The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-014. The purpose of this announcement is to communicate that Temple University Harrisburg Certified Investigator Program and ODP will be facilitating Forums for Certified Investigators (CI) and others involved in the incident investigation process. This also announces the posting of Q&A documents from past CI Forums on myODP. Please view the announcement for information and details.
In response to the recent developments on the delivery of telehealth services and its intersection with Federal Medicaid payment standards outlined in the “4 walls” requirements, RCPA has widened its efforts in addressing the barriers currently in place. It has been determined that the most effective route to address this would be through legislation. The necessary changes cannot be achieved through a revised Tele-Behavioral Health Bulletin.
RCPA has been working with a bipartisan team of legislators on an updated version of Act 76 to address our limited access to psychiatric services through utilization of our advanced practice professionals. We are working with the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), our stakeholders, and the legislative committees to introduce a bill that would address both the psychiatric office time and the “4 walls” service delivery barriers.
Our members’ feedback over the last few days and during the OMHSAS telehealth forum on Monday has provided an invaluable backdrop to our efforts. RCPA is focused on working with our legislators and stakeholders to introduce this bill, and we will look to our members for support with these efforts. Additionally, we continue our daily efforts with our partners at OMHSAS, who are jointly committed to creating this viable and sustainable effort to preserve Medicaid service access to those most vulnerable in our Commonwealth.
If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced $50 million in grants to enhance school-based health services for children, particularly focusing on mental health. The grants, made possible by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), will provide up to $2.5 million each to 20 states through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). CMS aims to connect millions of children to critical healthcare services, emphasizing the convenience of school-based care and its impact on children’s health and educational outcomes. The grants, supporting preventive, behavioral, and physical healthcare, hope to encourage more states to cover school-based health services and enhance existing programs. The application deadline for the grants is March 25, 2024. For further details, visit the grant’s information web page. The full press release is available on the CMS website.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) supplementing the 2021 State Health Official (SHO) letter about extending postpartum coverage in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The FAQ offer guidance to state Medicaid programs on the new option allowing states to provide 12 months of extended postpartum coverage to pregnant individuals in Medicaid and CHIP. They clarify what constitutes full benefits during this extended eligibility period and address whether states need to submit a state plan amendment (SPA) for coverage modifications. For more details, view the FAQ here.
Governor Shapiro and Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs have announced an $18 million funding initiative to assist practitioners in the substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, prevention, case management, and recovery support services workforce. The SUD student loan repayment program aims to address workforce shortages by providing loan repayment opportunities to retain professionals in the field. This initiative, funded by the Opioid Settlement Fund and Pennsylvania’s Medical Marijuana Program Fund, supports practitioners, including physicians, nurses, counselors, and case managers. Applications must be submitted by March 1, 2024, through the online portal. Practitioners are eligible for up to $75,000 for full-time practice or $37,500 for half-time practice. The program prioritizes those in rural areas with SUD workforce shortages and counties with underserved minority populations. For more information and application details, visit the DDAP Funding Opportunities page. Questions can be sent electronically.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is offering online trainings to enhance cultural competency for mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) professionals, particularly in serving historically marginalized populations. These trainings, available through the Improving Cultural Competency for Behavioral Health Professionals program, aim to increase awareness of cultural and language competency, biases, and clients’ cultural identities and needs. The four courses, with an estimated completion time of 4–5.5 hours, cover topics such as self-awareness, understanding clients’ cultural identities, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions and services. The training is free but requires registration.
The Department of Human Services is seeking to procure the services of Managed Care Organizations (MCO) to operate the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Program in the five CHC zones which cover all 67 counties of the Commonwealth.
This procurement launches the process to select MCO, starting January 1, 2025. Key dates are:
Visit PA eMarketplace for more information and to apply. Questions may be directed to Fady Sahhar.
This Request for Proposals (RFP) requires performance analysis activities to administer the requirements of the CMS 1915(b)(4) waiver for licensed residential habilitation, unlicensed residential habilitation, supported living, and life-sharing services, as well as for supports coordination services currently offered in all ODP 1915(c) waiver programs.
Tasks to support administering the requirements of the 1915(b)(4) waiver include but are not limited to: data collection, analysis and reporting, Provider Contract Management, managing a public facing website, and providing and maintaining an information support system.
All offerors are required to create a user profile within the DHS JAGGAER portal. Please visit here to access the portal.
Proposals are due Tuesday, March 5, 2024, by 12:00 pm. Visit PA eMarketplace for more information and to apply.
Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF), a leading statewide nonprofit, is in search
of an experienced CEO. Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and older
Pennsylvanians by providing education, financing opportunities, and advocacy for acquiring
assistive technology (AT) devices and services. PATF is seeking an energetic and hands-on leader
who can manage and grow a multi-faceted organization.
About PATF:
Founded in 1998, PATF is Pennsylvania’s designated Alternative Financing Program (AFP) under the
federal Assistive Technology Act. In 2012, we achieved state accreditation and federal
certification as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), making us a pioneer in
impacting low-wealth communities. In 2021 PATF established the Appalachian Assistive
Technology Loan Fund (AATLF), a subsidiary focusing on expanding microfinancing opportunities in
the Appalachian region.
Location: Our office is in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The CEO is expected to have a presence in
our King of Prussia office.
How to Apply: If you are passionate about our mission and possess the leadership qualities to
achieve results, we invite you to apply. The full job description is available here.
Please send your letter of interest and resume to [email protected] by February 16, 2024.
Equal Opportunity Employer: PATF is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a
diverse and inclusive workplace. Join us on this meaningful journey!
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