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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a virtual training program for both inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) and Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs). The virtual IRF training program will review the updated guidance for the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility – Patient Assessment Instrument (IRF-PAI) 4.0 and the LTCH Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (CARE) Data Set (LCDS) 5.0 for providers in the IRF and LTCH settings. This training is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure IRF and LTCH providers have access to the education necessary to understand and comply with changes in reporting requirements associated with the IRF and LTCH Quality Reporting Programs (QRPs) that go into effect on October 1, 2022. A major focus of this training will be on the cross-setting implementation of the standardized patient assessment data elements being introduced in 2022 to ensure more consistent reporting and evaluation across post-acute care settings.
The training program consists of two parts:
To participate in the training program, registration is required. If you have questions about accessing resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to the LTCH QRP Help Desk and IRF QRP Help Desk
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) shared a recent communication regarding the transition of the HCSIS Help Desk to a new vendor. As of May 2, 2022, the HCSIS Help Desk responsibilities will transition from the Public Consulting Group (PCG) to the new vendor, InspiriTec.
ODP Announcement 22-046 reminds providers of information issued Wednesday, March 30, 2022, by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) as an update to their COVID-19 vaccine and booster eligibility guidelines. Questions about the reminder may be directed here.
LBFC Study in Response to Act 2020-93: A Review of the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund
On April 13, 2022, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) released their report highlights on their study in response to Act 2020-93, which directed them to review court records to ensure that revenues for the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund (EMSOF) are being properly collected and deposited. Overall, EMSOF collections continue to decline. This report highlights the findings of the study and includes recommendations.
RCPA will be hosting our 2022 Capitol Day on Tuesday, May 24. We will have a press conference and rally on the steps of the Capitol outside the Main Rotunda between 12:30 pm–1:30 pm. Please register here to indicate you will be attending the event.
State government impacts every RCPA member’s business and services; therefore, RCPA encourages all members to schedule as many appointments as possible with their Senate and House legislators to discuss the state budget, legislation, and regulations. During legislative meetings, members should highlight how the state budget, legislation, and regulations affect the day-to-day operations of your business and how government overreach affects services you provide to consumers. Please notify Jack Phillips of the appointments you have scheduled. RCPA staff will be available on-site to assist.
If you have questions or need assistance regarding our 2022 Capitol Day, please contact Jack Phillips. We look forward to seeing you there!
The Statewide Provider Partnership (SPP) shared feedback gathered from providers regarding the Pre-ETS provision throughout the Commonwealth. We would like to thank Joe Michener, Director of Employment Services at the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living (LVCIL), for coordinating this response advocating for improved OVR services.
We would also like to congratulate Joe as the recipient of this year’s Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Association’s Philadelphia Founders Award for demonstrating an outstanding community leadership role by supporting activities that have a far-reaching impact and that have made a contribution toward the rehabilitation of a considerable number of citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
You are an inspiration to all. Thank you, Joe!