Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council
1902 Market Street Camp Hill, PA 17011
717-975-2004
888-250-5175
fax: 888-524-9282
tty: 888-559-2658
email: racucpca@parac.org
Weekly Updates from PaRC > January 11, 2012
This week's edition by Linda and Jill. All links have been verified as of January 11, 2012. Please credit the PaRC Support Project for any information forwarded to others. Thank you.
PENNSYLVANIA REHABILITATION COUNCIL
Mission Statement
The mission of the Council is, after consultation with the State Workforce Investment Board, to inform and advise the State Board of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Governor on the diverse issues affecting vocational rehabilitation.
Note: Some of the information found in this update, you may have already received from another source. This update is for informational purposes only. The Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council (PaRC) and the staff are not responsible for the accuracy of this information. The update is not used as a vehicle to express the views and positions of the Pennsylvania Rehabilitation Council or the Support Staff.
Please note meetings are from 9:30 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. at the Harrisburg Hilton unless otherwise noted. Wednesday, November 9, 2011 – last quarterly PaRC meeting in 2011. Please plan to stay for the entire day.
The meeting schedule for 2010 - 2011 has not been updated. Learn more about your Workforce Investment Board meeting. Please see if you can attend a meeting prior to our next Full Council meeting and report back to the members.
We need your help in order to better serve people with disabilities in Pennsylvania. You can help us by taking the Customer Satisfaction Survey.
By completing this survey you are helping us to ensure that quality vocational rehabilitation services continue to be provided in Pennsylvania. Learn more about this survey, its impact on people with disabilities in Pennsylvania and how the history of vocational rehabilitation requires that we continue to participate.
Please note the survey is on the PaRC web site at www.parac.org. If anyone attends any meetings such as Consumer Advisory Committee meetings, or Workforce Investment Board or any other events you attend please try and advertise the survey by directing consumers to the web site. If anyone would rather a hard copy of the survey please contact the office.
Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
3544 North Progress Avenue Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone 717-657-7608 - Fax 717-657-8265
PARF Email: parfmail@parf.org
Dateline: December 30, 2011
On December 22 PA Governor Tom Corbett signed into law Senate Bill 1249, a bill apportioning the state into congressional districts in conformity with constitutional requirements. The measure goes into effect for the 2012 congressional election. The bill was approved in a 136-61 vote by the PA House of Representatives on December 20. The redrawing of the state's Congressional districts is conducted once every decade. It is expected that this year's redistricting will enable Republicans to hold at least 12 seats in Congress and Democrats to hold at most 6 seats, with the potential for a Republican pick-up in southwestern Pennsylvania in the 2012 elections. A version of the bill was introduced and approved earlier in the Senate.
For information on PA Congressional districts see: districting map. See also Dan McCaffery Web site.
Articles on analyses and blog. Read comments and editorial.
On December 12 a five-member Legislative Reapportionment Commission approved a new map of the state's 203 state House and 50 state Senate districts. The redistricting map creates new House and Senate seats in eastern Pennsylvania by shifting existing Democratic seats from western Pennsylvania. The Final Reapportionment Plan was filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth on December 12, 2011. Any appeal seeking to change the plan must be submitted directly to the Supreme Court by January 11, 2012. For map of the redistricting also documents related to the redistricting.
On December 20 Pennsylvania Budget Secretary Charles Zogby offered a public briefing on the Commonwealth's current budget. At the public briefing Budget Secretary Zogby reported that: through the first five months of this fiscal year, revenue collection has fallen $345 million below estimates (page 12); the projected total revenue shortfall for this fiscal year is estimated to be $500 million (page 14); and, mandated spending for debt service, pensions, and Medicaid entitlements will increase spending in next year's budget by $800 million (pages 17 and a bar chart on page 18). Budget Secretary Zogby said that at this point, the Governor and his advisors are seeking $746 million in spending reductions ("budget cuts") in order to develop a balanced budget for next year. The total value of the budget freezes that are being considered has been estimated at approximately $200 million. A detailed list of freezes that are being planned for this year's budget is expected to be released soon. FMI: To view the 2011-12 Mid-Year Budget Briefing presentation, visit the "Current and Proposed Commonwealth Budgets" section of the Office of the Budget website.
On December 22 PA Governor Tom Corbett signed into law House Bill 210 amending the Family Caregiver Support Act which was enacted in 1990 to provide benefits and services for eligible caregivers who care for functionally dependent relatives 60 years of age and older as well as adults with chronic dementia such as Alzheimer's who are 18 years of age and older. HB 210 brings the state program in line with its federal counterpart. HB 210 changes the name of the current law to Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Act. The program now becomes the Pennsylvania Caregiver Support Program. The new law also increases the maximum amount allowable under the program for out-of-pocket expenses from $200 per month to $500 per month. In addition to out-of-pocket expenses, the program also provides grants of up to $2,000 for home modifications such as ramps and chair lifts. The law also alters the definition of caregiver to include non-relative caregivers and removes the requirement that a caregiver must live with the care recipient. These changes bring the Pennsylvania program in line with what is offered through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. House Bill 210, which received unanimous support in both the state House and Senate, was signed into law as Act 112 of 2011 and takes effect on February 21. See www.legis.state.pa.us.
On December 20 PA Representative Tom Murt (R-Montgomery) introduced House Bill 2024, amending the Insurance Company Law of 1921 by adding a section to require the disclosure of specific insurance policy provisions covering and limiting acquired brain injury treatment and services. Under HB 2024 insurers would be required to provide to each insured and enrollee (and each prospective insured and enrollee) in writing a description of coverage, benefits and benefit maximums related to 19 different acquired brain injury treatment and rehabilitation services. Benefit limitations and exclusions of coverage, health care services, and the definition of medical necessity used by the plan in determining whether these benefits will be covered – all would be described. In addition, insurers must provide a description of all necessary prior authorizations and a description of an insurer's personnel responsible for case management and prior authorizations of an insured or enrollee with an acquired brain injury. The Insurance Department, in consultation with the Department of Health's Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Board, shall promulgate regulations concerning the specific contents and wording of the notice required under this section. The bill was referred to the House Committee on Insurance. FMI: For a copy of HB 2024 see www.legis.state.pa.us.
The second in the series of special newsletters of the PA DPW ODP Bureau of Autism Services (BAS) has been published. The December 2011 newsletter highlights the results from the recent Pennsylvania Autism Needs Assessment study BAS conducted through the Eastern ASERT. The edition also includes information about BAS adult programs, ASERT Collaboratives, materials available through the redesigned Virtual Training and Resource Center (VTC), and upcoming training opportunities. To obtain the first newsletter in this series (the October 2011 Newsletter) see http://bastraining.tiu11.org and set up a free account. FMI: See www.autisminpa.org and www.dpw.state.pa.us.
In the December 31 edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin, the PA Department of Education invited public comment on its proposed grant application proposed grant application under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-B). The annual grant application provides assurances that the Commonwealth's policies and procedures in effect are consistent with the Federal requirements, to ensure that a free appropriate public education is made available to all children with a disability from 3 to 21 years of age, including children who have been suspended or expelled from school. The current policies and procedures are available on the Department's web site at www.education.state.pa.us (click on the ''Programs'' tab, select ''Programs S-Z,'' select ''Special Education,'' click on ''Funding Sources,'' select the 2009 link under IDEA-B Policies and Procedures).
Written and verbal comments must be received by April 1, 2012. The written comments should be directed to Jean B. Inskip or Dr. Ronald Wells, Bureau of Special Education, Department of Education, 333 Market Street, 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333. Dates, locations and times allotted for verbal testimony regarding the proposed grant application are set for March 12 at PaTTAN Pittsburgh, 3190 William Pitt Way, Pittsburgh, PA (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.); March 13 at PaTTAN Harrisburg, 6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.); and March 14, at PaTTAN King of Prussia, 200 Anderson Road, King of Prussia, PA (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.). FMI: See PA Bulletin.
The Mental Health and Mental Retardation Program Administrators Association of Pennsylvania (MH/MR PAAP) is changing its name, effective in 2012. The new name of the association will be the Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators of Mental Health and Developmental Services (PACA MH/DS). The MH/MR PAAP Board directed staff to move forward with the change in September 2011 at their annual retreat. Members adopted the new name at the membership meeting in November. On January 3 information and resources of PACA MH/DS.
The U.S. Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently announced a new working definition of recovery from mental disorders and substance use disorders. The new working definition of Recovery from Mental Disorders and Substance Use Disorders is as follows: A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
Through the Recovery Support Strategic Initiative, SAMHSA also has delineated four major dimensions that support a life in recovery: Health: Overcoming or managing one's disease(s) as well as living in a physically and emotionally healthy way. Home: A stable and safe place to live. Purpose: Meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income, and resources to participate in society. Community: Relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope. The definition is the product of a year-long effort by SAMHSA and a wide range of partners in the behavioral health care community and other fields to develop a working definition of recovery that captures the essential, common experiences of those recovering from mental disorders and substance use disorders. SAMHSA led this effort as part of its Recovery Support Strategic Initiative.
Read the full press release. Learn more about the SAMHSA Recovery Support Initiative.
The Office of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued guidance to public transportation and emergency management agencies to emphasize the needs of individuals with disabilities following a disaster. The DOT document responds to a request by the Interagency Coordinating Council on Emergency Preparedness and Individuals with Disabilities (ICC). To access the ICC's 2009 report, and for more information regarding the ICC, please visit www.DisabilityPreparedness.gov.
Applicable regulatory provisions underlying this guidance can be found in 49 CFR Part 37, Transportation Services for Individuals with Disabilities. The Federal Transit Administration has published a guide: Disaster Response and Recovery Resource for Transit Agencies that provides additional information for transit agencies and communities on planning for and meeting the needs of people with disabilities following a disaster. Read report.
January 27-29, 2012: Teacher Leader Seminar
In an effort to foster learning, interaction, and community, the NFB is hosting the first-ever Teacher Leader Seminar! This three-day conference will give teachers the opportunity to meet other professionals and discuss best practices in the field of blindness. For more information on this great seminar, including how to register, please visit the Teacher Leader Seminar Web page.
April 13-18, 2012: NFB Leadership and Advocacy in Washington D.C. Program
This four-day experience will provide blind students with a unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of our country's government, its history, and its culture. In addition to learning about the history of the organized blindness civil rights movement, how resolutions are passed, and how blindness legislation is created, participants will learn more about advocacy work for blind individuals and available resources for blind students and adults. Twenty-four students age twelve to sixteen will be accepted to attend the LAW program. Apply now by visiting www.nfb.org/LAWProgram. Applications are due by February 1, 2012. For more information, call (410) 659-9314, extension 2312, or e-mail at Natalie Shaheen at nshaheen@nfb.org.
June 30-July 5, 2012: National Convention
This year we are returning to Dallas and the beautiful Hilton Anatole Hotel for our annual convention. This year's gathering will be bigger and better than ever! Make reservations now by calling (214) 761-7500; you won't want to miss out on the excitement! For more information watch the Braille Monitor or visit the National Convention Web page.
Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities
3544 North Progress Avenue Suite 101, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Phone 717-657-7608 - Fax 717-657-8265
PARF Email: parfmail@parf.org
Dateline: January 6, 2012
Governor Corbett Freezes Spending, Cuts State Budget
On January 4 PA Governor Tom Corbett directed his Budget Office to freeze nearly $160 million in state spending and asked government entities not under his jurisdiction to reduce their spending by nearly $66 million. For a list of funds placed into budgetary reserve, please see the Current and Proposed Commonwealth Budgets section of the PA Office of the Budget website at www.budget.state.pa.us.
The Governor's Office of the Budget applied five levels of budgetary freeze to all state appropriations: Zero (0%), 1%, 3%, 5%, or 10%. Most agencies were asked to reduce their 2011-12 spending by 3 %. Some individual appropriations will see spending reductions of up to 10 %. Medicaid entitlement appropriations were spared from being cut. PA Department of Public Welfare spending will be reduced by 0.5% ($54,959,000). Medical Assistance Programs appropriations for Outpatient, Inpatient, Capitation, Long Term Care, Home and Community-Based Services, Medical Assistance Transportation will not be cut. However, funding for Medical Assistance - Critical Access Hospitals, Trauma Centers, and Hospital Based Burn Centers will be cut by 10%. Developmental Programs budgets for ICF-MR and the Intellectual Disabilities (ID) Community Waiver program are maintained at current amounts. However, funding for the ID Community Base Program is cut by 5% ($8,326,000). Early Intervention is cut by 1% ($1,129,000) and Autism Intervention and Services by 10% ($1,355,000). Mental Health Services (funding for state hospitals and community mental health programs) will be cut by 1% – or $7,172,000. Behavioral Health Services will be cut by 5% ($2,395,000). Homeless Assistance will be cut 5% ($1,028,000). The Human Services Development Fund will be cut 5% ($748,000). Home and Community Based Services, Services to Persons with Disabilities, Attendant Care, and Medical Assistance - Workers with Disabilities are not to be reduced. The PA Department of Labor and Industry spending will be reduced by 1.5% ($1,088,000). The Transfer to Vocational Rehabilitation Fund currently at $40,473,000 will not be cut. However, 3 special programs for people with disabilities will be cut - each by 5%: Supported Employment will be reduced by $21,000, Centers for Independent Living by $101,000, and Assistive Technology by $34,000. New Choices/New Options and Industry Partnerships will be cut by 10% ($50,000 and $161,000, respectively).
See Governor's statement.
On December 23 PA Senator Shirley Kitchen said she will call for public hearings to investigate the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare (DPW) process for cutting costs and eliminating fraud and waste. Senator Kitchen serves as the Minority Chair of the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee. Senator Kitchen cited reports on December 15 that 150,000 people – including 43,000 children – have been cut from Medical Assistance since August and that around 90,000 people were cut off in November. Medical Assistance provides health care services for 2 million eligible Pennsylvanians. The FY2011-12 state budget approved in 2011 mandated that DPW make more than $470 million in cuts. See Delaware County Times
On December 13, a bill (Senate Bill 1352) was introduced in the PA Senate to add specific provisions concerning speech pathologist and audiologists to the current law on speech-language and hearing. The proposed legislation (SB 1352) amending the 1984 Speech-Language and Hearing Licensure Act further provides for policy, definitions, a practice board, requirements for licensure, application and fees, examinations, requirements of a medical examination, renewal fees and records, enforcement of certification to board, for impaired professionals, for penalties, for injunction against lawful practice and for appropriation. FMI: See www.legis.state.pa.us.
On Monday and Tuesday, January 23 and 24 PARF is hosting a special two-day training on CARF Accreditation of Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitation & Home and Community Based Services. Christine M. MacDonell, CARF International, will present the two day training which will address the needs of brain injury service providers to prepare for accreditation of services and programs. In the event the January 23rd & 24th training is not offered due to inclement weather and is rescheduled, the two day session will be held on Monday, January 30th & Tuesday, January 31st, 2012. The two-day session provides a solid foundation for organizations seeking CARF accreditation for brain injury rehabilitation services. Participants will gain valuable insight into the accreditation process and help in preparing for a survey and how to avoid the pitfalls some organizations may experience on their survey. Session topics include: How to successfully prepare for CARF accreditation; how to complete the Intent for Survey and join to Customer Connect; standards that will be applied during Brain Injury Residential Rehabilitation and Brain Injury Home and Community services surveys; the survey process itself; outcome measurement and management; and, working with their resource specialist at CARF. If more information is needed, please contact PARF at parfmail@parf.org.
On January 4 Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) Commissioner Lynnae Ruttledge announced her resignation, effective January 13, 2012. Commissioner Ruttledge said that she was returning home to the Pacific Northwest to spend more time with her family. Alexa Posny, Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, has asked Ed Anthony, Deputy Commissioner of RSA to serve as interim Commissioner. FMI: Contact PARF at parfmail@parf.org.
On January 3 the US Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration and the Office of Disability Employment Policy Training and Employment issued a notice on training to be offered on the public workforce system and successful strategies for connecting individuals with transportation to jobs and training. See the Training and Employment Notice (TEN).
The Kessler Foundation Signature Employment Grants Program is funding cutting-edge, non-traditional solutions that increase employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. The solutions that are funded may include new pilot initiatives, demonstration projects, or other social ventures that lead to the generation of new ideas to solve unemployment. Preference will be given to interventions that overcome specific employment barriers related to long-term dependence on public assistance, advance competitive employment, or launch a social enterprise project. A priority is placed on serving individuals with mobility disabilities, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, stroke, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, epilepsy or other related impairments. Grants of $100,000 to $250,000 per year for up to two years are available to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies throughout the U.S. The deadline for concept submissions is February 3, 2012. FMI: See the Foundation's website for program details at Kessler Foundation Web sitep.