Technology Today — ODP Technology Taskforce October 2022 Newsletter Out Now
ODP
ODP Announcement: New Required Provider Qualification (PQ) Training
ODP Announcement 22-108 has been issued to announce that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is adding a new provider qualification to the Consolidated, Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers for residential services. All provider staff who will spend any time alone with a participant during the provision of residential services must complete a “Department approved training on the common health conditions that may be associated with preventable deaths in people with an intellectual or developmental disability.”
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) anticipates that the new qualification requirement will become effective between mid-October and late December of 2022 based on feedback from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This guidance is being released prior to CMS approval of the Consolidated and Community Living waiver renewals and the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) amendment to give providers sufficient time to implement this new requirement.
This applies to provider staff that are direct employees of an agency, contracted employees of an agency, or volunteers. A list of Department approved trainings to meet this requirement is available here.
This page lists each organization with currently approved training(s). The approved training(s) that must be completed for the organization are listed next to the “details” bullet underneath the organization. To meet the qualification requirement, staff are required to complete approved training(s) through one of the organizations listed. Provider staff hired before the effective date of the waiver changes must complete the required training no later than three months after the effective date of the waiver changes. Provider staff hired on or after the effective date of the waiver changes must complete the required training before working alone with an individual. For purposes of this requirement, a provider staff is “working alone” when they are not in the line of sight of other persons who have received Department-approved training.
For current providers, AEs or ODP (for the AAW) will verify that residential services staff received the required training the next time the provider goes through the requalification process.
Questions relating to this announcement may be directed to the ODP Provider Qualification Unit for Consolidated and Community Living Waiver providers. Adult Autism Waiver providers should send questions to BSASP Provider Enrollment.
Behavioral Health Telehealth Services for Individuals With ID/A Town Hall — November 7
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are hosting a Town Hall focused on Behavioral Health Telehealth Services for individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism (ID/A).
The Town Hall will provide an overview of the Telehealth for ID/A project and opportunities for engagement, including details on future stakeholder focus groups. The meeting will also host breakout rooms to gather stakeholder feedback on the benefits and barriers of telehealth for individuals with ID/A.
This is an opportunity for you to assist the Commonwealth by providing feedback on how telehealth works for you or someone you care about and giving suggestions for broadening and improving the service for the ID/A population.
We look forward to seeing you at the Town Hall. However, if you cannot make it, maybe you know someone else who can. Please feel free to forward this invitation to other interested parties. Please register for the meeting using the link below.
Register for the November 7, 2022 Town Hall
Note: If you are experiencing issues accessing the link, try right clicking the link, selecting “Copy Link,” and pasting the link into your browser. If the problem persists, try a different browser.
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Spending Deadline Extended
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has extended the deadline for providers and Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) to utilize the one-time funds made available through ARPA. This had been discussed at RCPA’s recent IDD Committee meeting, and Deputy Secretary Ahrens appreciated the feedback. The deadline to spend the funds has been moved to March 31, 2025.
Please see ODP Announcement 22-107 for details.
DHS ALERT — Civil Rights Regulatory Compliance Update
Immediate Action Required for Regulatory Compliance – Please Read Carefully
The Department of Human Services (DHS) is providing a critical update to those providers who hold a license to operate a facility licensed by DHS. On August 18, 2022, DHS and RCPA released an alert regarding changes in how licensed agencies provide information related to civil rights compliance. Since that time, DHS has received several questions and is providing further clarification.
- When sending the CRC form or the CRC attestation form, please send it as a PDF. Please do NOT send as a secure file, secure email, or link to a secure portal to retrieve the document. We are unable to access those forms, and they will be returned. When emailing the forms for submission:
- Use the following naming convention in the subject line when submitting Renewal HS2125:
- Attestation – Program Office – Name of Facility or Agency – License number or APP number if assigned
- Examples:
- Attestation – OCYF – Apple Agency Home – 123450
- Attestation – ODP – Apple Agency – APP-00123456
- Examples:
- Attestation – Program Office – Name of Facility or Agency – License number or APP number if assigned
- Use the following naming convention in the subject line when submitting a new application HS2126:
- New – Program Office – Type of Service – Name of Facility or Agency
- Examples:
- New – BHSL – PCH – Apple Personal Care Home
- New – ODP – Life Sharing – Apple Agency – APP-00223456
- Examples:
- New – Program Office – Type of Service – Name of Facility or Agency
- Use the following naming convention in the subject line when submitting Renewal HS2125:
- In the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), there are providers who have one license that cover multiple locations. In this case, you only need to submit one form (either the HS2125 or the HS2126) and list the addresses of each satellite site/location that falls under that license.
- If in the past, you completed the Civil Rights Compliance Questionnaire (CRCQ) annually, as part of the renewal license process, you will need to complete the Civil Rights Attestation (HS2125) when you receive your next notice to complete the renewal application process.
- If you have a current license, your CRC was approved. You will need to complete the Civil Rights Attestation (HS2125) when you receive your next notice to complete the renewal application process.
- For Assisted Living and Personal Care Home providers, when submitting the renewal application for a license, the renewal application, the renewal application fee, and the Attestation (HS2125) must be sent in hard copy in one envelope to Licensing Administration in Harrisburg, as noted on the cover letter of the renewal application packet.
- Please ensure that the “Non-Discrimination in Employment” policy statement and the “Non-Discrimination in Services” policy statement issued by your facility contain updated contact information (as indicated below). If this administrative update is the only change that has occurred since the facility’s last license was issued, it is not necessary to provide updated copies to the Department as part of Form HS 2125.
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Department of Human Services
BEO/Office of Civil Rights Compliance
Room 225, Health & Welfare Building
P.O. Box 2675 Harrisburg, PA 17120
Inquiries: (717) 787-1127
Email
Office for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centralized Case Management Operations 200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Room 509F HHH Bldg
Washington, D.C. 20201
Customer Response Center: (800) 368-1019 TDD: (800) 537-7697
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
801 Market Street, Suite 1000
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3126
Inquiries: (800) 669-4000
Complaint Process Overview
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
333 Market Street, 8th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
Inquiries: (717) 787-4410
OVR Section 511 Career Information and Referral Sessions
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in sharing an informational flyer from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). The flyer explains the purpose of OVR’s Section 511 Career Information and Referral Sessions for individuals who are working in or seeking jobs that pay subminimum wage.
With $14 Million Federal Grant, Wolf Administration to Support More People With Disabilities in Competitive, Integrated Employment
Message from the Department of Human Services (DHS):
Harrisburg, PA — Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier and Department of Human Services (DHS) Acting Secretary Meg Snead today announced the Wolf Administration’s goal of using a $14 million federal grant to help Pennsylvanians with disabilities earning subminimum wage transition to competitive, integrated employment.
“Individuals with disabilities contribute their valuable skills, talents, time, energy and perspectives to Pennsylvania’s dynamic economy every day in professions and industries as diverse as our population. They deserve the same protections as all other workers, including the right to earn at least minimum wage for their work,” Secretary Berrier said. “The Wolf Administration will use this funding to help individuals with disabilities and their families learn about and take advantage of opportunities in competitive, integrated employment. There can and should be a role for everyone who wants to and is able to work, and we are grateful to those employers who have already committed to providing competitive, integrated employment.”
Pennsylvania is one of 14 states to receive grant awards from the federal Department of Education for the Subminimum Wage to Competitive Integrated Employment (SWTCIE) demonstration project. L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and DHS’s Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will use the funding to develop a five-year plan to support Pennsylvanians with disabilities in transitioning out of subminimum-wage employment — including more than 5,400 people who currently work in “sheltered workshops,” most of whom have intellectual disabilities or autism — as well as students and youth with disabilities seeking to enter competitive, integrated employment (CIE).
“There can be an end to the subminimum wage exception for individuals with disabilities, but it is incumbent on all of us to make that happen. Workplaces should examine their policies to see which ones are outdated or intentionally or unintentionally discriminating against individuals with disabilities,” said Acting Secretary Snead. “Pennsylvanians with intellectual disabilities and autism are vital members of our society and of our workforces, and DHS is proud to support opportunities to help them find gainful competitive integrated employment. We are grateful to the federal government for this grant so we can continue this work.”
The practice of paying individuals with disabilities subminimum wage is legal under Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, a federal law. In September 2020, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights called for an end to subminimum wage in a report, saying that the program has been “inconsistent with the civil rights protections to which people with disabilities are entitled.” To date, several states have, or are in the process of, ending subminimum wage for people with disabilities or are in the process of phasing it out.
The federal grant will fund Pennsylvania’s Integrated Vocational Engagement and Supports Team (InVEST) Project, a wraparound model for assisting individuals with disabilities — including those considering or currently engaged in employment at subminimum wage — their families and employers, to move from subminimum wage employment to competitive, integrated employment.
The project aligns with the commonwealth’s Employment First philosophical approach that CIE be the first and preferred option and will enhance the commonwealth’s existing network of community rehabilitation service providers by allocating additional resources for staff who will work directly with CIE employers proactively engaged in supporting employees with disabilities and creating a culture of accommodation for all employees. These employer liaisons and employment specialists will be embedded with CIE employers to support employees with disabilities, facilitate communication, create a smooth hiring process, and provide on-the-job supports to ensure success. An interdisciplinary and collaborative resource team will anticipate and respond to the SWTCIE participants’ employment-related needs.
The Wolf Administration encourages all employers to consider learning more about this topic and becoming involved in Employment First, which requires any group receiving public funding to ensure that employment is the main focus for education, training, or support services for anyone with a disability who is eligible to work. Employers can explore opportunities to enhance their workforce by hiring people with disabilities who are invaluable members of our communities, workforce, and economy.
Reminder: IDD SCO Subcommittee Meeting Thursday, October 6, 2022
As a reminder, the SCO Subcommittee will meet next Thursday, October 6, 2022, from 9:15 am – 12:00 pm. We are honored to have Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens and Lauren House from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) joining us at this meeting. We hope to have an interactive discussion on the role of Supports Coordination Organizations in the ODP system.
If you haven’t already registered, please do so here. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Ferenz.
Registration Now Open for “Facilitating a Seamless Transition to Adulthood” Webinar Series
Facilitating a Seamless Transition to Adulthood: Practical Information You Can Use Right Now!
Part 1 Date: September 29, 2022, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET
Part 2 Date: October 17, 2022, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET
Part 3 Date: November 10, 2022, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm ET
There is a job for everyone who wants one, regardless of disability, need for support, or economic vitality of their community. The culmination of public education for all youth with disabilities should be productive and meaningful careers — not just for some youth, or most youth, but all youth.
This 3-part webinar series will highlight key strategies to establish interagency teams, clarify roles and responsibilities, improve engagement of families and employers, and facilitate individualized work experiences in the community.
Special educators and administrators, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, employment specialists, advocates and families are encouraged to attend to learn how to apply the tenants of seamless transition and promote successful futures for people with disabilities. Participants will receive access a set of tools essential to effective implementation of meaningful work experiences.
Seeking CEUs?
Are you a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor or Certified Employment Support Professional seeking CEUs to renew your certification?
Then look no further! Our webinars closely align with both CESP and CRCC continuing education requirements.
Certificate of Completion for CEU self-submission is available through TransCen Online!
Medication Administration Standard Student Courses Now Open
ODP Announcement 22-104 is to inform all interested parties that Trainers are now able to administer new classes and students are able to register in the new Medication Administration platform. This announcement contains instructions for requesting a student class, viewing the gradebook, the structure of the student courses, marking manual grades, and accessing the Acknowledgement of Qualification.
A link to the recording and PDF for the Medication Administration Student Course Overview for Trainers webinar, which was held on September 8, 2022, from 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm, is included.
The new Medication Administration platform is now available here.
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