On Thursday, May 28, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) provided an update to the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) regarding current policies and upcoming regulatory changes following a recent Commonwealth Court decision. On February 17, 2026, the PA Commonwealth Court issued a decision in Dunkelberger v. Department of Human Services that determined that ODP’s limitations on provider model services (specifically the 40/60-hour caps and 90-day travel maximums) were null and void. The decision was based on process rather than policy validity; the Court found that these limitations were not properly promulgated as regulations in accordance with the Commonwealth Documents Law and Regulatory Review Act. To maintain a balanced approach between flexibility and oversight, ODP is moving forward with the following actions: Regulatory Amendments: ODP will amend regulations to establish formal authority for setting service delivery limits that support individual welfare and program integrity. Self-Directed Model Agreements: ODP has already modified agreements for self-directed models to clarify limits on overtime, combined relative service provision, and travel restrictions. Travel Restrictions: Due to the inability to monitor services effectively over long distances, service provision will now be limited to Pennsylvania and contiguous states. Waiver Changes: ODP will seek modifications through the amendment process to the Consolidated, P/FDS, Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers to include: New requirements for agencies providing IHCS and Companion services to disclose a DSP's relationship to participants; and Strengthened programmatic oversight and integrity measures. Life Sharing Alternative: For participants requiring more than 60 hours of paid care from a relative, the Life Sharing (24/7) service model remains the recommended alternative. ODP anticipates a public comment period for these proposed waiver changes beginning in January 2027.

Press Release from DHS : Published May 27, 2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 26-039 . The purpose of this communication is to provide updated details about the Residential Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Pay-for-Performance (P4P) initiatives for Fiscal Year 2026/27. Updates are provided in red . Please review the announcement for more details. Visit here to access the Pay for Performance (P4P): Residential Rural Capacity Expansion Plan template .

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has published ODPANN 26-057 . This communication is to announce the release of the latest issue of the CI Spotlight, which can be found on the Certified Investigator Program Home Page. This edition of the CI Program Spotlight includes articles on interviewing people who do not communicate in universally understood ways, Temple University’s CI Peer Reviews, and more. If you have a suggestion for a future Spotlight article, please visit here to submit your suggestion.

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 .

Press Release from PSU : Published May 25, 2026

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 Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared a reminder that updated Medication Administration Student and Practicum Observer Courses for 2026 will be released on June 1, 2026. After this date, new users will no longer be able to enroll in previous student courses. Learners who have already enrolled and begun the 2024 Student Courses or the Practicum Observer Course by June 1, 2026, must now complete the courses by September 1, 2026. All other learners must enroll in and take the 2026 courses after June 1, 2026. Enrollment keys for classes that were already created will not work for the 2026 courses. Trainers should create new classes in the 2026 courses and use the enrollment key generated to enroll new users in the 2026 courses. Please see ODPANN 26-056 for additional information. 

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced that Virtual Office Hours (VOH) registration for May 28 is now available for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators. If you are interested in joining, please select the Registration link that is available on your MedAdmin Dashboard .

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

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) will be hosting two (2) one-hour virtual Listening Sessions on the 55 Pa. Code Chapter 5250 Crisis Licensing Regulations. The Listening Sessions are intended to provide a high-level summary of changes being made to the final form package based on the comments received and to gather provider perspectives on those specific areas. Please register for one of the two session dates being offered by selecting the appropriate link below. Session 1: Tuesday, June 9, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am Session 2: Monday, June 15, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm After completing your registration, you will receive an email confirmation containing instructions to join the webinar. If you experience any issues with the registration process, please email . The RCPA Crisis Regulation Review Team will meet in late June as a follow-up to the listening session to develop further recommendations based upon OMHSAS’s prospective changes. If you are interested in being a part of this review team, please contact RCPA COO and Mental Health Policy Director Jim Sharp .

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 Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced that new live case study sessions for the Administrative Review (AR) Course are now available, featuring a new case study that allows participants to actively engage and apply their learning. The case study is new as of April 2026. There are two parts to the course: Part 1: Online Module which includes three (3) units and a quiz. Part 2: Live case study session, held on Zoom. Registration for the case study sessions is currently scheduled for: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm) Friday, October 23, 2026 (9:00 am – 12:00 pm) Thursday, December 3, (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm) Please review ODPANN 26-055 for more details. Please send your questions regarding registration for the AR Module electronically to this inbox .

The RCPA Telehealth Operations Work Group meeting, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, will be rescheduled to Tuesday, June 30, from 10:00 am – 11:30 am. At this time, RCPA is working with the Department of Human Services (DHS) on specific revisions to Pennsylvania’s telehealth policies and practices, including the elimination of encounter forms for telehealth service delivery. We hope to have definitive updates at the next meeting. Additionally, RCPA will be conducting a live survey around telehealth utilization, practices, and future expansion needs. Register for the meeting here . Those who already registered for the original May 26 meeting do not need to re-register. If you have any questions, comments, or agenda topics, please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp.

Press Release from RCPA Member Strawberry Fields, Inc. : Published May 21, 2026

The 2026 Community of Practice for Supporting Families Regional Collaborative Summit will be held virtually September 1 – 2. Join the Summit this September to learn from peers and professionals about how to bolster your communities of practice for supporting individuals with disabilities and/or autism (ID/A) and their families. Visit here to learn more; registration information will be announced when available.

View a quick synopsis of the PA primary election results here at Politics PA . Read below for a more in-depth summary, courtesy of Wojdak Government Relations. Senate Highlights: In the State Senate , and perhaps considered the most watched races in the PA Primary: 3 establishment Republicans were targeted for a challenge from the right in Lisa Baker (Luzerne), Camera Bartolotta (Washington) and Chris Gebhard (Lebanon). All 3 survived a very intense primary fight well-funded by the Georgia-based Pace-O-Matic manufacturer of skill-based gaming devices that have become ubiquitous across Pennsylvania and have been the subject of recent legislative efforts to tax and regulate. Over $8M was spent collectively in these three races. Their efforts were not completely shut out though, a last-minute spending blitz appears to have paid off in securing the Democratic nomination for their preferred candidate Mark Pinsley to take on incumbent Republican Senator Jarett Coleman in the Lehigh Valley. This may boost Senate Republicans chances of retaining their majority in what many are saying is a difficult political environment. House Highlights: The State House saw less outside spending and intensity than the Senate races, but there were a few notable upsets. The longest serving state representative and a climate champion, Democrat Greg Vitali, who has represented suburban Philadelphia since 1992, lost his primary last night to Delaware County backed candidate — Judy Trombetta. The shortest tenured state representative Ana Tiburico, a Democrat representing Allentown for only the last few months, also lost her primary to a progressive backed candidate CeCe Gerlach. Other incumbents losing were Republican Bud Cook from Greene County and Democrat Keith Harris in Philadelphia. Congressional Highlights: The marquee race for U.S. Congress , saw progressive State Representative Chris Rabb defeat State Senator Sharif Street to win the nomination in the Philadelphia-based Third Congressional District to replace retiring Congressman Dwight Evans. Street enjoyed significant backing from Mayor Parker and the local Democratic establishment. Governor Shapiro scored wins with his endorsed candidates winning in all four congressional races where he endorsed, all districts with Republican incumbents and perceived to be competitive in November. In those races, County Commissioner Bob Harvey (D) will take on Brian Fitzpatrick (R) in suburban Bucks County, TV anchor Janelle Stelson (D) will see a rematch with Scott Perry (R) in the Harrisburg area, Scranton Mayor Page Cognetti (D) will take on Rob Bresnahan (R) in northeastern Pennsylvania, and firefighter Rob Brooks (D) will challenge Ryan Mackenzie (R) in the Lehigh Valley. In the race for Governor , Republican State Treasurer Republican Stacey Garrity and incumbent Democrat Josh Shapiro were unopposed for their respective nominations, but Garrity did get her preferred running mate with Allegheny GOP party chair Jason Ritchey securing the Lt. Governor nomination. Incumbent Lt. Governor Austin Davis was unopposed. (In Pennsylvania Governor and Lt. Governor candidates are selected separately in the primary but run as a team in November). If you want to get a closer look at results for specific races, you can find the full Department of State data here . Here are a few key articles coming out of the primary if you want to read more: Latest Results From the 2026 Pennsylvania Primary Election (Spotlight PA) Pa. Primary Election: Chris Rabb Wins in Contentious 3rd District Race; Democratic Nominees Set in Key Swing Districts (Inquirer) Shapiro-Backed Brooks Wins Competitive Pennsylvania Primary (Politico) Pennsylvania Primary Battles See Some Legislative Incumbents Fall While Gaming-Targeted Senators Hold On (Spotlight PA) Janelle Stelson Will Face Rep. Scott Perry Again After Victory in Pa.-10 Democratic Primary (Penn Capital-Star) Looking forward, House and Senate Members will return to Harrisburg June 1 for the budget sprint, with the fiscal year ending June 30. Then all eyes will turn to the fall election, November 3. As of today, we are 167 days away.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s (PCCD) Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) will be forming a new Reentry Subcommittee, which will work to create a statewide reentry strategic plan for Pennsylvania. The strategic planning process will examine key trends, best practices, and recommendations for improving Pennsylvania’s reentry infrastructure. As part of the strategic planning process, PCCD and OAG are seeking stakeholders’ perspectives in helping to understand where additional improvements may be needed. A brief 2026 PA Reentry Strategic Planning Feedback Survey is available. Responses are due no later than June 1, 2026. Your feedback will help inform planning and future engagement efforts.  Contact PCCD Policy Specialist Kristina Gonzalez with any questions.

The Bureau of Blindness and Visual Services (BBVS) is offering a training overview of the wide range of supports and services that they provide to individuals who are blind or have a vision impairment. Additionally, the training will also highlight how individuals with vision loss can connect to BBVS’s resources, as well as the process for receiving services. Register here to attend . Who should attend? All Interested Stakeholders Date and Time: May 22, 2026 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Please share these important workshops and support groups with your networks! Register here for upcoming events. Good Life Group, Support Groups Caregiver Support Group : Wednesday, June 3, and Tuesday, June 16 Sibling Good Life Group : Monday, June 29 LifeCourse Workshops Peace of Mind Long-Term Planning : Tuesday, June 30 Using the LifeCourse to Plan and Problem Solve Part 1 and Part 2 : Friday, June 5, and Friday, June 12 Transitions Through the LifeSpan : Monday, June 22  Waiver Workshops Waiver Basics Part 1 and Part 2 : Wednesday, June 10, and Wednesday, June 17 Advanced Waiver Basics Part 1 and Part 2 : Tuesday, June 23, and Thursday, June 25

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.

Press Release from RCPA Member Inglis : Published May 18, 2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) has released an advisory regarding a multi-country cluster of Hantavirus cases linked to an international cruise ship expedition. The outbreak has been connected to the Andes virus strain, which is notable because it is the only known hantavirus capable of limited person-to-person transmission under close, prolonged exposure conditions. As of May 11, 2026, nine cases and three deaths have been reported internationally. At this time, PA DOH reports no known Pennsylvania residents connected to the outbreak. Hantavirus infections remain extremely rare in the United States and particularly in Pennsylvania, where only two cases have been reported since 2010. Most infections are associated with exposure to rodent urine, droppings, saliva, or nesting materials in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas. Providers and organizations should be aware of symptoms consistent with Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), including fever, fatigue, muscle aches, cough, and shortness of breath, particularly when there is a known history of rodent exposure or close contact with a symptomatic individual linked to the Andes virus strain. Early symptoms may resemble influenza or COVID-19. The Department of Health is advising healthcare providers to immediately report suspected cases to local public health authorities or the PA Department of Health at 877-PA-HEALTH. RCPA encourages members to review the PA-HAN advisory and fact sheet for additional clinical guidance, infection control recommendations, and environmental cleaning protocols related to rodent exposure and prevention.

Press Release from CommonSpirit Health : Published May 4, 2026

On May 13, 2026, the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) introduced proposed amendments to the County’s Paid Sick Leave regulations, along with a new Paid Parental Leave mandate. The proposal would significantly expand Article XXIV of the Allegheny County Health Code by requiring employers to provide extensive paid parental leave benefits directly funded by employers. For providers delivering adult home and community-based services (HCBS), personal assistance services, and other Medicaid-funded in-home supports throughout Allegheny County, the proposal could create substantial operational and financial pressures. RCPA is closely monitoring the proposal and evaluating the implications for the broader home-based care system, workforce stability, and continuity of care for vulnerable adults. Key Components of the Proposal: Paid Parental Leave Requirement The proposed regulation would require all employers operating within Allegheny County, regardless of size, to provide up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave at an employee’s full regular rate of pay. Employees would become eligible after only 30 days of employment. Qualifying events would include childbirth, legal adoption, or permanent legal placement of a child, including foster placement. Eligible employees could use the leave at any point during the first 12 months following the qualifying event. Unlike state-administered paid leave programs funded through payroll contributions or social insurance models, this proposal places the financial obligation directly on employers, potentially requiring providers to absorb the costs themselves or purchase supplemental private insurance coverage. Expansion of Paid Sick Leave Requirements The ACHD proposal also expands existing paid sick leave requirements by increasing the accrual rate from one hour earned for every 35 hours worked to one hour for every 30 hours worked. In addition, the maximum accrual cap would increase from 40 hours to 72 hours annually. Collectively, these changes would materially increase labor costs for providers operating within an already constrained Medicaid reimbursement environment. Public Health Rationale ACHD has framed the proposal as a prevention-focused public health initiative intended to improve maternal and infant health outcomes and address disparities in access to paid leave benefits. County officials cited goals including reductions in postpartum depression, improved infant wellness outcomes, increased immunization compliance, and broader equity for lower-wage workers who often lack employer-sponsored leave benefits. Status of the Proposal The regulations are currently in the proposal stage and have not yet been adopted. A 30-day public comment period began on May 13, 2026. A public hearing is scheduled for June 2, 2026, at 5:30 pm in the Gold Room of the Allegheny County Courthouse. Following the comment period, the Allegheny County Board of Health may vote on a final version before forwarding it to Allegheny County Council for approval. Implications for Adult Home-Based Care Providers RCPA recognizes the importance of workforce supports and family-friendly employment policies. However, the association remains deeply concerned about the impact of imposing significant new unfunded mandates on Medicaid-funded adult home-based care providers without corresponding reimbursement adjustments. Providers delivering personal assistance services, attendant care, waiver services, and other in-home supports already operate under severe workforce shortages and historically inadequate reimbursement structures. Allegheny County continues to have some of the lowest Medicaid-funded personal assistance reimbursement rates in Pennsylvania, creating limited financial flexibility for providers to absorb substantial new labor-related costs. Without parallel Medicaid rate increases or supplemental funding mechanisms, the proposal could accelerate provider instability, reduce service capacity, increase caregiver shortages, and ultimately jeopardize access to care for older adults and individuals with disabilities who rely on in-home services to remain safely in the community. RCPA will be preparing formal comments regarding the proposal and continue engaging policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders to highlight the potential consequences for the adult home- and community-based care sector and the Medicaid populations it serves. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Fady Sahhar .

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 We appreciate your patience with rescheduling this event. All previous registrants have been automatically registered for the June 15 session; no additional registration is required. We apologize if you are no longer able to attend. The webinar will be recorded and archived on the IPRC website. 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 .