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RCPA Requests Feedback on Waiver and PROMISe Processes
Final Reminder: Deadline for the 2023 ID/A Workforce Compensation Study is Today, Sept. 22!
RCPA members are encouraged to participate in the ID/A Workforce Compensation study conducted by and in collaboration with the Center for Healthcare Solutions. The Center for Healthcare Solutions performed the survey that we supported last year, as well. This study is being done jointly with several other statewide and regional associations, and we are hoping that providers across Pennsylvania will participate in order to provide adequate data for use in advocacy efforts to improve conditions for our workforce. This also presents an opportunity to have comparative data.
The scope of this survey and the report generated from it will address compensation practices for 46 positions, including Direct Support Professionals (DSP), supports coordinators, frontline supervisors, clinical positions, program specialists, facilities staff, and administrative personnel. It will also provide data on staff vacancies and turnovers that continue to impact care and services across Pennsylvania.
Any ID/A employer in Pennsylvania is eligible to participate in the survey and will receive the published report, which will also be provided to the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). As always, CFHS follows all FTC/DOJ guidelines to de-identify data and maintain confidentiality. If you are a member of multiple associations, you only need to complete the survey once.
Two files are included: the input form and the general instructions for filling out the input form. Completed surveys may be emailed to Steve Forest or uploaded via SFTP (information included in the instructions) by Friday, September 22. The published report is expected to be issued on Friday, October 6.
Additionally, the workshop to review the survey on Thursday, September 7 was recorded and can be viewed if you would like more information.
Steve Forest, MPH | Director, Data Analysis and Special Projects
Center for Healthcare Solutions (formerly the Healthcare Council of Western Pennsylvania)
11279 Perry Highway, Suite 505 | Wexford, PA 15090 (new address)
Phone: 878-217-1764 | Email
Reminder: Deadline for the 2023 ID/A Workforce Compensation Study is Sept. 22
RCPA members are encouraged to participate in the ID/A Workforce Compensation study conducted by and in collaboration with the Center for Healthcare Solutions. The Center for Healthcare Solutions performed the survey that we supported last year, as well. This study is being done jointly with several other statewide and regional associations, and we are hoping that providers across Pennsylvania will participate in order to provide adequate data for use in advocacy efforts to improve conditions for our workforce. This also presents an opportunity to have comparative data.
The scope of this survey and the report generated from it will address compensation practices for 46 positions, including Direct Support Professionals (DSP), supports coordinators, frontline supervisors, clinical positions, program specialists, facilities staff, and administrative personnel. It will also provide data on staff vacancies and turnovers that continue to impact care and services across Pennsylvania.
Any ID/A employer in Pennsylvania is eligible to participate in the survey and will receive the published report, which will also be provided to the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). As always, CFHS follows all FTC/DOJ guidelines to de-identify data and maintain confidentiality. If you are a member of multiple associations, you only need to complete the survey once.
Two files are included: the input form and the general instructions for filling out the input form. Completed surveys may be emailed to Steve Forest or uploaded via SFTP (information included in the instructions) by Friday, September 22. The published report is expected to be issued on Friday, October 6.
Additionally, the workshop to review the survey on Thursday, September 7 was recorded and can be viewed if you would like more information.
Steve Forest, MPH | Director, Data Analysis and Special Projects
Center for Healthcare Solutions (formerly the Healthcare Council of Western Pennsylvania)
11279 Perry Highway, Suite 505 | Wexford, PA 15090 (new address)
Phone: 878-217-1764 | Email
DDAP Releases Results From Workforce Climate Survey
The Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) recently conducted a comprehensive survey and listening session to assess the state’s substance use disorder (SUD) workforce. The Workforce Climate Survey results reveal a substantial workforce shortage, with 84% of the nearly 500 respondents citing it as a significant problem. The vacancy rate for SUD positions averaged 18%, with notable variations based on organization size and location. Larger, well-established non-profit organizations in metropolitan areas reported higher vacancy rates, and critical positions, such as counselors, nurses, entry-level professionals, and peer specialists, were particularly challenging to fill. Recruitment and retention issues were attributed to limited applicant pools and difficulties in offering competitive compensation.
The survey participants offered recommendations for both short and long-term solutions. These recommendations included increasing reimbursement rates, reducing education and experience requirements, alleviating paperwork burdens, and expanding student loan forgiveness and tuition reimbursement programs. In response to these findings, DDAP plans to use the survey data to inform its state plan, regulatory reform, and the allocation of opioid settlement funding. The department’s future efforts will focus on increasing the supply of addiction professionals, leveraging technology, addressing workforce distribution across the state, and enhancing workforce resilience to support Pennsylvania’s SUD workforce better and mitigate the ongoing overdose crisis.
ANCOR Shares Survey on Proposed Overtime Rule
RCPA Members Encouraged to Submit Comments and Complete Survey on Master Plan for Older Adults
On May 25, 2023, Governor Shapiro signed Executive Order 2023-09 — Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults. This Executive Order directs the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to lead the Master Plan for Older Adults, a state-led, stakeholder-driven, 10-year strategic planning resource that can help states transform their infrastructure and coordination of services for older adult and disability populations.
The Department of Aging has been leading stakeholder listening sessions and presenting at various venues across the state in order to gather input and comments that will support the development of the master plan. Visit here to see the dates and times of virtual listening sessions planned in September; included in these sessions is a PowerPoint presentation.
Members are encouraged to contribute what you think should be the plan’s priority goals, objectives, and initiatives to support the highest quality of life for older adults. Comments can be shared here, via email, or by mail to Pennsylvania Department of Aging c/o Master Plan, 555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
Members are also encouraged to complete the Needs Assessment Survey, which is designed to capture the experience of older adults and adults with disabilities. The survey will remain open until September 30, 2023.
IBHS Provider Survey Extended to September 22
The Mental Health Planning Council, under the direction of the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), has extended the survey on delivering Intensive Behavioral Health Services (IBHS) until September 22, 2023. Agencies may access the provider survey directly and view the flyer for more details. Feedback will be de-identified and compiled by the Family Satisfaction Team of Montgomery County to be shared with relevant stakeholders and survey participants.
RCPA, on behalf of our members and those they serve, continues our efforts advocating for children, families, and practitioners delivering IBHS services. We respectfully ask our members to share this survey with families they are currently serving. The information will be utilized to examine challenges and opportunities in creating more viable pathways to IBHS services. Feel free to also share this information with other providers in your network of stakeholders.
If you have questions, please contact Clare Higgins or RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
2023 ID/A Workforce Compensation Study Announced
RCPA members are encouraged to participate in the ID/A Workforce Compensation study conducted by and in collaboration with the Center for Healthcare Solutions described below. The Center for Healthcare Solutions performed the survey that we supported last year, as well. This study is being done jointly with several other statewide and regional associations, and we are hoping that providers across Pennsylvania will participate in order to provide adequate data for use in advocacy efforts to improve conditions for our workforce. This also presents an opportunity to have comparative data.
The scope of this survey and the report generated from it will address compensation practices for 46 positions, including Direct Support Professionals (DSP), supports coordinators, frontline supervisors, clinical positions, program specialists, facilities staff, and administrative personnel. It will also provide data on staff vacancies and turnover that continues to impact care and services across Pennsylvania.
Any ID/A employer in Pennsylvania is eligible to participate in the survey and will receive the published report, which will also be provided to the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs. As always, CFHS follows all FTC/DOJ guidelines to de-identify data and maintain confidentiality. If you are a member of multiple associations, you only need to complete the survey once.
Two files are included: the input form and the general instructions for filling out the input form. Completed surveys may be emailed to Steve Forest or uploaded via SFTP (information included in the instructions) by Friday, September 22. The published report is expected to be issued on Friday, October 6.
Additionally, a workshop has been scheduled for Thursday, September 7, at 10:00 am to review the survey and assist participants in its completion. To register for this workshop, please visit here.
Department on Aging Seeks Consumer Input
The University of Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvania-based partners are supporting the efforts of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, led by the Pennsylvania Department on Aging, to develop a Master Plan for Older Adults. Please circulate this survey on PA Aging and Disability Needs to your consumers and encourage them to complete it ASAP.
This project is being led by Dr. Howard B. Degenholtz and Dr. Steven Albert from the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health. Please use this link to share any questions or concerns you have about the process.
If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar.
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