The Pennsylvania Legislature is considering an update to the Older Adults Protective Services Act (OAPSA), which includes several provisions to impact services, staffing, and regulatory reporting for RCPA members in all of the Department of Human Services arenas. RCPA and its members strongly support having protections of older Pennsylvanians; however, our recommendations focused on provisions that impact: Expanded fingerprinting and background check requirements; Hiring flexibility and provider operational responsibilities; and Alignment with existing HCBS operational frameworks. The recommendations highlighted the need for the legislative process to preserve and support access to HCBS services, workforce sustainability, operational feasibility, and continuity of care for older adults in the Commonwealth. The full response can be viewed here .
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has released communication ODPANN 26-061 , to announce that the Fatal Five training is now available on MyODP. The Fatal Five training replaces the previously available Fatal Four training on the platform. All previously ODP-approved Fatal Five trainings remain valid and continue to meet regulatory training requirements. The Fatal Five Health Conditions are health concerns that are seen frequently in individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities. These conditions can result in serious illness or death if they are not closely monitored and treated. In this training, you will learn what the Fatal Five are, who is at risk, the symptoms and warning signs that alert you to act in the moment to support an individual, the causes and complications of each condition, and what you and others can do to prevent harm and support the individual’s health, safety, and quality of life. This training consists of six webcasts, for a total viewing time of about 76 minutes. Completion of a 25-question Post Test is required for training credit. Once completed, two credit hours will be awarded on the MyTranscript report. The course is available within the Health & Safety category under the “Topics” dropdown on MyODP.org or by using this link to navigate directly to the course .
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!