Reminder: Feedback on Waiver and PROMISe Processes Due Monday, October 9
Senator Casey to Introduce HCBS Funding Bill
Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, the Chairman of the Special Committee on Aging, will be introducing new legislation on the floor of Senate titled “The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Relief Act of 2023.”
The HCBS Relief Act of 2023 would provide dedicated Medicaid funds to states for two years to stabilize their HCBS service delivery networks, recruit and retain HCBS direct care workers, and meet the long-term service and support needs of people eligible for Medicaid home and community-based services. States would receive a 10-point increase in the federal match (FMAP) for Medicaid for two fiscal years to enhance HCBS. Funds could be used to increase direct care worker pay, provide benefits such as paid family leave or sick leave, and pay for transportation expenses to and from the homes of those being served. The additional funds also can be used to support family caregivers, pay for recruitment and training of additional direct care workers, and pay for technology to facilitate services. The funds can help decrease or eliminate the waiting lists for HCBS in the states.
The HCBS Relief Act of 2023 will be introduced during the fourth week of October with a House companion bill expected to be released in the near future. Please join RCPA in supporting this critical piece of legislation to create a viable and sustainable pathway for HCBS.
If you have any questions, please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director.
SAMHSA Releases Updated CCBHC Quality Measures Guidance
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released updated guidance on the CCBHC Quality Measurements. The guidance provides revisions regarding monitoring of the demonstration project programs:
- Guidance for Quality Measure Transition Planning for Existing Section 223 Demonstration States and Clinics – Transition to Calendar Year as Measurement Year;
- Guidance for Quality Bonus Program Transition Planning for Existing Section 223 Demonstration States and Clinics – Transition to Calendar Year as Measurement Year; and
- Quality Measures for Behavioral Health Clinics Technical Specifications and Resource Manual Preliminary Version September 2023.
Additionally, SAMHSA has released a series of webinars and PowerPoints aimed at providing technical assistance for CCBHC providers, listed below:
- Preparing CCBHCs for Quality Measure Data Collection and Reporting — YouTube
- Quality Measurement as a Tool for Continuous Quality Improvement at Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC)
- Introducing Quality Measurement for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) and CCBHC-PDIs and CCBHC-IAs
If you have any questions or feedback, please contact RCPA Policy Director Jim Sharp.
Thank You to the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors!
As we make our final preparations for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity, we would like to showcase and take the opportunity to thank our sponsors and exhibitors! We encourage attendees to meet and get to know these organizations in our Connections Hall Wednesday, October 11 and Thursday, October 12. View the full list below, and thank you once again to everyone who supports our conference! We are excited to see you at the Hershey Lodge!
National Council Announces Webinar on Cost and Financing Strategies for CSC on October 30
Update on DEA & Ryan Haight Act Status
March for Mental Health Funding at the Harrisburg Capitol Today
Rep. Mike Schlossberg and RCPA MH Division Director Jim Sharp spoke at the RCPA/NAMI Keystone Pennsylvania March on Harrisburg for increased funding for mental health initiatives, living wages for mental health professionals, and equal health care access for all, 09-27-23.
Time is Running Out! Registration for RCPA’s 2023 Annual Conference Ends This Friday!
Time is running out for your chance to register for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity! Registration will be closing this Friday, September 29, 2023. Register today and claim your seat to view and participate in exciting, engaging, and educational workshops as well as learn from a wide-ranging group of plenary and keynote speakers. You will also have opportunities for networking, particularly in our Connections Hall, with attendees, speakers, sponsors, and exhibitors. Lastly, by registering today, you will ensure you gain access to the conference mobile app when it goes live, allowing you to create your schedule, engage with exhibitors, participate in our Connections Hall game for prizes, and more! View the registration brochure for full details, and note that hotel rooms are quickly filling, so if you have difficulties making your reservation, please contact Carol Ferenz. Register directly for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference today!
We also wish to extend our thanks to those organizations that have contributed and shown their support. View our full list of sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Hershey Lodge!
Mind Your Brain Foundation Announces Collaboration With RCPA Member Beechwood NeuroRehab at Nov. 4 Conference
Mind Your Brain Foundation recently announced they will join forces with Beechwood NeuroRehab, a brain injury provider who is part of the Woods System of Care that provides lifelong care to individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and critical mental health needs in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This collaboration will provide information on policy and advocacy at their conference on November 4, 2023, from 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.
This conference provides an opportunity for survivors, advocates, and providers to gain the skills they need to make a difference for the other 1.7 million people who sustain a traumatic brain injury annually through collaboration, information sharing, and education so that we can collectively become a more powerful voice to improve rehabilitation services to this community.
Please contact Louise Flaig at 215-756-4674 if you need wheelchair accessibility accommodations or if you have any questions relating to this event. Additional information can be accessed at Mind Your Brain Foundation’s website as well as the registration page.
Registration for RCPA’s 2023 Conference Ends This Friday! Register Today!
Registration for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity will be closing this Friday, September 29, 2023, so register today to reserve your seat! By registering, you will gain access to engaging workshops for CE credits, networking opportunities in Connections Hall, and live entertainment. When launched, the conference app will also become available, so you can create your schedule, engage with exhibitors, participate in our Connections Hall game for prizes, and more! View the registration brochure for full details, and note that hotel rooms are quickly filling, so if you have difficulties making your reservation, please contact Carol Ferenz. Register directly to claim your seat at the conference today!
We also wish to extend our thanks to those organizations that have contributed and shown their support. View our full list of sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website. We look forward to seeing everyone at the Hershey Lodge!
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