Home Featured

CDC Releases Guidance Regarding Booster Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines

Oct 29, 2021

0 1264

COVID 19 Vaccine Vials Photo — Photo by Alena Shekhovtcova from Pexels

ODP Announcement 21-078 announces recent recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines. All three available vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), now have available guidance regarding booster doses.

On Thursday, October 21, 2021, the CDC issued a recommendation for Moderna and Janssen booster doses for certain groups of individuals. This is in addition to the CDC’s earlier recommendation on September 24, 2021 for the Pfizer booster dose.

Eligible individuals are now able to schedule appointments and receive booster doses. The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will not be coordinating vaccine clinics for booster doses.

This announcement provides ODP’s expectations for residential providers, long-term care facilities, individuals and families. Questions about this announcement may be directed here.

RSA Issues FAQs Related to Criterion for an Integrated Employment

Oct 29, 2021

0 1518

A message from ACCSES:

A few minutes ago, the Rehabilitation Services Administration announced the release of long-awaited revised FAQs. The message from RSA reads as follows:

Today, the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) is pleased to announce the release of frequently-asked questions titled Criterion for an Integrated Employment Location in the Definition of “Competitive Integrated Employment” and Participant Choice, published as RSA-FAQ-22-02. These FAQs provide guidance and technical assistance to VR agencies and community rehabilitation programs so they may assist individuals with disabilities to achieve high-quality employment and exercise their informed choice about the type of employment to pursue, either with assistance from the VR program or from other community resources.

While these FAQs do not change the Department of Education’s interpretation that has existed since at least the mid-1990s with respect to the criterion for an integrated employment location, they clarify and update a similar set of FAQs, issued January 17, 2017, entitled Frequently Asked Questions: Integrated Location Criteria of the Definition of ‘Competitive Integrated Employment.’ Therefore, OSERS rescinds the January 2017 FAQs effective as of this date. These updated FAQs take effect immediately upon issuance, and will enable VR program personnel to better carry out the purpose of the VR program and allow individuals with disabilities to maximize their employment potential.

Additionally, RSA issues a Response to Significant Comments that addresses changes in the updated FAQs made in response to comments received on the proposed FAQs (FAQ 21-03) published in the Federal Register and that provided the public with a 30-day opportunity to comment (86 FR 13511 (March 9, 2021)).”

ACCSES is in the process of reviewing the final FAQs and the RSA Response to Significant Comments and will provide additional information to ACCSES members on Monday.

Kind regards,
Kate

Meeting Announcement: IDD Waiver Amendment Comment Development

Oct 29, 2021

0 1012

Continue

OMHSAS Telehealth FAQ — Updated Telehealth Waiver Guidance

Oct 29, 2021

0 1954

Continue

TBI Advisory Board Virtual Public Meeting Planned for November 5

Oct 29, 2021

0 907

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 virtual public meeting on Friday, November 5, 2021. Due to health concerns related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the virtual public meeting will be conducted by means of Microsoft Teams from 10:00 am–3:00 pm.

Meeting materials will be sent out before the virtual public meeting and will also be available on the TBI Advisory’s website.

To join the Microsoft Teams meeting, dial: (267) 332-8737. The conference ID is 594 546 760#.

The Department of Health’s (DOH) Head Injury Program (HIP) strives to ensure that eligible individuals who have a traumatic brain injury receive high quality rehabilitative services aimed at reducing functional limitations and improving quality of life. The TBI Advisory Board assists the Department in understanding and meeting the needs of persons living with traumatic brain injury and their families. This quarterly virtual public 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 virtual public meeting and require an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation to do so, contact Nicole Johnson, Division of Community Systems Development and Outreach at (717) 772-2763, or for speech and/or hearing-impaired persons, contact V/TT (717) 783-6514 or the Pennsylvania Hamilton Relay Services at (800) 654-5984.

Questions about the meeting should be directed to Nicole Johnson.

Infection Control Procedures and Mitigating the Spread of COVID-19 in ICFs

Oct 28, 2021

0 1215

Mask and Hand Sanitizer Photo — Photo by Tai's Captures on Unsplash

ODP Announcement 21-077 provides updated guidance to providers of ICF/ID services related to infection control procedures and mitigation of the spread of COVID-19. This guidance replaces the DHS COVID-19 Provider Guidance on COVID-19 for Personal Care Homes, Assisted Living Residences, and Private Intermediate Care Facilities with the following guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as well as any future replacements of the referenced guidance from the PA DOH and CMS.

This announcement and the guidance contained within is intended to supplement—not replace—any federal, state, or local public health and safety laws, rules, and regulations with which providers of services in ICF/IDs must comply. Providers should take an individualized approach to determining appropriate risk mitigation strategies when working with individuals, including consideration of the Level of Community Transmission as identified in the CDC COVID Data Tracker.

Other news for ICF/ID Providers:

ICF Task Force Meetings

November 2 had been proposed earlier this year as a tentative date for another ICF Task Force meeting. That meeting is being rescheduled for a later date. Please let the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) know if you have any specific topic suggestions that you would like to have covered. You may submit suggestions here.

PA Health Alert Network (HANs)

This is a reminder to stay tuned in to the PA Department of Health’s updates impacting Long-Term Care facilities. Recent HANs contain updated information regarding the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant and recommendations regarding COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose. A list of the 2021 Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates can be found here.

November 3 MLTSS Subcommittee Agenda Released

Oct 28, 2021

0 867

The agenda for the November 3, 2021 Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee has been released. The meeting will be held via webinar and remote streaming. Also included is the conference line and links to participate remotely. The meeting will take place from 10:00 am–1:00 pm. Comments and questions should be sent here.

HCBS Day of Action: ANCOR Update

Oct 28, 2021

0 1606

Message from ANCOR:

The White House just released its framework for the Build Back Better Agenda this morning. The framework includes $150 billion for Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services. There is still no legislative text available for the budget reconciliation bill, which is how Congress will move forward this framework. Negotiations are still ongoing. We will continue to update you as we know more.

We are encouraged that reports indicate that HCBS funding will be included in the final bill. But we want to make sure we don’t let up on our advocacy in this final stretch!

Please join us TODAY as we participate in a Day of Action along with our coalition partners from disability, aging, and labor groups.

Please take action with our latest action alert and ask your members of Congress to support increased funding for HCBS. And please continue to share this widely with your networks!
Take a moment to engage on social media. You can tweet your members of Congress by using the directory linked here. Sample social media posts are below.

Here are some sample tweets you can use:

#Medicaid #HCBS is key to including ppl w/ #disabilities in the community, but the direct support workforce is in crisis. Read more from ANCOR about this devastating crisis and why #CareCantWait:bit.ly/3ASgUH9
Funding for home & community-based services is essential to the health and well-being of people w/ disabilities, but the #HCBS direct care workforce has been underfunded for too long. Congress must invest now because #CareCantwait bit.ly/3ASgUH9
Without funding for #Medicaid #HCBS, it’s only a matter of time before people w/ disabilities completely lose access to the options and resources needed to remain in their homes and in the community. Fund HCBS because #CareCantWait
81% of American voters support increased funding for home & community-based services. Support funding for #Medicaid #HCBS now. #CareCantWait
“We have to look at how we are going to provide services for our most vulnerable adults and children in the coming decades, and we need to create a long-term, sustainable solution for that.” #HCBSCantWait bit.ly/3jDoS0b
Please support including HCBS funding in the Build Back Better Act to ensure people w/ disabilities & their families do not lose access to the options and resources needed to remain in their homes and in the community. #CareCantWait
Congress must include funding for HCBS in the budget reconciliation bill. People like Brandon depend on it. #HCBSCantWait RT twitter.com/POTUS/status/1451544259992203266

You are also encouraged to tweet your own stories. Below are additional hashtags to use:

#CareCantWait
#BuildBackBetter
#HCBSCantWait

We also wanted to make sure we shared with you ANCOR’s letter sent to Congressional leadership yesterday in a final push to support increased funding for HCBS.

Thanks for all of your hard work and please keep it going!

Here are the resources from the White House:

FACT SHEET

MICROSITE
The Build Back Better Framework: President Biden’s Plan to Rebuild the Middle Class

——————————
Elise Aguilar
Director of Advocacy
ANCOR
Alexandria, VA
(703) 535-7850
——————————

Donna Martin
Director for State Partnerships and Special Projects
ANCOR
1101 King Street, Suite 380
Alexandria, VA 22314
Office: 703.535.7850 x116
Direct Line: 571.781.0456

Correction: OCYF CPSL Bulletin 3490-21-04

Oct 28, 2021

0 882

Continue

PFSA Offers Free Mandated Reporter Training

Oct 28, 2021

0 1654

This three-hour virtual training is approved by the Departments of Human Services, Education, and State and meets all requirements for training on recognizing and reporting child abuse (to include Act 126 for school employees). It is also approved for continuing education credits under Act 31 (Department of State for health-related licenses) and Act 48 (Department of Education for teachers) at no cost. PFSA will submit your training verification to the Department of State or Education as appropriate on your behalf (details provided during training).

Please register for your preferred training date and time by clicking one of the session links below. Each person must log in through separate devices, using the unique access link emailed to them after registration to receive credit.

For questions or to schedule a session specifically for your organization, please email PFSA.

Monday, Nov. 1, 9:00 am–12:00pm

Monday, Nov. 1, 1:00 pm–4:00pm

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 9:00 am–12:00pm

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm

Thursday, Nov. 4, 9:00 am–12:00 pm

Thursday, Nov. 4, 1:00 pm–4:00 pm

Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:00 pm–9:00 pm

Friday, Nov. 5, 9:00 am–12:00 pm