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intellectual and developmental disabilities

ODP Bulletin 00-20-01 announces the release of the Chapter 6400 Regulatory Compliance Guide (RCG) (6400) for implementation starting February 3, 2020. This bulletin obsoletes and replaces the LII in its entirety with the 6400 RCG as the official Chapter 6400 interpretive guide.

The minimum requirements to operate a community home for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are established in 55 Pa.Code Ch. 6400 (relating to community homes for individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism).

The 6400 RCG is a companion piece to the Chapter 6400 regulations; it should be used along with the regulations, not instead of them. The explanatory information in 6400 RCG are not “new regulations” and do not create compliance requirements beyond the regulations as promulgated.

The 6400 RCG has been developed to provide clear explanations of the regulatory requirements of Chapter 6400 to assist providers ensure safe environments and effective services to individuals through regulatory compliance, and to help regulators protect individuals by conducting consistent and comprehensive inspections. It provides a detailed explanation of each regulatory requirement, including expectations for compliance, guidelines for measuring compliance, and the primary purpose for the requirement.

The practice of licensing and regulatory administration regularly results in the identification of previously unknown circumstances and situations that require clarification. Beginning with the release of this bulletin, the Department will collect, and review questions and comments received from providers, licensing staff, and other stakeholders about regulatory compliance that may require revisions to the 6400 RCG. The Department will use this information to modify the RCG and release an updated version of it on a biannual basis. Updated versions of the 6400 RCG will include a crosswalk document to highlight sections that have been modified since the last version.

Providers, stakeholders, and all other interested parties may send questions, comments, and recommendations relating to the 6400 RCG to the Department’s Regulatory Administration Unit at [email protected].

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites supports professionals, clinical professionals, individuals, and families to engage in three days of presentations focused on empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Throughout the event, over 25 professionals, experts, and pioneers will engage attendees in workshops, breakout sessions, panels, and keynote speeches. Topics include Supporting Families, Caring for Individuals with Complex Needs, Cultural Competence, Education, Future Planning, Self-Advocacy, Dual Diagnosis, and much more.

Discounted rates, as well as partial and full scholarships, will be available. The scholarship application will be released soon. If interested in applying for a scholarship, please submit your inquiry via email. For more information including the full event schedule visit the Everyday Lives website.

(From DHS)

08/27/2019

DHS Announces Time, Venue Changes for Polk, White Haven State Center Public Hearings

Harrisburg, PA – The Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced changes to the times and locations for the public hearings on the planned closure of Polk and White Haven State Centers.

“We heard the concerns from families, legislators, and stakeholders about time of day and location for the hearings, and we want as many interested people as possible to be able to attend these hearings,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller. “We are committed to hearing from the community, and these hearings will give affected individuals, advocates, and stakeholders to the opportunity to formally raise concerns and share their perspectives to inform the transition process.”

Under Act 3 of 1999, DHS is required to hold public hearings within 30 days of announcing plans to close a facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Comments offered at these hearings will guide DHS during the transition process and help DHS understand resources and options that will need to be available to residents and families during the transition.

The hearings are now scheduled for:

·  Polk State Center – Monday, September 9, 5 p.m. – Atlantic Avenue Church, 160 Atlantic Ave., Franklin, PA – updated start time

·   White Haven State Center – Thursday, September 12, 5 p.m. – St. Patrick’s Church, 411 Allegheny St, White Haven, PA 18661 – updated start time and location

A toll-free hotline has been established for family members of Polk and White Haven residents who have questions during the closure process. Family members will be able to speak with staff from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 1.888.565.9435 or by email at [email protected].

For more information regarding services for people with intellectual disabilities and the closures, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: Erin James – 717-425-7606

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced that the current agreement with Ascend, A MAXIMUS Company for the administration of SIS assessments to individuals who receive ID/A services, will expire on September 30, 2018. In order to provide uninterrupted needs assessment services, ODP will be utilizing KEPRO to administer the SIS assessments beginning October 1, 2018. KEPRO will be utilized on an interim basis until ODP is able to finalize a procurement for needs assessment services.

KEPRO will begin contacting individuals and respondents to schedule SIS assessments starting in August 2018. Ascend will continue to schedule and administer assessments through September 30, 2018. KEPRO will be holding in-person informational sessions at multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania in the near future.

KEPRO can be reached via email. If you have any questions regarding this announcement, please email them here.