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Tags Posts tagged with "ODP update"

ODP update

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ODP Announcement 20-068 provides updated guidance to Community and Life Sharing Home providers about how to apply updated COVID-19 testing guidance and infection control procedure guidance issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH).

DOH has released guidance that is targeted to large congregate-care settings such as skilled nursing facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability, which does not specifically reference Community and Life Sharing Homes. However, some of the guidance provided can be applied to Community and Life Sharing Homes.

When an individual in a Community Home has been potentially exposed to COVID-19 or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the provider should take immediate action to prevent transmission of COVID-19 to other residents and to staff. At minimum providers should do the following:

  • Quarantine residents consistent with PA-HAN-559:
    • Fully vaccinated inpatients and residents in healthcare settings should continue to quarantine following prolonged close contact (within 6 feet for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period) with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection, which includes the use of Transmission-Based Precautions for COVID-19 per PA-HAN-524.
      • This is due to limited information about vaccine effectiveness in this population, the higher risk of severe disease and death, and challenges with physical distancing in healthcare settings.
    • Quarantine is no longer recommended for residents who are returning to the home after visitation or hospital stays if they are fully vaccinated and have not had prolonged close contact with someone with SARS-CoV-2 infection in the prior 14 days (i.e., no known exposure to COVID-19).

When a staff person has been potentially exposed to COVID-19 or has been diagnosed with COVID-19, the provider should take immediate action to prevent transmission of COVID-19 to residents and to other staff. At a minimum, providers should do the following:

  • Staff should quarantine in accordance with the below guidance:
    • For asymptomatic health care personnel (HCP) with potential exposure to COVID-19, determine work exclusion by following the guidance of PA-HAN-560.
    • For symptomatic HCP with any known exposure to COVID-19, exclude immediately from work and counsel them to seek testing. Follow PA-HAN-535 and PA-HAN-553.
    • For HCP who are asymptomatic, but test positive for COVID-19, follow guidance in PA-HAN-535 and PA-HAN-553.

Please read the updated ODP Announcement 20-068 for the full policy.

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ADA Anniversary
In recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26, the US Census Bureau is releasing “Facts for Features,” providing demographic information about institutionalization, transportation, employment, and accessibility.

LEAD Webinar
On June 24 at 3:00 pm, LEAD Center will hold its third webinar in the four-part series, “WIOA from a Disability Perspective.” This month’s webinar, “Understanding Changes Regarding Youth Services,” addresses cross-system collaboration and WIOA opportunities for career counseling, skills training, and job exploration.

DHS Home Modification
The state Department of Human Services (DHS) has released a discussion document on a proposed model for improving efforts to provide home modifications for those served by the Home and Community-Based Service waivers (OLTL and ODP). Comments are requested by July 2. Please share your comments with RCPA Policy Specialist Linda Drummond as well.

DHS: The Impact
In keeping with Governor Wolf’s commitment to transparency, DHS distributes regular updates to keep Pennsylvanians abreast of the good work happening at DHS and how it impacts the Commonwealth. The June 5 edition addressed “Managed Long-Term Supports and Services,” which are under discussion. This initiative is geared toward improving the health and welfare of older Pennsylvanians, and individuals with physical disabilities, by implementing a system that breaks down barriers and fills the gaps that currently exist.

Public hearings are being held across the state and comments are due by July 15. Further details can be found on the DHS website. The service systems being considered are the Aging and Office of Long Term Living waivers. ODP waivers are not being considered at this time. See press release here.

WIOA Comments Due
The April 28 IDD Update provided links to the proposed changes in the Federal Register and the five Notices of Proposed Rulemaking, regarding the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. Comments are due by June 15 to www.regulations.gov. Please share your comments with RCPA Policy Specialist Linda Drummond.

ODP Update
The Office of Developmental Programs has released the following information:

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