News

CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALISTS FULL CERTIFICATION PROCESS

 

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) announced that it is moving to a full peer certification, which will be required for Medicaid billable peer support services. A grandparenting period began March 1 and ends August 31, 2019. No additional examination will be required and the initial costs for obtaining the credential will be underwritten by OMHSAS. The CPS Grandparenting Application can be found at the following link: www.pacertboard.org/cps

 

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES STUDY FOR UNDER AGE 21 PROPOSED

 

Representative Kampft (R-157) introduced House Resolution 804 directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to conduct a study on mental health services for individuals under the age of 21. The resolution was referred to the Health Committee on April 6.

 

HUMAN SERVICES BLOCK GRANT REPORTS PUBLISHED

 

The Governor's Policy Office has approved and released the Department of Human Services Block Grant Legislative Report for State Fiscal Year 2016-17. Block grant reports and county plans for all years are available at the DHS website.

 

U.S. SUPREME COURT CREATES HIGHER STANDARD FOR INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLANS

 

The Endrew F., v. Douglas County School District decision, the court found unanimously that public schools must provide students with disabilities more than a minimal benefit. They court affirmed the higher standard in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act noting that students level of instruction must be appropriately ambitious and create the opportunity to meet challenging objectives. 

 

CONGRESS PASSES REPRESENTATIVE PAYEE PROTECTION LAW

 

Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2018, House Resolution 4547, amends the Social Security Act to improve the oversight of payees. 

 

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES RESOURCE CENTER LAUNCHED

 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has launched their Evidence-Based Practices Resource Center. The Resource Center contains a collection of science-based resources for a broad range of audiences with the intention of identifying and disseminating clinically sound and scientifically based policies, practices and programs.


ADDING SELF-GUIDED DISCOVERY TO YOUR TOOLKIT

 

An additional resource to promote employment outcomes for people with barriers to employment,is a resource released by the LEAD Center and the Office of Disability Employment Policy to assist in developing approaches to customized employment.

 

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TRAINING GRANTS AVAILABLE

 

 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications until June 8, 2018. The goal is to increase mental health awareness. Up to 126 awards will be granted for a maximum of $125,000 per year. The purpose of this program is to: train individuals (e.g., school personnel, emergency first responders, law enforcement, veterans, armed services members and their families) to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental disorders, particularly serious mental illness (SMI) and/or serious emotional disturbance (SED) and to establish linkages with school- and/or community-based mental health agencies.

 

HOUSING VOUCHERS AVAILABLE FOR NON-ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

 

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced $100 million in funding to public housing agencies for Section 811 vouchers (Mainstream, Housing Choice Voucher Program). The funding is to assist non-elderly individuals with disabilities who are transitioning from a segregated setting to community living; at serious risk of institutionalization; homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Extra points are given for partnering with health, human services and community-based disability organizations. Applications are due by June 18. More information is available at the HUD website.

 

RECIPIENT OF 2018 DENNIS MARION IMPACT AWARD IS TERRY MARDIS

 

Director of Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services' Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (DHS-OMHSAS) Division of Medicaid and Financial Review. Terry was selected to receive this award as a result of her sustained and strong leadership in the development and implementation of Pennsylvania's HealthChoices Behavioral Health Program.  The Award will be presented by Lynn Kovich, OMHSAS Deputy Secretary, at 12 PM on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, in the Strawberry Square Atrium (320 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101).  

 

SUICIDE TOOLKIT AVAILABLE

 

A toolkit for schools is available from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to assist in a coordinated response to the suicide death of a student. This resource was developed in collaboration with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with other national experts.

 

SAMHSA GRANT OPPORTUNITY

 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has announced funding for 7 grants. The grants are to establish, expand, and maintain ACT programs for individuals with a serious mental illness. Applications are due May 24, 2018.  

 

CONFERENCES

 

PA Community on Transition Conference: Planning Today for a Winning Tomorrow will be held at the Penn Stater in State College on July 25-27. Conference information and registration is available online.

 

The annual PA Autism Training Conference for professionals, will provide practical strategies and tools for those working in the field. The conference will be held June 5 - June 7 at the Eden Resort Inn and Suites in Lancaster.