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Policy Areas

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-022 and its accompanying Family Surveys attachment. The announcement notes that the National Core Indicators® (NCI®) surveys provide states with valid and reliable tools to help improve system performance and better serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (age 18 and older) and their families. Since 1997, Pennsylvania has participated annually in the NCI® Project.

Both surveys are scheduled to be mailed and should be received within the next two weeks. Beginning this year, families and guardians may choose one of two ways to complete the survey they receive. They may either fill out the hard copy and return it to ODP via the self-addressed stamped envelope provided, or they may enter their responses directly into a secure online database using the link and instructions contained in the cover letter accompanying the survey.

Please view the announcement and attachment for information and details.

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Image by Pixabay from Pexels

The RCPA Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee invites you to join us in a multi-media celebration of Black History Month! Each week during the month of February, the DEI Committee will distribute recommendations for interactive ways to learn about and commemorate Black History. Join us as we celebrate and enjoy the contributions of Black Americans!

Week 3: Video

During your downtime this week, take the opportunity to intentionally explore stories of Black Americans and works by Black artists. There are so many choices available, and here are a few suggestions to get your search started:

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) Mental Health Planning Council (MHPC) will host its quarterly meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. The meeting will feature committee meetings for adults, older adults, and children, as well as a joint session. Details for accessing each session remotely are provided below:

  • Children’s Committee:
    • Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    • Access Code: 2631 909 4263
    • Webex Link
    • Password: fnQK8Tvb2w4
    • Phone: 1-415-655-0001
  • Adult Committee:
    • Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    • Access Code: 2633 120 2679
    • Webex Link
    • Password: q7NFKxgYp72
    • Phone: 1-415-655-0001
  • Older Adult Committee:
    • Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
    • Access Code: 2631 734 4409
    • Webex Link
    • Password: ASnju542NBg
    • Phone: 1-415-655-0001
  • Networking Lunch:
    • Time: 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
    • Note: Each Committee Session meeting (Older Adult, Adult, and Children’s) will remain open until 12:45 pm for optional networking. Please note, OMHSAS staff may not be available consistently throughout the entire networking time.
  • Joint Session:
    • Time: 12:45 pm – 3:00 pm
    • Access Code: 2634 353 5963
    • Webex Link
    • Password: BJjxPx6FP53
    • Phone: 1-415-655-0001

Attendees are not required to pre-register or create an account to attend the MHPC meetings. However, it’s recommended to test the Webex program prior to the meeting and log in 10 minutes early. Phone-only participants can use *6 to mute/unmute and *9 to “raise their hand” to speak. For any questions, please email OMHSAS. If you have additional questions, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.

Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) providers are invited to participate in the AAW Provider Quarterly Incident and Risk Management meetings.

These meetings will be held for all Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) providers and Support Coordinators (SC) providing AAW services. Pam Treadway and Heather Easley will facilitate these meetings with the intent to provide updates on incident and risk management related activities, share AAW data, inform providers of any upcoming changes, review ODP expectations, etc. Providers will be able to network with one another and ask questions directly to the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP).

The upcoming meeting will have a focus on BSASP’s observations related to investigations, corrective actions, and a review of the current compliance data. The meeting will be held Thursday, March 14, 2024, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. You can register for the meeting here. Multiple staff from a provider may attend but should register separately. Be sure to complete all required information to confirm attendance. A link to the meeting will be send prior to the scheduled meeting date.

Please contact the Provider Support inbox at with questions.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 19-138 and its accompanying three attachments:

The purpose of this communication is to notify stakeholders of the updated process that ODP staff will be utilizing in making determinations for Approved Program Capacity (APC) and Noncontiguous Clearance through the updated form (Attachment #1). All updates are in red. Please view the announcement and attachments for information and details.

Join RCPA as we host the 2024 Annual Conference Embracing Challenges, Empowering Success from September 24 – 27 at the Hershey Lodge. The event is a highlight for the Pennsylvania behavioral health, brain injury, children’s, intellectual and developmental disabilities, medical rehabilitation, and physical disabilities and aging provider communities. RCPA staff and the Conference Committee are excited to release this year’s Sponsor, Exhibitor, and Advertiser Brochure, which features new opportunities to get in on the action and network with providers. Booth self-selection will also be available for exhibitors and exhibiting sponsors. In order to be considered for self-selection, a completed contract with payment must be submitted.

Network and Compete in Connections Hall!
Connections Hall activities take place during the two busiest days of the conference, and many networking opportunities are available throughout the event. You’ll also be able to compete and have a chance to win “Best of Show!”

Exciting New Sponsorship Opportunities!
RCPA is privileged to have the backing of the finest organizations in the field for our conference. Through the use of sponsorship circles, RCPA is able to honor all supporting organizations.

Sign Up Now!
Sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers who wish to be listed on the website, the mobile app, and in the conference program must submit all materials by August 23. The association looks forward to welcoming you at the conference! Space and opportunities are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and no reservation is considered complete without payment. If questions remain, please contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator.