On July 15, 2026, RCPA
submitted a letter to Governor Shapiro, Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Arkoosh, and the leaders of the PA House and Senate, urging them to reaffirm the commitment to the principles in the Olmstead v. L.C. decision, the pathways to Community Integration in the 504 Regulations, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), and subsequent Federal legislation.
Recent federal efforts that could narrow the interpretation or enforcement of Olmstead are deeply concerning, and national organizations have warned that weakening these protections could reverse decades of progress toward community integration. Pennsylvania has invested for many years in a service system built around independence, consumer choice, and community participation. Any erosion of Olmstead protections would undermine those achievements and make it more difficult for providers to deliver the services that allow individuals to remain active members of their communities.
Recognizing that significant steps were taken by Governor Shapiro’s recent Executive Orders on this matter, alongside Pennsylvania’s joining of the lawsuit against the recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines to de-emphasize the importance community integration, RCPA recommends:
- Supporting Pennsylvania's continued commitment to the principles established in Olmstead v. L.C.;
- Opposing policies that weaken the right of individuals with disabilities and older adults to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs;
- Continuing to support investments that strengthen home- and community-based services and the direct care workforce; and
- Working with RCPA, providers, individuals with disabilities, and families to ensure Pennsylvania remains a national leader in community integration.
The Pennsylvania legislature can take additional action to create permanent protections for the civil rights and services built into the current Federal regulations. Therefore, RCPA is asking for your assistance in advancing these recommendations. We have
developed a sample letter for you to use as a starting point.
Please customize your organization’s letter to send to your legislators and encourage your organization’s employees and stakeholders to do the same.
If you have any questions, please contact
Fady Sahhar.
