OMHSAS Highlights Telehealth Funding For Small Organizations
DHS
OCYF Updates PA Family First Prevention Services Act Plan
Amendments to the ODP Waivers Submitted to CMS
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is informing all interested parties of the submission of the Consolidated, Community Living, Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS), and Adult Autism Waiver amendments to CMS. The waiver amendments are available on the Department of Human Services (DHS) website. It is anticipated that the amendments will be effective November 1, 2023.
Please review the announcement for additional information and details.
PA HHS-Related Secretaries Outline Funding That Cannot be Disbursed Without Signed Budget
The Secretaries of the Department of Human Services, Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Department of Health, and Department of Aging have written a letter to human services organizations about the budget impasse and an estimated $5.9 billion in planned state and federal funding that cannot be disbursed without a signed budget. The letter details specific funds that cannot be distributed through each department.
For Gov. Shapiro to sign HB 611, the General Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2023/24, which was passed by both the House and Senate, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward must first deliver a signed physical copy of the bill to him. Sen. Ward is the only person with the power to call the Senate into session to complete this procedural step. Ward has adjourned the Senate until Sept. 18, 2023.
Read the full letter here.
Student Class Creation Walkthrough for Med Admin Trainers — August 1
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) shared that, after August 1, 2023, trainers will be able to create their own Student and Practicum Observer classes on the Med Admin platform. The class creation request form will no longer be used after this date. Starting on August 2, 2023, trainers will create their own classes as needed and will no longer request class creation via the help desk. To learn about class creation, DHS will be hosting a training webinar on August 1 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm. This training is required for all Med Admin Trainers, as it will provide a walkthrough on how to create your own classes in the new system.
Register for the webinar here.
DHS Seeks Survey Feedback Regarding Plan of Correction Webinar & Resources
The Department of Human Services (DHS) recognizes that the corrective action process is a cornerstone of human services licensing. In 2019, the Department released a webinar, Developing a Plan of Correction, to assist providers with the successful development and implementation of acceptable Plans of Correction. Likewise, the Plan of Correction Quick Reference Guide was issued as a tool to assist our providers with this process.
The Department is seeking your feedback on these resources. Please complete this survey by July 26, 2023, in order to assist DHS in determining what additional steps are needed to ensure that our providers are sufficiently educated and supported in the Plan of Correction process.
If you have further questions, please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director for guidance.
July 20 RCPA GA Committee Meeting Cancelled; Budget Overview Provided
Self-Determination Housing of PA Releases Quarterly Newsletter
Dr. Val Arkoosh Takes Office As Secretary Of The Department Of Human Services
DHS Issues Children’s Providers Survey on Insurance Coverage
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) have put a survey together to try to gain an understanding of the insurance market for both foster care and childcare providers. Both agencies have heard about difficulties experienced by these providers in finding insurance coverage, coupled with the rising cost of insurance for foster care and childcare. You can also read the letter from Acting DHS Secretary Valerie Arkoosh as well as Acting Commissioner of the PA Insurance Department Michael Humphrey, which outlines the importance of completing the survey. Complete the survey here.
Please share this survey where you feel appropriate, and reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. This survey will close Monday, July 31, 2023. Feel free to contact PID’s Caolinn Martin or DHS’ Jameekia Barnett with questions regarding the survey. If you have any additional questions, please contact RCPA MH Policy Director Jim Sharp.
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