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Children's Services

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared this important announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “FDA MedWatch – Medline Updates Instructions for Use for Homecare Beds.”

This recall involves updating instructions for using devices and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without following the updated instructions.

What to Do:
Customers have reported incidents of hand control pendants burning, overheating, melting, sparking, causing electrical shock, and catching on fire only for the Medline Basic Beds identified in the alert. Such incidents pose significant risks, including serious injury and death. The FDA is recommending affected beds be left unplugged from wall power unless adjustments that require electricity need to be made.

For Medline Basic Beds and Medlite Homecare Beds identified, only use accessories intended for use with Medline Homecare Beds.

On November 26, Medline sent all affected customers a letter recommending the following actions:

  • To mitigate risk during use, strictly adhere to usage guidelines and safety instructions provided with the product as well as the following instructions:
    • Do not operate bed above the specified weight limit.
    • Ensure none of the bed components are jammed.
    • Ensure that there is no obstruction to the movement of the bed.
    • Hang the pendant on headboard or footboard when not in use.
    • Do not store the pendant on mattress at any time, including while asleep.
    • Unplug the bed and call for service if any of the following occur:
      • Bed motors appear to be jammed, stalled, or malfunctioning;
      • The bed pendant controls aren’t working;
      • Pendant wiring is damaged;
      • Pendant becomes hot to the touch; and/or
      • Smoke, sparking, or other unsafe electrical conditions occur.
    • Only use Medline side rails and Medline accessories that are intended for use with Medline Homecare Beds. When using Medline side rails and Medline accessories, follow all applicable instructions for use.
    • Do not use non-Medline side rails or non-Medline accessories, including extension cords, with Medline Homecare Beds. The following Medline Side Rail SKUs are compatible with both the Basic Homecare Beds and the Medlite Homecare Beds:
      • MDS89697 (Clamp-On Half Rail)
      • MDS89698N (Spring Loaded Half Rail)
      • MDS89694N (Spring Loaded Full Rail)
      • MDS89695N (Economy Full Rail)

Reason for Correction:
Medline has identified electrical safety risks with its Medline Basic Homecare Beds that may lead to fire.

The electrical safety risk is a potential hazard involving the hand control pendant and associated wires for Medline Basic Homecare Beds, SKUs MDR107002E, MDR107002E-4, MDR107003E, MDR107003E-4, and MDR107003ELO. In certain scenarios — such as operating the bed above its specified weight limit, encountering an obstruction to bed movement, or experiencing jammed components/motor, among other potential conditions — the hand pendant and pendant cords may overheat and, in some instances, pose a risk of fire. Medline Industries has received reports of pendants sparking, burning, melting, smoking, and catching on fire.

As of December 18, Medline has reported 12 injuries and one death associated with this issue.

Additionally, Medline has identified patient entrapment as a potential issue when using non-Medline accessories on Medline beds. Non-Medline accessories or a user error when handling the pendant can unintentionally cause the bed to adjust position, entrapping the user’s body between the bed and the accessory. Entrapment could lead to asphyxiation, serious injury, and death. Patients with reduced monitoring, such as those at home, are at increased risk due to delays in detecting and responding to entrapment incidents.

As of December 18, Medline has reported two injuries and one death associated with the use of non-Medline approved accessories.

Device Use:
An AC-powered adjustable hospital bed is a device intended for medical purposes that consists of a bed with a built-in electric motor and remote controls that can be operated by the patient to adjust the height and surface contour of the bed. Hospital beds include side rails that can be latched on or off and moved around.

Contact Information:
Customers in the U.S. with adverse reactions, quality problems, or questions about this recall should contact Medline Industries at 866-359-1704 or via email.

For additional information and specific models affected, visit the FDA’s website.

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The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro included an additional $13.2 million in state funding for Early Intervention (EI) services, with $10 million of this funding specifically targeting provider rates.

Last Friday, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) released the 2025/26 Fee Schedule, which included a 7% increase for Early Intervention services, with some exceptions.

Infant Toddler Early Intervention Programs and providers should now use the updated Fiscal Year 2025/26 fee schedule rates to bill for all services delivered on or after July 1, 2025. OCDEL will coordinate with County programs to communicate a Mass Adjustment coordination with all Early Intervention providers for services already billed that are eligible for a rate adjustment.

This news comes after months of joint advocacy from RCPA, EIPA, PennAEYC, and other EI provider groups. RCPA is grateful for these strong partnerships, and we recognize this commitment to investment in the Early Intervention Part C Program by Governor Shapiro, OCDEL, and the PA General Assembly.

Read the full announcement here.

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RCPA has been a long-time partner of the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), a policy design and implementation organization devoted to improving outcomes for people enrolled in Medicaid. Our collaborative efforts across the arena of Medicaid and the pending impacts of HR 1 remain a critical connection point to ensure access in Pennsylvania.

On behalf of CHCS, RCPA would like to share this update on resources related to the Rural Health Transformation Project. Per the update:

The federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), authorized under the 2025 budget reconciliation act (P.L. 119-21), will distribute $50 billion to all 50 states from 2026 to 2030 — serving as a partial offset to Medicaid cuts. In designing and launching RHTP plans, state agencies must meet ambitious federal expectations and timelines. Experiences from other large-scale statewide efforts — such as the American Rescue Plan Act, Opioid Settlement Funds, multisector plans for aging (MPA), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) State Innovation Models (SIM) demonstration — can help inform state planning.

This brief provides practical recommendations to help states establish the administrative infrastructure needed to implement their RHTP plans. Drawing on insights from state officials involved with similar transformation efforts, as well as the Center for Health Care Strategies’ (CHCS) experience supporting this work, the brief highlights best practices and common pitfalls across four core domains:

  1. Governance;
  2. Stakeholder engagement and communications;
  3. Budget tracking, reporting, and contracting; and
  4. Data and evaluation.

While not exhaustive, this brief outlines practical lessons that state staff can use to guide RHTP activities during the critical first six to nine months of program design and implementation, helping states build a strong foundation for long-term success.

Additionally, CHCS published a series of tip sheets to aid stakeholders in exploring strategies and initiatives within the project. The tip sheets offer resources for strengthening rural health, including workforce and access issues.

If members have any questions regarding this update or the Rural Health Transformation Plan, please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp.

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RCPA continues to seek proposals for the 2026 Annual Conference Power in Purpose: Promoting Possibilities, which will be held September 29 – October 2 at the Hershey Lodge for a statewide audience. RCPA’s Conference Committee is looking for workshop proposals in every area for possible inclusion, particularly those that assist providers in developing and maintaining high-quality, stable, and effective treatments, services, and agencies in an industry where change is constant. The committee looks for presentations that:

  • Discuss strategies for C-Suite leadership to advance their organization with adapting to challenges and opportunities;
  • Provide guidance on building a culture of a committed workforce, including recruitment and employee development as well as effective remote workforce strategies;
  • Highlight new policy, research, and treatment initiatives, such as the use of artificial intelligence and technology in service provision;
  • Provide specific skills and information related to individual and organizational leadership development and enhancement;
  • Discuss advanced ethics practices and suicide prevention; and/or
  • Address system changes that affect business practices, including integrated care strategies, value-based purchasing, performance-based contracting, acquisitions and mergers, and alternative payment models.

The committee welcomes any proposal that addresses these and other topics essential to brain injury, medical rehabilitation, mental health, substance use disorder treatment, children’s health, aging, physical disabilities, autism, and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities. Members are encouraged to consider submitting, and we highly encourage you to forward this opportunity to those who are exceptionally good speakers and have state-of-the-art information to share.

The Call for Proposals (featuring a complete listing of focus tracks) and accompanying Guidelines for Developing Educational Objectives detail requirements for submissions. The deadline for submissions is COB Monday, March 23, 2026. Proposals must be submitted electronically with the form provided; confirmation of receipt will be sent. Proposals submitted after the deadline may not be considered.

If the proposal is accepted, individuals must be prepared to present on any day of the conference. Workshops are 90 minutes in length. If the topic requires an in-depth presentation, a double session can be scheduled for a total of 180 minutes. At the time of acceptance, presenters will be asked to confirm the ability to submit workshop slides and handouts electronically two weeks prior to the conference. Individuals unable to meet this expectation may not have their materials available to participants during the conference.

Individuals are welcome to submit more than one proposal; however, we ask that you submit no more than three total. Notification of inclusion for the conference will be made via email by Monday, May 11, 2026. Questions may be directed to Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator.

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With support from the Preschool Development Grant, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is supporting a training initiative to help build a cross-disciplinary workforce across Pennsylvania that understands very young children’s mental health and development and can provide better, more informed support to families and caregivers.

You, or a Children First PA representative(s) of your choosing, are invited to participate in an upcoming DC:0–5™: Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood Overview webinar. This 90-minute session is designed for policy leaders, advocates, and human services administrators who play a pivotal role in shaping systems that support the mental health and well-being of our youngest children.

About the Training:

The DC:0–5™ framework provides a developmentally sensitive approach to understanding and classifying mental health and developmental disorders in children from birth through age five. The overview will:

  • Introduce the purpose and structure of the DC:0–5™;
  • Highlight its role in transforming early identification and intervention practices; and
  • Explore implications for policy, advocacy, and service delivery.

Why Your Participation Matters:

Your leadership and expertise are essential in ensuring that policies and programs reflect the latest understanding of infant/early childhood mental health. By engaging in this training, you will be better equipped to:

  • Inform policy decisions with evidence-based practices;
  • Strengthen cross-sector collaboration; and
  • Support equitable access to infant/early childhood mental health services and supports.

DATE: February 18, 2026, from 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EST

REGISTER HERE

Participants will need to create a free eLearn account with ZERO TO THREE if they do not already have one to complete their registration.

Priority registration is available through February 11, 2026, before the training announcement is made public the following day. Space is limited to 100 attendees.

We look forward to your participation in this important conversation and to working together to advance the well-being of young children and their families.  If you cannot attend this session, there will be additional opportunities in 2027, as this initiative also includes a Training of Trainers strategy.

If you have any additional questions, please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp.

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On Friday, February 6, Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Val Arkoosh presented an overview of Governor Shapiro’s proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2026/27 budget and detailed the projected spending across DHS, which totals $21.94 billion in state funding. The Secretary highlighted that all three Medicaid managed care programs, as well as waiver programs for people with intellectual disabilities and autism, are receiving increases, largely driven by patient needs and costs associated with delivering care. The proposed FY 2026/27 budget includes $39.7 billion in federal funding as well as $5.6 billion from augmentations and additional programs, such as lottery and tobacco funds, making the total DHS funding $67.2 billion.

The Secretary expressed how the proposed budget reflects the direct impacts of HR 1, with significant federal funding at risk. The distribution for the 2026/27 budget is based upon the current structure of Medicaid and other federally funded programs, but the Secretary noted that beginning in 2028, changes in Medicaid financing rules will remove $20 billion from Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program over the following decade.

Budget Highlights and Investments

  • Investments in Health:
    • Food is Medicine: $900,000 (federalizes to $2.3 million) in state funds to launch a pilot program that will provide nutritionally appropriate food to improve quality of life and health outcomes while lowering overall health care costs for Medicaid recipients with significant health care needs.
    • Housing Stability: $1 million in state funds (federalizes to $2.5 million) to launch a pilot that will connect people experiencing homelessness to stable housing and services that improve health and care management.
    • Reentry Supports: $900,000 in state funds (federalizes to $2.7 million) to provide pre-release coverage (up to 90 days prior to release from a State Correctional Institution) for substance use care and intensive case management.
  • Continuing ODP Multi-Year Growth Strategy: Building upon Shapiro’s 2024 multi-year strategy to expand access to home and community-based services and effectively end the emergency waiting list of adults with intellectual disabilities with autism, the proposed budget allots $30 million in state funds, which federalizes to $66.2 million. This will allow for 850 more people to be served in the Community Living Waiver and 400 more people to be served in the Consolidated Waiver.
  • Supporting 988 Call Centers and Crisis Services: The proposed budget includes a $10 million investment in the crisis response workforce to help 988 call centers, as well as $5 million in state funds to continue prior year commitments for emergency behavioral walk-in centers.
  • Sustaining Early Intervention Rate Increase: The Secretary stated that the EI line item in the executive budget reflects the changing state cost to run the program and not an anticipated cut in funding. The release of the DHS Blue Book will have more information about the total funding with federal match. DHS intends to keep the new, updated rates from the 2025/26 budget, and revised rates will be released soon.
  • County Base Mental Health Services Funding: RCPA has confirmed that there will be no allocation increase for county base funding. While previous budgets had included $20 million for county base mental health funding, it was not included in the 2025/26 budget or the proposed 2026/27 budget.

Due to technical difficulties, DHS was unable to record the webinar, but the presentation slides and transcript can both be viewed.

Please contact your RCPA Policy Director with any questions or concerns.

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Photo by Larry Crayton on Unsplash

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has announced an upcoming learning opportunity from the Youth and Family Training Institute (YFTI) that may be valuable to workforce, providers, educators, and anyone supporting children, youth, and families.

On February 18, 2026, from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm, YFTI will host Foundations of Family Driven Teaming Approaches, a free webinar designed to strengthen understanding of how to partner with families in meaningful, collaborative, and effective ways.

This session will introduce participants to:

  • The building blocks of Family Driven Teaming;
  • Core Wraparound principles and skills that guide this teaming approach;
  • The intentional process of transitioning responsibility to the youth/family and the progression from coordination to collaboration, to cheering on within a team; and
  • The importance of building a team to plan for complex needs.

Family Driven Teaming places the family’s voice, culture, and priorities at the center of planning and decision making. This approach strengthens engagement, improves outcomes, and helps families build sustainable skills and relationships beyond formal services.

Register for Foundations of Family Driven Teaming Approaches

Questions and comments can be sent electronically.

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The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has announced that Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRS) has been added to the Medical Assistance Program Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026.

On January 30, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services approved the addition of PRS as a rehabilitative service to the Medicaid State Plan, leading to the issuance of OMHSAS-26-01, “Payment for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services.” Prior to the inclusion in the Medicaid State Plan, PRS was available only to MA beneficiaries enrolled in Behavioral Health HealthChoices as an in lieu of service. PRS is now available as a state plan service to MA beneficiaries in the Fee-for-Service and Behavioral Health HealthChoices delivery systems.

The published bulletin OMHSAS-26-01 can be found here. Please contact RCPA COO and Mental Health Director Jim Sharp with any questions.

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