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Tags Posts tagged with "wolf administration"

wolf administration

Hole torn in a dollar bill with medicaid text

Excerpt from: Pennsylvania Capital-Star, Nov. 23, 2021

The Democratic Wolf administration says it wants to spend $1.2 billion in American Rescue Act funds to shore up home and community-based services offered through the state’s Medicaid program, all with an eye toward allowing more of the commonwealth’s residents to access services closer to home. On Monday, the administration dropped the formal details of a plan to direct the federal relief money toward seniors and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities; adults dealing with such behavioral health needs as substance abuse disorder or mental illness; and children with chronic and complex medical needs, the administration said in a statement.

In its statement, the administration said the money also would be used to pay for:

  • Increasing access to home and community-based services;
  • Providing necessary supplies to safely facilitate services;
  • Additional trainings and learning opportunities through workforce support;
  • Supporting families caring for their loved one;
  • Improving functional capabilities of people with disabilities;
  • Enhancing transitional supports; and
  • Home and community-based services capacity building.

RCPA continues its discussions and advocacy with the Department of Human Services on spending priorities for human services, especially initiatives targeting rate structures and the workforce crisis.

The Wolf Administration today announced creation of the Interagency Substance Use Response Team (ISURT), a new tool for collaboration across state government to combat the disease of addiction. ISURT replaces the Opioid Command Center (OCC), which was originally created under the governor’s opioid disaster declaration. In replacing the current OCC structure, this newly-established group will shift its focus from solely opioids to all SUDs due to the increase in polysubstance use, stimulant use, and additional SUDs emerging in Pennsylvania.

For more information, contact the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs.

Today, Governor Wolf announced that Commonwealth employees in state health care facilities and high-risk congregate facilities will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by September 7, 2021. Individuals who are not vaccinated will be required to undergo weekly COVID-19 testing. Additionally, beginning September 7, 2021, all new external hires in these facilities must be vaccinated before commencing employment.

In addition to the ​”vaccine or test​” requirement, Governor Wolf announced a vaccine incentive for state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction. Starting October 1, 2021, ​all vaccinated state employees under the governor’s jurisdiction are eligible for an additional 7.5 or 8 hours paid time off. The Office of Administration will work with employees and agencies to develop a mechanism for employees to confirm proof of vaccination.

Currently, more than 63​% of Pennsylvanians 18 and older are fully vaccinated, with the state ranking fifth among all 50 states for total doses administered. Members are encouraged to review the vaccine outreach letter to help in promoting vaccinations to those in your facilities. Additional free resources are available on the PA Unites Against COVID website.