Monday, June 1, 2026 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT; 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CDT; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm MDT; 10:00 am – 11:00 am PDT Register Here Presenters: Diane Ulmer, OTR/L is an Occupational Therapist and SCI Program Manager for Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals in Nebraska where she provides leadership over a continuum of care. She provides education throughout the region on the unique aspects of SCI care. She serves on the Nebraska AgrAbility Advisory Council, the IPRC Pediatric Neurogenic Bowel and Bladder Work Group, and is Vice President for the Nebraska Chapter of the United Spinal Association. Diane also facilitates a monthly SCI support group. Lyn Sapp, MN, RN, CRRN is a Nursing Practice Specialist for the Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle, Washington. The rehab unit has been her home base since 1985, with additional experiences in outpatient, home care, and school nursing. After obtaining her master’s in nursing, Lyn participated in the growth and development of the inpatient unit as a manager, educator, and nurse specialist. A post-master’s certificate in pediatrics has led to further experiences in quality improvement and staff education. As a member of the Association of Rehabilitation Nursing, she has experienced enrichment through certification, presenting, learning, publishing, and networking. Lyn also serves as an active member of the IPRC Steering Committee. Carly Rosenthal, MS, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist specializing in neurorehabilitation and pelvic floor dysfunction. She currently practices at Nemours Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, Delaware, where she provides inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation for children with complex diagnoses including traumatic brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and stroke. Carly is also the primary occupational therapist within the Spinal Dysfunction Clinic at Nemours. Carly’s work focuses on maximizing independence and quality of life through evidence-based, family-centered care, with a particular interest in functional continence and neurogenic bowel and bladder management. Objectives: At the end of this session, the learner will: Identify the roles of the multidisciplinary team in management of self-catheterization management of neurogenic bladder; Apply evidence-based, task-specific training techniques for self-catheterization to improve outcomes, promote independence, and reduce health risks; and Implement strategies and adaptations to promote success in independent self-catheterization. Audience: This webinar is intended for all interested members of the rehabilitation team. Level: Beginner-Intermediate Certificate of Attendance: Certificates of attendance are available for all attendees. No CEs are provided for this course. Complimentary webinars are a benefit of membership in IPRC/RCPA. Registration fee for non-members is $179. Not a member yet? Consider joining today .

Press Release from PSU : Published May 25, 2026

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is now accepting applications for funding under the 2026–2027 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) solicitation from eligible governmental and non-governmental agencies and organizations seeking to implement projects and programs that directly address the objectives and goals outlined in PCCD’s approved 2026–2030 Strategic Framework . Eligible organizations include local units of government (including counties) and non-profit organizations. A total of $8,221,880 in federal Byrne JAG funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund approximately 30–35 grants with budgets not to exceed $250,000 over the two-year project period. The funding announcement details new guidelines regarding eligibility criteria, eligible program activities, and documentation. Applications must be submitted electronically through PCCD’s Egrants system by July 14, 2026. Questions regarding this funding announcement should be emailed with “2026/27 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)” as the subject line. Questions must be received by close of business on July 7, 2026. All questions and answers will be posted under this funding announcement title on the Active Funding Announcements page of the PCCD website.

Press Release from the Department of Human Services : Published May 14, 2026

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) will be hosting two (2) one-hour virtual Listening Sessions on the 55 Pa. Code Chapter 5250 Crisis Licensing Regulations. The Listening Sessions are intended to provide a high-level summary of changes being made to the final form package based on the comments received and to gather provider perspectives on those specific areas. Please register for one of the two session dates being offered by selecting the appropriate link below. Session 1: Tuesday, June 9, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am Session 2: Monday, June 15, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm After completing your registration, you will receive an email confirmation containing instructions to join the webinar. If you experience any issues with the registration process, please email . The RCPA Crisis Regulation Review Team will meet in late June as a follow-up to the listening session to develop further recommendations based upon OMHSAS’s prospective changes. If you are interested in being a part of this review team, please contact RCPA COO and Mental Health Policy Director Jim Sharp .

Message from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing: Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed rule, Medicaid Managed Care State Directed Payments and Medicaid Fee-for-Service Targeted Medicaid Practitioner Payments , implementing provisions of H.R.1 to establish new limits on certain Medicaid managed care State directed payments (SDP). Additional information on the proposal can be found in the press release and fact sheet . In alignment with H.R.1, total SDP rates are capped at 100% of Medicare in expansion states and 110% in non-expansion states for inpatient hospital services, outpatient hospital services, nursing facility services, and qualified practitioner services at an academic medical center. Where a Medicare benchmark is unavailable, the payment limit would be 100% of the state-plan-approved rate. However, most significantly, the proposed rule would extend the SDP limits beyond the four original services under H.R.1 (listed above) to all SDPs, regardless of service type, in all states, Washington, D.C., and all territories beginning Jan. 1, 2029. The proposed rule would also apply similar limits to certain targeted Medicaid fee-for-service payments. This would include behavioral health SDPs and could lead to significant disruption in 2029. Additional provisions in the proposed rule include proposals to: Eliminate uniform increase SDPs as a permissible type of SDP for rating periods beginning on or after January 1, 2028, with a limited exception for grandfathered SDPs. Permit states to adopt minimum or maximum fee schedules that are no greater than the applicable payment rate limit without CMS prior approval for rating periods beginning on or after January 1, 2028. Establish new claims-level compliance and reporting requirements, including submission of provider-specific (NPI-level) data, identification of applicable benchmark rates, and documentation of controls to ensure that each individual service payment does not exceed the cap. Introduce new reconciliation requirements for value-based payment SDPs, requiring states to demonstrate post-period compliance with the cap at the service level. The rule specifies that payments exceeding the cap constitute Medicaid overpayments subject to recovery and reporting requirements, explicitly linking SDP limits to existing overpayment regulations. The rule is set to be formally published in the Federal Register on May 22, with a 60-day comment period following its publication. The National Council will continue to further review this proposal, provide you with timely updates, and will plan to submit comments on this rule. We are here to support you every step of the way through these changes. For additional information on H.R.1, please visit the National Council’s H.R.1 Hub . If you have any questions, please reach out via email .

The RCPA Telehealth Operations Work Group meeting, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, will be rescheduled to Tuesday, June 30, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. At this time, RCPA is working with the Department of Human Services (DHS) on specific revisions to Pennsylvania’s telehealth policies and practices, including the elimination of encounter forms for telehealth service delivery. We hope to have definitive updates at the next meeting. Additionally, RCPA will be conducting a live survey around telehealth utilization, practices, and future expansion needs. Register for the meeting here . Those who already registered for the original May 26 meeting do not need to re-register. If you have any questions, comments, or agenda topics, please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp.

Press Release from RCPA Member Strawberry Fields, Inc. : Published May 21, 2026

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS), in partnership with other Department of Human Services Program Offices and Executive Branch agencies, has issued OMHSAS-26-03: Rescission of Joint Class One Bulletins . The purpose of this is to rescind bulletins that do not align with current policies, practices, or procedures that were jointly issued by Program Offices/Departments in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This bulletin is also classified as ODP Bulletin 00-26-02, OCDEL-26-01, OCYF 00-26-01, and OIM 00-26-01. If you any questions, please contact your RCPA Policy Director.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) has released an advisory regarding a multi-country cluster of Hantavirus cases linked to an international cruise ship expedition. The outbreak has been connected to the Andes virus strain, which is notable because it is the only known hantavirus capable of limited person-to-person transmission under close, prolonged exposure conditions. As of May 11, 2026, nine cases and three deaths have been reported internationally. At this time, PA DOH reports no known Pennsylvania residents connected to the outbreak. Hantavirus infections remain extremely rare in the United States and particularly in Pennsylvania, where only two cases have been reported since 2010. Most infections are associated with exposure to rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Providers and organizations should be aware of symptoms consistent with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, and shortness of breath, particularly when there is a known history of rodent exposure or close contact with a symptomatic individual linked to the Andes virus strain. Early symptoms may resemble influenza or COVID-19. The Department of Health is advising healthcare providers to immediately report suspected cases to local public health authorities or the PA Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH. RCPA encourages members to review the PA-HAN advisory and fact sheet for additional clinical guidance, infection control recommendations, and environmental cleaning protocols related to rodent exposure and prevention.

Family-Centered Care: One Organization’s Revolutionary Approach to Include Families in All Aspects of Care Monday, June 15, 2026 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT; 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CDT; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm MDT; 10:00 am – 11:00 am PDT Register Here We appreciate your patience with rescheduling this event. All previous registrants have been automatically registered for the June 15 session; no additional registration is required. We apologize if you are no longer able to attend. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the IPRC website. Donna Provenzano, Director of Family-Centered Care Donna Provenzano is the Director of Family-Centered Care at Children’s Specialized Hospital. She has thirty-nine years of experience in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and their families at Children’s Specialized. Donna serves on several hospital leadership committees and councils and provides administrative and operational management of Family-Centered Care and Volunteers. She supervises and partners with Family Faculty staff and coordinates with the Family Advisory Council. Donna has presented both nationally and internationally on Patient- and Family-Centered Care. Under Donna’s leadership, her department received the IPFCC Family-Centered Care Partnership Award for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in 2022. Donna has received additional leadership certifications from the Harvard Business School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation from Ithaca College. Linda Waddell, Family Faculty Manager Linda Waddell is the Family Faculty Manager at Children’s Specialized Hospital. She has been employed at the hospital as a Family Faculty since June of 2008 and a member of the Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Family Advisory Council since 2014. On behalf of the hospital, Linda has presented with her team on Patient- and Family-Centered Care at regional, national, and international conferences. Most recently, Linda was a member of a panel that presented at the 2024 RISE Summit “Addressing Social Determinants of Health (SDOH): A Look into Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Program in NJ and Beyond.” Linda participates in various hospital committees and is also a member of the IPRC Steering Committee, where she provides a family member’s perspective for discussions and decision-making. Linda was the 2019 recipient of the Lester Z. Lieberman Humanism in Healthcare Award and received the IPFCC 30th Anniversary 2022 Partnership Award on Social Determinants of Health. Linda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Kean University. Linda’s first experience with Children’s Specialized Hospital began in 1999, receiving multiple services for her newborn, medically fragile baby. She became an expert in the experience of pediatric rehabilitation through caring for her daughter with medical complications. Family Faculty at Children’s Specialized Hospital are paid positions held by parents and family members whose children have received or are still receiving services at Children’s Specialized Hospital Inpatient, Outpatient, or Long-Term Care sites. Their own day-to-day experiences provide a unique perspective, understanding, and empathy for families going through similar situations. Family Faculty partner with staff and families to build a respectful and understanding relationship by listening, providing insights, and encouraging positive communication between staff and families. Objectives: At the end of this session, the learner will identify strategies to: Embed Patient- and Family-Centered Care into your organization; Cultivate respectful partnerships and collaboration with leadership, staff, and families; Include families in education and training of staff at all levels; and Engage families and staff in creating valuable resources. Audience: This webinar is intended for all interested members of the rehabilitation team. Level: Beginner – Intermediate Certificate of Attendance: Certificates of attendance are available for all attendees. No CEs are provided for this course. Complimentary webinars are a benefit of membership in IPRC/RCPA. Registration fee for non-members is $179. Not a member yet? Consider joining today .

RCPA is happy to announce our 2026 Annual Membership meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 9:30 am. We are offering this meeting as a hybrid event to all members. Please register here to attend in person at the RCPA Conference Center or via webcast. It is not necessary to attend in person to cast your vote. This year’s agenda and the 2025 Annual Meeting minutes are both available for review. The RCPA Nominating Committee has proposed a list of RCPA member representatives to serve as directors and officers of the RCPA Board of Directors. Please VOTE HERE in advance of the Annual Meeting for the election of RCPA Board of Directors and Officers. Following the Annual Meeting, RCPA is hosting a golf outing to benefit the RCPA PAC. It’s not too late to register and join us at the Colonial Golf & Tennis Club in Harrisburg, PA! You can also become a sponsor to support the event and receive recognition. If you are not a golfer but would like to support the RCPA PAC, please consider making a personal online contribution . For those members who wish to attend the Annual Meeting in person and need overnight accommodations, utilize the RCPA negotiated discounted rates at the following hotels: Best Western Premier is located across from the RCPA office. RCPA rate of $119.95 plus 11% occupancy tax. Rates are based upon room availability. Reservations can be made by calling 717-735-9397. Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey is located on Lindle Road, Harrisburg. Rates start at $165.00 plus tax. Please use corporate code A3933 to access the special rate online. Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-325-3535. Indicate that you are with RCPA when booking. Thank you. We look forward to your participation!

Title: HR 1 Eligibility Redeterminations: New Requirements, Timeline and Recommendations Date/Time: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 | 1:00 pm ET  Registration Link Last summer, HR 1 was passed by Congress and introduced significant changes to the Medicaid program. Among the many provisions of the bill that impact Medicaid was a directive to increase the frequency of program eligibility redeterminations for certain enrollees, from once every twelve months to once every six months. This webinar will explore this provision of HR 1 and its potential ramifications for both states and providers, along with recommendations on how states, behavioral health organizations, and state partners can best prepare themselves for these changes, including: Discussion of the new requirements, including additional guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on March 6. Walking through the timeline for implementation and relevant decision points that states will need to make along the way. Discussion of recommendations for maintaining coverage for as many individuals as possible, while ensuring workforce and technical capacities remain strong. Register for the webinar here . Please contact RCPA Policy Specialist Emma Sharp with any questions.

Power in Purpose at the 2026 RCPA Conference! The RCPA 2026 Annual Conference, Power in Purpose: Promoting Possibilities, will take place from September 29 – October 2 at the Hershey Lodge. This conference is consistently a landmark event for the Pennsylvania behavioral health, brain injury, children’s, early intervention, intellectual and developmental disabilities, medical rehabilitation, and physical disabilities and aging provider communities. Several popular speakers are participating this year, including: Dave Raymond, the "Hero of Happiness" — Author, international keynote speaker, thought leader, and the original Phillie Phanatic. Judge Victor Reyes — Renowned facilitator of discussions on self-respect, self-compassion, domestic violence, and leader of yoga/mindfulness classes. Jennifer Lynn Robison – Lifestyle and communications expert, TEDx speaker, media contributor, and traumatic brain injury survivor/advocate. Ed Krow — Talent Transformation Expert on understanding the employee/employer dynamic, achieving talent and culture transformations, and turning negative growth into success. Connections Hall In addition to the Connections Hall activities, there are many networking opportunities throughout the conference. Exhibitors will also have the chance to compete for "Best of Show!" Sponsor and Exhibitor Opportunities Our conference is privileged to have the support of the finest organizations in the field. Contributing organizations are honored by RCPA through sponsorship circles. View our Sponsor/Exhibitor/Advertiser brochure , for the opportunity of name recognition and exhibitor booth self-selection (with completed contract and payment). Sponsorships and exhibit booths are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. The deadline to submit all materials and be listed on the website, mobile app, and in the conference program is Tuesday, September 8. Please contact Conference Coordinator Carol Ferenz with any questions. RCPA thanks these organizations that have committed their support to our 2026 Conference. You help make this conference an extraordinary, educational, and meaningful event for Pennsylvania's provider communities!

The National Core Indicators – Aging and Disabilities (NCI-AD™) 2024–2025 National Report has been released. For the last ten years, NCI-AD has partnered with states to gather data on the experiences of people using long-term services and supports across the US. Pennsylvania does not currently participate in the data gathering for this report. However, the same key areas are included in the CAHPS survey, which will be reviewed by the CHC-MCOs at the PD&A meeting on 5/14/2026. Several of the opportunities for improvement will also be evident in the presentations. The 2024–25 NCI-AD survey included more than 20,000 individuals across 24 states receiving services through HCBS waivers, nursing facilities, PACE, and Older Americans Act programs. Overall, the findings reflect strong access to community supports and healthcare, while also highlighting ongoing workforce and service gaps. Approximately 68% of respondents said they participate in preferred activities as much as they want, 92% reported reliable transportation to medical appointments, and 73% said they consistently have transportation for community activities. Nearly all respondents (95%) reported being able to connect with friends and family when desired, although 17% still reported frequent loneliness. Access to healthy food, mental health services, and annual wellness visits remained high at roughly 87%–89%, yet only 14% described their overall health as excellent or very good. The survey also underscored the growing reliance on family caregivers within LTSS. About 40% of respondents identified a paid family member or friend as their primary support person, while 22% reported frequent staff turnover. Although 89% said services help them live the life they want, only 72% felt their services fully met their goals and needs. Among individuals reporting unmet needs, just 55% said their case manager discussed additional service options with them. Since 2016, states have used NCI-AD data to evaluate aging and disability systems, identify quality improvement opportunities, and support policy discussions related to Medicaid and long-term services and supports. To access the report, use this link: Reports | NCI-AD (National Core Indicators-Aging and Disabilities) . If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar .

RCPA Presents HR 1 Medicaid Summit

Please disregard this reminder if you have already registered. Palliative Care Through the Rehab Continuum: Caring for Children With Complex Needs Thursday, May 14, 2026 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT; 10:00 am – 11:00 am MDT; 9:00 am – 10:00 am PDT Register Here Kara Monnin, PhD Kara Monnin is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) and Ohio State University’s School of Medicine in Columbus, OH. She provides clinical services across multiple inpatient units, including Complex Healthcare, Inpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and acute care services (PICU, Trauma/Surgery/Neurosurgery). Dr. Monnin also serves as a member of the Advanced Illness Management/Palliative Care Team at NCH, and she specializes in traumatic brain injury, rehabilitation populations, and children and adolescents with complex medical needs. Ryan Jenkins, MD Ryan Jenkins is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and a pediatric hospice and palliative medicine physician on the Advanced Illness Management Palliative Care Team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He provides inpatient, outpatient, and home-based palliative and hospice care to patients and families across the Nationwide Children’s healthcare system. His academic work includes the teaching of primary palliative care skills to learners of different disciplines and backgrounds. Objectives: At the end of this session, the learner will: Engage with palliative care providers (in the full scope of their practice) throughout the spectrum of illness, not just at end of life; Recognize common medical and psychological paradigms at key stages of illness; Understand how the goals of medical care after a significant neurological illness can change over time to include elements of recovery, stabilization, and/or prioritizing comfort; and Identify key takeaways for practice across the rehab continuum. Audience: This webinar is intended for all interested members of the rehabilitation team. Level: Beginner-Intermediate Certificate of Attendance: Certificates of attendance are available for all attendees. No CEs are provided for this course. Complimentary webinars are a benefit of membership in IPRC/RCPA. Registration fee for non-members is $179. Not a member yet? Consider joining today.

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) will be hosting an hour-long virtual listening session on the 55 Pa. Code Chapter 5250 Crisis Licensing Regulations. The listening session is intended to provide an overview of selected updates currently being advanced and to gather provider perspectives on those specific areas.  The listening session will be offered on two different dates. Please mark your calendars for one of the following: Session 1: Tuesday, June 9 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am Session 2: Monday, June 15 from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Additional details, including registration information, will be coming soon.

Pennsylvania coalition marched around the Capitol building to call on lawmakers to strengthen mental health funding, services HARRISBURG, PA — Hundreds of mental health advocates from across the commonwealth marched around the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Monday, May 4, as part of Mental Health Advocacy Day 2026, a statewide event to elevate lived experience, celebrate recovery, and push for the supports and resources that strengthen Pennsylvania communities. The event was supported by the Rehabilitation & Community Providers Association (RCPA), one of the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation. The day featured a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda, followed by the march around the Capitol building grounds. Speakers included Rep. Jennifer O'Mara (D-Delaware) and Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Human Services' Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. "Mental health touches every family, every community, and every corner of this Commonwealth," said Rep. O'Mara. "This march sends a clear message to Harrisburg: Pennsylvanians are watching, and they expect us to act." "Recovery is real, and the people who marched at the Capitol today are living proof," said Jen Smith, Deputy Secretary, DHS Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. "Their stories deserve to be heard by every legislator in this building." Mental Health Advocacy Day brought together individuals with lived experience, family members, service providers, and community leaders to engage directly with lawmakers and draw attention to mental health priorities across the state. The event was powered by a broad network of partner organizations that unite each year to lift a shared voice for mental health. When asked later about this event, Dr. Richard Edley, RCPA President and CEO remarked, "This is what grassroots advocacy looks like. People from every region of the state came together — not for any single organization, but for a shared commitment to a stronger mental health system." ### About the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA): With more than 400 members, the majority of who serve over one million Pennsylvanians annually, Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) is among the largest and most diverse state health and human services trade associations in the nation. RCPA provider members offer mental health, substance use disorder, intellectual and developmental disabilities, children and youth, criminal and juvenile justice, brain injury, medical rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, and physical disabilities and aging services, across all settings and levels of care. Visit www.paproviders.org for more information.

SCHNECKSVILLE, PA (May 4, 2026) – KidsPeace announced that it has entered into an affiliation agreement with Inperium, Inc., effective May 1, 2026.  KidsPeace, which provides mental and behavioral health services to children and young people, said the affiliation will strengthen its financial security by expanding access to capital and enhancing efficiencies in key back-office support functions. These improvements will help ensure the organization can continue delivering high-quality programs for its clients in support of its mission [read full release] .

In September 2025, RCPA raised concerns about the risks of Federal actions to weaken the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and subsequent civil rights and access legislation like the ADA and AIDA. Last week, Governor Shapiro issued three executive orders addressing the risks arising from Federal actions, and establishing an Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities. RCPA has been named as a member of this Commission. Governor Shapiro’s recent executive actions on disability rights in Pennsylvania should be understood as a proactive state-level backstop against emerging federal uncertainty around Section 504 enforcement. The orders largely reinforce existing non-discrimination standards across state agencies, strengthen accessibility expectations in service delivery, and signal continued administrative prioritization of disability protections in publicly funded programs. In practical terms, Pennsylvania is attempting to “lock in” operational compliance with 504-like principles—particularly around equal access, program integration, and avoidance of discriminatory policies—even if federal interpretation or enforcement weakens. From a policy alignment standpoint, the orders are directionally consistent with longstanding 504 requirements but go a step further in emphasizing state accountability mechanisms. This includes clearer expectations for agencies administering Medicaid, education, and human services programs to maintain accessible systems, grievance pathways, and oversight of contractors. For HCBS providers, the implication is that Pennsylvania is unlikely to relax enforcement posture; if anything, scrutiny around access, reasonable accommodations, and community-based integration could intensify through state channels regardless of federal shifts. For providers, the practical implication is a heightened expectation of demonstrable compliance rather than passive alignment. Agencies could anticipate closer review of intake and assessment practices, service authorization decisions, and any policies that could create access barriers for individuals with disabilities. MCOs and state auditors are likely to expect clear documentation of accommodations, staff training on disability rights, and evidence that services are delivered in the least restrictive, community-integrated settings. Contractually, this may also translate into more explicit non-discrimination clauses, performance measures tied to access and equity, and increased exposure to grievance-driven audits or corrective action plans. The net effect is that Pennsylvania is positioning itself as a “floor state” for disability rights—maintaining continuity even if federal protections erode or become inconsistently applied. For providers and managed care stakeholders, this reduces regulatory ambiguity within the state but increases the importance of state-specific compliance alignment. Operationally, organizations should view these executive actions not as new requirements, but as a reaffirmation that Pennsylvania will continue to enforce 504-equivalent standards through its own regulatory and contractual frameworks. If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar .

The Office of Child Development & Early Learning notified all County Early Intervention (EI) programs and providers regarding next steps for past claims that failed the auto-correction to update payment to the new rate approved for 2025–26. As expected, there were many ICNs that failed the Mass Claims Adjustment. The Bureau has prepared a document for each EI program to distribute to their contracted providers. The document includes the provider’s name, the original ICN that did not successfully mass adjust, and the Error Status Codes (ESC) that prevented the claim adjustment. EI Programs should work together with providers to resolve these claims errors. After successful resolution of the claims error, providers will be responsible for performing their own claims adjustment for the claims that failed the Mass Claims Adjustment. Next Steps: EI County Programs can access their document within DocuShare using these instructions: OCDEL – Bureau of Early Intervention Services- Infant/Toddler & Preschool General Information – PROGRAM NAME – Adhoc Query Results. EI county programs should immediately download the file and share each provider’s information separately. DO NOT forward the entire document to all providers. EI providers and county programs should work together to resolve the claims errors. EI providers will submit their own claims adjustment according to timelines. It is recommended that claims are prioritized by date of service, focusing on July and August claims first and then moving to claims later within the 2025/26 fiscal year. Resource documentation regarding ESCs that resulted in the failed Mass Claims Adjustment is available by accessing the Learning Management System within this course: PELICAN EI Provider: Financial Management. Moving forward: Using the newly published Fiscal Year 2025/26 Fee Schedule – file NEW claims on or after 3/9/26 that contain a date of service on or after 7/1/25. Using the newly published Fiscal Year 2025/26 Fee Schedule – adjust claims filed on or after 3/9/26 that contain a date of service on or after 7/1/25 if the OLD fee schedule was used. IMPORTANT REMINDER: OCDEL reminds providers of the timely filling of all claims. The regulation at 55 Pa. Code § 1101.68 (relating to invoicing for services) establishes requirements for submitting claims for services rendered. Early Intervention evaluations, IFSP services, and Service Coordination claims are all required to follow this regulation. A provider shall submit original or initial invoices to be received by the Department within a maximum of 180 days after the date the services were rendered or compensable items provided. Resubmission of a rejected original claim or a claim adjustment shall be received by the Department within 365 days of the date of service.

The program serves youth, ages 6 to 21, with a primary behavioral health diagnosis, along with autism and/or an intellectual disability --- Homestead, PA – April 27, 2026 – Today, Devereux/TCV Community Services, one of Allegheny County’s most respected nonprofit organizations, opened the STAIRS program, an intensive residential treatment program, at Devereux Pennsylvania’s Pittsburgh Autism and Education Center of Excellence in Homestead [view full release] .

ADvancing States, in partnership with the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities and the National Association of Medicaid Directors, is excited to share a new infographic on the purpose, value, and impact of Medicaid HCBS. This resource includes an overview of key services, facts, and figures on HCBS utilization and spending, and trends and growth through rebalancing efforts. ADvancing States encourages members to use and share this infographic as a foundation for conversations about Medicaid HCBS. Use this link to view and download the infographic.

Palliative Care Through the Rehab Continuum: Caring for Children With Complex Needs Thursday, May 14, 2026 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT; 11:00 am – 12:00 pm CDT; 10:00 am – 11:00 am MDT; 9:00 am – 10:00 am PDT Register Here Kara Monnin, PhD Kara Monnin is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) and Ohio State University’s School of Medicine in Columbus, OH. She provides clinical services across multiple inpatient units, including Complex Healthcare, Inpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and acute care services (PICU, Trauma/Surgery/Neurosurgery). Dr. Monnin also serves as a member of the Advanced Illness Management/Palliative Care Team at NCH, and she specializes in traumatic brain injury, rehabilitation populations, and children and adolescents with complex medical needs. Ryan Jenkins, MD Ryan Jenkins is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and a pediatric hospice and palliative medicine physician on the Advanced Illness Management Palliative Care Team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He provides inpatient, outpatient, and home-based palliative and hospice care to patients and families across the Nationwide Children’s healthcare system. His academic work includes the teaching of primary palliative care skills to learners of different disciplines and backgrounds. Objectives: At the end of this session, the learner will: Engage with palliative care providers (in the full scope of their practice) throughout the spectrum of illness, not just at end of life; Recognize common medical and psychological paradigms at key stages of illness; Understand how the goals of medical care after a significant neurological illness can change over time to include elements of recovery, stabilization, and/or prioritizing comfort; and Identify key takeaways for practice across the rehab continuum. Audience: This webinar is intended for all interested members of the rehabilitation team. Level: Beginner-Intermediate Certificate of Attendance: Certificates of attendance are available for all attendees. No CEs are provided for this course. Complimentary webinars are a benefit of membership in IPRC/RCPA. Registration fee for non-members is $179. Not a member yet? Consider joining today.

Strengthening Behavioral Health Self‑Pay Collections: Best Practices & Strategies Thursday, May 21, 2026 | 1:00 pm Register Here Join Heather Hearn , Chief Revenue Officer, RCPA Business Member ZMark Health, for a focused session on strengthening self‑pay collections through clear communication, consistent processes, and thoughtfully designed workflows for behavioral health settings. Co-hosting this webinar will be RCPA COO and Mental Health Services Division Director Jim Sharp . During this session, ZMark Health will cover: Setting financial expectations early and with clarity; Normalizing collections at the point of service; Applying financial policies consistently; and Additional best practices. As a leader in revenue cycle services for behavioral health organizations, ZMark Health will share practical insights and actionable strategies to help streamline self‑pay workflows and enhance the patient financial experience. This session supports our ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency, strengthen financial performance, and deliver service excellence. We hope you can join us!

Last week, the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) provided updated behavioral health technician/behavioral health technician-applied behavior analysis (BHT/BHT-ABA) training information based on changes to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) implemented on January 1, 2026. RCPA, on behalf of its members, expressed concerns to the Department that the bulletin implied that all current RBT’s would have to retake the 40 hours of training under the new 3rd edition. OMHSAS’s Children’s Bureau responded that this would not be the case and provided the following clarification below for RCPA members. Dear RCPA, Thank you for your outreach regarding the April 2nd letter OMHSAS issued to share information on the updated BACB training changes. The purpose of this training clarification is to inform providers about the language changes between the BACB’s training curriculum and the Pennsylvania IBHS regulations, as well as to raise awareness of updates to current training standards. Current BHTs and BHT‑ABA staff are not required to repeat the 40‑hour RBT course sequence due to these changes. Instead, annual staff training plans should incorporate the new content areas to ensure that all individuals delivering ABA services receive consistent training across the same domains of skill and service provision. Staff whose qualifications rely primarily on training and coursework based on the RBT Task List — now the Test Content Outline — are the most affected by these updates. These individuals should work to obtain the additional content areas identified in the Test Content Outline, as described in the training letter. RBTs certified by the BACB will continue to follow the Board’s established recertification and continuing education requirements. These updates are not intended to create a financial burden for providers. Rather, they serve as guidance to ensure staff competencies remain current and aligned with best practices in Applied Behavior Analysis, supporting high‑quality service delivery across IBHS programs. Finally, practitioners have an ethical obligation to maintain updated training that is aligned with their scope of practice so they remain knowledgeable about new developments in the field and continue to provide services that are current and relevant in the field. If staff meet the regulatory requirements, they are in compliance, and their training plan should reflect any work needed to obtain new training. We thank our IBHS Steering Committee for their leadership and guidance in the process. If you have any questions, please contact RCPA Policy Associate Emma Sharp .

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF) has released #14-559: Residential Services for Children and Youth proposed regulations. The Department is proposing to update the licensure requirements for children and youth facilities by revising Chapter 3800 to clarify that it does not apply to child residential facilities, secure residential facilities, or secure detention facilities for youth. Instead, the Department is proposing three new, updated regulatory licensure chapters for children and youth facilities: Chapter 3900 (relating to child and youth facility requirements), Chapter 3910 (relating to child residential facilities), and Chapter 3920 (relating to secure residential and secure detention facilities for youth). The purpose of the rulemaking is to update the requirements to strengthen and improve the minimum health and safety standards for these facilities to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children and youth receiving care. The Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) will be accepting public comments for the proposed regulation until July 7, 2026. RCPA will convene a regulatory review team to analyze the proposed regulatory package and prepare public comments. Please contact RCPA Policy Associate Emma Sharp if you are interested in joining the regulatory review group.

Each year, the beginning of April marks the start of our membership renewal period. The renewal email has been sent to the renewal contact(s) for Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA) members, as well as members of the International Pediatric Rehabilitation Collaborative (IPRC).To renew your organization’s membership, please forward a completed membership application and dues payment by July 1, 2026, to Tieanna Lloyd . RCPA members can access membership applications on our website’s Join/Renew web page . IPRC members can access the membership application on IPRC’s website . Questions? Contact Tieanna Lloyd , Membership Services/Business Partnerships Manager.