The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared updated guidance through ODPANN 24-109. The use of cameras and video monitoring equipment in individual bedrooms and bathrooms is strictly prohibited for Pennsylvania’s CMS-approved Consolidated, Community Living, Person/Family Directed Support, and Adult Autism Waivers. Please view the announcement for information and details.
On behalf of its opioid treatment program (OTP) provider members, RCPA submitted comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) in support of a final-omitted regulation that would allow an initial physical examination required for prescribing, administering, and dispensing controlled substances through an OTP to be conducted via telehealth under certain circumstances under Pa. 49 Code § 16.92.
This final-omitted regulation would enable the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to grant a statewide exception to 28 Pa. Code § 715.9(a)(4), which today requires Pennsylvania OTPs (called narcotic treatment programs in DDAP regulations) to conduct a face-to-face determination of whether an individual is currently physiologically dependent on an opioid.
IRRC will consider the final-omitted regulation at a public meeting on December 5.
In its comments, RCPA wrote:
“Enabling OTPs to conduct the initial examination required as part of induction into methadone or buprenorphine treatment through telehealth significantly improves and expedites patient access to the gold standard treatment for OUD without sacrificing quality or safety. In a treatment environment where finding qualified physicians, physician assistants and certified registered nurse practitioners is challenging, telehealth bridges a significant gap. Physicians would no longer need to be physically on site at the OTP where treatment is to take place to examine a patient as part of the induction process. Rather, from anywhere in the commonwealth, a physician can examine more patients, who can then begin treatment with medication faster at a facility near their home. In fact, with this final-omitted regulation, OTPs will have the ability to accommodate same-day or walk-in admissions instead of scheduling intake appointments days later.”
The final-omitted regulation, submitted by the Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, State Board of Medicine, along with comments in support from the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and RCPA, can be viewed on the IRRC website.
The PA Department of Labor & Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) has further developed the draft of the Financial Needs Test (FNT) policy after incorporating feedback received during the September 2024 public comment period. As a result, there will be a second, shorter public comment period on the draft. The draft will be posted on OVR’s website for public review beginning November 11, 2024.
Virtual meetings will be held via Zoom at 9:00 am and 2:30 pm on Monday, November 18, 2024, to provide an overview of the policy and accept comments (content will be the same in both meetings). The public is invited to comment on the draft policy through November 22, 2024. Comments may be directed to OVR’s Public Comment inbox.
Zoom Meeting Information:
CART and sign language interpreters will be available for these meetings via the Zoom link.
Additional auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Please send your request to OVR’s Public Comment inbox.
The Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Subcommittee meeting was held yesterday, November 6, 2024. During the meeting, a number of presentations were given. In addition to the presentations, the agenda and a document that provided follow-up items from the October 2, 2024, LTSS Subcommittee meeting were provided.
Members should take time to review the PowerPoint presentations from the meeting below:
The 2025 meeting dates for the LTSS Subcommittee were also shared:
The meetings will continue to be held from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has announced the 2025 quarterly meeting dates for next year’s OMHSAS Stakeholder Webinars and asks that you mark your calendars.
2025 OMHSAS STAKEHOLDER WEBINAR DATES:
In the meantime, if you have suggestions for agenda topics for January’s webinar, please submit them via email. We will monitor the account and will only reply to the sender if more information is needed. Responses will not be provided if additional information is not needed.
Please note that webinar links will be provided closer to each of the meeting dates as shown above.
Thank you for your review and please – SAVE THE DATE.
If members have any questions, please contact RCPA COO and Mental Health Director Jim Sharp.
Northern Tier Counseling Inc. held the ribbon cutting of their Drug and Alcohol Wellness Treatment Center, dedicated to State Representative Tina Pickett, on Friday, May 24.
NTC, Inc. President Paul DeNault explained that this grand opening is thanks to not only the staff at NTC, Inc., but also the All One Foundation, who granted NTC, Inc. the All In One Grant to help the idea come to life as well as Tina Pickett, whose legislation allows for the progression of drug and alcohol treatment.
View the full press release here.
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Living the D.R.E.A.M! Creating a Culture of Health and Wellness for All
December 4, 2024
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) have announced the Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference “Living the D.R.E.A.M.” During this session, SPIN will provide an historical overview of how they created a culture of health and wellness by engaging all stakeholders in living a healthy lifestyle. Presenters will showcase SPIN’s mission of inclusive and holistic meaningful activities in the community and SPIN Community & Fitness, a gathering and welcoming place for the whole community. The D.R.E.A.M team model, including the vision and purpose, elements of “Living the D.R.E.A.M,” and lessons learned for successful incorporation into everyday lives, will be featured.
See the announcement for a full session description, presenter biographies, and how to register.
Email with any questions.
Message from the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL):
The Commonwealth is working collaboratively — Governor Shapiro’s office and the health hub agencies (Health, Human Services, Drug and Alcohol Programs, and Insurance) — to develop a statewide maternal health strategic plan. We need your help to make it a robust, comprehensive, collaborative, living, and most importantly, active plan.
As you are likely aware, Pennsylvania, like the nation, is experiencing a maternal health crisis.
According to the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee report, in 2020, Pennsylvania residents experienced a pregnancy-associated mortality ratio of 83 deaths per 100,000 live births with large disparities identified. In total, 107 individuals lost their lives during pregnancy, delivery, or up to one year postpartum.
Those numbers are far worse for Black women, where the rate was twice as high at 163 deaths per 100,000.
We also know that women and birthing people with disabilities experience unique challenges and needs on their health journey, so we are inviting you to join us for a 90-minute Zoom listening session where members of the Commonwealth’s health agencies and members of the statewide maternal health strategic plan can engage with you to learn what specific needs you have and how you feel the Commonwealth should address those needs.
We want our strategic plan to address all Pennsylvania women and birthing people, and sharing your voice at this listening session will help inform our plan.
The Zoom listening session is scheduled from 10:00 am – 11:30 am, on Friday, December 6, 2024. Please RSVP electronically by December 1 if you plan to attend. We will send the Zoom link by end of day December 4 to those who RSVP.
Thank you for considering spending 90 minutes with the disability community and state health team members to share your thoughts and needs around maternal health.
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