Governor Shapiro Proclaims Sept. 7 – 13 as Direct Support Professionals Week
RCPA Member KidsPeace Foster Care in Williamsport Receives Grant to Support Foster Families
PBC Information Session for SCOs Part 4 Has Been Rescheduled
The Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Information Session for Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) “Part 4: Payment and Billing” is being rescheduled from Monday, September 8, 2025, to Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11:30 am – 1:00 pm.
Please note: If you already registered, you do not have to register again.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) highly recommends that executive leadership from every SCO attends.
Audience:
Chief Executive Officers (CEO), Chief Financial Officers (CFO), and Chief Operating Officers (COO); although all SCO staff may attend.
Date:
Monday, September 15, 2025, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
September ISAC Provider Performance Review Subcommittee Data Now Available
CI Program Spotlight Quarterly Newsletter Vol. 2, Issue 3 Released
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-085. This communication announces the release of a new issue of the quarterly newsletter, The CI Program Spotlight. The CI Program Spotlight, Volume 2, Issue 3, may be found by logging into MyODP’s website and selecting the “CI Program Spotlight Newsletter” link.
FREE Workshop: How to Reignite Your Spark When You’re Overwhelmed
In the last few months, have you thought about leaving the disabilities field?
(You are not alone.)
It’s hard to know what to change when you are feeling overwhelmed and stuck.
This field has turned into a pressure cooker. There’s…
- Pressure to ensure individuals are safe.
- Pressure to juggle staffing coverage when you’re short.
- Pressure from having to add one more thing to do with every phone call, text message, and email.
- Pressure with this week’s unexpected emergencies.
- Pressure from constantly fighting fires.
How do you keep going when you are exhausted and wondering why you still do this?
If all of this feels far too familiar, this workshop is for you.
This workshop from DSP Magnet is free and will help you…
- Feel less alone.
- Reignite that spark and passion for this work.
- Bring some fun back to work.
Apply for a FREE spot in this workshop here!
Applications are due Wednesday, September 24, 2025, by 8:00 pm EST. Completing the application does NOT guarantee a spot in the workshop.
Workshop Details:
Wednesday, October 1
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EST
Presented by Scott de Fasselle of DSP Magnet
Will be hosted on Zoom (link to be provided upon acceptance)
You can contact Scott via email if you have any questions.
Invitation to Apply for the Capacity Building Institute, Year 9
Many people feel at a loss as to how to best provide support to individuals with a dual diagnosis (individuals with an Intellectual Disability and Autism with cooccurring mental health issues and challenging behaviors) to lead healthy, happy, and meaningful lives. Current best practices and supportive models that have shown to be most helpful are sometimes beyond the reach of people who work directly with individuals with a dual diagnosis.
The Capacity Building Institute (CBI), presented by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), addresses these issues from an individual and systemic level through training, integration of knowledge into practice, and opportunities to build a statewide cohort to work together to effect change and build capacity. The participants will share individual best practice experiences leading to recommendations to ODP and OMHSAS to facilitate a more effective delivery of services across systems.
The Capacity Building Institute (CBI) provides an in-depth learning opportunity to professionals across the entire service partnership, including direct support staff and supervisors, supports coordinators/case managers and supervisors, agency trainers, managed care organizations, behavior specialists, psychiatrists, professional counselors and therapists, and dual diagnosis treatment teams. CBI participants represent a wide range of agencies, including Direct Support Providers, Supports Coordination, State Hospitals, State Centers, Adolescent Residential Treatment Facilities, Autism Supports, Education, Resources and Training Centers, Administrative Entities, and the Health Care Quality Units.
The Capacity Building Institute will meet for nine, two-day sessions, beginning October 2025 and ending in May 2026. Three sessions will be live/in-person, and six will be live/virtual on Zoom. Tuition is $300. Hotel reservations are your responsibility at the live sessions. To apply for the CBI, please fill out the Capacity Building Institute Year 9 Interest Survey. Applications are due by September 16, 2025.
Please view the flyer for additional information on purpose, meeting dates and times, and training topics.
OMAP Issues New EVV Bulletin, Affecting OLTL and ODP Services
The PA Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) issued a new Bulletin that applies to personal assistance and community habilitation services under the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). The key changes from earlier guidance include:
- Providers 85% Compliance Requirement Effective January 1, 2025: Providers must ensure at least 85% of EVV records are verified without manual edits.
- Starting January 2026, DHS will issue alerts to fee-for-service providers whose manual edits exceed 15% in the prior quarter. Managed care organizations (MCO) will also receive lists of noncompliant providers for follow-up.
- Providers failing to meet the 85% thresholds for two consecutive quarters will be required to submit corrective action plans. Continued noncompliance may lead to sanctions, potentially including loss of license.
- FMS and Participant-Directed Models are also responsible for EVV compliance. Persistent noncompliance can result in termination from participant-directed service models.
- Additional Resources: DHS EVV Guidance and Handbook now available.
- Compliance Reports are available on the Sandata platform. The reports allow providers to identify the non-compliant visit dates, participants, and caregivers to initiate internal corrective action.
If you have any questions, contact Fady Sahhar.
Updated Chapter 6100 Training FAQ and Provider Developed Training Matrix Released
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-084 and accompanying attachments:
Please review the announcement and documents for additional information and details. All questions that are not included in the FAQ document regarding annual training requirements should be forwarded via email.
LAST CHANCE to Register Online for the RCPA Conference Strive to Thrive!
Today is your last chance to register online for the 2025 RCPA Conference Strive to Thrive! Taking place at the Hershey Lodge September 9 – 12, the conference will bring you the latest in local, state, and federal policy updates, workforce trends, and technological developments in health and human services. Register now to ensure your access to:
- The mobile app, which will be opening early next week for all attendees who have registered. By registering online, you will be contacted directly once the mobile app is available, granting you access to the full schedule, Connections Hall map/exhibitor listings, and more!
- A seamless onsite registration experience. Simply show up at the front desk, and we’ll print your badge within seconds!
- A head start on obtaining your CEs. RCPA is sharing our summer webinars on the mobile app. By registering online, you will be able to view these webinars when the mobile app launches, which count towards CE credits.
- An informative and exciting conference! With over 60 workshops, including, state and federal keynote and plenary speakers, 90 exhibitors, and 110 CEUs available, our conference will help you and your organization prepare your next steps in the health and human services industry.
View our Registration Brochure for complete details, including booking your hotel room, event highlights, and networking opportunities!
Online Registration Closes TONIGHT!
Register Today!
We are grateful to all our sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers who help make the conference happen. Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, for more details. View our sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website!
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