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Substance Use Disorder

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

Understanding Trauma: Expressive Therapies

In this issue of the Positive Approaches Journal, we see that there have been important strides in identifying the prevalence of trauma and the complex consequences of trauma from multiple sources, including social adversity, abuse, and neglect. The focus is on the importance of taking this into consideration on every level, from systems collaboration, to how we assess, diagnose, treat, and offer restorative environmental supports to individuals with intellectual disability and autism (ID/A).

This issue of Positive Approaches Journal is in digital form, available for viewing online or for downloading at MyODP. 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.

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

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The Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) and the Value-Based Care Work Group have created a value-based survey that is being distributed across the US to seek insights into the current state of value-based care, identify existing gaps, and explore opportunities for better alignment between payment models and clinical practice.

The target audience includes health systems, quality and administration professionals, primary and specialist care providers, and funding sources such as payers, policymakers, foundations, and grants.

The results of the 5-minute survey, which you can view here, will be shared with members as accompanying review is completed. If you have any questions, please contact RCPA COO and MH Policy Director Jim Sharp.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) issued Licensing Alert 07-2024 today to grant statewide exceptions to narcotic treatment programs (NTP) to expand access to medication for the treatment of opioid use disorder in alignment with the federal government’s Final Rule on 42 CFR Part 8.

The statewide exceptions to DDAP regulations that are being granted will enable:

  • People with less than one year of physical dependence on opioids to be treated at an NTP;
  • Verbal consent to treatment;
  • A wider range of dosages based on physician discretion;
  • Eight drug screens per year instead of 12;
  • An increase in take-home medication; and
  • Clinicians to determine counseling requirements unique to each person’s needs instead of mandatory minimums.

DDAP granted the statewide exceptions using 28 Pa. Code § 701.11, which gives it the authority to do so. Through Licensing Alert 07-2024, DDAP is granting these exceptions if the NTPs comply with the rules in 42 CFR Part 8. There is no need for NTPs to submit exception requests or to inform DDAP they are using these exceptions.

DDAP plans to include the changes to the federal rules when it updates its own state rules.

You can email DDAP with questions about this licensing alert.

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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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Image by Werner Moser from Pixabay

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), through RCPA, is seeking input on its plan to license telehealth-only outpatient SUD treatment providers.

In an effort to regulate unlicensed, out-of-state telehealth providers marketing themselves as addiction treatment providers as well as expand access, DDAP plans to license telehealth-only outpatient SUD treatment providers. These DDAP-licensed telehealth-only providers may provide intake, evaluation, and referral, as well as outpatient, intensive outpatient, or partial hospitalization services via telehealth only, without a physical plant location in Pennsylvania, to individuals who are located in the Commonwealth as long as the provider complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

DDAP will not require the provider to maintain a physical location in Pennsylvania. DDAP also will grant all telehealth-only providers an exception to §709.11(b) regarding the requirement to conduct an onsite inspection for the renewal of a license as part of licensure.

DDAP has also said licensure is no guarantee of payment. Providers that are considering applying for a telehealth-only license should consult their public and private insurance payers to confirm whether they will meet conditions for network enrollment and payment, as DDAP cannot guarantee a DDAP-licensed telehealth-only provider funding or a contract.

Some providers have raised concerns about:

  • The effectiveness and quality of tele-only treatment without an ability for in-person counseling and how it could harm patients;
  • The siphoning of commercial patients from community-based providers and how it would negatively affect their financial situation;
  • The long-term sustainability of community-based providers who understand their community as large national players enter Pennsylvania; and
  • Maximizing existing outpatient capacity in Pennsylvania.

Comments may be emailed directly to DDAP Deputy Secretary Kelly Primus. Or, by the close of business this Friday, Sept. 20, please submit to RCPA SUD Treatment Services Provider Policy Director Jason Snyder any comments about this plan. RCPA will then share the comments with DDAP. In addition to any concerns you may have about this new license category, please include in your comments any proposed solutions you have about preventing unlicensed telehealth-only outpatient organizations from providing SUD treatment counseling via telehealth in Pennsylvania.

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Photo by Copernico on Unsplash

The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) 2024 Emerging Drug Trends Symposium is set for 8:00 am – 3:30 pm Tuesday, November 19, at the Penn Harris Hotel, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA 17011. The symposium is free to attend, but registration is required.

Attendees will gain a better understanding of:

  • The latest trends in drug use in Pennsylvania;
  • Changes in overdose trends; and
  • Best practices and innovative approaches to respond to emerging drug trends.

Continuing education credits and reduced hotel room rates are available.

DDAP is also accepting proposals for breakout sessions that would address the following topics:

  • Emerging New Drugs of Misuse
  • Emerging Drugs in Schools & Communities
  • Social Media & the Connection to Drug Use
  • Specialty Court Drug Trends
  • Cannabis (including Deltas 8 & 10)
  • Cannabis Legislation
  • Vapes & Vaping Trends
  • Cannabis Vapes
  • Narcotics & Opioids
  • Heroin to Methamphetamines
  • Stash Compartments
  • “To go” Alcohol Trends
  • Underage Drinking/Alcohol Trends
  • Drug Accessibility/Legal Drugs
  • Over-the-Counter Drug Misuse

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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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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) will be holding quarterly public meetings for anyone interested in discussing the topic of peer support services (PSS) working in the mental health realm. These meetings will provide a regularly scheduled opportunity for OMHSAS representatives to give PSS updates and information as well as answer questions and obtain essential insight and feedback from stakeholders.

The first quarterly meeting will be held on October 8, 2024, at 9:00 am – 10:00 am. The TEAMS meeting link is available here. Going forward, these meetings will be held on the second Tuesday in the months of January, April, July, and October 2025. Attendees will receive general updates and discussion topics OMHSAS will send ahead of time. Meeting links will also be provided in advance of each meeting.

Recommendations for agenda topics or questions can be submitted via email and must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the meeting date. The email account will be monitored, and the sender will receive a reply if more information is needed. Responses will not be provided if additional information is not needed.

If you or your colleagues would like to be added to an OMHSAS Listserv to receive the quarterly invitations, please go to the Listserv DHS website, then select the “join or leave the list” link.

Meeting Dates:

  • Tuesday, October 8, 2024, 9:00 am
    • Topic: Introductions, Welcome, & OMHSAS Updates
  • Tuesday, January 14, 2025, 9:00 am
    • Agenda Topics Due December 30, 2024
  • Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 9:00 am
    • Agenda Topics Due March 25, 2025
  • Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 9:00 am
    • Agenda Topics Due June 24, 2025
  • Tuesday, October 14, 2025, 9:00 am
    • Agenda Topics Due September 30, 2025

OMHSAS is open to ideas and suggestions on maximizing the effectiveness of these meetings.

These quarterly meetings are not a replacement for the Mental Health Planning Council quarterly meetings. Those meetings will continue in addition to these newly established meetings.

OMHSAS appreciates your review and hope you will join them for these PSS discussions. Questions pertaining to these meetings should be submitted via email.

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