Direct Support Professionals Provide Critical, Compassionate Service as Foundation for PA’s Caring Workforce
DHS
Registration Opens for October 4 MLTSS Subcommittee Meeting
Registration is now open for the October 4, 2022, Managed Long-Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) Subcommittee meeting. The meeting will be held in person and will also offer participation via webinar. The meeting will take place at the PA Department of Education’s Honors Suite, 333 Market Street in Harrisburg, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Public comments will be taken after each presentation. Questions can be entered into the chat box during the presentations, and these questions will be asked at the end of each presentation. There will be an additional period at the end of the meeting for any additional public comments. If participants have any concerns about alternative methods for submitting questions or comments during a subcommittee meeting, including options when no internet access is available, please email DHS.
The Department of Human Services (DHS), Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) is using technology that allows individuals to participate in the webinar and listen through computer speakers instead of participating by dial-in. Dial-in will still be available if you do not choose to participate by webinar, but the number is no longer toll free.
To participate in the meeting via webinar, please register by visiting this link. We encourage those participating by webinar to register early. When registering, please verify that you entered your email address correctly. You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar if you registered correctly.
Dial-In Number: (914) 614-3221
Access Code: 803310710#
Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices Meeting on Suicide Prevention — Friday, October 21
Talking About Suicide Can Save Lives, Create Hope, and Break Stigma
DHS Plans Webinar Preparing for End of Public Health Emergency — October 24
The Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced that they are preparing for the end of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE). Included in this preparation is a webinar planned for October 24, 2022, at 2:30 pm. Register for the webinar at the link below:
https://padhs19.webex.com/padhs19/j.php?RGID=re51d9b2a4909630f736cfdbb2c6a0dad
When the PHE ends, DHS will resume closing Medicaid cases for ineligible recipients. DHS has stressed that they want all recipients that remain eligible to keep their coverage and complete their renewals in a timely manner. Providers can assist by making sure that they are prepared to aid the individuals to complete their renewal when it is due, now and after the PHE ends.
Now Available: Recording of the HCBS Rule and PA’s Statewide Transition Plan Overview Presentation
ODP Announcement 22-100 is to announce the release of the Home and Community-Based Services Rule and Pennsylvania’s Statewide Transition plan webcast. The recording of this presentation is now available.
Pennsylvania’s Final Statewide Transition Plan and information about how to provide public comment, including during webinars specific to the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Office of Developmental Programs, and Office of Long-Term Living, are available at the DHS website.
Recording From HCBS Rule & Statewide Transition Plan Overview Now Available
On August 22, 2022, the Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the availability of Pennsylvania’s Final Statewide Transition Plan (STP) for the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Rule for a 30-day public comment period. The announcement contained plans for DHS to record a presentation providing a general overview of the HCBS Rule and Pennsylvania’s Final Statewide Transition Plan to prepare stakeholders for public comment. The recording of this presentation is now available on the Home and Community-Based Services Statewide Transition Plan web page.
Pennsylvania’s Final Statewide Transition Plan and information about how to provide public comment, including during webinars specific to the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Office of Developmental Programs, and Office of Long-Term Living, are also available on the HCBS STP web page.
Monkeypox: What You Need to Know — Webinar August 31
Learn the facts about the symptoms, prevention, and what to do if you or someone where you work gets sick. This webinar will include presentations by leaders and clinicians from the Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Department of Health (DOH), as well provide an opportunity for Q&A.
Please forward the webinar invitation along to any other relevant stakeholders in your network. For those unable to attend live, a recording of the session will be made available.
Visit HERE to register for this webinar scheduled for Wednesday, August 31 at 1:00 pm. When registering for the event, you must fill out the registration information by clicking “Register” on the left side of your screen as shown below.
DHS Launches Web Page Detailing BH Commission for Adult Mental Health
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has launched a web page detailing the Behavioral Health Commission for Adult Mental Health. Among other information, the page includes a list of the 24 commissioners, dates for upcoming commission meetings (which are open to the public for both in-person and remote participation), and an email address for those interested in attending the meetings.
The commission will next meet at 1:00 pm, September 1, in Dauphin County at a location to be determined.
Act 54 of 2022 established the Behavioral Health Commission for Adult Mental Health as an interdisciplinary body comprised of leadership from state agencies, communities around Pennsylvania, and the behavioral health field as well as individuals with lived experience with behavioral health.
The legislature appropriated $100 million of American Rescue Plan Act funding for adult mental health programs. Per Act 54 of 2022, no funding shall be expended until enabling legislation is enacted by the General Assembly. The Commission shall produce a report with funding recommendations.
Open for Public Comment: PA’s Statewide Transition Plan for HCBS
ODP Announcement 22-092 announces that the Department of Human Services (Department) is accepting comments on Pennsylvania’s Final Statewide Transition Plan (STP) for Home and Community-Based Services, which can be accessed here. Comments received by 11:59 pm on September 22, 2022, will be reviewed and considered for revisions to Pennsylvania’s Final STP that will be submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
A webinar specific to STP Information for the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will be held on September 8, 2022, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Please register for the webinar.
Stakeholders may provide public comment through one of the following methods:
- Electronic comments submitted via email. Stakeholders are asked to use the subject header “PA Final STP” when submitting comments.
- Written comments submitted via mail: Department of Human Services, Office of the Secretary, P. O. Box 2675, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675.
- Verbal and written comments during public comment webinars.
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