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Criminal Justice

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

RCPA is excited to host a Membership Benefits webinar on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm, as an opportunity for members to orient themselves with all that RCPA membership includes. This is not just for new and future members. For current members, there may be benefits associated with our membership that you may not be aware of, including targeted meetings and groups that occur throughout the year.

Registration is required; please register here to attend the webinar. Items we will review include the below and much more:

  • Virtually meet the dedicated RCPA Policy Staff and RCPA lobbyists;
  • Discuss the 2025 Legislative and Administrative priorities;
  • Preview RCPA divisional committee and subcommittee meetings and what they offer;
  • View the RCPA member-only website;
  • Review exclusive yearly educational and networking events; and
  • Understand the value of the National Association memberships included with RCPA membership.

Visit the RCPA member benefits web page for more information, or contact Tieanna Lloyd for benefit details.

Hands touching in a circle
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are pleased to announce the latest edition of the Positive Approaches Journal.

This issue of the Positive Approaches Journal takes a deep dive into the importance of community safety and wellness for individuals and families. Topics include emergency preparedness, interventions and programs for youth, justice and community supports and services, and navigating crises situations. Remember, a community that prioritizes health, safety, and well-being is one that thrives and prospers.

This issue of Positive Approaches Journal is in digital form, available for viewing online or for downloading at MyODP’s website. To print a copy of the PDF, online journal, or a specific article, you will find these options within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page. A new window will open with your selected document. In your browser, you may click the Print button in the top left corner of the page, or by using the Print capability within your browser.

Please submit feedback regarding your experience with the Positive Approaches Journal on MyODP by selecting the feedback image on MyODP within your left navigation bar on any Positive Approaches Journal page.

The Positive Approaches Journal is published quarterly. For additional information, please contact ODP Training’s inbox.

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

RCPA is excited to host a Membership Benefits webinar on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm, as an opportunity for members to orient themselves with all that RCPA membership includes. This is not just for new and future members. For current members, there may be benefits associated with our membership that you may not be aware of, including targeted meetings and groups that occur throughout the year.

Registration is required; please register here to attend the webinar. Items we will review include the below and much more:

  • Virtually meet the dedicated RCPA Policy Staff and RCPA lobbyists;
  • Discuss the 2025 Legislative and Administrative priorities;
  • Preview RCPA divisional committee and subcommittee meetings and what they offer;
  • View the RCPA member-only website;
  • Review exclusive yearly educational and networking events; and
  • Understand the value of the National Association memberships included with RCPA membership.

Visit the RCPA member benefits web page for more information, or contact Tieanna Lloyd for benefit details.

Join Drexel University Behavioral Healthcare Education’s visiting resident Radhika Rani, DO, for a special presentation titled “Mental Health Care for Migrants and Refugees in the U.S.: Culturally Informed Practices.”

Thursday, November 21, 2024
9:00 am – 12:15 pm ET
3 CE Hours
Live Webinar

This course aims to provide behavioral health professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address the mental health needs of migrant and refugee populations in the United States. Participants will explore the unique challenges and stressors encountered by these groups, including trauma, displacement, acculturation, and systemic barriers to care. Emphasis will be placed on culturally informed, trauma-sensitive approaches to diagnosis and treatment. In addition, the course will explore the legal, social, and policy implications impacting migrant and refugee communities as well as outline strategies for patient advocacy. Participants will also be able to gain practical skills while reflecting on personal biases and assumptions to foster more inclusive care and improve patient outcomes.

Register at the BHE website.

The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the Physician Fee Schedule CY 2025 Final Rule. You can view CMS’ press release, fact sheet, and final rule page in the Federal Register for more information. There were critical areas addressed in this year’s Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), including:

  • The extension of some telehealth flexibilities permitted under CMS’ authority absent Congressional action;
  • Updated payment for social determinants of health risk assessments as a part of Opioid Use Disorder intake activities furnished at Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP);
  • The establishment of a new add-on code to account for coordinated care, referral services, and peer supports at OTPs;
  • Payment for safety planning intervention and post-discharge follow-up;
  • The establishment of six G codes that mirror current interprofessional consultation Common Procedural Terminology codes used by practitioners who are eligible to bill E/M visits; and
  • Recognition of responses to CMS’ request for information on Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics.

For the OPPS Final Rule, please see links to CMS’ press release, fact sheet, and final rule page in the Federal Register. Some highlights from this final rule include:

  • The maintenance of the Partial Hospitalization Program and Intensive Outpatient Program rate structures;
  • Narrowing the definition of “custody” in Medicare’s payment exclusion rule to mitigate barriers to Medicare access by individuals who have recently been released from incarceration or are on parole, probation, or home detention; and
  • Changes to Medicaid regulation, allowing states implementing the Medicaid clinic services benefit to cover clinic services outside the “four walls” of behavioral health clinics.

If you have any further questions regarding these final rulings or the application of the “four walls” impacts on Pennsylvania, please contact RCPA COO and Mental Health Director Jim Sharp.