CMS Proposed Access Rule Comments Due by July 3
Updated Invitation: Join Us at the Capitol on June 28 to Advocate for Preserving ID/A Services
The ID/A Associations are continuing our advocacy for increases to the IDD budget in PA. Join us at the Capitol in Harrisburg on Wednesday, June 28 to advocate for the preservation of desperately needed services for individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism. People with disabilities, families, and advocates will be going to legislative offices in Harrisburg, dropping off information, and asking legislators to increase funding for ID/A services.
We will begin by meeting at the East Wing entrance to the capitol at 11:00 am. From there, we will be distributing handouts for participants to deliver to various offices. Staff from all the associations will be on hand to provide guidance as needed. After visits and a break for lunch, we will gather at 1:00 pm in the rotunda for a press conference, hearing from families who are in need of supports and services for their family member(s).
This effort is imperative, as there is no longer a risk of the system collapsing. The intellectual disability system is collapsing. Thousands of people are losing services, and more will soon be added to that list due to a proposed budget reduction and a lack of investment into rates. Inaction by the legislature will only further exacerbate this crisis and leave thousands more individuals and families without services. If nothing is done to address the inadequate rates now, more families in Pennsylvania will suffer.
The budget negotiations are ongoing, and we need YOU and everyone you know to help our advocacy efforts. As the Governor and legislature continue to negotiate funding for the budget, they need to hear from constituents about the importance of the ID/A system and why investing into the rates is the only way to ensure that providers can pay their staff higher wages and attract new staff to serve more people.
If you would prefer to visit your local legislative offices, we can provide the handouts to you via email to distribute to your legislators.
Contact Carol Ferenz or Cathy Barrick to register or if you have any questions.
Discover RCPA Membership Benefits on July 25
Join RCPA for a Membership Benefits webinar on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 9:00 am to orient yourself with all that RCPA membership includes. This will certainly be important for new and potential members but will also be of value to current members, as there may be unrecognized benefits associated with our membership.
Register here to attend this webinar. Items we will review include the following and much more:
- Virtually meet the dedicated RCPA Policy Staff and RCPA lobbyists;
- Discuss the 2023 Legislative and Administrative priorities;
- Highlight RCPA division committee and subcommittee meetings as well as what they offer;
- View the RCPA member-only website;
- Review exclusive yearly education and networking events; and
- Understand other National Association memberships included with RCPA membership.
Visit the RCPA member benefits page or contact Tieanna Lloyd for more information.
We look forward to your participation in this webinar.
Quarterly HCSIS/EIM Newsletter Now Available
The Quarterly Release of maintenance items for the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS)/Enterprise Incident Management (EIM) goes live on June 24, 2023. The Release Newsletter has been posted to the HCSIS Learning Management System (LMS). You can also view the newsletter here. Please log in to LMS and visit the “HCSIS Communique” link to review the newsletter and all communications.
Urgent Invitation: Join Us at the Capitol on June 28 to Advocate to Preserve ID/A Services
The ID/A Associations are continuing our advocacy for increases to the IDD budget in PA. Join us at the Capitol in Harrisburg on Wednesday, June 28 at 10:00 am to advocate for the preservation of desperately needed services for individuals with Intellectual Disability and Autism. People with disabilities, families, and advocates will be going to legislative offices in Harrisburg, dropping off information, and asking legislators to increase funding for ID/A services.
There is no longer a risk of the system collapsing. The intellectual disability system is collapsing. Thousands of people are losing services, and more will soon be added to that list due to a proposed budget reduction and a lack of investment into rates. Inaction by the legislature will only further exacerbate this crisis and leave thousands more individuals and families without services. If nothing is done to address the inadequate rates now, more families in Pennsylvania will suffer.
By joining us at the Capitol, you will play a crucial role in amplifying voices and urging lawmakers to prioritize the preservation and strengthening of these essential services. Please consider making this trip and contact Carol Ferenz or Cathy Barrick to register for the event. We are tracking the attendance and will be sure that you receive further information regarding our efforts on this date. Additionally, please share this message with all of your contacts and ask them to take action!
The budget negotiations are ongoing, and we need YOU and everyone you know to help our advocacy efforts. As the Governor and legislature continue to negotiate funding for the budget, they need to hear from constituents about the importance of the ID/A system and why investing into the rates is the only way to ensure that providers can pay their staff higher wages and attract new staff to serve more people.
We are asking for you to call the Governor’s office at 717-787-2500 and say the following:
“Hello, my name is ________ . I am asking that Governor Shapiro support investing additional money into the Intellectual Disabilities and Autism rates. These funds must be invested into the rates so that Direct Support Professionals can receive a needed pay raise. People across the state continue to go without services, and without an increase to the rates, people will continue to wait for services, and even more will be at risk of losing their services. Thank you.”
Contact Carol Ferenz or Cathy Barrick to register or if you have any questions.
Self-Determination Housing for PA Announces Inglis Home Modifications for Independence
OMHSAS/ODP Statewide Positive Approaches and Practices Meeting July 13
IM Training: Understanding, Recognizing, and Reporting Passive and Self-Neglect
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is sharing ODPANN 23-053, to inform all interested parties that a recorded webcast regarding incident management – Understanding, Recognizing, and Reporting Passive and Self-Neglect – is now available on MyODP. Please review the announcement for information on how to access the training webcast and additional details.
MyODP Scheduled Maintenance between 6-25 and 6-26-23
ODP shares that scheduled maintenance for MyODP.org will occur between 10:00 pm on June 25, 2023 and 12:00 pm on June 26, 2023.
During this time, the site may become unavailable for users. Please do not attempt any quizzes or tests during this timeframe, as the site may become unavailable at any time during this period. The site will become available to all users after 12:00 pm on June 26, 2023. Thank you for your patience while maintenance is in progress, and apologies for any inconvenience.
RCPA Continues BH/PH Webinar Series With “Navigating Change” on July 24
Prev