew Schimitt from Gaudeniza will join Eleos to share insights around how implementing Eleos has helped increase staff satisfaction. We will also show a brief demonstration of Eleos to see it live in action!

Webinar attendees will:

  • Evaluate how Eleos Health’s augmented intelligence can help to address top workforce challenges while improving care;
  • Witness Eleos live in action through a brief demonstration; and
  • Apply lessons learned from Gaudenzia to their own organization.

Register today!

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Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the next hospital/quality initiative open door forum has been scheduled for June 4, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The agenda topics will include:

Register for the webinar.
Meeting ID: 160 823 4591
Passcode: 200020

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

A publication ceremony is scheduled for 12:00 pm today, May 31, for Aging Our Way, PA. This is Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth-wide 10-year strategic plan for aging. The development of this plan involved more than 19,000 Pennsylvanians and was developed in partnership with more than 20 state agencies. To view the publication ceremony, visit the livestream link.

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Image by Wokandapix from Pixabay

What is PRIDE Month?
June 1 marks the beginning of (LGBTQIA+) PRIDE Month, a time to recognize and celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals in our communities. Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for equal rights. The Stonewall Uprising began on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn, a prominent gay bar in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. The protests that followed are credited with a shift in LGBTQ+ activism in the US and is why PRIDE week is celebrated in June. In many cities across the nation, the celebration is now a month-long series of events. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia, and concerts. LGBTQ+ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are also held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.

What does PRIDE Stand for?
“Pride” is not an acronym, but the LGBTQIA+ community comprises several identities related to sexual orientation and gender identity. Here are the definitions to know:

  • L: Lesbian
  • G: Gay
  • B: Bisexual
  • T: Transgender
  • Q: Queer, or sometimes questioning
  • I:  Intersex
  • A: Asexual
  • +: Encompasses other identities under the rainbow umbrella

Why Recognize PRIDE Month?
According to a recent Gallup poll, over 20% of Gen Z adults in the US identify as LGBTQ+. This has more than doubled in the last twelve years. This growing population is represented in both the current workforce and the client populations we serve.

Visit here for ideas on how to recognize and celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals this month.