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Policy Areas

Senior woman with her caregiver at home

House Resolution (HR) 165, which was introduced by Representative Kim, directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to conduct a study on the effect of workforce shortages on State-supported Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs as well as the PA lottery-funded OPTIONS programs in the state. If the Resolution passes, LBFC will have 7 months to conduct the study. RCPA will keep members apprised on the status of the resolution.

Time is running out for your chance to register for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity! Registration will be closing this Friday, September 29, 2023. Register today and claim your seat to view and participate in exciting, engaging, and educational workshops as well as learn from a wide-ranging group of plenary and keynote speakers. You will also have opportunities for networking, particularly in our Connections Hall, with attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Lastly, by registering today, you will ensure you gain access to the conference mobile app when it goes live, allowing you to create your schedule, engage with exhibitors, participate in our Connections Hall game for prizes, and more! View the registration brochure for full details, and note that hotel rooms are quickly filling, so if you have difficulties making your reservation, please contact Carol FerenzRegister directly for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference today!

We also wish to extend our thanks to those organizations that have contributed and shown their support. View our full list of sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Hershey Lodge!

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved ODP’s proposal to expand funding made available to Administrative Entities (AE) and Counties to support individuals and families on the waiting list. This will allow for the pursuit of innovative strategies to provide alternatives to Community Participation Support (CPS) services. Please read the announcement for full details.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has clarified that providers of Small Group Employment and Benefits Counseling are eligible for the previously-announced Expansion and Recovery Funds. Originally, providers were told these services were not eligible for the funding. Providers who have already submitted their application may want to consider sending an additional request if they did not include small group employment.

You can view the original announcement here. Eligible providers who are interested in receiving these supplemental payments must complete the application and submit it to Rick Smith by September 30, 2023.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced a Statewide Quarterly Positive Approaches & Practices Virtual Meeting on October 12, 2023. It will be held from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm and will be regarding “Navigating Crisis Intervention in Human Services.” View the flyer for complete details.

This is a reminder that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) shared an announcement that provides eligible providers with the application to receive supplemental funds as part of the ongoing systemic recovery of services for people with an intellectual disability and autism. You can view the announcement here. Eligible providers who are interested in receiving these supplemental payments must complete the application and submit it to Rick Smith by September 30, 2023.

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

Mind Your Brain Foundation recently announced they will join forces with Beechwood NeuroRehab, a brain injury provider who is part of the Woods System of Care that provides lifelong care to individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and critical mental health needs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This collaboration will provide information on policy and advocacy at their conference on November 4, 2023, from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.

This conference provides an opportunity for survivors, advocates, and providers to gain the skills they need to make a difference for the other 1.7 million people who sustain a traumatic brain injury annually through collaboration, information sharing, and education so that we can collectively become a more powerful voice to improve rehabilitation services to this community.

Please contact Louise Flaig at 215-756-4674 if you need wheelchair accessibility accommodations or if you have any questions relating to this event. Additional information can be accessed at Mind Your Brain Foundation’s website as well as the registration page.

Registration for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity will be closing this Friday, September 29, 2023, so register today to reserve your seat! By registering, you will gain access to engaging workshops for CE credits, networking opportunities in Connections Hall, and live entertainment. When launched, the conference app will also become available, so you can create your schedule, engage with exhibitors, participate in our Connections Hall game for prizes, and more! View the registration brochure for full details, and note that hotel rooms are quickly filling, so if you have difficulties making your reservation, please contact Carol FerenzRegister directly to claim your seat at the conference today!

We also wish to extend our thanks to those organizations that have contributed and shown their support. View our full list of sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Hershey Lodge!