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Disability Scoop: In Historic Move, Wheelchair User Goes To Space
ODP Releases Winter 2026 QM Spotlight
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has released the sixteenth in a series of its quarterly publication QM Spotlight. This issue focuses on the QA&I Self-Assessment and how to use it well, so that the QA&I process becomes predictable, manageable, and an opportunity – not a surprise.
Children’s Trust Fund Shares Grant Opportunity
The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) provides small grants to local community-based programs/services that prevent child abuse and neglect before an incident occurs. The Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) Request for Application (RFA) was posted on eMarketplace today, January 5, 2026. The press release is being shared through DHS comms, PA Key comms, and a special announcement in the e-News.
RCPA, as part of several statewide work groups and task forces, wishes to share this with members, though you may receive this through other communications networks. The RFA is only available for 30 days, due no later than February 5, 2026.
If an applicant has any questions regarding this RFA, the applicant must submit those questions via email, with the subject line “25-RFA-13772 Question” to the RFA Issuing Officer named in Part 1, Section I-2 of this RFA. The Issuing Officer shall post all written answers to the questions submitted on the Department of General Services (DGS) website at eMarketplace as an addendum to this RFA.
You may view the Request for Application online at eMarketplace.
ODP Shares Guidance on AAW Provider Billing for ISP Team Meetings
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 26-002. The purpose of this communication is to provide guidance regarding the intent and purpose of an Individual Support Plan (ISP) meeting and whether attending an ISP meeting is a billable unit of service.
Please view the announcement for more details. Questions about this announcement should be directed to the appropriate ODP BSASP Regional Office.
House Legislative Hearing to Focus on Improving Medicare Payment Policies for Seniors
Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Morgan Griffith, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, recently announced a hearing “Legislative Proposals to Support Patient Access to Medicare Services.”
This Subcommittee on Health hearing will be held on January 8, 2026, at 10:15 am to discuss legislation focused on improving Medicare payment policies and expanding access to care for seniors.
The hearing will focus on the following bills:
- H.R. 1703, Choices for Increased Mobility Act of 2025 (Rep. Joyce – PA)
- H.R. 2005, DMEPOS Relief Act of 2025 (Rep. Miller-Meeks)
- H.R. 2172, Preserving Patient Access to Home Infusion Act (Rep. Buchanan)
- H.R. 2477, Portable Ultrasound Reimbursement Equity Act of 2025 (Rep. Van Duyne)
- H.R. 2902, Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act of 2025 (Rep. Valadao)
- H.R. 5243, To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to increase data transparency for supplemental benefits under Medicare Advantage. (Rep. McClellan)
- H.R. 5269, Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act of 2025 (Rep. Hudson)
- H.R. 5347, Health Care Efficiency Through Flexibility Act (Rep. Buchanan)
- H.R. 6210, Senior Savings Protection Act (Rep. Matsui)
- H.R. 6361, Ban AI Denials in Medicare Act (Rep. Landsman)
The hearing will be open to the public as well as livestreamed. Questions about the hearing should be directed to Annabelle Huffman.
Reminder for IPRC Webinar: Understanding CARF’s New Standards for DoC
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm ET; 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CT;
11:00 am – 12:00 pm MT; 10:00 am – 11:00 am PT
Register Here
Please join us as the IPRC hosts special guest Terry Carolan from CARF International, who will share the new Disorders of Consciousness Program Standards.
Presenter Bio:
Terrence Carolan
Terrence Carolan, Managing Director of the Medical Rehabilitation and Aging Services accreditation areas at the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), has more than 20 years of experience as a provider, administrator, and educator in the human services field. Terry joined CARF after working in clinical and administrative leadership positions within Select Medical’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Division and the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation since 2001. Terry was a CARF surveyor for 10 years and holds a degree in physical therapy from Simmons College in Boston. He also recently completed his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Objectives: At the end of this session, the learner will:
- Describe recent research and guidance on the treatment of individuals with Disorders of Consciousness (DoC);
- Discuss how CARF International has responded to guidance from the field to create Disorders of Consciousness Program Standards; and
- Analyze how new DoC accreditation and recent research will enhance access to rehabilitation for children with DoC in the future.
Audience: This webinar is intended for all interested members of the rehabilitation team; attendees do not need to be CARF certified in order to attend.
Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Certificate of Attendance: Certificates of attendance are available for all attendees. No CEs are available for this course.
PCHC to Host Fatal Five Dysphagia Training
CMS Announces Establishment of the Office of Rural Health Transformation
Following the creation of the Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program under President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut legislation, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the establishment of the Office of Rural Health Transformation (ORHT). This new office will be located within the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) and will continue overseeing the RHT Program. The RHT Program is a $50 billion initiative to strengthen rural health systems and expand access to care nationwide. As noted in RCPA’s Alert from December 30, 2025, Pennsylvania will receive nearly $200 million in 2026.
ORHT, which announced approved awardees on December 29, 2025, will guide states in implementing their rural health transformation plans, provide technical assistance, coordinate federal and state partnerships, and ensure strong oversight and accountability throughout the five-year program, which will run through September 30, 2031.
Date Change Announced for March 2026 LTSS Subcommittee Meeting
Due to scheduling conflicts, the March 2026 date for the Long-Terms Services and Supports Subcommittee (LTSS) meeting has been changed. The meeting has been changed from March 4, 2026, to March 11, 2026. The meeting will be held via webinar and remote streaming, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Questions and comments may be submitted electronically.
