Provider Transformation
Pennsylvania is one of 19 states participating in the federal Employment First State Leadership Mentoring Program (EFSLMP) which is a cross-disability, cross-systems change initiative.
IDD Update January 20, 2016
ABA Settlement and Service Expansion
RCPA has been informed that the Disability Rights Network of Pennsylvania (DRN), acting on behalf of their clients, has reached a settlement with the Department of Human Services (DHS).
IDD Update January 11, 2016
DHS Transition Plan
IDD Update January 7, 2016
Provider Revalidation Webinar
RCPA, in cooperation with the Department of Human Services, has presented a webinar on provider revalidation to assist providers with this process. Providers that enrolled on or before March 25, 2011 must be revalidated by March 24, 2016.
Clinton’s Autism Plan
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has released her “Plan to Support Children, Youth, and Adults Living with Autism and Their Families.” This autism initiative would include screening, diagnosis, treatment, services, support for families and caregivers, and an increase in research funding.
The plan was released on January 5, with a conference call featuring state Senator Bob Casey, who is a member of the Congressional Autism Caucus. He emphasized the daily challenges for individuals with autism and their families:
- The need for tools and supports to help lead a full life;
- Implementation by each state of the ABLE Act to offer funding options for enhancing daily living;
- Development of a study on autism in adults; and
- Development of an awareness campaign to emphasize the need for early screening and interventions.
IDD Update January 5, 2016
ODP Updates
- Call 911 in a Medical Emergency: ODP is offering guidance to providers regarding recognizing a medical emergency and seeking immediate attention. Policies should not require staff to contact a supervisor before calling 911, as this delay could lead to serious consequences or even death.
IDD Update December 30, 2015
WIOA State Plan
The state’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan for July 2016 through June 2020 draft is now available for public comment. Comments will be accepted until Monday, February 1, 2016.
Survey Request: Designing Services for Individuals Transitioning from High School
The Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) is conducting a preliminary survey to help inform the design of services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are transitioning out of high school, including those who may have had justice intersections or psychiatric hospitalizations. This survey is designed to be completed by professionals with or without experience supporting individuals with ASD ages 18-25. BAS is asking for feedback on both surveys by Friday, January 1.
BAS has developed two versions of this survey; one for individuals and families, and another to be completed by professionals. The professionals survey can be completed here. Any questions about these surveys can be directed to the Bureau of Autism Services via email.
IDD Update December 22, 2015
ODP Update
The Office of Developmental Programs has released the following information:
- Announcement #113-15: Enterprise Incident Management System Implementation Information: Changes to the Incident Management Report and System as a Result of EIM Newsflash 5.
- Pennhurst Advocacy; The Department of Human Services will be transitioning this function from the Office of Administration to ODP, with Southeast Region Program Manager Rochelle Zaslow as the unit director. There are currently 643 Pennhurst class members. Questions may be submitted via email.
Provider Revalidation Webinar
Time is running out; the deadline for revalidating is Thursday, March 24, 2016. Numerous RCPA members have already gone through this process, but it appears that large numbers of providers have not yet done so. A special provider revalidation webinar will be held by RCPA on Wednesday, January 6 at 10:00 am. Jamie Buchenauer, from the Department of Human Services, will be presenting the webcast.
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