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The PA Office of Medical Assistance Programs (OMAP) issued a new Bulletin that applies to personal assistance and community habilitation services under the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). The key changes from earlier guidance include:

  • Providers 85% Compliance Requirement Effective January 1, 2025: Providers must ensure at least 85% of EVV records are verified without manual edits.
  • Starting January 2026, DHS will issue alerts to fee-for-service providers whose manual edits exceed 15% in the prior quarter. Managed care organizations (MCO) will also receive lists of noncompliant providers for follow-up.
  • Providers failing to meet the 85% thresholds for two consecutive quarters will be required to submit corrective action plans. Continued noncompliance may lead to sanctions, potentially including loss of license.
  • FMS and Participant-Directed Models are also responsible for EVV compliance. Persistent noncompliance can result in termination from participant-directed service models.
  • Additional Resources: DHS EVV Guidance and Handbook now available.
  • Compliance Reports are available on the Sandata platform. The reports allow providers to identify the non-compliant visit dates, participants, and caregivers to initiate internal corrective action.

If you have any questions, contact Fady Sahhar.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) is providing the opportunity for public comment on the Pennsylvania Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Services (SUPTRS) Block Grant application.

This application will occur in three parts:

  • Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Assessment and Plan;
  • SUPTRS Report (available in November); and
  • Annual Synar Report (available in December).

The application documents can be accessed through SAMHSA’s Web Block Grant Application System (WebBGAS) using the login “citizenpa” and password “citizen.”

Comments must be submitted via email by Tuesday, September 30.

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September is National Recovery Month. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) established National Recovery Month in 1989 to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. It also celebrates the nation’s vibrant recovery community and honors all those who help make recovery possible. In addition, National Recovery Month plays a vital role in fostering understanding and driving positive change in the fields of addiction and mental health.

As part of its celebration of Recovery Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) is lifting up the voices of people in recovery, their loved ones, and those working in the field. If you are in recovery, love someone who is, or work in the field, you are encouraged to share your story of hope, encouragement, or inspiration. Responses will be featured throughout September — and beyond — on DDAP’s social media channels.

DDAP will officially kick off Recovery Month at 12:00 pm on Saturday, September 6, with “Recovery Out Loud” at City Island in Harrisburg, featuring an afternoon of community, music, and inspiration.

In addition, DDAP and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have announced their second annual Recovery in Nature sites within Pennsylvania’s state park system. The initiative will run throughout the month of September in conjunction with National Recovery Month. Recovery in Nature is designed to remind Pennsylvanians of the healing power of nature — particularly for individuals in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD) — and encourage all Pennsylvanians to take advantage of trails and waterways throughout the Commonwealth’s state parks.

Lastly, DDAP will close out Recovery Month with “Recovery in Reach,” the Department’s Recovery Month Wellness & Resource Fair — a morning focused on connection and healing. Join DDAP at Soldier’s Grove in Harrisburg for wellness activities, helpful resources, and a celebration of support.

Visit DDAP’s website for a list of Recovery Month events happening across the Commonwealth.

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Young Girl Talking With Counselor At Home

The Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services are pleased to share a Dear Colleague letter regarding important updates to federal non-regulatory guidance for students in foster care placement.

This updated guidance, issued jointly by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), represents the first significant update to federal guidance since the enactment of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015.

Please see the letter for details about this announcement, and thank you for your continued dedication to supporting students in foster care.

Please contact Emma Sharp with any questions.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-084 and accompanying attachments:

Please review the announcement and documents for additional information and details. All questions that are not included in the FAQ document regarding annual training requirements should be forwarded via email.

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The Intensive Model of Therapy for Children With Neurological or Movement Disorders

Thursday, September 4, 2025
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT;
10:00 am – 11:00 am MDT; 9:00 am – 10:00 am PDT
Register Here

Presenter Bio: Amy O’Donnell
Amy O’Donnell is a pediatric physical therapist at The Children’s Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Washington & Jefferson College and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh. Amy joined The Children’s Institute in 2012 and has since specialized in pediatric physical therapy care.

Her first exposure to the intensive therapy model came during her student training, and she became actively involved in the program following its expansion to her clinic location in 2014. In 2019, she was named the program coordinator. Amy has co-authored both qualitative and quantitative research articles on the Intensity Program at The Children’s Institute, with both publications appearing in Pediatric Physical Therapy journal.

Objectives: Following this course, the learner will:

  • Define and discuss benefits of episodic care and family centered care;
  • Define and discuss benefits of intensive therapy model; and
  • Discuss different types of intensive therapy models and strategies to implement into your clinic.

Audience: This webinar is intended for all interested members of the rehabilitation team.

Level: Beginner/Intermediate

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.

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Today is your last chance to register online for the 2025 RCPA Conference Strive to Thrive! Taking place at the Hershey Lodge September 9 – 12, the conference will bring you the latest in local, state, and federal policy updates, workforce trends, and technological developments in health and human services. Register now to ensure your access to:

  • The mobile app, which will be opening early next week for all attendees who have registered. By registering online, you will be contacted directly once the mobile app is available, granting you access to the full schedule, Connections Hall map/exhibitor listings, and more!
  • A seamless onsite registration experience. Simply show up at the front desk, and we’ll print your badge within seconds!
  • A head start on obtaining your CEs. RCPA is sharing our summer webinars on the mobile app. By registering online, you will be able to view these webinars when the mobile app launches, which count towards CE credits.
  • An informative and exciting conference! With over 60 workshops, including, state and federal keynote and plenary speakers, 90 exhibitors, and 110 CEUs available, our conference will help you and your organization prepare your next steps in the health and human services industry.

View our Registration Brochure for complete details, including booking your hotel room, event highlights, and networking opportunities!

Online Registration Closes TONIGHT!
Register Today!

We are grateful to all our sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers who help make the conference happen. Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, for more details. View our sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website!

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Attention all Executive Leads and Credentialing Leads not currently enrolled with National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP)!

Interested in learning more about NADSP? Then this meeting is for you!
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), in conjunction with the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), meets monthly to discuss issues, provide support, and allow for PA Local Administrators to gain assistance from one another while navigating the NADSP process. Join Shauna Blee of ODP, Dan Hermreck of NADSP, and other PA Local Admins to gather more information!

NADSP Region Work Group
These work group meetings are held monthly on Teams. You can join by your region or at the meeting time that works best for your schedule. Below are the links for each region.

Central Region:
Fourth Tuesday of the month, 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
(Starting September 23)
Teams Meeting ID: 286 161 118 136 Passcode: oTdFRx
Or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 607 776 646#

Southeast Region:
Third Wednesday of the month, 10:15 am – 10:45 am
(Starting September 17)
Teams Meeting ID: 242 883 857 637 Passcode: cGHrGc
Or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 190 449 027#

Northeast Region:
Fourth Wednesday of the month, 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
(Starting September 24)
Teams Meeting ID: 214 554 253 188 Passcode: qvyY8D
Or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 133 202 186#

Western Region:
Second Thursday of the month, 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
(Starting September 11)
Teams Meeting ID: 210 442 181 474 Passcode: f6RU3u
Or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 671 818 960#

Western Region:
Third Friday of the month, 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
(Starting September 19)
Teams Meeting ID: 263 772 563 305 Passcode: LsChA2
or by phone: +1 267-332-8737 Phone conference ID: 452 857 919#

Need assistance joining the meetings or have questions? Email Shauna Blee.

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