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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced the release of the Guide to the ODP Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind Services. ODP is committed to effectively supporting d/Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind (DHHDB) individuals. The guide provides information, guidance, and combines all the current announcements (ODPANN 21-055, ODPANN 22-097, and ODPANN 22-099) into one document for ease of use. It can be found under the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind Required Training on the MyODP website.
Please view the announcement, ODPANN 24-118, for addition information and details.
As RCPA previously communicated, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), jointly with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has extended the temporary COVID-19 telemedicine flexibilities through December 31, 2025. These flexibilities enable prescribing of controlled medications via telemedicine. As such, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ (DDAP) suspension of 28 Pa. Code § 715.9(a)(4), which allows an initial evaluation for a person who will be treated by an opioid treatment program (OTP) with buprenorphine to be completed via telehealth, is also extended.
DDAP’s complete Information Bulletin 03-2024 is available here.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EST; 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CST;
11:00 am – 12:00 pm MST; 10:00 am – 11:00 am PST
Register Here
Samantha Bohl, OD
Presenter Bio:
Dr. Bohl earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry in San Antonio, Texas, and completed a residency in neuro-optometric rehabilitation through the State University of New York College of Optometry. Dr. Bohl joined the team at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in 2017, where she supports individuals with vision impairments in the rehabilitation setting.
Objectives: At the end of this session, the learner will:
Audience: This webinar is intended for all interested members of the rehabilitation team.
Level: Beginner
Certificate of Attendance: Certificates of attendance are available for all attendees. No CEs are provided for this course.
Complimentary webinars are a benefit of membership in IPRC/RCPA. Registration fee for non-members is $179. Not a member yet? Consider joining today.
The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has announced new services that will be available as a result of the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver renewal and OBRA Waiver renewal. Effective January 1, 2025, the following services will be available:
Chore Services – CHC Only
Teleservice Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy – CHC and OBRA
Teleservice Counseling Services – CHC and OBRA
Teleservice Nutritional Consultation – CHC and OBRA
The rates for the OLTL Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) rates, effective January 1, 2025, are available here.
Additional information on the licensure and certification requirements can be found in the Service Definitions under Appendix C of the waivers. Please note that these documents have not received final approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Once approval is received, a ListServ message will be sent with links to the final approved waiver applications.
The Fee for Service rates for Teleservice Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy, Teleservice Counseling Services, and Teleservice Nutritional Consultation have been added to the fee schedule attached to the ListServ.
For existing OLTL providers to enroll in the services listed above a request must be submitted to the enrollment and certification resource account. The required documentation should include an updated Provider Enrollment Information Form (PEIF), a copy of the required license or certification, and a copy of the job description for the service you are requesting to add to your provider profile. If you have any questions related to the new services you can reach out to the enrollment and certification unit at 1-800-932-0939, option 1, or via email.
Please provide us with your input regarding PBC in a very brief survey (only 5 questions). We are asking:
Please complete the survey by December 4, 2025. For any questions, contact Carol Ferenz.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared a document with stakeholders that outlines draft performance standards. The Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) Strategic Thinking Group is continuing to meet. ODP is interested in hearing feedback regarding the proposed standards.
Please share any comments you have with Carol Ferenz to share with ODP.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) has released an updated Respiratory Virus Outbreak Toolkit for Long-Term Care Facilities, including Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living Residences.
The updated toolkit was developed to provide recommendations for facilities before and during a respiratory virus outbreak. This toolkit covers many respiratory viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, adenovirus, and more. While this toolkit does include information about COVID-19, a more detailed toolkit for LTCFs specific to COVID-19 can be found here. This toolkit replaces the previous Influenza Outbreak Toolkit for Long-Term Care Facilities.
DOH is in the process of updating the poster required by the Influenza Awareness Act. In the meantime, providers are encouraged to continue to use the 2023-2024 Poster.
Questions about this communication should be sent electronically.