BHSL Issues Statement on PA LTC RISE Program Concluding May 31

From the Bureau of Human Services Licensing (BHSL):

The Bureau of Human Services Licensing (BHSL) would like to join you in celebrating the tremendous impact of LTC RISE (Long-Term Care Resiliency, Infrastructure Supports, and Empowerment). Launched on January 1, 2022, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and regional healthcare organizations, LTC RISE has provided comprehensive support to long‑term care settings, strengthened infection prevention practices, expanded technical assistance, and enhanced preparedness and resiliency across the Commonwealth.

Over the past four+ years, LTC RISE has delivered:

24/7 call center and on-site technical support;
Consultation on infection prevention, testing, personal protective equipment, staffing strategies, outbreak planning, and workforce wellness;
Facility assessments and targeted recommendations;
Quality‑improvement support in emergency preparedness, clinical practices, and staff development; and
A sustained focus on resident-centered care and building long-term operational resilience.

The program’s efforts have bolstered the safety and quality of long‑term care throughout Pennsylvania. We thank you for welcoming them into your facilities and participating in the spirit of support and partnership.

LTC RISE is winding down and will be fully concluded on May 31, 2026. As the program concludes, we want to ensure facilities continue to have access to tools, supports, and resources that strengthen operations and protect residents and staff:

Emergency Preparedness & Planning

ASPR RISC Resource Library

Staffing & Workforce Support

The First 90 Days: Retention Playbook

Infection Prevention & Control

Additional Support

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the residents of our Commonwealth. As the RISE program concludes, your continued leadership ensures that the progress made over the past several years endures.

If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar or the Bureau of Human Services Licensing.

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ODP Updates the MAAC on Paid Relative Caregiving & Travel Limitations

By Tim Sohosky • May 29, 2026

On Thursday, May 28, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) provided an update to the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) regarding current policies and upcoming regulatory changes following a recent Commonwealth Court decision. On February 17, 2026, the PA Commonwealth Court issued a decision in Dunkelberger v. Department of Human Services that determined that ODP’s limitations on provider model services (specifically the 40/60-hour caps and 90-day travel maximums) were null and void. The decision was based on process rather than policy validity; the Court found that these limitations were not properly promulgated as regulations in accordance with the Commonwealth Documents Law and Regulatory Review Act. To maintain a balanced approach between flexibility and oversight, ODP is moving forward with the following actions: Regulatory Amendments: ODP will amend regulations to establish formal authority for setting service delivery limits that support individual welfare and program integrity. Self-Directed Model Agreements: ODP has already modified agreements for self-directed models to clarify limits on overtime, combined relative service provision, and travel restrictions. Travel Restrictions: Due to the inability to monitor services effectively over long distances, service provision will now be limited to Pennsylvania and contiguous states. Waiver Changes: ODP will seek modifications through the amendment process to the Consolidated, P/FDS, Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers to include: New requirements for agencies providing IHCS and Companion services to disclose a DSP's relationship to participants; and Strengthened programmatic oversight and integrity measures. Life Sharing Alternative: For participants requiring more than 60 hours of paid care from a relative, the Life Sharing (24/7) service model remains the recommended alternative. ODP anticipates a public comment period for these proposed waiver changes beginning in January 2027.

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ODP Provides Updates to PBC 2026/27 Residential Pay-for-Performance

By Cathy Barrick • May 28, 2026

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