Register Today for the Family and Self Advocate Summit on July 22
TribLIVE: Dr. Val Arkoosh — Shapiro’s Proposed Budget Would Be Life Changing for People With Disabilities, Caregivers, RCPA Member Partners for Quality Featured
Day on Person-Directed Services Virtual Learning Opportunity June 21
Friday, June 21, 2024
10:00 am – 2:15 pm via Zoom
This session will focus on information for all Common Law and Managing Employers. Self-advocates who are their own Common Law Employer (CLE) or Managing Employer (ME) are encouraged to participate. Advance Registration is required. View the flyer for registration information and additional details.
NTG IDD and Dementia Workshop to Be Held in Harrisburg July 16–18
ODP Hosts Third Provider Preparedness Summit
Today, June 12, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) held the third of four Provider Preparedness Summits for Residential providers. Additional discussion on specific performance standards for Performance-Based Contracting took place.
The PowerPoint is now available, and a recording of the session will be posted shortly on the MyODP website. On page 60 of the PowerPoint, a check mark should be included under Clinically Enhanced.
ODP staff answered many questions submitted by providers and will take questions/comments into consideration for change. The discussion was primarily focused on an overview of the performance standards, including Risk Management, the Health Risk Screening Tool, Quality Improvement, and Complex Needs/Dual Diagnosis.
HRS data should be completed on all individuals. The HRS Protocol can be found here.
Many attestation questions will be required. ODP will be compiling the required attestations and incorporate them into one form for providers’ signatures.
The last and fourth summit will be held next Thursday, June 20. Providers are encouraged to attend all four sessions as well as watch a pre-recorded webinar. All of these recordings and resources can be found on the MyODP website.
Free Webinar on Guardianship and Power of Attorney on June 19
Register today by clicking on the above image or visiting here.
Calling for Stories and Art for the 2024 Virtual PA Autism Training Conference!
Do you know an artist or storyteller? Encourage them to share their talents at PATC!
Call for Personal Stories: Calling all self-advocates with autism! Share your story at the 2024 PA Autism Training Conference. Choose from one of our featured prompts and let your voice be heard! Stories will be displayed virtually during the conference and beyond. Must be 14 or older to participate.
View the flyer to learn more! Submissions due August 2, 2024.
Call for Artists: We’d like to invite artists with autism to exhibit their work virtually during the 2024 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference. The art show will consist of images links of artwork supplied by the artists, as well as to their website or email addresses for further information for attendees.
View the flyer to learn more. Submissions due September 6, 2024.
Webinar on SimplyHome Services for PBC to Be Hosted July 11
July 11, 2024
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Register Here
Join RCPA to learn about enabling technology to support independent living and how SimplyHome aligns with performance-based contracting. SimplyHome designs and installs innovative and affordable technology solutions that transform how we care for individuals with disabilities, aging adults, and veterans. Their technology empowers individuals to live their own self-determined lifestyle while addressing the concerns of caregivers.
We will hear from Kristie Ondisco, PA/OH Representative, and Matt Wright, Enterprise Director of Sales.
Register here for this informative session. If you have any questions, contact Carol Ferenz.
SOC Revision Process Beginning — Public Comment Period Open Until August 12
ANCOR has shared that the first step to revise the Standard Occupational Classification process has begun. Today the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), on behalf of the Standard Occupational Classification Policy Committee (SOCPC) — which is the committee that makes recommendations to OMB for potential revisions — announced it is beginning the review of the 2018 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Manual for revisions to be made for 2028, and that it is soliciting public comment.
This is an opportunity to write comments in support of revisions to the SOC, in particular for the creation of a code for direct support professionals. In its notice for comments, OMB specifically notes that it “solicits and welcomes comments related to any aspect of occupational classification, especially comments concerning . . . whether to consider the addition of new detailed occupations or occupational groups, including specifically care workers.”
The public comment period is open until August 12, 2024. ANCOR will be submitting comments and providing additional guidance and tools to submit comments in the coming weeks.
For more information, the notice is available on the Federal Register website.
ISAC June Meeting Information and Materials Now Available
The Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) met today, June 11, 2024. Deputy Secretary Ahrens presented an update regarding Performance-Based Contracting. The office received comments from approximately 100 commentators, resulting in over 700 separate comments regarding the proposed Selective Contracting Waiver.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has released several tools for providers to utilize and has scheduled four summits to delve deeper into the specifics for the performance measures. Providers who do not meet all standards for the Primary category but are not in the conditional status will be placed in the Primary category with a corrective action plan required. Residential provider agreements will not need to be returned to ODP until the end of July, rather than June, as previously stated.
There are several federal rules that have been finalized recently, and Deputy Secretary Ahrens gave an overview of these.
Candi Walton reported on Recommendation #4: Support Families Throughout the Lifespan.
StationMD presented an overview of their services. Geoff Musti can be reached via email for more information.
Lauren House presented information on Recommendation #10: Expanding Housing Options and the ODP Housing Pilot Update.
Dr. Greg Cherpes provided an update on Recommendation #5: Promote Health, Wellness, and Safety & Recommendation, and Recommendation #6: Support People with Complex Need. Note that both recommendations are included in the same document.
For any questions, contact Carol Ferenz.
Prev