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Policy Areas

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One of RCPA’s members has asked for member feedback, via a survey on chronic pain patients that are being seen for Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), to evaluate their eligibility to receive disability payments.

There are examples of where patients may not be physically able to return to their previous job, but would be able to perform other areas of work (more sedentary, less repetition, or other adaptations). However, many times these individuals continue to pursue disability because they do not know of, or have access to, other options.

We are curious if other members are providing FCEs for individuals applying for disability and if there are any return-to-work programs for individuals with chronic pain. Please complete this survey by Thursday, October 15, 2015, to have your responses included. Thank you for your participation.

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The Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF) has compiled the responses from the survey conducted on the Child Protective Services Law (CPSL). Many of the questions that were posed in response to the survey are answered through the following handouts, as well as on the state’s CPSL website. Members are strongly encouraged to review the website and handouts.

The OCYF is coordinating with Bureau of Human Services Licensing to host a webinar for providers in November, in order to address questions on CPSL and provide further clarification. Additional details for this webinar will be available in the near future. After your organization has reviewed the materials provided, please send any additional, unanswered questions you may have to Nicole Good at OCYF by Friday, October 9, 2015. These questions can then be addressed during the webinar.

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a revised inpatient rehabilitation facility patient assessment instrument (IRF PAI) training manual. The updated sections of the training manual are located on the IRF PAI web page under Downloads.

The revised training manual only covers the changes made to the IRF PAI, including:

  • Revisions to the language in the Table of Contents, Section 7: Comorbid Conditions and Section 11: Clarification of Terminology;
  • Section 2: Item-by-Item Coding Instructions;
  • Section 3: The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) – Revised Language;
  • Section 4: Quality Indicators – Revised Language; and
  • Section 6: ICD-10-CM Codes Related to Specific Impairment Groups – Updated to Reflect ICD-10 Codes.

The updated training manual becomes effective on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

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ODP Updates
The Office of Developmental Programs has released the following information:

  • Nominations for Community Rehabilitation Providers for Case Studies on Organizational Transformation; Institute for Community Inclusion is seeking nominations of community rehabilitation providers that have moved successfully through the change process that prioritizes integrated and competitive employment for individuals with IDD.
    Continue

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A national provider call focusing on the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation (IMPACT) Act of 2014 has been scheduled by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The call has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2015, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Agenda topics include:

  • Legislative requirements of the IMPACT Act related to the use of standardized data, quality measures, resource use, and other measures for Skilled Nursing Facilities, Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities, Long-Term Care Hospitals, and Home Health Agencies
  • Participation in the quality measure assessment and development process
  • Opportunities for stakeholder engagement and input

To participate in this call, providers must register. Space may be limited so early registration is recommended.

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On Friday (September 18), Stan Mrozowski informed RCPA staff and others that he had relinquished his position as Director of the Children’s Bureau at the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS). Dr. Mrozowski noted that “there have been discussions recently in the Department of Human Services about the role of the Bureau and the decision has been made to make a change.” In his farewell message, Stan noted that “I leave with immense satisfaction about the many accomplishments over the past 12 years during which I have been the Director of the Children’s Bureau. I have very few regrets – mostly only that we did not do even more to help children and families in the Commonwealth. I also leave with appreciation for having worked with so many fine people who truly care about youth and families. I will truly miss the friendship and the collegiality that has made the work so rewarding.” RCPA will follow up with OMHSAS leadership to explore and report on any other changes that are planned for their management of children’s behavioral health services in the future.

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The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office for Safe Schools has released a Request for Application for targeted grants to school entities to fund programs that address school violence; and to school entities and local municipalities to fund the training and compensation of school resource officers and school police officers.

Safe School Initiative Competitive Targeted Grant
The allocation is $2.6 million; the maximum individual grant will be $25,000. Submission period is Monday, September 14 to Thursday, October 15, 2015. The Center for Safe Schools offers consultation in comprehensive, district-wide school safety, violence prevention, emergency preparedness, and all-hazards plans, including revisions or updates to such plans and conducting emergency preparedness drills and related activities with local emergency responders. The center also provides training, consultation, and technical assistance in development and implementation of research-based violence prevention programs addressing risk factors to reduce incidents of problem behaviors among students; and training to undertake a district-wide assessment of risk factors that increase the likelihood of problem behaviors among students. Center staff are certified trainers in the following evidence- and research-based programs:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools;
  • I Can Problem Solve (an early elementary SEL program);
  • Lifelines (a suicide awareness, prevention, intervention, and postvention program);
  • Olweus Bullying Prevention Program;
  • Safe Dates (a teen dating violence prevention program); and
  • Supporting Students Exposed to Trauma.

School Resource Officer/School Police Officer Competitive Targeted Grant
The allocation is $3.9 million; maximum individual grant will be $60,000 for a school resource officer and $40,000 for a school police officer. Submission period is Monday, September 14 to Thursday, October 15, 2015. The Center for Safe Schools offers basic and advanced trainings for school security officers, school police officers, and school resource officers. For details on trainings and services eligible for this funding opportunity contact the center or 717-763-1661 ext. 164.

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