Changes in Medicare 75% Rule and Medical Necessity Targeted for 2007 Medicare Bill
During the upcoming two-week Congressional recess for Thanksgiving 2007 (November 17 – December 3), PARF member inpatient rehabilitation facilities will be promoting the legislation on the Medical 75% Rule and medical necessity reviews.
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PARF Conducts Survey on Funding of Cost of Living Adjustment for MH/MR/D&A
Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (PARF) has issued its mental health/mental retardation/drug and alcohol (MH/MR/D&A) Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) survey.
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ODP Seeks Comment on Bulletin on Existing Practices to Assure Health and Welfare
On November 7, 2007, the PA Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) released a draft bulletin entitled Assuring the Health and Welfare of Medicaid Waiver Participants for review and comment.
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Congress Holds Hearings on ADA Restoration Act
Both the U.S. House and Senate are reviewing legislation seeking restore the protections of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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RAC Moratorium Legislation Introduced
On November 8 Representative Lois Capps (D-CA) introduced a bill that would place a one year moratorium on the Recovery Audit Contract (RAC) program.
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OMHSAS Announces Schedule for Service Area Planning for Mental Health Services
The PA Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) has announced the dates for the service area planning (SAP) meetings for Pennsylvania's state hospitals.
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Call for Repeal of Medicare Caps for Therapy Services
On October 31 at a news conference sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, Senator John Ensign (R-NV) promoted The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2007 (S.450/H.R.748) that would eliminate funding restrictions for Medicare beneficiaries who receive therapy services.
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TWIAA Panel to Issue Report on December 3
The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Advisory (TW&WIA) Panel has announced that it will release its report on December 3.
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House Committee Focuses on Bush Administration Cuts to Medicaid
On November 1, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee held a hearing on six rules proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that would affect matching funds for state Medicaid programs.
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PA Senate Approves Pre-Trial Assessment for MR in Capital Punishment Cases
On October 29, the PA Senate approved legislation that establishes a pretrial procedure to determine if a defendant in a capital penalty trial is a person with mental retardation.
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Federal Recovery Coordinators Established for Service Members and Veterans
On October 31, the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs signed an agreement to establish "federal recovery coordinators" who will be responsible for guiding wounded service members and veterans through their medical care and recovery.
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Commonwealth Workforce Development System Launched
On November 16, the PARF Vocational Division will receive an update on the Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS), the shared data system for delivering, tracking and reporting workforce development and independent living services provided by PA government.
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