10 Hiring Best Practices from MITC
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As part of RCPA’s ongoing effort with members and stakeholders regarding the Alternative Pay Arrangements/Agreements (APAs), we are asking members to complete this brief APA survey.
Today will be the final day to submit your survey responses. We respectfully request that the survey be completed as the APAs apply to your Drug & Alcohol, Children’s, and Adult Mental Health services continuum. The data we collect will be instrumental in our collective efforts with the Department of Human Services (DHS) and managed care organizations regarding strategic fiscal considerations, as the current APAs are set to end on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.
Thank you, and if you have questions, please contact RCPA Director of Children’s Division Jim Sharp or your RCPA Policy Director.
From ACCSES:
ACCSES was pleased to join with APSE, ANCOR, The Arc, Easterseals, Goodwill, Lutheran Services, and United Cerebral Palsy in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra late last week. The letter lays out ideas for expanding the reach of HCBS services and for making permanent some of the flexibilities adopted during the pandemic for the use of retainer payments. It also outlines a need to make changes to the Electronic Visit Verification program and a need to recognize innovative technology solutions as being eligible for Medicaid reimbursement. Working with these advocacy organizations throughout the pandemic has had a significant impact, and we look forward to continuing to work together for a long time coming!
June 17, 2021 from 11:00 am–1:00 pm
Now Eligible for CLE Credit!
Committed to access to justice for Pennsylvanians with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, along with the Department of Human Services (DHS) is pleased to announce an upcoming virtual forum — Autism and the Courts — a Regional Discussion, aimed at learning about court experiences from individuals with an ASD. Informational flyer can be accessed here.
Spearheaded by Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty on behalf of the Court, and Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations Director Regina Wall, the virtual roundtable for the Western Region will be held on June 17.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the courts have added information and resources for families supporting an individual with autism on the Pennsylvania Courts frequently asked questions page.
Join Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty along with DHS and representatives from the judiciary, law enforcement, healthcare, social work, and advocacy communities and those living with and/or supporting someone with ASD for a virtual roundtable on challenges faced by individuals with autism as they seek access to justice.
The Office for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is participating in the National Council on Disability Webinar titled Enforceable Accessible Medical Equipment Standards: A Necessary Means to Address Health Care Needs of People with Mobility Disabilities. The webinar will take place at 10:00 am–11:00 am ET on Thursday, May 20, 2021. For more information and register, see the announcement below:
The National Council on Disability invites you to join a policy briefing and discussion of its forthcoming report:
Enforceable Accessible Medical Equipment Standards: A Necessary Means to Address Health Care Needs of People with Mobility Disabilities
May 20, 2021
10:00 am–11:00 am, EDT
This briefing will be held via Zoom meeting platform.
Speakers Include:
RSVP Online
Please let us know of any accommodation requests as soon as possible by sending an email
to Kimie Eacobacci.
Pennsylvania’s 2021 municipal primary took place yesterday (Tuesday, May 18). Statewide, Pennsylvania officials sent out 820,757 mail and absentee ballots. As of 5/18, voters had returned roughly 69% of these ballots. With vote tallying still ongoing, all results are UNOFFICIAL.
Statewide Ballot Questions
Four statewide ballot questions were on the primary election slate for Pennsylvania voters to decide; including three that would make changes to the state’s constitution. The questions included two specific referendums that address how future state of emergencies will be handled in Pennsylvania.
Statewide Judicial Races (Candidates leading in RED)
Justice of the Supreme Court: 2021- One Vacancy
Judge of the Superior Court of Pennsylvania: 2021- One Vacancy
Judge of the Commonwealth Court: 2021- Two Vacancies
Special Elections- State House & State Senate (Candidates leading in RED)
Four special elections were held during the primary to fill vacant seats in the General Assembly. Once election results are certified, the winners will be sworn-in and immediately take over the vacant seat.
County/local Races Receiving Statewide Attention
RCPA would like to officially announce that Jack Phillips, RCPA Director of Government Relations, has accepted a new position as Director of Government Affairs at Novak Strategic Advisors in Harrisburg, PA. Jack will be continuing his work with RCPA while assuming this new role. In most ways, members should see no change; presence at division meetings, updates at general meetings, oversight of the government relations meetings/calls, and lobbying activities at the Capitol will continue as before.
What this does offer is an opportunity for Jack to expand his reach in Harrisburg, and he has worked closely with RCPA on this transition to make this as seamless as possible. RCPA will also have access to other resources at Novak as needed. Please offer your congratulations to Jack on this new endeavor.