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African Woman Filling Survey Poll Or Form On Laptop Computer

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared a reminder from the Pennsylvania Tech Accelerator to complete and submit the Provider Technology Solutions Survey by Thursday, July 31, 2025. Represent your county’s unique voice by completing an online survey to inform technology resources and supports for providers across Pennsylvania.

Please disregard this email if your agency has already completed a survey.

Please complete one (1) survey per organization and submit responses by Thursday, July 31, 2025. Your participation should take less than one hour.

Your response will provide critical information to build and enhance programs to ensure providers have the necessary information and tools to advance access to technology solutions for their clients across the Commonwealth.

Preview the survey content here.

If you have questions in regard to completing the survey, please contact Kaley Day.

Take the Survey

Or copy and paste the URL below into your internet browser:
https://kusurvey.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9Hoe5ZKZEClXU5E

On July 14, the National MLTSS Health Plan Association submitted comments on the “Preserving Medicaid Funding for Vulnerable Population – Closing a Health Care-Related Tax Loophole” proposed rule. Per the Association:

This rule proposes to refine how CMS evaluates whether a health care-related tax is considered “generally redistributive.”

In our comments, we noted that we appreciate CMS’ efforts to strengthen the oversight and quality of Medicaid programs but raised concerns about the timelines and administrative burden on states, as well as the potential impact on individuals receiving long term-services and supports (LTSS).

The recommendations included:

  • Extending the transition period to three years for all states.
  • Providing clear implementation guidance and technical assistance to states.
  • Postponing finalization of the rule until further research and data analysis on provider-related taxes and impacts are conducted.

Read the full letter here.

In Pennsylvania, this rule would impact participants’ funding of approximately $1B in federal matching funds for HealthChoices, Community HealthChoices, and Behavioral HealthChoices. No immediate action is required. If you have any questions, contact Fady Sahhar.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-071. This announcement states that registration for the September – December 2025 Certified Investigator (CI) Initial Certification Course classes (also known as cohorts) is now open on the MyODP website. Please view the announcement for details and to register for the course.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is proud to partner with the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), and the Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) to announce the launch of the DHS Choking Prevention web page, a dedicated online resource hub aimed at preventing choking events among all Pennsylvanians. This new platform provides all interested stakeholders with a myriad of practical tools and educational materials to promote safer mealtime environments as well as how to recognize and respond to the potential safety risks for someone who has swallowing issues. This new website is a crucial step in ODP’s continued efforts to ensure safety, dignity, and health for individuals with intellectual disability and autism.

The DHS Choking Prevention web page is now available. ODP encourages all interested stakeholders to visit the site and access the available resources to implement into daily use as needed. Questions about this communication should be directed to your ODP Regional Office.

Christopher Boyle has been named President and CEO of Children’s Service Center of Wyoming Valley, effective July 1. He succeeds Mike Hopkins who led the organization since 2008. The two leaders have worked closely over 17 years, facilitating unprecedented growth to now serve 15,000 people of all ages annually. Boyle previously served as Chief Operating Officer overseeing mental health and primary care operations, and as Chief Human Resources Officer since 2008. Prior to CSC, Boyle worked in progressive leadership roles in human resources and financial management at American Asphalt and Pride Mobility Products Corporation. He graduated from Delaware Valley College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a focus in accounting.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-069. This communication announces:

  • A direct path to annual training requirements for IM and protective services for Providers and Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) as outlined in the Chapter 6100 Regulations.
  • A new condensed IM training module that meets 6100.143 (c) (4) requirements.

The module can be found on MyODP by navigating to the “topics” tab and clicking on “Incident and Risk Management” in the dropdown, then clicking on Incident Management Annual training as pictured below OR by this link.

Please view the announcement for additional information and details.