PACA MH/DS RESPONDS TO UNIFICATION PROPOSAL

 

Governor Wolf has proposed a unification plan for the departments of Health, Human Services, Drug and Alcohol Programs and Aging (which is available online). The initiative continues to evolve as constituents voice concerns and offer recommendations. PACA MH/DS submitted comments that focused on the following:

ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITY OPERATING AGREEMENT DUE BY JUNE 30TH 

 

The Administrative Entity Operating Agreement establishes the county and state roles for waiver oversight. The Office of Developmental Programs worked diligently with PACA MH/DS to improve the agreement in preparation for the approval of new waivers which will be effective July 2017. Each county/joinder needs to submit their executed agreement to ODP by June 30.

 

PACA MH/DS MEETS WITH REPRESENTATIVE MURT REGARDING MHPA

 

PACA MH/DS commented on House Bill 1233 regarding the potential creation of involuntary outpatient commitment procedures within the current Mental Health Procedures Act. Representative Murt (R-152).  PACA representatives met with Rep. Murt at his request and expressed the organization's concerns regarding the legislation. The majority of issues discussed were in regard to implementation requirements that may hinder the intended outcome which is ultimately to have people in need of treatment receive necessary care in order to maintain their ability for self-preservation.

 

Representative Murt who is the primary sponsor of the proposal is also the chair of the Mental Health Subcommittee of the House Human Services Committee. HB 1233 has moved out of committee and had the first of three considerations before it can move to the Senate. Rep. Murt expressed willingness to continue discussions regarding the bill and possible amendments.

 

PACA MH/DS LEGISLATIVE TRACKING REPORTS AVAILABLE

 

PACA MH/DS regularly reviews and tracks legislation that affects community developmental and behavioral health services. We update the reports at least monthly, but more frequently as legislation moves. Currently PACA MH/DS is tracking 58 different bills, three of which could change the current Mental Health Procedures Act. You can access the tracking reports on the Policy and Legislative page of our website:  www.mhdspa.org .

 

MORE DETAILS EMERGE IN FEDERAL BUDGET PROPOSAL 

 

Two months after releasing the proposed $4.1 trillion budget outline for FY 2018, the Trump administration rolled out additional details on May 23 for his first budget, which includes significant reductions in discretionary funding while boosting funding for military and defense programs. In general, the proposal builds on reforms in health care, taxes, immigration, welfare, education and regulations, and prioritizes reductions in federal spending.

 

The President's budget would lift the defense spending level cap and increasing funding by $54 billion, increase funding for border security measures by $2.6 billion, and provide an increase of $4.3 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The proposal also includes changes to requirements for tax credit eligibility such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit and provides for paid parental leave. Further, the President has suggested $200 billion towards a $1 trillion transportation and infrastructure package, largely supported by public-private partnerships.

 

However, other non-defense, discretionary programs would be poised for substantial cuts, built around a "2-penny plan" to reduce non-defense budget authority by two percent each year. This would include a $610 billion decrease to grants to states for Medicaid over ten years, with reforms proposed to give states the choice between a per capita cap and a block grant, and to give states more flexibility to control costs and design state-based solutions for Medicaid recipients. Safety net programs targeted for cuts include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, with reforms to tighten eligibility and encourage work, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant and Social Security disability insurance benefits. There are 66 programs targeted for complete elimination, among them the Community Services Block Grant, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the Flood Hazard Mapping and Risk Analysis Program, the Community Development Block Grant, the HOME Investment Partnerships Program and TIGER grants.

 

More information on the proposal 2018 federal budget proposal can be found at www.whitehouse.gov

 

HCBS VULNERABLE UNDER AHCA

 

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released a report titled Medicaid Cuts in House ACA Repeal Bill Would Limit Availability of Home and Community-Based Services .  The report details the impact Medicaid per capita caps proposed in the American Health Care Act (AHCA) on home and community based services (HCBS). Although HCBS waivers are optional, they represent a large share of overall state spending and therefore they are likely targets for cuts.

Full Report Available: Here

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY - Cooperative Agreements to Implement Zero Suicide in Health Systems

 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has $7.9 million available for awards up to $400,000 per year for community-based primary care or behavioral health care organizations; emergency departments and local public health agencies. Applications are due July 18, 2017. For more information visit 

 

RESOURCE - County Mental Health Administrator's Toolkit for Promoting Community Inclusion

 

The Temple Collaborative on Community Inclusion published The County Mental Health Administrator's Toolkit for Promoting Community Inclusion. The document reviews the key functions of county mental health executives and discusses the ways in which each of these can be used to broaden the understanding, implementation, evaluation, and funding of community inclusion initiatives. A useful Appendix to the toolkit provides additional resources, checklists, and references. 

2017 PA SUICIDE PREVENTION ANNUAL CONFERENCE

 

The PA Adult/Older Adult Suicide Prevention Coalition and the PA Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative are joining as a single entity beginning at the 2017 annual conference. The conference will be at the Best Western Premier in Harrisburg on June 19 from 9 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. More information is available online at www.preventsuicidepa.org. 

 

DUAL DIAGNOSIS CONFERENCE 2017 - Positive Opportunities: Supporting the Whole Person

 

The Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services received funds from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to build capacity to support the complex needs of individuals in the community. The conference supports these efforts and will be held July 20 and 21 at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College. The cost is $150. Registration is required. Register at www.myodp.org.

 

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATION COURSE

 

NAMI is holding training on June 12, 2017 through Friday, June 16, 2017 at the Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center, 1500 Fourth Avenue, Altoona, PA. Cost is $1,000 for non-Blair County residents. For more information e-mail mhfa.blairnami@gmail.com

 

2017 PENNSYLVANIA COMMUNITY ON TRANSITION CONFERENCE - Pathways to Success: Transitioning into Tomorrow Together

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is sponsoring the conference on August 9-11 at the Penn Stater Conference Center and Hotel. Cost is $150. Additional information and registration are available online.

 

SAVE THE DATE - SECOND NATIONAL BUILDING BRIDGES INITIATIVE TRAINING EVENT

 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is sponsoring this event on October 4-6 in Andover, Massachusetts. The focus of the training is to promote quality residential services for children with behavioral and/or emotional challenges and their families.

JOB OPENING 

Venango County Human Services Administrator; MH/DS Director. View details here.