Tim Sohosky • January 15, 2026

The Supervisor-Centric Retention Blueprint: Complimentary RCPA Member Webinar February 18

Author

Tim Sohosky

Date

January 15, 2026

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RCPA is pleased to offer members a free webinar with Nate Beers, a respected IDD leader known for translating behavioral science into practical solutions for today’s workforce challenges. 

The webinar is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Register for the webinar here.


No More Guessing: A Clear Framework for Supervisor-Led Retention

Frontline supervisors shape the everyday experience of Direct Support Professionals — often more than any policy, incentive program, or org-wide initiative. Yet most supervisors step into these critical roles without training in the people-leadership skills that matter most: navigating tough conversations, providing effective feedback, building trust, and shaping the culture of their teams.

The result? Turnover patterns that look random but are actually predictable — and preventable.

This session introduces a simple but powerful framework based on behavioral science that helps agencies build teams people never want to leave. Attendees will learn how to identify the seven early-warning signs that a team is at risk and discover a practical weekly supervisor strategy that strengthens communication, connection, and confidence for both new hires and seasoned staff.

This is a clear, actionable roadmap for leaders who want less churn, less chaos, and more stability — starting with supervisors.


Presenter Bio:

Nate Beers, BCBA, is the founder of IDD Leader and host of The IDD Leader Podcast, where he helps agency leaders stop the exhausting staff-turnover cycle and — finally — save both hundreds of headaches and thousands of dollars. With a background in behavioral science and over 20 years in human services leadership, Nate brings practical, evidence-based strategies that actually work on the frontlines.


Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify the seven early-warning indicators that a supervisor is unintentionally driving turnover;
  2. Explain why behavior-based supervisor habits outperform traditional “leadership training” models in human services;
  3. Implement one simple weekly supervisor routine that improves trust, clarity, and retention within days; and
  4. Prioritize which supervisor skills and habits will create the greatest retention impact within their agency.


Register for the webinar here.


Free tools and resources for human services leaders are available at The IDD Leader website.

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ODP Updates the MAAC on Paid Relative Caregiving & Travel Limitations

By Tim Sohosky • May 29, 2026
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.
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