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A Series of Courses on the Mental Health Aspects of IDD
Registration is open for the next live virtual training course on intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for mental health mobile crisis responders. This is one of three courses in the Mental Health Aspects of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (MHIDD) Professional Development Series offered by the Center for START Services. It is highly recommended for the following providers:
The course consists of six webinar-style sessions (75 minutes each) that teach best practices in crisis assessment, response, and disposition recommendations. Registration is $149 per person, and participants can receive University of New Hampshire continuing education units and a certificate of completion for MHIDD Mobile Crisis Response Training.
This flyer contains registration information.
Click on each link for a description and to register.
Prepared Renter Education Program Series:
For further information, contact Kara Yost.
Today, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is launching an online portal (called the DHS CARES Act Funding Tracking Tool) for Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) providers to submit final costs in compliance with Act 24 of 2020 (CARES Act funding). DHS is requesting that providers complete the COVID-19 Act 24 cost reporting form and upload it through the online portal. Providers must keep all documentation related to the costs reported in the final cost report for a minimum of five years. The due date for the submission of the required final report has been extended to December 31, 2020.
To assist providers, DHS has provided the following guidance and tips:
Please Note: if you received a payment under Act 24 of 2020 from more than one Pennsylvania DHS program office, you may receive this notification more than once. However, you will only receive one login to the online portal and will be able to submit for all program offices and facilities at the same time.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Education have released the below COVID-19 safety guidance documents to assist providers, families, and individuals during the provision of in-home services.
For additional guidance related to COVID-19, please visit the Department of Health COVID-19 in Pennsylvania and DHS COVID-19 Guidance and Resources pages.
If you have any questions, please contact your RCPA policy director.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that they will hold a call on December 10, 2020 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm Eastern Time (ET) that will focus on the calendar year (CY) 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) final rule that was recently released. This call will focus specifically on four key areas within this final rule, including:
During the call, CMS experts will briefly cover provisions from the final rule and address any questions. Members are encouraged to review the final rule prior to the call. To participate, please register here.
Workshop Series
Funding
Earlier this year, Governor Wolf signed Act 18 of 2020, which temporarily extended the time period for certain professions required by the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) to obtain or renew an FBI Criminal History clearance. Act 18 was passed to create flexibility since the pandemic caused many fingerprinting locations across the state to close earlier this year. Most locations have since reopened.
Pennsylvanians are strongly encouraged to get fingerprinted and obtain their FBI Criminal History clearance as soon as possible in order to avoid potential delays due to an increase in the number of people needing to obtain this clearance. To obtain a list of fingerprinting locations that are open during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit the IdentoGO Location Map. Anyone seeking fingerprinting services should call IDEMIA’s customer service line at 844-321-2101 to ensure that the location is still operating, schedule an appointment, and discuss necessary COVID-19 safety precautions.
If employers have a large number of employees who need new or renewed clearances, arrangements can be made to have fingerprinting occur at the workplace. Mobile fingerprinting services are available for an additional fee through IDEMIA for groups of 20 or more. Agencies in need of this service should contact IDEMIA to schedule.
For directions on obtaining fingerprints, please visit this webpage.
If you have any questions or thoughts, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health, along with Apple and Google, has launched an exposure notification app called COVID Alert PA. It is available to download for free at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The app is an effective tool, but the commonwealth needs your help getting it in the hands of Pennsylvanians. We need help getting the word out – and downloads up.
Can you help us? We have an extensive catalog of marketing materials, including posters, social media posts, press releases, and other customizable content. You can find downloadable marketing materials on the Community Resources webpage.
COVID Alert PA is a free mobile app that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology and the Exposure Notification System developed by Apple and Google. Features include:
COVID Alert PA protects both privacy and personal information. The app does not use GPS, location services, or any movement or geographical information. It will never collect, transmit, or store personal information. It is completely anonymous.
Thank you in advance for helping to get the word out to your employees, customers, family, friends, and neighbors.
Thank you for your support!