Resolution Directing Study of Addiction Treatment Rate-Setting Passes Senate Committee
One-Time Federal Student Debt Relief Announced
Up to $20,000 in debt relief is available to those who received a Federal Pell Grant in college and meet the income requirements. Up to $10,000 in debt relief is available to those who received a Federal Pell Grant in college and meet the income requirements.
The U.S. Department of Education is providing this one-time debt relief as part of the Biden-Harris Administration student debt relief plan.
Apply for student debt relief, or get more information at Federal Student Aid.
Registration Open for 2022 Virtual Psychostimulant Symposium
Registration is open for the fourth annual virtual psychostimulant symposium, “Overcoming Barriers & Making a Difference.” The symposium will be held Wednesday and Thursday, December 7–8, 2022.
Pennsylvania continues to see a rise in stimulant misuse. However, data continues to show that polysubstance use has increased among individuals with a substance use disorder (SUD), as well. The symposium will use data to tell the story of what is happening across the state and nationwide. In addition, it will focus on addressing current issues that prevent individuals from seeking treatment or maintaining their recovery, barriers to treatment, and strategies to help them while making a difference in Pennsylvania’s communities. The goal of the symposium is to educate and provide resources to attendees to assist in their work to help Pennsylvanians suffering from SUD.
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Register today.
Call 610-494-8044 or email registration with questions.
OMHSAS Releases BH Telehealth Phase II Roadmap
The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is pleased to share the Pennsylvania Behavioral Health Telehealth Phase II Roadmap, which was developed in collaboration with the OMHSAS Telehealth Steering Committee and Mercer Government Services Consulting. This report focuses on identifying and prioritizing recommendations for short-term and long-term implementation of telehealth services in the Commonwealth. The roadmap includes example documents developed by the Steering Committee that can be used and personalized by the provider when implementing telehealth services. The work of the Steering Committee and other stakeholders has been and will continue to be vital in ensuring that the behavioral health needs of Pennsylvanians continue to be met.
RCPA recommends that your agency reviews the document with your teams as well as compares it to your current policies and practices. These recommendations are not mandates but offer a series of best practices as developed by the Behavioral Health Steering Committee. Additionally, RCPA will conduct an internal review and will request OMHSAS attend the next Telehealth Committee Meeting.
If you have questions regarding this report, please email OMHSAS and/or RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
ATLAS Open Enrollment Period to Run Through Dec. 30
The open enrollment period for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) to submit their information to be included in the Addiction Treatment Locator, Assessment, and Standards Platform (ATLAS) has begun and will continue through December 30, 2022.
Provider participation in ATLAS is voluntary. Facilities already included in ATLAS that need to update any of their information can do so during the open enrollment period and should contact Shatterproof directly.
Facilities that have not submitted the treatment facility survey can complete it during the open enrollment period to have their information appear in ATLAS. Shatterproof will reach out directly to licensed SUD facilities not currently included on ATLAS. There is a streamlined submission process for organizations with multiple facilities.
By completing the ATLAS survey during the 2022 open enrollment period, treatment facilities ensure that the information presented in their site’s profile on TreatmentATLAS.org is accurate. Providers also gain access to a customized portal that allows them to benchmark and compare their services against their peers.
OMHSAS Monthly Stakeholder Call Registration
The next OMHSAS County/County Affiliate/Provider/Advocate Stakeholder Meeting will take place on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Please register to participate.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Call-in Number: 213-929-4212 / Access Code: 577224169#
We expect there to be several critical updates on telehealth questions that have been submitted, including clarifications on the new verbal consent requirements.
In the meantime, if you have suggestions for agenda topics for October’s webinar, please submit them via email by COB this Friday, 10/14/22.
RCPA Member Community Behavioral Health Opens Up Its Provider Network for the First Time in 14 Years
RCPA Members Qualifacts and Woods Services Announce Expanded Partnership
DDAP Joined by SUD Treatment Provider and RCPA Member Gaudenzia, to Encourage Use of ATLAS
Senate Resolution Directs Study of How DHS Determines Funding Allocations, Rates for D&A System
Sen. Brooks will introduce a resolution today that directs the Joint State Government Commission (JSGC) to study and issue a report on the specific data, calculations, and mechanisms that the Department of Human Services uses to determine the amount of Medical Assistance capitation funding ultimately paid to drug and alcohol addiction treatment providers within the Commonwealth.
The complete resolution, which includes a detailed listing of requirements of what the JSGC must analyze and report, can be viewed here.
Prev