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November 2 MLTSS Subcommittee Agenda & Registration Reminder
The agenda for the November 2, 2022, Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee has been released. Included on the bottom of the agenda is a link to register to participate in the meeting, as well as a link to connect to the livestream of the meeting. The meeting is scheduled for 10:00 am – 1:00 pm and will be conducted in person (PA Department of Education Honors Suite, 1st floor, at 333 Market St. in Harrisburg). Participants can also join via webinar.
TaWanda Jackson Named Chief of Staff for ODP
The Office of Developmental Programs is pleased to announce TaWanda Jackson as the new Chief of Staff. TaWanda brings a wealth of experience and will begin her new role October 31, 2022.
TaWanda Jackson, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an energetic professional with a passion for helping others. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Robert Morris University and continued her education and received her master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
TaWanda began her career in public service at the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging. She then joined the Commonwealth as an Income Maintenance Caseworker, and for the past thirteen years, she’s been with ODP in various roles. Most recently, TaWanda served as a statewide lead for the Quality Assessment & Improvement Process. She has participated in the development and implementation of the QA&I process since its inception and provided her knowledge and expertise to ensure that stakeholders understand the overall processes and procedures and adhere to federal and state regulations and requirements.
TaWanda is an alumnus of the Office of Administration Emerging Leader Program and the Department of Human Services Leadership Development Institute. In her spare time, she likes to spend time with family playing games, cooking, reading, being active in her church, and watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. TaWanda lives in Lancaster County with her husband Bobby and two children.
Pa. Legislature Allocated an Extra $100M for Mental Health This Year. They Haven’t Spent Any of It
PA Senate Adopts Resolution Directing Study of Addiction Treatment Rate Setting Process
SR 352, a resolution introduced by Sen. Brooks that directs the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) to study and issue a report on the specific data, calculations, and mechanisms that the Department of Human Services uses to determine the amount of Medical Assistance capitation funding ultimately paid to drug and alcohol addiction treatment providers within the Commonwealth, was adopted by the Senate on Tuesday, 49-0.
SR 352 directs JSGC to issue a report of its findings, along with any statutory or regulatory recommendations, within seven months of the adoption of the resolution.
JSGC serves as the bipartisan and bicameral research agency of the General Assembly. It provides the legislature with a readily available mechanism for conducting interdisciplinary studies.
The complete resolution, which includes a detailed listing of requirements of what JSGC must analyze and report, can be viewed here.
ODP November External Training and Events Calendar Now Available
Federal Grant Awarded To RCPA Member Woods Services Mental Health Program
ANCOR Stateside Report — October 25
ICF/IDD Updated Info on CDC/CMS COVID-19 Infection Control
Last week during an ANCOR ICF/IDD Community of Practice call, Catherine Thibedeau shared a PowerPoint with updated information regarding COVID-19 Infection Control. She has graciously shared this information to the benefit of our ICF providers.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Catherine via email.
TBI Advisory Board Public Meeting Scheduled for November 4
The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Advisory Board, established under section 1252 of the Federal Traumatic Brain Injury Act of 1996 (42 U.S.C.A. § 300d-52), will hold a public meeting on November 4, 2022, from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Giant Food Store, 3301 Trindle Road, Camp Hill, PA 17011, in the large conference room of the community center, located on the 2nd floor.
Meeting materials will be sent out before the meeting, and the agenda will also be available on the Board’s website and at the meeting location. Questions regarding the meeting should be directed to Nicole Johnson.
The Department of Health’s (DOH) Head Injury Program (HIP) strives to ensure that eligible individuals who have a TBI receive high-quality rehabilitative services aimed at reducing functional limitations and improving quality of life. The TBI Advisory Board assists DOH in understanding and meeting the needs of persons living with TBI and their families. This quarterly meeting will provide updates on a variety of topics, including the number of people served by HIP. In addition, meeting participants will discuss budgetary and programmatic issues, community programs relating to traumatic brain injury, and available advocacy opportunities.
For additional information or for persons with a disability who wish to attend the meeting and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation to do so, contact Nicole Johnson, Division of Community Systems Development and Outreach, (717) 772-2763. For speech and/or hearing-impaired persons, contact V/TT (717) 783-6514 or the Pennsylvania Hamilton Relay Service at (800) 654-5984.
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