The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) selected Pennsylvania as one of the core states to receive technical assistance and training. Employee Engagement and Provider Transformation is the focus of the initiative to further increase competitive, integrated employment outcomes for all individuals with disabilities. The office will continue to host virtual National Employment First Community of Practice webinars which are held on the second Wednesday of each month from 3:00 - 4:00 pm. Any individual interested in joining the webinar must register on the ODEP website. 
 

GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER REGARDING LICENSURE

Governor Wolf released Executive Order 2017-03 on October 24, 2017 regarding "Review of State Professional and Occupational Licensure Board Requirements and Process." The order requires a critical and comprehensive review of the processes, fees, training and educational requires for occupational and professional licensure. Included in the order is comparison to neighboring states standards and processes as well as any automatic criminal history bans and Interstate Compacts or Reciprocity Agreements.

CHIP FUNDS SET TO EXPIRE

Congress has yet to reauthorize the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) which permits Medicaid to fund children's services. The Senate Finance Committee adopted a 5-year program extension without funding. The House continues to have negotiations and there are disagreements along party lines regarding the funding sources. Since funds are allotted annually with a two year window to spend, Pennsylvania currently has sufficient funds for the program until March 2018.

SSA TO INCREASE MONTHLY BENEFIT AMOUNTS

People with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income or Social Security will see their largest rise in benefits in years with a two percent increase in 2018. The Social Security Administration indicated that the higher benefit amounts is due to an automatic cost-of-living adjustment which is based on inflation. The raise will take effect beginning in January.    

CCBHC FUNDING POTENTIAL TO EXPAND

Concurrent bills to expand the Excellence in Mental Health Act pilot program supporting implementation of Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHCs) were introduced in Congress. Senators Stabenow (D-MI) and Blunt (R-MO) introduced SB 1905 and Representatives Lance (R-NJ) and Matsui (D-CA) HB 3931. The bill would continue funding for an additional year of the eight current pilots and expand the pilots to 11 additional states.

MEDICAID REENTRY ACT COULD JUMP START MEDICAID COVERAGE

The Medicaid Reentry Act (HR 4005), introduced by Representative Tonko (D-NY),  would amend the Social Security Act to assist in reentry of individuals to the community. The bill would permit states to restart Medicaid coverage for eligible incarcerated individuals 30 days prior to their release to the community as is the practice for release of individuals from public institutions.  
 

The Health Resources and Services Administration (HSRA) will be providing up to 25 awards of up to $200,000 per year for three years. Twelve of the final applicants will be selected to participate in the Health Improvement Special Project. A consortium of at least three or more health care providers that are public or nonprofit entities in rural areas are eligible to apply. Applications are due December 6, 2017.  More information is available at the HRSA website for Federal Opportunity Number HRSA-18-030.  

SAMHSA SOAR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OPPORTUNITY

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications from criminal justice agencies and institutes to engage in SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery (SOAR) Technical Assistance grant. The goal is to promote access to services for individuals leaving correctional facilities, involved in criminal justice systems or specialty courts with needed treatment. Letter of interest is due by November 17. Applications are due January 8, 2018. More information, including the application, is available at the SAMHSA website.

SAVE THE DATE - WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER

The 20^th Interagency Conference serving children, youth, young adults and families is scheduled for the Penn Stater Conference Center in State College on April 30 through May 3, 2018.

PEOPLE AND PLACES

Senator Casey was honored by the American Network of Community Options and Resources on October 10, 2017, for his effective advocacy in protecting Medicaid on behalf of the disability community.

Representative Tim Murphy (R-PA) resigned from office on October 21, 2017.

Tom McDermott and Bridget Thrash are new PACA MH/DS representatives to the Office of Developmental Programs Information and Sharing committee.

Experience the Employment Connection (EEC) - events will be held across the Commonwealth.  It will be a great opportunity to network and will count towards ODPs 24 hour annual training requirement. Registration is now open and further information is available via the EEC website http://pa-eec.org/ . 
 

Three-Day Peer Support within the Criminal Justice System Training - For Pennsylvania residents who are Certified Peer Specialists or Certified Recovery Specialists with priority given to those who have lived experience in the criminal justice system. It will take place January 10 - 12 in Monroeville. Training cost is $90. Attendees are responsible for their own expenses. More information and Application

AE Webinars Scheduled: Please see the tentative topics and dates below for the upcoming webinars.  

The 25th Annual Forensic Rights and Treatment Conference (Yesterday, Today, and the Future: New Horizons in Forensic Services). November 29 - 30th in Grantville, PA. The Conference Brochure and Registration are now available.   

Registration is now open for the 2017 Statewide Stepping Up Summit - December 4 - 5, 2017 in State College. The Statewide Stepping Up Summit is a national initiative to reduce the number of individuals with mental illnesses from jails. This event will help criminal justice and behavioral health professionals understand the key elements of Stepping Up and how to implement Stepping Up in a county. Details and Registration