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Tags Posts tagged with "Funding"

Funding

ODP Announcement 22-043 provides information regarding the part of the Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) ARPA plan wherein providers can receive a one-time supplemental payment for technology-related activities that strengthen and enhance home and community-based services (HCBS). The following activities would be supported by this initiative:

  • Purchase of assistive and/or remote support technology;
  • Purchase and implementation of new software or technology for electronic health records;
  • Technology associated with improving quality or risk management functions;
  • Technology professional credentialing identified in ODP provider qualifications; and
  • Purchase of consultation services to enhance technological capabilities.

This initiative is designed to enhance HCBS by:

  • Replacing staff functions with the use of technology, allowing staff time to be directed to other care activities;
  • Providing individuals greater independence and choice using technology; and
  • Improving quality of care through implementation of solutions like electronic health records and integrated data solutions.

Supports Coordination Organizations: As part of the ODP ARPA plan, SCOs can receive a one-time supplemental payment for technology-related activities that enhance HCBS by:

  • Improving capacity to conduct remote monitoring of individuals;
  • Improving efficiency of Supports Coordinators, including maximizing time in the field;
  • Obtaining or enhancing secure inter-office communications; and
  • Implementing technology-dependent quality improvement strategies.

This announcement includes the Application for Providers and Application for Supports Coordination Organizations.

Tablet on a desk - Questions and Answers

ODP Announcement 22-040 shares that the questions and answers from the webinar the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) recently held to discuss the one-time supplemental payment available to address staff training, credentialing, and business associate programs for employment have been combined into a document for stakeholders.

The Q&A document includes all questions that were asked and answered during the webinar on April 4, 2022. Answers provide detail on what types of programs will be considered for ARPA funds. The document will be updated with any future questions and answers that are relevant to the distribution of funds through ARPA.

Stakeholders may email any questions not addressed.

Yesterday, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ (DDAP) Secretary Jen Smith virtually joined Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro, Butler County Commissioner and County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania Board Chairman Kevin Boozel, and Berks County Council on Chemical Abuse to discuss the incoming opioid settlement funding in Pennsylvania.

Read the press release.

On April 4, 2022, the Office of Developmental Programs presented a question and answer (Q&A) session on the use of ARPA funding in helping to increase staff qualifications, pay, and recruiting.

The recording of the session is now available. Also available are materials presented during the webinar and a transcription of the questions asked and answered.

Please note: No credit hours or certificates of attendance are being offered for viewing the recording.

Questions may be directed via email.

Lawmakers are hearing from us.

Since the governor unveiled his 2022/23 budget proposal in February, more than 3,327 individuals have contacted their local state senators and representatives urging them to address the workforce crisis affecting Pennsylvania’s human services sectors.

Now we want them to see us, too.

Our new video is airing on television in select markets and getting shared widely across social media channels. VISIT HERE to watch the TV spot.

April is a critical month for us. With budget hearings finished, the House and Senate are in session for only a few weeks before they take a break again to campaign for the May 17 primary election.

Make sure they hear from you today.

If you haven’t done so already, please reach out and urge lawmakers to increase funding to support human services professionals so individuals and families in need get the support and care they deserve. Ask your networks to do the same.

And be sure to share our video on your social media pages, too.

It’s so important for us to share the story about how this workforce crisis is affecting individuals and families in need, as well as the providers and professionals who want to serve them.

To share the video, check out our Facebook and Twitter pages where we have the videos posted. Be sure to “like” it and share it with your followers. Don’t forget to tag @directcareworks and use the #DirectCarePA and #PABudget hashtags so we can ensure as many people as possible see it.

Most importantly, TAKE ACTION TODAY. Tell lawmakers to increase funding to address the workforce crisis facing Pennsylvania’s health and human services.

Thank you for your continued support.

This announcement is to inform stakeholders of ARPA funds that are available to AEs to disperse in order to meet Respite and/or the Family Driven Support Services (FDSS) needs of individuals on the waiting list who do not currently receive waiver funded services. This communication is intended to:

  • Describe eligibility criteria for the use of these funds;
  • Describe eligible expenditures;
  • Describe responsibilities of counties in allocating funding; and
  • Describe reporting requirements.

An FAQ is included to address common questions about this program as well as a Family Support Funds tracker for reporting use of the funds.