RCPA has provided members a general update on the Pennsylvania 2026/27 budget. Further updates will be given at the next Government Affairs Committee meeting.

The RCPA Government Affairs Committee meeting that was originally scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, is being rescheduled to July 21, 2026.

Today, July 10, 2026, the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) released the next announcement for Rural Health Transformation Program funding.

Join RCPA Partner First Nonprofit for a 30-minute ‘briefinar’ that will help nonprofit organizations better understand unemployment and cost strategies.

CODE PA is working with DHS to understand the experience of applying for and maintaining licenses and is seeking provider and organization input.

RCPA is requesting your consideration to make a donation to our PAC Silent Auction at the 2026 Conference.

RCPA is proud to announce several webinars that will be free to members only

RCPA continues to seek sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers for our Conference. Complete the brochure and promote your organization's purpose and possibilities!

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced on Monday that the state will join a multi-state legal action against President Donald Trump.

A federal judge temporarily blocked a portion of the ED's narrowed definition of “professional degree” that was set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

RCPA is excited to host a membership benefits webinar on Thursday, July 9, 2026, as an opportunity for members to orient themselves with all that RCPA membership includes.

OLC released a memo seeking to undercut the integration mandate in the Supreme Court decision in Olmstead v. L.C. and in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Relias Learning will host “Impact Leadership,” a webinar for leaders navigating workforce shortages, administrative burden, and constant change.

Message from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing:

Registration is now open for RCPA's 2026 Conference Power in Purpose: Promoting Possibilities, which will be held September 29 – October 2 at the Hershey Lodge.

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 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 .

As part of our ongoing effort related to the implementation of H.R. 1 and the pending Medicaid changes, RCPA, in partnership with our members Bowling Business Strategies and the National Council, requests members to take a few minutes to participate in a brief survey . The goal is to gain better insights into provider readiness and to assist in developing guidance and communication tools in advance of the January 1, 2027, implementation of H.R. 1. If you have any questions, please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp .

RCPA is excited to host a membership benefits webinar on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 1:00 pm, as an opportunity for members to orient themselves with all that RCPA membership includes. This is not just for new and future members. For current members, there may be benefits associated with our membership that you may not be aware of, including targeted meetings and groups that occur throughout the year as well as elements of the new website you may not be familiar with.​​​​ Registration is required; please register here to attend the webinar. Items we will review include the below and much more: Virtually meet the dedicated RCPA Policy Staff and RCPA lobbyists. NEW ! RCPA announced a new website earlier this month, and all members are encouraged to create their RCPA Portal account. The benefits and its importance will be highlighted! Discuss the 2026 Legislative and Administrative priorities. Preview RCPA divisional committee and subcommittee meetings and what they offer. Review exclusive yearly educational and networking events. Understand the value of the ANCOR and National Association memberships included with RCPA membership. Visit the RCPA member benefits web page for more information, or contact Tieanna Lloyd for benefit details.

As part of RCPA’s ongoing strategies for guiding members and stakeholders through the H.R. 1 implementation process, RCPA has developed the RCPA H.R. 1 Medicaid Resource Guide . The guide is designed to provide education and resources for the changes that are set to occur at the State and Federal levels. RCPA will continue to update this guide as implementation proceeds and information becomes available. Please contact your RCPA Policy Director with any questions.

RCPA wishes to take this opportunity to thank those who attended the H.R. 1 Medicaid Summit that was held last month. The summit provided an opportunity for the more than 350 participants to learn about the pending changes in Federal Medicaid as well as its implications in Pennsylvania and those who advocate and provide services for this vulnerable population. RCPA would also like to thank our panelists for their commitment to engaging with our members in ensuring collaboration and partnership throughout the implementation. This summit served to represent one of the many facets of advocacy and support for our members across our divisions and RCPA’s advocacy efforts on the HR 1 Medicaid impacts. Available now are the presentations from both the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and from Leesa Allen, RCPA Medicaid Consultant . We will also be releasing the RCPA H.R. 1 Medicaid Resource Handbook in the near future, which will provide an overview of policy and practice implementation at both the Federal and State levels, a Medicaid FAQ, and recent updates on developing areas, such as the State Directive Payments and Fraud, Waste, and Abuse standards. RCPA will continue to communicate to members regarding H.R. 1 Medicaid updates and events, including a Medicaid Summit at the RCPA Conference. Visit the RCPA website for details regarding our conference, and note that we plan to share the registration brochure within the coming weeks. If you have additional questions regarding the RCPA Medicaid Handbook, please forward them to RCPA Policy Specialist Emma Sharp .

RCPA is excited to share that we will opening registration within the coming weeks for our 2026 Conference Power in Purpose: Promoting Possibilities ​​​​​​​, which will be held from September 29 – October 2 at the Hershey Lodge. This conference is 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. Our Registration Brochure will contain details regarding our schedule, workshops, keynote and plenary speakers, and, of course, registration! In addition, RCPA continues to seek sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers for the conference. By completing the Sponsor/Exhibitor/Advertiser Brochure , you guarantee your organization's promotion in all future communications as well as the upcoming Registration Brochure. You will also be showcased on the RCPA Conference Sponsor and Exhibitor web pages. 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 the following organizations that have committed their support to our 2026 Conference. You help make our conference an extraordinary, educational, and meaningful event for Pennsylvania's provider communities!

The Allegheny County Health Department, under the Pennsylvania Local Health Administration Law, is seeking to amend and promulgate a change to the County's Paid Sick Leave regulations and the proposed Paid Parental Leave regulations. RCPA supports policies that help employees balance work, health, and family responsibilities. Paid sick leave and paid parental leave can provide important protections for workers and their families while contributing to workforce stability and employee retention. However, the proposed regulations would significantly expand employer obligations at a time when many Medicaid funded and publicly funded providers continue to face workforce shortages, rising labor costs, and reimbursement systems that do not automatically adjust to reflect new mandates. The proposed parental leave requirement, combined with the expansion of paid sick leave obligations, would create substantial new costs for providers. These costs extend beyond the direct benefit itself and include overtime, replacement staffing, temporary personnel, recruitment, training, scheduling adjustments, and administrative compliance activities. As a part of this process, Allegheny County Department of Health has opened a public comment period through 11:59 pm on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. On behalf of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association (RCPA), we appreciate the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed amendments to Allegheny County's Paid Sick Leave regulations and the proposed Paid Parental Leave regulations. Today, June 3, 2026, RCPA has submitted our comments, which you can read here . Additionally, RCPA is providing the following draft letter, which providers may utilize to develop their organization’s response: Proposed Paid Parental Leave – Sick Leave Regs Public Comment Letter for Providers Providers who wish to submit comments may do so through any of the following methods: Electronically submit written comments via email to publichealthcomment@alleghenycounty.us By mail to: Attn: Article XXIV Comments (Paid Parental Leave) Allegheny County Health Department 542 Fourth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15219 If members have any additional questions, please contact your respective RCPA Policy Director or RCPA COO Jim Sharp .

RCPA would like to extend our sincere thanks to our generous sponsors and the golfers who participated in the RCPA PAC Golf Outing held on Tuesday, June 2. Your support and participation helped make this event a tremendous success. Winning Foursome, Left to Right: Cody Dinger, Strawberry Fields, Inc. George McMurty, Strawberry Fields, Inc. Rob Labatch, Hope Enterprises, Inc. John Bubb, Hope Enterprises, Inc.

RCPA has compiled information for our members from our partners at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as well as Wojdak Government Relations regarding CMS’ release of its interim final rule regarding work requirements. From the National Council for Mental Wellbeing: On June 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its interim final rule on implementing community engagement requirements (commonly referred to as “work requirements”) as provided under H.R.1. Additional information on the proposal can be found in the press release and fact sheet . Because CMS released an interim final rule , the rule will be effective July 31, 2026, with an opportunity for public comment, due July 31, 2026. Background: H.R.1 requires expansion enrollees, non-pregnant adult Medicaid beneficiaries aged 19-64 who typically meet a higher income threshold than in traditional Medicaid and receive coverage in their state as a result of Medicaid expansion or waiver , complete at least 80 hours of work or qualifying activities per month. Other qualifying activities can include community service, work programs, educational programs, or a combination of these activities. The law provides exemptions to meeting these requirements for those who are “medically frail,” which includes individuals with a substance use disorder, disabling mental disorder, or those participating in a Drug Addiction or Alcoholic Treatment or Rehabilitation Program. The Interim Final Rule seeks to provide further implementation guidance on these exemptions. Unless the Secretary grants an extension, states are required to implement work requirements by Jan. 1, 2027, with some states choosing to implement these requirements sooner (so far this includes Nebraska, Montana, Arkansas, and Iowa). From Wojdak Government Relations: Key Provisions on Requirements and Activities: Beginning January 1, 2027, (or earlier date chosen by the state) states must require that certain adults meet a work requirement to enroll in Medicaid or keep their Medicaid coverage when their eligibility is renewed. The work requirement applies to "applicable individuals" or non-pregnant adults between the ages of 19 and 64 who are not entitled to or enrolled in Medicare and are eligible for or enrolled in the Medicaid adult group or in certain section 1115 demonstrations that provide minimum essential coverage to adult beneficiaries. States must conduct outreach to adults who are already enrolled in Medicaid and could be subject to the requirement prior to implementing the new requirement. States must also continue to conduct outreach to applicants who enroll in Medicaid or those whose coverage is renewed on a basis that is subject to meet these requirements after implementation. Work Requirement Activities: Adults subject to the work requirement can meet the requirement for a month if they: Work, complete community service, or participate in a work program for not less than 80 hours; Enroll in an educational program at least half-time; Complete a combination of the activities described above for at least 80 hours; or Have monthly income that is not less than the federal minimum wage multiplied by 80 hours. Some adults are considered to meet the requirement because they were under the age of 19, were enrolled in another Medicaid eligibility group or Medicare, were previously an inmate, or were previously exempt from the requirement. ­­­ Key Provisions on Exemptions: Some adults are exempt and do not need to meet the work requirement to enroll in Medicaid or keep their Medicaid coverage, including adults who are: Former foster care youth; American Indians and Alaska Natives; Parents, guardians, caretaker relatives, or family caregivers of a dependent child 13 years of age and under, or a disabled individual; Veterans with a total disability rating; Medically frail or otherwise have special medical needs that significantly impair their ability to comply with the requirement; Meet the TANF work requirements or are a member of a household receiving SNAP benefits and are not exempt from the SNAP work requirements; Participants in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation or treatment program; Inmates of a public institution; and Pregnant or eligible for postpartum coverage in their state. Key Provisions on Exceptions and Assessing Community Engagement: States have the option to provide short-term hardship exceptions that allow an individual to be considered as meeting the work requirement. The short-term hardships offered, when states choose this option, are for adults: Receiving certain medical services, such as inpatient hospital or nursing facility services; Residing in a county in which there is an emergency or disaster declared by the President; Residing in a county with a high unemployment rate; or Traveling outside of their community for an extended period of time for medical services for a serious or complex medical condition for themselves or their dependent. Adults must meet the work requirement at application and during periodic renewals of eligibility. States determine how many months an individual must meet the requirement, and they have the option to conduct more frequent verifications that individuals meet the work requirement between renewals. If a state cannot verify someone meets the requirement, they must provide the individual 30 days to show the state that they meet the requirement or that they are exempt. If someone is disenrolled because they did not meet the work requirement, they may reapply for Medicaid coverage. From RCPA: RCPA and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing will continue to further review and analyze this rule, develop comments, and provide members with timely updates and resources as state implementation moves forward. RCPA will be releasing its H.R. 1 Medicaid Resource Handbook in the coming week that includes the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s H.R.1 Hub . RCPA thanks our partners for their assistance in providing updates for our organization and members.

The final State Interagency Coordinating Council (SICC) for Early Intervention Annual Report is now available. As a required function under IDEA, the SICC prepares and submits an annual report to the Governor and/or the Secretary on the status of Early Intervention (EI) programs for infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities and their families. The Pennsylvania SICC for EI Annual Report includes data required by state and federal law and summarizes the number of children served in each county in EI, the settings where children receive services and supports, and the state and federal funding utilized for EI over the past fiscal year. Testimonials from parents/caregivers on the impact of receiving EI services for their children and family are also included in the report. More information about the State Interagency Coordinating Council and meeting schedule can be found at the Pennsylvania State Interagency Coordinating Council web page .

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

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 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.