State Employees Aiding Troubled Philly Elder Abuse Nonprofit
wolf administration
Gov. Tom Wolf Has Failed to Address The Collapse of Pa.’s Intellectual Disability System
Feds Approve PA’s Plan to Distribute More Than $1B in Pandemic Funds for Medicaid Services
Pa. Releases Plan for $1.2B in Stimulus Cash for Services for Medicaid Recipients
Excerpt from: Pennsylvania Capital-Star, Nov. 23, 2021
The Democratic Wolf administration says it wants to spend $1.2 billion in American Rescue Act funds to shore up home and community-based services offered through the state’s Medicaid program, all with an eye toward allowing more of the commonwealth’s residents to access services closer to home. On Monday, the administration dropped the formal details of a plan to direct the federal relief money toward seniors and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities; adults dealing with such behavioral health needs as substance abuse disorder or mental illness; and children with chronic and complex medical needs, the administration said in a statement.
In its statement, the administration said the money also would be used to pay for:
- Increasing access to home and community-based services;
- Providing necessary supplies to safely facilitate services;
- Additional trainings and learning opportunities through workforce support;
- Supporting families caring for their loved one;
- Improving functional capabilities of people with disabilities;
- Enhancing transitional supports; and
- Home and community-based services capacity building.
RCPA continues its discussions and advocacy with the Department of Human Services on spending priorities for human services, especially initiatives targeting rate structures and the workforce crisis.
Wolf Administration Establishes Interagency Substance Use Response Team
The Wolf Administration today announced creation of the Interagency Substance Use Response Team (ISURT), a new tool for collaboration across state government to combat the disease of addiction. ISURT replaces the Opioid Command Center (OCC), which was originally created under the governor’s opioid disaster declaration. In replacing the current OCC structure, this newly-established group will shift its focus from solely opioids to all SUDs due to the increase in polysubstance use, stimulant use, and additional SUDs emerging in Pennsylvania.
For more information, contact the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.
Wolf Administration Requires Masking in Schools, Early Learning and Child Care Settings
Work To Address Health Equity Across PA Continues As Wolf Admin Announces Interactive Map Analysis Tool
Wolf Administration Releases Vaccine Outreach Update
Today, Governor Wolf announced that Commonwealth employees in state health care facilities and high-risk congregate facilities will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 7, 2021. Individuals who are not vaccinated will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. Additionally, beginning September 7, 2021, all new external hires in these facilities must be vaccinated before commencing employment.
In addition to the ”vaccine or test” requirement, Governor Wolf announced a vaccine incentive for state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction. Starting October 1, 2021, all vaccinated state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction are eligible for an additional 7.5 or 8 hours paid time off. The Office of Administration will work with employees and agencies to develop a mechanism for employees to confirm proof of vaccination.
Currently, more than 63% of Pennsylvanians 18 and older are fully vaccinated, with the state ranking fifth among all 50 states for total doses administered. Members are encouraged to review the vaccine outreach letter to help in promoting vaccinations to those in your facilities. Additional free resources are available on the PA Unites Against COVID website.
Wolf Administration Will Not Require Pa. Students to Wear Masks in School Despite CDC Recommendation
Wolf Administration Outlines Guidance For Children Not Yet Eligible To Receive COVID-19 Vaccine And Their Families
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