The 2019 RCPA Conference, Impact PA, will be held September 24–27 at the Hershey Lodge. A premier statewide event, the Conference Committee is seeking workshop proposals for possible inclusion. The conference offers diverse educational opportunities and submissions are needed in every area. A complete listing of focus tracks is available on the proposal form. Presentations are encouraged that assist providers in developing and maintaining quality, stable, and effective treatments, services, and agencies in an industry where change is constant. The committee looks for presentations which:
- Highlight new policy, research, and treatment initiatives such as the CCBHC model;
- Provide specific skills and information related to individual and organizational leadership development and enhancement;
- Address system changes that affect business practices such as value-based purchasing; and
- Offer concrete skills and tools to operate more efficient, effective agencies, allowing organizations to Impact PA.
Workshop ideas for 2019 include workforce shortage solutions; the changing health care landscape; executive leadership; integrated care strategies for implementation and reimbursement; managed care models for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities – other state experiences; ethics topics across the membership; emergency planning for community violence; acquisitions/mergers and consolidations; value-based purchasing; and employing people with disabilities. The committee welcomes any proposal that addresses these and other topics essential to the rehabilitation, mental health, addiction, children’s, aging, and physical/developmental disability communities. Members are encouraged to consider submitting proposals and to forward this opportunity to those who are exceptionally good speakers and have state-of-the-art information to share.
The Call for Proposals and accompanying Guidelines for Developing Educational Objectives outlines requirements for submissions. The deadline for submissions is Monday, March 4 at 5:00 pm. Proposals must be submitted electronically to Sarah Eyster on the form provided. Confirmation of receipt will be sent. Proposals submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Proposals selected stand out by inclusion of solid learning objectives, information that a participant can use to enhance professional skills or methods, and being geared to a diverse and advanced audience. If the proposal is accepted, individuals must be prepared to present on any day of the conference. Workshops are 90 or 180 minutes in length. At the time of acceptance, presenters will be required to confirm the ability to submit workshop handouts electronically four weeks prior to the conference. Individuals unable to meet this expectation should not submit proposals for consideration.
Individuals are welcome to submit multiple proposals. Notification of inclusion will be made via email by May 1. Questions may be directed to Sarah Eyster, Conference Coordinator.
