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.

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

Exclusive educational webinar from RCPA Partner Relias, Making Feedback Matter: A Practical Introduction to Relias XM

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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!

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.

On Monday, May 11, 2026, RCPA will be hosting a virtual H.R. 1 Medicaid Summit for all members, non-members, and stakeholders from 9:00 am – 10:00 am. This summit will feature guest panelists who will provide Federal and State updates on the implementation and impacts of the pending Medicaid changes. We will also explore the role of providers, advocates, and stakeholders in the process to ensure access and care for vulnerable Pennsylvanians. Register for the summit here . As part of the event, we will have a Q&A segment. If you have any questions you would like to ask during the Q&A segment, or if you have any general questions regarding the virtual summit, please forward them to RCPA Behavioral Health Policy Associate Emma Sharp .

RCPA has been a long-time partner of the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS), a policy design and implementation organization devoted to improving outcomes for people enrolled in Medicaid.

RCPA is pleased to announce our partnership with The Human Services Leadership Institute (HSLI). HSLI is led by Tim Nolan, EdD, who has worked with tens of thousands of people leaders and hundreds of organizations in the human services field, with a focus on improving employee commitment, engagement, performance, and retention. Tim is the author of 14 books, including: The Essential Handbook for Highly Effective Human Service Professionals, 2 nd Edition o Ideal for frontline staff The Essential Handbook for Highly Effective Human Service Managers, 3 rd Edition o Perfect for people leaders at all levels Highly Effective Human Service Organizations o Great for organizational leaders looking to improve systems and processes There are several exclusive benefits for RCPA members: Discounts on registrations for upcoming Highly Effective Human Service Managers Program. Two cohorts will be opening soon for RCPA members: One cohort will be for frontline supervisors One cohort will be for directors and above Discounts for consultation and purchase of the Highly Effective Human Service Managers Program for your organization. Tim can lead this program or you can select the self-facilitation option which includes all materials and a facilitator guide. Over 8,000 have participated in this dynamic and transformative experience that will lead to high levels of employee, manager, and organizational performance. A recent client experienced a 25% improvement in employee retention after completing the program. Visit the HSLI website to learn more.

Join RCPA as we host the 2026 Annual Conference Power in Purpose: Promoting Possibilities from September 29 – October 2 at the Hershey Lodge.

Follow-up information from the HR Committee meeting held on January 14, 2026, is available below:

Follow-up information from the HR Committee meeting held on November 5, 2025, is available below:

Visit the Making Our World Better Podcast page to listen.

RCPA Partner The Ramsay Group has announced that Candace Osunsade has joined the organization as the Managing Director of their HR Practice Group.