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CBS News: Eligible Pennsylvanians Can Now Apply for Property Tax and Rent Rebates of Up to $1,000
KFF Health News: America’s Health System Isn’t Ready for the Surge of Seniors With Disabilities
RCPA Member PATF Announces Interim Co-CEOs. The Search for the Next CEO is Underway
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – Chief Executive Officer of Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) Ben Laudermilch has announced his resignation, effective February 2, 2024.
Laudermilch succeeded founder Susan Tachau as PATF’s CEO. He continued PATF’s mission of supporting and advocating for people with disabilities. In his role as CEO, Laudermilch continued to grow PATF’s mission across Pennsylvania, and into new states, working with public and private stakeholders and partners.
PATF Senior Lending and Operations Director Tracy Beck and Board Member Evan Davis have been named as interim co-CEOs of the organization while a search is conducted to select a permanent CEO who will sustain PATF’s mission and leadership.
Tracy Beck is the long-term PATF Senior Lending and Operations Director who has been vital to PATF’s growth and a consistent leader in PATF’s mission. Evan Davis is an executive with a proven successful track record as a COO and CFO for multiple organizations. Evan assisted PATF as a board member and led the recent PATF strategic planning process.
“We are grateful to Ben for continuing to promote assistive technology through meaningful programs for members of the disability community. We are confident in Tracy and Evan’s leadership and their excellent working relationships to sustain PATF through the transition. We look forward to successfully identifying and onboarding a new CEO and to continue making an impact in the disability community,” says Nancy Murray, President of PATF Board of Directors.
PATF remains dedicated and passionate about growing its mission to help older Pennsylvanians and people with disabilities by providing valuable services that allow everyone to have more independent and equitable lives.
CMS Releases Calendar Year 2024 Therapy Services Threshold Amounts
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the calendar year (CY) 2024 therapy services KX Modifier threshold amounts. The CY 2024 amounts are as follows:
- $2,330 for physical therapy (PT) and Speech-language Pathology (SLP) services combined; and
- $2,330 for occupational therapy service.
Additional information can be found on the following web pages:
State Board of PT Proposes Amendments to PT and PTA Requisite Examinations
The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) recently posted a proposed regulation from the Pennsylvania Department of State on behalf of the State Board of Physical Therapy (PT) for consideration.
The State Board of Physical Therapy (Board) proposes to amend §§ 40.1, 40.14, 40.15, 40.61, 40.63, 40.67, 40.163, 40.164, and 40.192. The proposed rulemaking will allow physical therapist (PT) students and physical therapist assistant (PTA) students to sit for the requisite examinations up to 90 days prior to graduation from their respective programs, and it will allow PTs and PTAs to receive a limited amount of continuing education credit for providing clinical instruction to student PTs and student PTAs at clinical facilities affiliated with accredited programs. Additionally, the proposed rulemaking will allow applicants to directly register for the national examination with the examination provider, by removing the requirement that the applicant first seek the Board’s permission. Lastly, it will allow applicants to sit for a third or successive examination, after two failures, without first seeking the Board’s permission.
The amendments will be effective upon notice or publication of the final-form rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin scheduled for January 27, 2024. The proposed regulation will be open for public comment upon publication, and comments will be accepted through February 26, 2024. Written comments, recommendations, or objections regarding this proposed rulemaking should be sent to Thomas M. Davis, Board Counsel, at P.O. Box 69523, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9523 or by email within 30 days of publication of this proposed rulemaking in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Please reference “Regulation No. 16A-6522 (Early Exam, CE for Clinical Instruction, and AAP)” when submitting comments. IRRC comments on the proposed regulation will be due by March 27, 2024.
Disability Scoop: How Do Co-Occurring Conditions Affect Those With Autism? Government Panel Wants To Know
Post-Gazette Editorial: Another Budget, Another Chance to Help PA’s Struggling Disability Care System
SIS-A Assessment Webinar on Feb. 7
Starting January 1, 2024, all SIS-A Assessments will be conducted using the Supports Intensity Scale-Adult® 2nd Edition. The Arc of PA is partnering with the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in hosting a webinar on February 7, 2024, from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. The webinar will educate individuals and families on the changes and enhancements to the SIS-A evaluation. Register here.
Shapiro-Davis Administration Announces School Safety and Security Grant
The Shapiro-Davis Administration has announced a $155M School Safety and Security Grant for K-12 schools, with a focus on mental health support, as part of the 2023/24 state budget. The grants cover noncompetitive School Mental Health Grants, formula-based School Safety and Security Meritorious Grants, and Competitive School Safety and Security Grants. To apply and access information, including eligibility criteria, visit PCCD’s School Safety and Security web page. The application period ends on February 29, 2024. The funds aim to address basic safety needs and mental health services, as outlined in the Committee’s Revised Baseline Criteria Standards. For inquiries, please contact PCCD staff. Funding is facilitated through House Bill 301 in the 2023/24 state budget. For any other questions, contact RCPA Mental Health Policy Director Jim Sharp.
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