Reminder for RCPA Member Webinar “Generative AI in Healthcare” on June 13
Litigation Filed Challenging Department of Labor’s Final Overtime Rule
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Part 84 Final Rule Fact Sheet Now Available
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has issued a Final Rule to advance equity and bolster protections for people with disabilities. The final rule, Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Health and Human Service Programs or Activities, updates, modernizes, clarifies, and strengthens the implementing regulation for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance.
The historic rule provides robust civil rights protections for people with disabilities in federally funded health and human services programs, such as hospitals, health care providers participating in CHIP and Medicaid programs, state and local human or social service agencies, and nursing homes. Reflecting on over 50 years of advocacy by the disability community, it advances the promise of the Rehabilitation Act and helps to ensure that people with disabilities are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity receiving funding from HHS. This final rule is consistent with Section 504 statutory text, congressional intent, legal precedent, and the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing equity and civil rights.
Reminder for “Illuminate Leadership: Moving From Rockstar Contributor To Impactful Manager” — Free Webinar for RCPA Members on June 21
Legislative Feedback Requested for Bill for PA to Join Interstate Counseling Compact
Last week, House Bill 2300 was referred to the House Professional Licensure Committee. HB 2300: Legislative Package to Join the National Counseling Compact & Changes to Behavioral Specialists (Former HB 2852), allows Pennsylvania to join the Counseling Compact, enabling Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC) to practice across state lines without needing additional licenses. This change aims to improve access to mental health services by supporting telehealth, allowing LPCs to provide remote counseling. The compact also mandates standardized licensure requirements, including a 60 semester-hour master’s degree, a nationally recognized exam, and supervised postgraduate experience. RCPA is seeking member input as we develop our position on the legislation.
The Compact establishes a data system for sharing licensure and disciplinary information among member states, enhancing oversight and public safety. It mentions granting authority to member states to take actions against LPCs who violate regulations and creates the Counseling Compact Commission to oversee the implementation and administration. These changes ensure consistent standards for mental and behavioral health providers, increasing mobility and the availability of BH services.
As RCPA reviewed the details of this piece of legislation, one item of interest was that the bill entails the creation of a commission in Pennsylvania that will need to be funded. In the past, portions of commission operating costs have been realized by an increase in licensing fees. It is important to note that RCPA has not yet seen any fiscal package associated with the bill.
We ask that members review the bill and provide commentary as well as an organizational position of support, neutrality, or non-support. Please contact RCPA COO and Policy Director Jim Sharp with any feedback or questions.
Register for a Free Webinar on Dispelling Misconceptions About HR Consulting and Managed Services
You’re invited to a free webinar hosted by William Rizzo, Managing Partner & Chief Strategist for Quantum Strategies!
As a professional in the Health and Human Services Community, you understand the importance of staying informed and making strategic business decisions. Quantum Strategies will be addressing those common misconceptions that HR Consulting and Managed Services companies are a threat to job security.
Quantum Strategies’ expert speaker will delve into how HR Consulting and Managed Services will partner with you to support your organization’s workforce, boost employee engagement, and drive business growth to overall success. By attending this online seminar, you will gain valuable insights that will empower you to make informed decisions that benefit both your company and its employees.
REGISTER TODAY!
The webinar will be held on Tuesday, June 25, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (EDT).
If you register today, Quantum Strategies will send the recording as a bonus for free.
DHS Announces Upcoming Changes to Website
The Department of Human Services (DHS) announced some upcoming changes to their website that will change the way individuals access licensing resources online. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website is undergoing a wholesale redesign and migration in stages. The redesign is intended to highlight and create ease of access for all Commonwealth of Pennsylvania resources. The launch date for the DHS site is tentatively scheduled for May 28, 2024.
Due to the nature of the redesign/migration, all web addresses (URL) will change. Most of the web links you currently use to access licensing resources will automatically redirect, but some links, particularly those linking to or from PDF documents, may cease to work. A search function is included in the new website to assist in locating resources that may be lost due to URL changes.
The Bureau of Human Services Licensing (BHSL) will send additional communication after the full impact of changes related to the new website have been assessed. In the meantime, online search engines can help locate resources. You can also email for assistance.
OMHSAS Launches MyOMHSAS Learning Management System
The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has launched MyOMHSAS, its enterprise learning management system, providing tailored training modules and resources on behavioral health topics. Accessible to everyone, MyOMHSAS offers courses like Suicide Prevention in Care Management, Assisted Outpatient Treatment, Transgender Resources, and Child and Adolescent Service System Program (CASSP)/System of Care (SOC), with more modules planned for the future, such as Anti-Ageist Practices, Cultural Humility, and Working with LGBTQ+ in the Community.
To access training modules, users need to register and log in on the MyOMHSAS website. For inquiries or suggestions, contact OMHSAS via email. If you have additional questions, contact RCPA COO and Policy Director Jim Sharp.
Free Training Offered on PA’s Civil Commitment Law, Implementation of AOT
In response to the escalating number of nonviolent offenders requiring competency restoration, Treatment Advocacy Center is offering a free training session titled “Dismiss Upon Civil Commitment With AOT: One Alternative to the Competency Restoration Crisis.” This session delves into Pennsylvania’s civil commitment law and the implementation of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT). Learn from community leaders and explore the benefits of AOT over competency restoration. Register for the July 30 session in Butler or the August 1 session in Allentown. CLEs, CJEs, and CEUs available.
View the flyer for more information.
Inperium and RCPA Member RHD Announce Affiliation
Press Release from Angler West Consultants, Inc.
May 13, 2024 — Inperium, Inc. and Resources for Human Development (“RHD”), multi-state nonprofit providers of behavioral health and other social support services, have agreed to affiliate and create one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive human services networks, spanning eighteen states. In its first year, the combined enterprise is expected to generate $800 million in annual revenues.
Inperium will invest in RHD to advance its mission, and the parties will combine their administrative operations to generate economies of scale and enhance overall performance. The affiliation is expected to close the third quarter of 2024 following the regulatory approvals. In the interim, pursuant to a Transitional Services Agreement, Inperium will deliver services to enhance RHD’s operational and financial performance.
Jay Deppeler, Interim Chief Executive Officer of RHD, commented: “I and the other members of the RHD management team look forward with great anticipation to this next chapter in the evolution of this extraordinary nonprofit organization. Inperium is one of the fastest growing nonprofits in America with an impressive record of consistently exceptional performance. Combining the RHD and Inperium service networks will enhance the continuum of care for the people we support. I commend and thank the RHD Board for the enormous energy and determination it invested to lead this transformational undertaking to a successful conclusion.”
Ryan D. Smith, Founding President and Chief Executive Officer of Inperium, explained: “Inperium creates opportunities for mission-driven human services providers like RHD to grow and innovate by providing them with capital and state-of-the art infrastructure, which in turn enables Inperium’s affiliates to devote all their focus on providing best-in-class supports and services to vulnerable and underserved populations. Our affiliation with RHD represents a defining moment and a major next step in expanding the scope, scale, and success of the Inperium network. As we approach our tenth year of operations, our affiliation pipeline remains robust, and I expect to announce additional affiliations in the near term, including Inperium’s inaugural affiliation on the West Coast.”
About Angler West Consultants
Angler West is an intermediary that assists nonprofit consolidators in the execution of acquisition and divestiture programs involving specialty healthcare and human services organizations. Founded in 1996, Angler West has the transaction experience and industry relationships to help your company grow profitably.
Angler West Consultants, Inc.
J. Kevin Fee, President
Phone: 215-630-8336
Email
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