The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently made the decision to adopt a $200 million telehealth program that will help support health care providers and patients responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This $200 million was appropriated as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Through this COVID-19 Telehealth Program, the FCC will assist health care providers to purchase telecommunications, broadband connectivity, and devices necessary for providing telehealth services. The applications for funding submitted by health care providers will be processed on a rolling basis.
Governor: Health Secretary Signs Order Providing Building Safety Measures to Combat COVID-19
ANCOR Webinar: Residential Provider’s Experience with COVID-19, March 27, 2020 Recording
April 6 Webinars CERC and CDC, Plus Tools and Resources from CDC
Commissioner of Social Security Shares Update about COVID payments
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Financial Resources Webinar: CARES Act and FFRCA
In response to several questions from RCPA members regarding the CARES Act and FFRCA, RCPA will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, April 7 at 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm, featuring Diane Edelstein, CPA, Partner, Maher Duessel.
The presentation will cover the various financial resources, grants, and loans available to human service organizations, among other topics. Time will be allowed for your questions.
Please register here to participate.
There will be an opportunity to submit questions on the webinar using the “question” pane in the toolbar. In order for Ms. Edelstein to address as many questions as possible during the webinar, please submit your questions prior to this event by sending them to Allison Brognia, no later than Monday, April 6, 5:00 pm ET. We look forward to your participation.
Gov. Wolf Calls for Universal Masking
OVR Guidance and Skype Meeting Planned
OVR has released guidance on the provision of vocational rehabilitation services during a period of state mandated mitigation strategies for slowing the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
All Commonwealth businesses should follow the most recent guidance issued by the Governor’s Office. Please reference the guide for Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania for updated information.
Opportunities for staff and providers to ask questions and discuss the instructions given in the memos regarding OVR services during this time period will occur via Skype webinars on Tuesday, April 7, 2020. Information regarding these webinars will be forthcoming.
Please visit the Department of Community & Economic Development’s (DCED) website for resources for businesses affected by COVID-19, along with a current list of businesses allowed to operate and the waiver/exemption form (if applicable).
Vendors are responsible for ensuring that they are adhering to the Governor’s direction, universal precautions, and social distancing requirements. This information is intended to be a guide regarding the allowable services and service provision methodologies OVR will be adhering to during the COVID-19 mitigation response and does not apply to any other circumstance.
General Vocational Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Services are considered an allowable business in accordance with the direction of the Governor’s office and as referenced on the DCED website. The nature of vocational rehabilitation services normally requires activities to be performed in person. Accordingly, OVR will be working with its vendor community to implement alternative service provision to allow services to continue where possible. However, it is the responsibility of the vendor to direct their staff in accordance with the requirements outlined by the Governor, their governing agencies, boards, commissions, and/or executive leadership.
For information regarding what services are able and unable to be performed at this time, refer to the above document. If you are unsure of how to proceed, please contact your local OVR District Office.
OVR Issues Guidance to Community Providers of Supported Employment Services
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Executive Director Shannon Austin released guidance today (April 3, 2020) for providers about the provision of Supported Employment Services during a period of state-mandated mitigation strategies for slowing the spread of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19).
The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is committed to providing quality services to Pennsylvanians with disabilities. During this unprecedented time, the health and safety of our customers, staff, and community partners remain our top priority. All Commonwealth businesses should follow the most recent guidance issued by the Governor’s Office. Please reference the guide for Responding to COVID-19 in Pennsylvania for updated information. Please visit the Department of Community & Economic Development’s (DCED) website for resources for businesses affected by COVID-19, along with a current list of businesses allowed to operate and the waiver/exemption form (if applicable).
This document only applies to Supported Employment services. Supported Employment (SE) services may not be provided virtually unless specified. Activities, both direct and indirect, that are billable for SE services remain the same as outlined in the Billable Activities Reference for OVR Supported Employment Services section. During this time, specific SE services will be handled as outlined in the above referenced document.
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