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Criminal Justice

RCPA joined with other disability service associations representing disability service providers and individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) in Pennsylvania urging Senator Toomey to support the investment included in the Build Back Better Act. The BBB Act, as passed by the House of Representatives, will strengthen the direct support professional workforce and sustain and expand access to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS).

The longstanding direct support professional (DSP) worker shortage has grown during the pandemic and decreased access to HCBS for people with disabilities in Pennsylvania as well as negatively impacted the quality of supports those individuals receive. Supporting this historic investment is crucial to strengthening and growing the DSP workforce so that all people with disabilities may lead safe and fulfilled lives. It is critical for Senator Toomey to vote in favor of this legislation to strengthen and expand the Medicaid HCBS program.

Additionally, we ask that members join us in this advocacy. This letter can be utilized as a template for your efforts. Please join us in this advocacy effort.

Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

We are excited to announce the National Council for Mental Wellbeing Conference will be held in-person on April 11–13, 2022, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, DC. As we have done in previous years, RCPA will host a Pennsylvania Reception at the National Council Conference. The PA Reception will be held on Tuesday, April 12, 2022. As we near the event, additional details will be provided.

We hope to count on your organization to sponsor this exciting event — and we’ll be back in person! Our members and Pennsylvania providers look forward to this networking event to share their experiences and discuss new trends and initiatives. We depend on our sponsors for support of this PA Reception. Historically there have been approximately 350 PA registrants at the NC Conference, and more than half of them attended the PA Reception, along with several NC staff, presenters, and invited guests. In the past, this reception has been extremely well attended and is a highlight of the conference for PA registrants.

We thank you for your consideration, and we look forward to hearing from you. We thank all previous sponsors and hope we can count on your continued sponsorship. Please contact Tina Miletic with any questions. We thank you for your continued support of RCPA activities.

COVID-19 Safety Acknowledgement: The National Council will implement health-and-safety protocols appropriate to the public health circumstances existing at the time of the conference. Those protocols may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • proof of vaccination and/or negative COVID-19 status;
  • self-monitoring;
  • biometric screening;
  • symptom checkers;
  • contact tracing;
  • wearing a mask mandate;
  • use of additional personal protective equipment, social distancing, and space management; and/or
  • other similar measures.

Compliance with some or all of the protocols adopted by the National Council may be mandatory for in-person attendance and participation at the conference. Additional information regarding the specific health and safety measures, and any necessary consents by you, will be communicated to attendees prior to the first day of the Conference.

A Financial Management Services (FMS) Stakeholder meeting has been scheduled for December 3, 2021 from 1:00 pm–2:30 pm. The purpose of this public meeting will be to discuss upcoming changes for the administration of FMS under Community HealthChoices (CHC), the OBRA Waiver, and Act 150 programs. Representatives from the Office of Long-Term Living and CHC Managed Care Organizations will be in attendance to discuss upcoming changes. The meeting agenda is outlined here. Meeting details are below:

Meeting Link

Meeting Number:
Meeting Number (Access Code): 2634 089 4999
Meeting Password: Stakeholder

From a Mobile Device (attendees only):
+1-408-418-9388,,26340894999## United States Toll
+1-202-860-2110,,26340894999## United States Toll (Washington D.C.)

By Phone:
+1-408-418-9388 United States Toll
+1-202-860-2110 United States Toll (Washington D.C.)

By Video System or Application:
Dial 26340894999@pa-hhs.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number.