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Substance Use Disorder

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The Legal Action Center (LAC) will host a stakeholder meeting to discuss the recent amendments to 42 CFR Part 2, the federal privacy and confidentiality rule for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment records, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Stakeholders, including directly impacted individuals and their loved ones, addiction treatment providers, healthcare professionals serving people with SUD, and legal and policy advocates, are encouraged to participate. The meeting will focus on the implications of the final rule, with insight from LAC attorneys. Registration is required. For more information on the final rule, visit LAC’s website.

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Engagement: The Biggest Predictor of Success
Christopher M. Owens, MA, LPC, CCTP, C-DBT
March 7, 2024
1:00 pm – 4:15 pm
Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA

Research clearly demonstrates that the single biggest predictor of therapeutic success is the strength of the clinical relationship. The helper’s ongoing focus on engagement is central to this alliance. Awareness of the importance of engagement, however, does not mitigate the myriad obstacles that interfere with developing and maintaining rapport. This course will define the concept of engagement and highlight its significance in clinical settings. Additionally, barriers will be discussed from the practitioner’s perspective. Strategies will also be provided to assist helpers in improving engagement with those they serve.

Register on the BHE website.

The BHE Toolkit 2: Specific Practices for the Art of Helping People With Anxiety
Christopher M. Owens, MA, LPC, CCTP, C-DBT
March 8, 2024
9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA

This course focuses on specific interventions of use to the professional helper when providing therapeutic services in behavioral healthcare. The aim of this workshop is to add to the helper’s “bag of tricks” or “toolkit” pertaining to assisting people with anxiety. Participants engage in didactic and experiential learning related to several anxiety-specific interventions. Participants also dialogue in small groups to share creative and effective interventions they have used in their various practice settings.

Register on the BHE website.

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Join RCPA as we host the 2024 Annual Conference Embracing Challenges, Empowering Success from September 24 – 27 at the Hershey Lodge. The event is a highlight for the Pennsylvania behavioral health, brain injury, children’s, intellectual and developmental disabilities, medical rehabilitation, and physical disabilities and aging provider communities. RCPA staff and the Conference Committee are excited to release this year’s Sponsor, Exhibitor, and Advertiser Brochure, which features new opportunities to get in on the action and network with providers. Booth self-selection will also be available for exhibitors and exhibiting sponsors. In order to be considered for self-selection, a completed contract with payment must be submitted.

Network and Compete in Connections Hall!
Connections Hall activities take place during the two busiest days of the conference, and many networking opportunities are available throughout the event. You’ll also be able to compete and have a chance to win “Best of Show!”

Exciting New Sponsorship Opportunities!
RCPA is privileged to have the backing of the finest organizations in the field for our conference. Through the use of sponsorship circles, RCPA is able to honor all supporting organizations.

Sign Up Now!
Sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers who wish to be listed on the website, the mobile app, and in the conference program must submit all materials by August 23. The association looks forward to welcoming you at the conference! Space and opportunities are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and no reservation is considered complete without payment. If questions remain, please contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator.

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The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 03-2024, effective immediately, which introduces updated guidance on complying with Act 66 of 2023, signed into law by Governor Shapiro in December. The guidance specifically outlines all regulatory flexibilities for SUD treatment facilities enabled through the law and describes the process for project directors to notify DDAP of their intent to use any of these flexibilities. In part, Act 66 allows:

  • An increase in staff-to-client ratio for adult nonhospital residential treatment and rehabilitation programs, from 1:8 to 1:12;
  • Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNP) and Physician Assistants (PA) to serve as counselors;
  • Individuals lacking previous clinical experience to still qualify as counselors if they possess a bachelor’s or associate degree in relevant fields or hold a current Registered Nurse license; and
  • Facilities to hire up to three counselor assistants for each staff person meeting clinical supervisor or counselor qualifications.

Additionally, the alert underscores the importance of continued compliance with other regulations, such as clinical supervisor ratio requirements, counselor assistant supervision, and evaluation requirements. For additional questions, contact the Bureau of Program Licensure.

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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) has issued Licensing Alert 02-2024, effective immediately, to inform opioid treatment programs (OTP) about the recent final rule issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on February 2, 2024, concerning medications for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). RCPA issued an alert to its members on February 1 announcing the final rule.

This rule modifies and updates regulations pertaining to OTP accreditation, certification, and standards for the treatment of OUD. The most crucial aspects of SAMHSA’s final rule include the permanent adoption of COVID-19 era flexibilities, allowing patients to receive more take-home doses of methadone, which is proven to enhance treatment retention and reduce illicit opioid use. The update also permits the initiation of methadone and buprenorphine treatment via telehealth through OTPs and removes stringent admission criteria, thereby improving access to care for individuals in need.

DDAP is currently reviewing the final rule, set to take effect on April 2, 2024, with a compliance deadline of October 2, 2024, and plans to issue a follow-up Licensing Alert soon. For further information, contact the Bureau of Program Licensure.

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Last week, Governor Shapiro presented his proposed budget for 2024/2025. The PowerPoint with the Human Services Spending Overview outlines the priorities, and the recording is available on the DHS YouTube channel.

RCPA staff will continue to advocate for appropriate levels of funding for our members’ services in the community. We will keep you updated with information as the process continues. If you have any questions, please contact your RCPA Policy Director.

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