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Physical Disabilities & Aging

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RCPA will be hosting our golf outing to support the RCPA PAC on Monday, October 9, 2023, in conjunction with the Annual Conference. Conference attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and presenters can now register to participate at the Dauphin Highlands Golf Course, 650 S Harrisburg St., Harrisburg, PA 17113. Registration starts at 10:00 am, lunch will be held at 11:00 am, and the shotgun start begins at 12:00 pm.

Not a golfer, but would still like to support the RCPA PAC? For your convenience, you can now make a personal online contribution, which will provide financial support to state legislators or representatives who have demonstrated a strong, consistent, and positive interest in our legislative priorities.

We would like to thank our tournament sponsor Erie County Care Management, Inc. for their support. Sponsorships are still available for this worthwhile cause. We hope you will consider becoming a golf outing sponsor; it is a great way for your organization to receive name recognition and an opportunity to support the RCPA fundraiser.

Many thanks to our beverage & hole sponsors to date:

  • Novak Strategic Advisors
  • Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
  • Warfel Construction
  • Firetree, Ltd.
  • Christopher S. Lucas & Associates
  • Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy
  • Pinnacle Treatment Centers, Inc.
  • Salisbury Behavioral Health, a division of RHA Health Services

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Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a short, animated explainer video, “Social Determinants of Health Items: Determining When a Proxy Response is Allowed,” for inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF), home health (HH), and long-term care hospital (LTCH) providers. CMS developed this video to assist providers in accurately determining when the use of a proxy response is allowed for the following Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) items: A1005. Ethnicity, A1010. Race, A1110. Language, A1250. Transportation, B1300. Health Literacy, and D0700. Social Isolation.

If you have questions about accessing the resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Inbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to the HH QRP Help Desk, IRF QRP Help Desk, or the LTCH QRP Help Desk.

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HARRISBURG, Pa. (August 14, 2023) — Goodwill Keystone Area today announced the appointment of Drew Iwaskow as Chief People Officer, a new strategic leadership role that will oversee multiple functions within the organization.

As Chief People Officer, Iwaskow will focus on enhancing the hiring process, improving employee retention rates, fostering ongoing employee development and driving overall growth within Goodwill Keystone Area’s workforce. He will oversee Goodwill’s Employee Relations, Benefits Compensation, and Training and Organizational Development teams, and also direct the organization’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives.

“With more than 25 years of extensive experience leading human resources across corporate functions and field operations, Drew brings a wealth of expertise to this vital role,” Goodwill Keystone Area President and CEO Ed Lada said. “His proven track record in human resources leadership, coupled with his commitment to building inclusive workplaces, will be critical in driving the organization’s continued success.”

Prior to joining Goodwill Keystone Area, Iwaskow served as Vice President of Human Resources at Dollar Tree Corp. where he led the organization’s human capital strategies that resulted in dynamic and inclusive work environments. Previous roles included Executive Vice President of Human Resources at Tailored Brands (Men’s Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank), Vice President of Marketplace Human Resources at Toys “R” Us, and human resources leadership positions at PetSmart, Party City and Staples.

Iwaskow holds a master’s degree in organizational behavior, systems and analytics from New York University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Alliance University.

About Goodwill Keystone Area

Goodwill Keystone Area serves 22 counties in central and southeastern Pennsylvania. As a nonprofit, revenue generated from the sale of donated goods in its retail stores and online auction site directly supports Goodwill’s mission to advance sustainability so that individuals and families can thrive and flourish. Goodwill fulfills this mission by recycling donations into training, paychecks and careers. Additionally, as America’s original recycler, environmental sustainability has been central to Goodwill’s mission since its founding. To learn more, visit yourgoodwill.org.

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During a recent Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provider call, a number of issues and concerns were raised specific to AmeriHealth Caritas/Keystone to the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) staff. OLTL decided to schedule a call with staff from AmeriHealth Caritas/Keystone and providers that utilize them as their Community HealthChoices (CHC) Managed Care Organization (MCO). Some of the topics to be discussed include the CHC-MCO scorecard, timeliness and length of time for authorizations, terminations, and issues about HHA.

The call is scheduled for August 23, 2023, from 9:00 am – 10:00 am. To join in this discussion, the call information is provided below:

Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Visit here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 250 176 587 490
Passcode: GJwBmd
Download Teams | Join on the web

Or Call In (Audio Only)
+1 267-332-8737,,463224577#   United States, Philadelphia
Phone Conference ID: 463 224 577#
Find a local number | Reset PIN

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The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has published the 2023 Data Book Health Care Spending and the Medicare Program, which provides information on national health care and Medicare spending as well as Medicare beneficiary demographics, dual-eligible beneficiaries, quality of care in the Medicare program, and Medicare beneficiary and other payer liability. It also examines provider settings — such as hospitals and post-acute care — and presents data on Medicare spending and beneficiaries’ access to care in the setting (measured by the number of beneficiaries using the service, number of providers, volume of services, length of stay, or through direct surveys). Specifically of interest is information on dual-eligible beneficiaries, including individuals with disabilities, and information on alternative payment models.

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Summer is flying by, and so, too, is the opportunity for early bird registration rates for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity! Early bird rates end Friday, September 8, so be sure to register today and claim your seat, your hotel room, and your discount! View the full brochure for details as well as information on our roster of workshops, keynote speakers, and plenary sessions. You’ll be able to earn CEs from workshops such as:

  • Getting Past the First Meeting to the Contract Negotiation
    • Learn how to present a solution in health and human services to health plan payors based on what the payor needs and looks for.
  • Bridging Generational Differences in the Workplace
    • Explore the generational diversity in your workforce and how to leverage each generation’s strengths to your competitive advantage.
  • Transforming Organizational Wellness and Self-Advocacy Through an Evidenced-Based Practice: Improving the Lives of Employees and Individuals in Our Care
    • Identify the benefits of and methods for implementing a wellness program to improve employee wellness and support consumers and families served in MH/IDA.
  • Revealing the Potential of Smart Home Technologies for People With Disabilities Through Research and Resources
    • Examine smart home technologies, their uses for people with disabilities, and the expanding field of research and resources for the tech.
  • Our HAIR (Health Access Initiative for Recovery): Making a Difference With Health Equity
    • Listen to an in-depth overview of Community Care’s “Our HAIR” program, which was developed as a targeted intervention to address racial disparities in access to behavioral health care.
  • Implementing and Sustaining Evidence-Based Practices
    • Develop evidence-based practices for childhood trauma via CenClear’s Healing After Trauma program.
  • Selective Contracting or Managed Care: Either One Will Change Your World
    • Learn about the impact selective contracting and managed long-term services & supports will have on the IDD community.
  • Findings on Stakeholder Engagement for the PA Master Plan for Older Adults
    • Discuss what the Master Plan is intended to accomplish and learn of preliminary findings from the stakeholder engagement process.
Register today!

In addition to an impressive roster of speakers, our 2023 Conference will have an exciting array of sponsors and exhibitors. We thank those who have signed on thus far! If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, visit here for more details or contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, with any questions you may have. Keep up-to-date and register today for #rcpaconf!

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The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) has announced that they will host four virtual listening sessions to present an overview of the Master Plan for Older Adults, with a concentration on the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) 8 Domains of Livability for Age-Friendly Communities. The dates and times for the virtual listening sessions are:

  • August 8, 2023, from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm;
  • August 17, 2023, from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm;
  • August 22, 2023, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am; and
  • August 25, 2023, from 8:30 am – 10:00 am.

To participate in a listening session, registration is required. Visit here to register.

The 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) will also host in-person listening sessions, where the public can learn about the plan and submit input. Visit here to find a listening session by county.

Visit the PDA website for additional information on the plan. Individuals who would like to submit input on the plan can email, provide feedback through an online form, or mail the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, c/o Master Plan, 555 Walnut St., 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

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For those in health and human services, keeping up-to-date with the latest in payment, treatment, and worker recruitment methods is essential. At the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity, you’ll have access to workshops that both highlight and educate on the latest developments in the field, including the use of AI, selective contracting, and telehealth. Our full brochure is available, and you can expect to see workshops such as the following:

  • Guiding the Use of Evidence-Based Practice to Drive Improved Quality Outcomes Across Levels of Care
    • Examine the use of evidence-based practices and the outcomes of value-based payment programs with the PA Opioid Use Disorder Centers of Excellence.
  • Recruitment and Retention of Front Line Workers
    • Focus on the HR challenges of recruiting and retaining workers by reviewing why workers are leaving and analyzing what HR can do to meet goals.
  • Preparing Your Organization’s Infrastructure for Selective Contracting for IDD Providers
    • Define what a preferred IDD provider is when it comes to selective contracting and discuss how to prepare for transitioning your organization’s infrastructure.
  • Not If But When You Use AI and Machine Learning – But is the AI Trustworthy? Some Things to Look For
    • Discuss AI use in the health and human services field in order to make informed decisions for your organization.
  • Connecting Through Movement: Bringing Accessible and Enjoyable Movement Experiences Into the Home and Community
    • Explore ways of staying physically active in community settings with home-based, telehealth methods.
  • A Brief Multi-Disciplinary Intervention for Supporting Adults With IDD and Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
    • Analyze the use of the ANSA-DD for holistic intervention and treatment for those with IDD and co-occurring mental health conditions.
  • Community Partnerships That Work: Community Mental Health Centers – School Districts
    • Identify the strengths in collaboration when school districts, community mental health agencies, and their communities work together to assist families struggling with violence and trauma.
  • Leadership and Navigating Change
    • Tackle resistance in a team that is going through significant adjustments and learn how to be a leader by focusing on the ‘people side’ of change.
Register today!

In addition to an impressive roster of speakers, our 2023 Conference will have an exciting array of sponsors and exhibitors. We thank those who have signed on thus far! If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting, visit here for more details or contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, with any questions you may have. Keep up-to-date and register today for #rcpaconf!

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Photo by Markus Winkler from Pexels

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Step By Step, Inc. Launches Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR) Services in Lewistown and Huntingdon

Step By Step is pleased to announce the official launch of two Community Residential Rehabilitation (CRR) services in Lewistown and Huntingdon. This milestone represents a significant advancement in the agency’s commitment to providing essential mental health support to individuals in need.

Lesley Corey, ​Chief Operating Officer at Step By Step, expressed her satisfaction, stating, “We are excited to take this significant step forward in our mission to offer vital mental health support to individuals within our community who require it the most. Our team has worked tirelessly to transition these services to our agency, and we are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve. The need for accessible and compassionate mental health care has never been greater, and we are honored to be able to fill this gap in the regions of Lewistown and Huntingdon.”

CRR services are designed to support individuals in their pursuit of wellness and recovery. The service provides transitional housing and support for adults ages 18+ with mental health disorders. In engaging, home-like residences, individuals develop the skills, habits, and confidence necessary to continue on their personal journeys of recovery and growth and ultimately transition to the living arrangement of their choice. Step By Step’s team of dedicated professionals provides comprehensive coaching and practical tools to assist individuals in developing essential skills and successfully transitioning to their desired living environment, whether it be an independent apartment or reuniting with family members.

Step By Step remains committed to delivering trauma-informed, resilience-oriented, and equity-focused services. The human service agency integrates evidence-based practices such as WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plans) and Personal Medicine Coaching, ensuring individuals have the resources to take charge of their recovery and well-being.

Step By Step extends its appreciation to all individuals and organizations who contributed to the establishment of these CRR services. Their support and collaboration have played a vital role in positively impacting the lives of those served by the organization.

As Step By Step moves forward, it eagerly anticipates engaging with the community and coordinating additional services to further enhance the wellbeing of Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Juniata Counties. Stay tuned for further updates as the organization continues to evolve and expand its mission.

About Step By Step: 

Step By Step, Inc. is a private, non-profit corporation devoted to providing community support services to children and adults in Pennsylvania with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, autism, mental health disorders, and/ or substance use disorders.

Established in 1977, the agency today provides services to over 2,000 individuals across Pennsylvania. Throughout its history, Step By Step, Inc. has maintained a progressive view of the potential of individuals with disabilities.

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If you haven’t registered yet for the 2023 RCPA Annual Conference A Decade of Unity, then don’t wait any longer! Our plenary sessions throughout the week are sure to inspire you with new ideas to tackle priorities in health and human services. Looking ahead, we have:

  • Returning speaker Michael Cohen, Esq., addressing practical ways for attracting high-caliber employees in a rapidly-changing job market;
  • A panel addressing the realities of the workforce crisis, featuring Tine Hansen-Turton of Woods Services, Toni Pergolin of Bancroft, Rita Gardner of Melmark, and Marco Giordano of Resources for Human Services; and
  • National updates from National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Chuck Ingoglia as well as ANCOR’s Donna Martin.

Be sure to view our registration brochure to book your seat (and your hotel room) today!

We extend our thanks to those organizations that have already contributed and shown their support! Sponsor and exhibitor spots are filling up quickly, so complete the sponsor/exhibitor brochure today! As a reminder, sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers who wish to be listed on the website, the mobile app, and in the conference program must submit all materials by September 8. In order to be considered for booth self-selection, a completed contract with payment must be submitted, and no reservation is considered complete without payment. If questions remain, please contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator.

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