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Criminal Justice

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Removes Barriers to Delivering Telehealth Outside the Clinics

On Friday, November 1, the US Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule for calendar year 2025 that will give states the option to cover Medicaid telehealth behavioral health clinic services delivered outside the “four walls.” Previously, under 42 CFR § 440.90, the “Four Walls Rule,” it was required that during Medicaid outpatient behavioral health clinic telehealth services, either the patient or the clinician had to be physically onsite at the clinic.

CMS waived this requirement during the Public Health Emergency (PHE). Now that the PHE has ended, CMS has released this final rule to allow states to cover behavioral health outpatient clinic services outside the four walls. The final rule should take effect on January 1, 2025. In the meantime, it is the expectation that telehealth services will continue to be delivered as per current operating standards to ensure service access to individuals.

CMS amended the Medicaid clinic services’ regulation to authorize Medicaid coverage for clinic services furnished by IHS/Tribal clinics outside the “four walls” of their facility. In addition, states implementing the Medicaid clinic services’ benefit can opt to cover clinic services furnished outside the “four walls” of behavioral health clinics or clinics located in rural areas. For clinics located in rural areas, based on comments received, CMS is finalizing an approach to defining “rural area” where states will select either a definition used by a federal agency for programmatic purposes, or a definition adopted by a state agency with a role in setting state rural health policy.

For more information, view the CY 2025 Medicare Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Payment System Final Rule (CMS 1809-FC) Fact Sheet and the full Final Rule.

RCPA will be reviewing the implications of this final form ruling for Pennsylvania and our ongoing efforts to expand telehealth services through legislative action. RCPA offers thanks to our members, as well as DHS/OMHSAS, County Primary Contractors, BH-MCOs, the National Council on Mental Wellbeing, and our stakeholder groups and associations for their collaborative advocacy to remove the “4 Walls” barriers to equity and access through telehealth.

If you have any additional questions, please contact RCPA COO and Mental Health Division Director Jim Sharp.

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Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Microsoft Tech for Social Impact is dedicated to providing affordable and accessible technology to help nonprofits of all sizes achieve their mission. That’s why they offer grants and discounts for their products and services to eligible nonprofits around the world, including solutions like Azure, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft 365.

Download the Microsoft Nonprofit Grants Proposal to learn about their most popular nonprofit offers:

  • Improve cybersecurity, reduce costs, and empower staff and volunteers to work from anywhere with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams. Free for up to 10 users and discounted pricing of $5.50 (USD) per user/month for additional users.
  • Move to the Cloud with the Azure grant for nonprofits. Leverage $2,000 (USD) Azure services credits per year and access the complete portfolio of Azure products and cloud services.
  • Easily develop mobile and web apps to support your mission — even if you have no technical or development experience. Power Apps is now free for up to 10 users with discounted pricing of $2.50 per user per month for additional users.

Get started with free technology grants and discounts!

Get grants and discounts across Microsoft’s Cloud products, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and Dynamics 365. To get started, register and confirm your organization’s eligibility. Already registered as a nonprofit? Login to your Microsoft Nonprofit page and access Admin Center. Watch our guided demo to help you get your free Microsoft 365 licenses.

Learn more about nonprofit offers:

For general information on eligibility, accessing offers, the Nonprofit Hub, and technical support, please submit your question, and a Microsoft representative will contact you shortly. Contact us.

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RCPA staff and Conference Committee members are grateful to all of our attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors for a great experience at the Hershey Lodge this past September. We are happy to report that we had 800 people in attendance throughout the week!

Participants were able to hear from over 150 speakers, and RCPA was able to record many of the workshops as well as the keynote and plenary sessions. The recordings are available to attendees who previously registered for the conference in the mobile app. For those who are interested in earning CEs, you can earn over 110 credits!

We were honored to host 86 exhibit booths in our Connections Hall, representing a variety of services and products from pharmacy initiatives to technology, furniture to HR services, insurance and electronic health record systems to education, and so much more.

Our conference in 2025 will be held in September once again! We ask you to save the date — the 2025 RCPA Conference will be held September 9 – 12, 2025.

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Image by Dirk Wouters from Pixabay

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is partnering with the Department of Human Services, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and the Council of State Governments Justice Center (CSG) to support a new statewide crisis intervention and response services assessment, gap analysis, and strategic planning initiative. This project will explore the intersections of the justice system and crisis response with a specific emphasis on crisis intervention team programs and their adherence to the Memphis Model, and is a component of PCCD’s federal Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program Funding Plan.

Through this assessment, it is essential to hear from stakeholders at the local and state levels across the behavioral health and criminal justice systems, including community members and people with lived experience, to identify assets, gaps, and challenges within the current crisis landscape. To accomplish this, CSG will be hosting 13 listening sessions, each for specific stakeholders, starting on Oct. 21, 2024.

More information about the project, including a direct link and QR code for listening session registration, is available. If you have any questions, please email Michael Leister.

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Providers who hold a license to operate a facility licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) are being notified of a change to the Civil Rights Compliance process. There is a new Civil Rights Compliance form when submitting a new licensing application as well as a new Civil Rights Compliance Renewal form when submitting a licensing renewal application.

Entities seeking a new license will utilize a Civil Rights Compliance (CRC) form (HS2126). The prior Civil Rights Compliance (CRC) form is now obsolete and will be returned back to providers. This form must be included in the packet submitted as part of any new license request. The new application, supporting documents, and CRC form must be emailed to the DHS office that issues your license; the email address can be found in the chart below.

Entities licensed by OCDEL or ODP who use CLS or PELICAN to submit new applications must submit the form by email. The CRC forms are not part of the electronic CLS/PELICAN new application process. The updated CRC form for new applications can be found on the DHS website under the “Application for License” page.

For licensing renewals, a licensee will now submit a CRC Renewal form (HS 2125). The prior Attestation form is now obsolete and will be returned back to providers. The renewal form must be submitted as part of a renewal licensing application, and the renewal notice will still be sent out 130 days prior to expiration. The renewal application must be emailed to the DHS office that issues your license; the email address can be found in the chart below.

Entities licensed by OCDEL or ODP who use CLS or PELICAN to submit renewal applications must submit the renewal by email. The renewal is not part of the electronic CLS/PELICAN renewal application process. The CRC form for can be found on the DHS website under the “Application for License” page.

Previously, the DHS Bureau of Equal Opportunity (BEO) would issue you a letter verifying that you are compliant with applicable civil rights laws. With the new process, a letter from BEO will no longer be sent out to licensed entities. Instead, the issuance of the new license or renewal license will indicate that your CRC form or renewal form submission was approved. If there are issues or questions on the submitted CRC or renewal form, a staff member from BEO or DHS will contact you.

If your license is issued by… Submit your application AND your CRC form (if new license)
or  CRC Renewal (if license renewal) to:
The Bureau of Human Services Licensing (Renewals) – PCH & ALR [email protected]
For NEW applications for Personal Care Homes or Assisted Living Residences Send the application, supporting documents, Civil Rights Compliance Form (HS2126) and the application fee, check or money order payable to DHS to:

Via USPS:                              Or via courier:

DHS/BHSL                                 DHS/BHSL

Room 623                                  Health & Human Services Bldg.

PO Box 2675                              Rm 623

Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675        625 Forster Street

Harrisburg, PA 17120
The Office of Children, Youth, and Families [email protected]
The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services [email protected]
The Office of Developmental Programs* [email protected]
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning* Child care providers should include their MPI number in the subject line and email the appropriate regional office:  

Northeast Region:

[email protected]

Central Region:

[email protected]

Counties: Dauphin, Cumberland,

Lancaster, York, Adams, Lebanon and York

[email protected]

Counties: Snyder, Perry, Juniata, Centre, Mifflin, Tioga, Lycoming, Northumberland, Union and Clinton

South Region:

[email protected]
Western Region:

[email protected]

Counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Fayette, Forest, Greene, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango, Warren, Washington and Westmoreland

[email protected]

Counties: Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset

*Licensees who use CLS or PELICAN to submit renewal applications must submit the renewal by email. The renewal is not part of the electronic CLS/PELICAN renewal application process.

The new process is effective on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. Existing licensees and applicants must begin following the new process on or before that date.

If you have any questions about the new process, please contact the applicable DHS office, DHS Human Services Licensing Office at 717-705-0383, or, if your facility is a childcare facility, please reach the Office of Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) at Western Region 1-800-222-2149, Central Region (Harrisburg) at 1-800-222-2117, Northeast Region (Scranton) at 1-800-222-2108, or Southeast Region (North & South) at 1-800-346-2929.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the completion of your civil rights compliance application, please contact Bureau of Equal Opportunity Licensing office at 717-787-1579 or electronically.

Thank you for your commitment to protecting the rights of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens. If you have any additional questions, please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director.

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The 2024 RCPA Conference Embracing Challenges, Empowering Success kicks off in just a few days, and it’s your very last chance to contact RCPA and register to gain access to speakers who work on the cutting edge of health and human services.

In addition to keynote and plenary speakers as well as educational and interactive workshops, RCPA is hosting a variety of events throughout each day that will only be available to those onsite at the Hershey Lodge!

Tuesday, Sept. 24:

  • During the afternoon, the Oral Health + Disability Exhibit will highlight the urgent need for inclusive dental care for people with disabilities.
  • Attendees will join RCPA staff, Conference Committee members, and colleagues at the Welcome Reception for hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and plenty of networking opportunities!
Wednesday, Sept. 25:
  • The Association Awards Luncheon will recognize Rep. Eric Nelson, Kim Sonafelt, and Mike Hopkins for their dedication, commitment, and leadership in health and human services.
  • Throughout the day, the Bodhana Group, a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in York, will be on hand to discuss their mission of using tabletop games for education, skill building, and therapy.
Thursday, Sept. 26:
  • With Connections Hall open, attendees will have the day between sessions to explore exhibit booths, participate in the mobile app game, and enjoy both breakfast and lunch with RCPA staff and colleagues.
  • Silent Auction items will be distributed this day. Attendees will have a chance to earn prizes while supporting the RCPA PAC, which provides financial support to state legislators who have demonstrated a strong, consistent, and positive interest in our issues and priorities.

All of these and more will only be available onsite for in-person attendees. If you haven’t registered yet, registrations with credit card information included may be faxed to the office until September 20 at 5:00 pm, fax number 717-364-3287. Registration and payment for the RCPA conference is accepted on-site at the Hershey Lodge and Conference Center, provided space and materials remain available. Questions regarding registration should be directed to Allison Brognia, Conference Registrar.

Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, or RCPA with any additional questions. We look forward to seeing you at the Hershey Lodge!

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Online registration has officially closed for the 2024 RCPA Conference. Registrations with credit card information included may be faxed to the office at 717-364-3287 until September 20 at 5:00 pm. Registration and payment for the RCPA conference is accepted on-site at the Hershey Lodge and Conference Center, provided space and materials remain available. Questions regarding registration should be directed to Allison Brognia, Conference Registrar.

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Online registration for the 2024 RCPA Conference officially closes COB today, September 13, meaning if you haven’t done so, now is your final chance to gain early access to the mobile app, reserve your seat, and guarantee your access to our exciting events!

By registering today, you will be able to network and connect with other attendees both in the mobile app and onsite. You’ll also be able to participate in our game, which will take place in Connections Hall, sponsored by Carelon. Attendees will meet and learn from our many exhibitors, whose contributions helped make this conference possible, while earning prizes and recognition. In addition, breakfast and lunch will be served in Connections Hall on Thursday, Sept. 26, giving you the opportunity to chat and relax with other attendees, speakers, and RCPA staff.

Online Registration Closes Today, Sept. 13!
Don’t Delay — Register Here!
We would like to extend a special thanks to Carelon, our Connections Hall Platinum Sponsor. Thank you for your generosity!

We would also like to thank each and every sponsor and exhibitor. Without you, our conference would not be possible! You can view our current sponsors and exhibitors on the RCPA Conference website.

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Audience:

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is excited to announce the Second Annual Pediatric Capacity Building Institute (PCBI). PCBI is geared toward professionals across child-serving systems that are interested in learning more about how to support young people with complex needs and their families in PA and in initiating system change.

Purpose:

The PCBI offers a unique nine month, in person, multi-disciplinary, interactive learning opportunity across the entire service partnership. The Institute’s overall goal is to increase the administrative and clinical capacity across all systems to better support these youth and their families. The PCBI curriculum will accomplish this by promoting and strengthening:

  • Clinical knowledge and understanding among participants from local, regional, and state government;
  • Clinical expertise of providers – specific to individuals with both mental/behavioral health and developmental disabilities;
  • Engagement of those with lived experience;
  • Local, regional, and state understanding of complex needs planning (organizing/facilitating/philosophy of approach);
  • Each system’s understanding of other system’s available resources, processes, setting/service types, rules, and funding; and
  • Networking across systems and regions.

The Institute will also encourage participants to explore ways to improve and change their local systems of support for children and their families. Individuals who have completed prior institutes have used this new knowledge to strengthen existing programs and create fresh approaches that achieve the best results.

PCBI will approach these objectives from an individual and systemic perspective through training, integration of knowledge into practice, and opportunities to build a statewide cohort to work together to effect change and build capacity.

Requirements:

The Pediatric Capacity Building Institute emphasizes the participation and collaboration of all participants. Structured group work participation and 100% attendance are required. Only the confirmed participant can attend PCBI; no substitutions are permitted after confirming attendance.

Interest Survey: To be considered for participation in Year 2 PCBI, please complete and submit this interest survey by October 9, 2024. Participants will be notified of their status by November 1, 2024, via email.

Discussion:

PCBI will be facilitated by two Co-Directors: Jonathan McVey, Special Assistant to the Secretary of the PA Department of Human Services and Paul DiLorenzo, ACSW, MLSP, a consultant to the Department. PCBI participants will hear from a variety of seasoned and successful speakers and practitioners who are implementing practical approaches to complex situations. The format of all sessions is designed to be highly interactive.

PCBI also strives to incorporate the lived experience of these children and families to ensure that supports and services offered are meeting the needs of families across PA. Finally, PCBI participants will join a growing network of individuals who are exploring fresh pathways to supporting children and families who are attempting to manage highly complicated situations.

The curriculum includes topics such as:

  • Infant Mental Health & Child Development
  • Trauma / Vicarious Trauma
  • Resiliency
  • Cross System Knowledge & Multisystem Planning
  • Change Management
  • Education in Non-educational Settings / Early Intervention
  • Psychiatric Diagnosis / Psychopharmacology
  • Communication / Sensory Needs
  • Diversity and Culturally Competent Support
  • Therapies / Services / Programming / Evaluation / Assessment
  • Understanding the Child and Family – Biopsychosocial Approach
  • Relational Health and Permanency Session Information, Requirements, and Confirming

Session Information, Requirements, and Confirming Attendance:

PCBI will accept 50 participants for the Year 2 Cohort. As such, each interested person must submit an interest survey by October 9, 2024. Participants will be notified of their selection status by November 1, 2024.

PCBI will meet once a month for nine months between March 2025 and November 2025, with one backup session reserved in December 2025. Each month, there are consecutive two-day sessions, in person, in Harrisburg.

The specific dates, times, and location are provided below. Participants, who are selected, will be required to register and submit a registration fee. The registration fee for the Pediatric Capacity Building Institute will be approximately $600 to $900 (we are waiting for an initial estimate), which must be paid prior to the first session in March. As a part of your paid tuition, coffee and a breakfast snack each morning, lunch, and an afternoon coffee break with snacks will be provided. Dinner will be on your own.

2025 Session Dates:

  • 3/12 – 3/13
  • 4/9 – 4/10
  • 5/14 – 5/15
  • 6/11 – 6/12
  • 7/9 – 7/11
  • 8/13 – 8/14
  • 9/10 – 9/11
  • 10/8 – 10/9
  • 11/12 – 11/13
  • 12/10 – 12/11 – Back up

Daily Schedule:

  • Session Day 1: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
  • Session Day 2: 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

Location:

Weather permitting, all sessions are held in person at the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN) at 6340 Flank Drive Harrisburg, PA 17112. In the event of inclement weather affecting a session, a virtual option will be made available.

Hotel Reservations:

Participants can reserve a room using the list of local hotels found on PaTTAN’s website. No group rate is available.

Informational Webinar:

An informational webinar outlining the Pediatric Capacity Building Institute Informational was held on September 12, 2024. View the recording on the DHS website.

More information can be found here.

Please email DHS if you have any questions.

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