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Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

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Photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Miranda Brazinski
570-709-4655

August 1, 2022 (PITTSBURGH, PA) — Mainstay Life Services, a nonprofit organization that provides life-long, high-quality support services to people with developmental disabilities, is pleased to welcome Willette Walker as its first-ever Chief Human Capital Officer (CHCO).

“I’m honored to begin this new chapter of my career with Mainstay,” said Walker. “To ensure Mainstay’s services continue to exceed the needs of those supported, I hope to cultivate an even stronger work environment for our employees so that they are inspired to continue our mission as their best selves.” In her role, Walker will support the organization’s strategic human capital initiatives as a multifaceted leader through organizational development, employee relations, talent strategy, and strategic business partnering.

Walker comes to Mainstay with over 25 years of leadership experience in human resources and organizational development. Most recently, Walker served as EVP of Human Resources at A Second Chance, Inc., where she provided leadership and oversight over the full spectrum of the organization’s human resource functions. In addition to Walker’s previous experience, she spent six years as an educator with Pittsburgh Public Schools where she developed and implemented lesson plans designed to facilitate student learning.

“Willette’s experience will prove a strong asset for our organization’s growth,” said Kim Sonafelt, Mainstay Life Services Chief Executive Officer. “She has a heart for leading and educating others, which seamlessly supports Mainstay’s mission to ensure those we support live fulfilling lives.”

Walker received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Wilberforce University, her JD degree from Duquesne University School of Law, and her master’s degree in teaching from the University of Pittsburgh.

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About Mainstay Life Services

Mainstay Life Services is a nonprofit organization providing residential services, community services, and other supports to people with developmental disabilities and their families. We are committed to assisting the people we support to reach their fullest potential within their community.

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REMINDER
Message from the Department of Human Services (DHS)**

Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) is changing which Physical Health Managed Care Organizations (PH Plans) are available for Medical Assistance (MA) consumers. This is an opportunity for DHS to be sure that the program and our partners are continuing to strive towards improved access to care and superior quality of care and support provided by the PH Plans to MA consumers.

The PH plans available in your county may change. In some counties, your current MCO will no longer be available, and in others, you may have new options to pick from. If you have to select a new plan, DHS is committed to helping you find a plan that meets your individual needs, while also allowing you to keep your current health care providers. It’s important for you to consider what doctors, hospitals, or other health care providers are in a PH plan’s network.

This enrollment period is your opportunity to compare the health plan options in your region and choose the best plan for you.

Please note that the above information means that your agency needs to alert your consumers to the change so they can make an informed decision. Otherwise, they will be auto-assigned. Visit here for more details regarding which plans are available by county.

**Does NOT affect current Behavioral HealthChoices or
Community HealthChoices participants.**

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Registration for the RCPA Conference 2022 Together! is now open! Together! will be held October 11 – 14, 2022, at the Hershey Lodge in person this year. After two long years, we are looking forward to seeing everyone!

The 2022 event features more than 60 workshops, most of which will be recorded to allow participants to take advantage of viewing sessions after the event. We will have over 90 continuing education credit options. Participants will also be able to visit Beacon Health Options Connections Hall and networking events.

You will not want to miss keynote speakers, including:

  • Dick Finnegan, a respected speaker, author, and CEO of C-Suite Analytics, who will provide his insight on “The Great Resignation;”
  • Deborah Riddick, a public policy expert, who will discuss how intentional collaboration, centered in curiosity, authenticity, and integrity, can help to address health disparities;
  • Dan Hilferty, a respected authority on health care, business, and civic engagement; and
  • Michael Cohen, who has updated stories of uncommon HR situations and strategies to resolve them.

We will also have two plenary sessions available for all attendees. The first will provide national updates from our partners Chuck Ingoglia of National Council for Mental Wellbeing and Gabrielle Sedor of ANCOR. Later on in the week, Meg Snead, Acting Secretary of the Department of Human Services, and Jennifer Smith, Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, will highlight key accomplishments from DHS and DDAP respectively.

Several sessions will focus on workforce development, workforce recruitment and retention, value-based payments, telehealth, and trauma-informed support. Learn how to effectively share your story with legislators. Join us to hear from respected colleagues regarding state-of-the-art practices and new thoughts on service provisions. You can view the full schedule at the RCPA Conference website.

Early bird registration is available now until September 9, 2022! Questions about the conference may be directed to Carol Ferenz or Sarah Eyster, Conference Coordinators.

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Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

The Arc of Philadelphia, KenCrest, PA Representative Joe Hohenstein, and Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities present the 2022 Disability Summit, focused on Enabling Technology.

Join the Philadelphia Disability Summit on September 22! This year’s conference highlights enabling and assistive technologies as well as the many adaptations and smart devices — creating greater accessibility for people with disabilities throughout the world. Join the speakers and presenters for a day-long conference held on Temple University’s campus, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Shea Tanis, Associate Research Professor at the Kansas University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, along with breakout tracks from various leaders in the ET field, and a public legislative hearing on assistive and enabling tech.

Learn more and register here.
Have questions? Contact KenCrest for details.

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ODP Announcement 22-087 issues an important reminder that major changes are being made to the HealthChoices Physical Health Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) offering Medical Assistance benefits on September 1, 2022. A large number of Medical Assistance consumers must select a new MCO by August 16, 2022. If they do not make a selection, a new MCO will be automatically chosen for them.

If Medical Assistance consumers are unsure if they need to select a new MCO, or haven’t received selection materials, they should contact Pennsylvania Enrollment Services at the following:

800-440-3989
TTY: 800-618-4225 | Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Home | PA Enrollment Services

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Image by Shotkitimages from Pixabay

ODP Announcement 22-091 informs all interested parties that the new Medication Administration platform is now available for trainers and primary contacts. This announcement contains instructions for logging in with an existing account, creating a new account, accessing the “Train the Trainer” course, submitting payment, and registering for the Face-to-Face class.

A recording and PowerPoint for the Medication Administration Platform Overview webinar held on August 10, 2022, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am is included. Further development of the platform is continuing with trainers able to administer new classes and student registration becoming available on September 6, 2022.

The new Medication Administration platform is now available here.

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ODP Announcement 22-089 reports that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has developed two brief surveys for Community Participation Support providers to collect information on current system capacity. The first survey is meant to collect current data from Community Participation Services (CPS) providers on CPS capacity across the ODP service system. The second survey is meant to collect current data on individuals who are authorized to receive CPS across the ODP service system but are not receiving the service.

ODP will send each provider a list of MCIs with less than 5% CPS utilization, if there are any associated with their MPI, to assist with information gathering.

Important note to all CPS Providers: Providers must contact individuals and families, or the assigned SC, when the reason for less than 5% utilization is unknown.

The first survey regarding system capacity will be available Monday, August 8, 2022, and will close Monday, August 22, 2022.

The second survey to collect individual-specific information will be available Monday, August 15, 2022, and will close Thursday, September 15, 2022.

ODP will release these surveys no more than once per quarter.

Attachment 1 — ODP CPS Survey 1: Service System Capacity Questions
Attachment 2 — ODP CPS Survey 2: Authorized Services Questions

Any questions regarding the surveys should be directed to the appropriate regional CPS lead.

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ODP Bulletin 00-22-05, dated August 9, 2022, is to provide the Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) requirements and standardized processes for preparing, completing, documenting, implementing, and monitoring Individual Support Plans (ISPs) to ensure they are:

  • Developed to meet the needs of the individual;
  • Developed and implemented using the core values of Everyday Lives: Values in Action, LifeCourse Principles, Positive Approaches, and Practices and Self Determination to result in an enhanced quality of life for every individual; and
  • Compliant with the approved Consolidated, Community Living, and Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waivers and Medical Assistance (MA) State Plan as it pertains to Targeted Support Management (TSM).

A summary of major changes made to information in the attachments is included as attachment 8.

ATTACHMENTS:

  • Attachment 1: ISP Manual for Individuals Receiving Targeted Support Management, Base-Funded Services, Consolidated, Community Living or P/FDS Waiver Services or Who Reside in an ICF/ID
  • Attachment 2: ODP Role Expectations and Required Timeline for ISP Activities
  • Attachment 3: DP 1032 Individual Support Plan Signature Form (Spanish form: DP 1032-S)
  • Attachment 4: Annotated Individual Support Plan
  • Attachment 5: The Basics of the LifeCourse Framework to Guide the Development of the ISP
  • Attachment 6: Questions to Help Facilitate the Development of the ISP
  • Attachment 7: DP 1022 Waiver Service Request Form
  • Attachment 8: Summary of Major Changes Made to ISP Requirements or Processes

OBSOLETE DOCUMENTS:

  • Bulletin 00-20-02, Individual Support Plans for Individuals Receiving Targeted Support Management, Base-Funded Services, Consolidated, Community Living or P/FDS Waiver Services, or Who Reside in an ICF/ID
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