The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) recently provided additional clarification regarding the Commonwealth’s response to a recent federal Medicaid program integrity directive issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. CMS directed all state Medicaid agencies to develop and submit a comprehensive two-year provider revalidation strategy that is focused on strengthening provider oversight, including enhanced review of higher-risk providers and providers operating without a National Provider Identifier (NPI). DHS indicated that it intends to rely on its existing provider screening framework established in the Department’s 2016 provider screening bulletin to determine which provider types will be considered “high risk” for purposes of enhanced revalidation activities. What Providers Need to Know: DHS Will Use Existing High-Risk Provider Categories DHS indicated that only the provider types and sub-specialties specifically identified in its existing 2016 provider screening framework will be categorized as high risk for this initiative. In addition, providers may be categorized as high risk if they meet certain program integrity triggers, including: Newly enrolling providers of home health services or durable medical equipment supplies; Providers subject to payment suspensions based on credible allegations of fraud, waste, or abuse; Providers excluded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) or another state Medicaid program within the past 10 years; Providers with outstanding DHS overpayments greater than $1,500 that are more than 30 days old and not under appeal or repayment agreement; or Providers seeking enrollment following the lifting of a federally imposed enrollment moratorium. Implications for Type 59 Attendant Care Providers For many HCBS providers, the traditional personal assistance and home care providers operating under sub-specialty 362 do not appear to be included within the high-risk categories identified by DHS. However, Provider Type 59 Attendant Care providers are included within the identified high-risk framework and should anticipate additional revalidation activity or off-cycle review. Providers should immediately verify their assigned provider sub-specialties within PROMISe to determine whether any service locations are associated with sub-specialty 050. Implications for Providers Without an NPI CMS specifically instructed states to develop strategies focused on “high-risk providers, including providers without an NPI.” At this time, DHS has not released detailed operational guidance regarding how providers without NPIs will be handled under Pennsylvania’s implementation strategy. However, providers should be aware that non-NPI status may receive increased attention during future enrollment or revalidation reviews. Providers operating without an NPI should: Review current enrollment structures; Confirm whether any service lines may eventually require NPIs; Ensure organizational and ownership information is fully current within PROMISe; and Prepare for possible future guidance related to non-NPI provider oversight. Recommended Provider Actions Verify Your Provider Type and Sub-Specialties: Log into PROMISe and review the provider type and sub-specialty assigned to each enrolled service location. To verify: Log into PROMISe. Select “ePEAP” from the menu. View the provider number displayed at the top of the screen. Select “View Specialties” on the right side of the screen. Determine Whether Any Locations Fall Within Higher-Risk Categories: Providers should identify whether any service locations are enrolled under Provider Type 59 with sub-specialty 050 or any other categories previously identified by DHS as high risk. Organizations with multiple locations should review each enrolled site individually. Review NPI Status: Providers should determine whether the organization currently maintains an NPI; which service lines operate with or without NPIs; and whether enrollment records accurately reflect current organizational structure. Even if NPIs are not currently required, providers should ensure all enrollment information is accurate and current. Consider Revalidating Early: Providers already scheduled for revalidation in 2026 should consider beginning the process earlier rather than waiting until later in the year, when statewide revalidation volume may increase significantly. Early preparation may help avoid processing delays, documentation backlogs; enrollment interruptions; and payment disruptions. Organize Revalidation Documentation Now: Providers should begin gathering and reviewing commonly requested enrollment and revalidation documentation, including: Ownership disclosures; W-9 documentation; Corporate organizational records; Insurance certificates; Licensure documentation; Compliance policies and procedures; Employee screening documentation; OIG exclusion screening records; and Any prior DHS correspondence regarding enrollment status. Operational Considerations for HCBS Providers HCBS providers should anticipate that DHS and CMS may place increased emphasis on: Provider enrollment accuracy; Ownership transparency; Exclusion screening; Claims oversight; Program integrity controls; and Documentation consistency across service locations. Providers should also expect potential increases in reviews, requests for updated document, site verification activities, and screening-related communications. Important Resources and Links CMS Medicaid Program Integrity Information HHS-OIG Exclusions Database (LEIE) Pennsylvania DHS Provider Enrollment Information PROMISe Portal RCPA will continue monitoring DHS guidance and provide information as it becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar .

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 .

On May 27, 2026, RCPA member Community Behavioral Health (CBH) held a monthly meeting for Community HealthChoices providers to communicate with and improve access to behavioral health services. Below are the materials shared in the meeting: Community Behavioral Health PowerPoint Presentation Supportive Peer Services One Pager Training Resources for CHC Providers If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar .

From the Bureau of Human Services Licensing (BHSL):  The Bureau of Human Services Licensing (BHSL) would like to join you in celebrating the tremendous impact of LTC RISE (Long-Term Care Resiliency, Infrastructure Supports, and Empowerment) . Launched on January 1, 2022, in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Human Services (DHS), the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), and regional healthcare organizations, LTC RISE has provided comprehensive support to long‑term care settings, strengthened infection prevention practices, expanded technical assistance, and enhanced preparedness and resiliency across the Commonwealth. Over the past four+ years, LTC RISE has delivered: 24/7 call center and on-site technical support; Consultation on infection prevention, testing, personal protective equipment, staffing strategies, outbreak planning, and workforce wellness; Facility assessments and targeted recommendations; Quality‑improvement support in emergency preparedness, clinical practices, and staff development; and A sustained focus on resident-centered care and building long-term operational resilience. The program’s efforts have bolstered the safety and quality of long‑term care throughout Pennsylvania. We thank you for welcoming them into your facilities and participating in the spirit of support and partnership. LTC RISE is winding down and will be fully concluded on May 31, 2026. As the program concludes, we want to ensure facilities continue to have access to tools, supports, and resources that strengthen operations and protect residents and staff: Emergency Preparedness & Planning ASPR RISC Resource Library Staffing & Workforce Support The First 90 Days: Retention Playbook Infection Prevention & Control PA Infection Control Plan Toolkit Preventing and Responding to Respiratory Infections and Outbreaks in Long-Term Care | Infectious Diseases | CDC’s Project Firstline | AMA Ed Hub PA Epidemiology – Healthcare-Associated Infection Support Team PA Project Firstline Additional Support United Way Pennsylvania PA Long-Term Care Transformation Office (LTCTO) Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the residents of our Commonwealth. As the RISE program concludes, your continued leadership ensures that the progress made over the past several years endures. If you have any questions, please contact Fady Sahhar or the Bureau of Human Services Licensing .

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.