COMMENTS NEEDED ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE CONSOLIDATED, P/FDS AND COMMUNITY LIVING WAIVERS

 

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) announced the opportunity for public comment on proposed changes to the Consolidated, P/FDS and Community Living Waivers.  These changes (referred to as waiver amendments) are anticipated to be effective on November 1, 2018. You are asked to submit comments by July 23, 2018. Please refer to the Action Alert regarding the issue that was distributed on June 29.

 

RESUBMISSION OF TOBACCO CESSATION PLANS

 

OMHSAS and OMAP provided guidance via "Better Practices" document and expect resubmissions by September 28, 2018.

 

MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF SECRETARY JENNIFER SMITH

 

On June 14, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) announced their new State Opioid Response grant program. Under this new grant, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs is eligible to receive $55,345,338 ($55.3M). Given this unique opportunity to significantly improve Pennsylvania's opioid treatment landscape, DDAP is soliciting large-scale, far-reaching, evidenced-based recommendations for how Pennsylvania can best utilize these funds. To submit a recommendation, please fill out this survey by July 9, 2018.

 

2018 SOCIAL SECURITY REPORT AND PROJECTIONS

 

The Social Security Board of Trustees released "The 2018 Annual Report of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance and Federal Disability Insurance Trust Funds." The 2018 report finds that at the end of 2017, Social Security's reserves were $2.89 trillion. The Trustees continue to project that Social Security's combined Trust Funds can pay all scheduled benefits through 2034, at which point the Trust Funds would be able to pay approximately 79 percent of scheduled benefits. The Trustees also find that the Social Security Disability Insurance Trust Fund can pay full scheduled benefits through 2032, after which the fund will be able to pay about 96 percent of scheduled benefits.

 

US SENATE PASSES BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INFORMATION TECH ACT

 

The Senate passed Improving Access to Behavioral Health Information Technology Act. If passed by the House, psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers, clinical psychologist, clinical social workers and treatment facilities for mental health or substance abuse disorder would be eligible for incentive payments for the adoption and use of certified electronic health record technology to improve the quality and coordination of care through documentation and exchange of information.

 

LABOR AND INDUSTRY MINIMUM WAGE THRESHOLD PROPOSAL

 

The Department of Labor and Industry has proposed to update the executive, administrative and professional exemptions from minimum wage and overtime. The proposed threshold is $47,892. More details are available at Independent Regulation Review Commission. Direct comments by July 23 to Bryan Smolock, Director, Bureau of Labor Law Compliance, Department of Labor and Industry, 651 Boas Street, Room 1301, Harrisburg, PA 17121, (717) 787-0606, bsmolock@pa.gov.  

 

EMPLOYMENT FIRST LEGISLATION BECOMES LAW

 

The Governor signed Employment First Legislation, House Bill 1641, on June 19. The law calls for establishing an Employment First Oversight Commission and requires state and county agencies to employ individuals with disabilities. The bill is to promote integrated competitive employment of individuals with disabilities and cites a seven percent workforce target.

 

CIVIL SERVICE MODERNIZATION GOES TO GOVERNOR'S DESK  

The Governor signed SB 1037 after unanimous approval of the House. The legislation streamlines the testing and selection process for county and state civil service positions by moving several responsibilities of the State Civil Service Commission to the Office of Administration. The change will lead to better customer service for those who use the civil service system, including counties who have experienced many years of frustration with the current system. At the same time, the legislation assures adherence to fair and impartial hiring procedures, and does not affect the criteria for hiring under the system, the positions subject to civil service hiring, or any existing criteria related to veterans' preference.

 

SAMHSA SUICIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES AVAILABLE

 

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration has suicide prevention information and other helpful resources for behavioral health professionals, the general public, and people at risk online.

  

PACA MH/DS STRATEGIC PLANNING DATES FOR BOARD

 

The PACA MH/DS Board will be meeting September 12-14, 2018 in Farmington, PA, for their strategic planning retreat. If there are any issues that are of concern for the board, please notify the association.

 

PEOPLE AND PLACES

 

Congratulations to Sylvia Herman, who retired effective June 29, 2018. Robin Tolan at rtolan@ccpa.net will serve as the point of contact for all things MH related, including MH Administrator items.