GOP legislators called for sharp reduction in government spending, tax cuts

January 27th, 2009

Rep. Daryl Metcalfe led a press conference held today by Republican legislators, at which they called for drastic budget and tax cuts.

Opposition against center for troubled youth in Norristown taking action

December 16th, 2008

In Norristown, a group of residents has banned together in opposition to a proposal by a group called Vision Quest to use a section of the Norristown State Hospital as an emergency/crisis diagnostic services center for 12-to-18-year-old youth.

“The intended use is clearly a permitted use and also a necessary function that is critical to the delivery of services required by the (state Department of Public Welfare) DPW,” said Joanne Phillips, the real estate director. “The Department of General Services is advising Vision Quest that they have fully complied with their lease agreement with the Commonwealth and we are authorizing Vision Quest to initiate occupancy of Building 12 at Norristown State Hospital.”

A 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, meeting at Hancock Fire Co., 820 W. Airy St., Norristown with Ward 1 and Ward 2 residents will include a discussion of the Vision Quest proposal.

Visit the Times-Herald for more details.

Posted on Dec 16 2008 under HealthPointPA News
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Dept. of Public Welfare extends comment period for new assisted living rules

September 8th, 2008

The PA Department of Public Welfare is currently developing new requirements and regulations for assisted living facilities in the state, and is now seeking public input on the issue until Sept. 15.

Department of Public Welfare Notices – Updated September 7, 2008

September 5th, 2008

Medical Assistance Program; Prior Authorization List
The Department of Public Welfare (Department) announces additions to the Medical Assistance (MA) Program’s list of services and items requiring prior authorization, effective September 15, 2008:
*  Letairis
*  Methadone
*  Myobloc (Botulinum Toxin Type B)
*  Atypical antipsychotics when two or more are prescribed for 60 days or more
*  Atypical antipsychotics when prescribed for children under 6 years [...]

Department of Public Welfare Notices – Updated August 30, 2008

August 29th, 2008

Medical Assistance Program Fee Increases and Additions to the Medical Assistance Program Fee Schedule
Medical Assistance Program Fee Increases for Complete Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) Screens

Dept. of Public Welfare seeking input on assisted living rules

August 18th, 2008

The DPW is seeking input on regulations that they have proposed for assisted living facilities; such as minimum room sizes, licensing fees, and a provision requiring the administrator to be at the home an average of 40 hours a week.

Personal care homes in the spotlight

August 11th, 2008

Personal care homes are in the spotlight for two issues today: A new regulation that allows personal care homes to make some changes to be able to be classified as “assisted living” is earning praise from some groups, but criticism from others; and the facilities’ inspection records are now available to the public online.

Pittsburgh personal care home faces closure

July 31st, 2008

The Department of Public Welfare has notified the Windsor Place personal care home that they would not be renewing the license for the facility, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette .

Director of Philadelphia Alliance argues with DPW’s Richman on budget funding for MH-MR facilities

June 27th, 2008

In a letter to the editor in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer, the Executive Director of the Philadelphia Alliance Tim Wilson, fires back at The Dept. of Public Welfare’s Secretary Estelle Richman’s letter published earlier this week.

Department of Public Welfare Notices – Updated June 27, 2008

June 27th, 2008

Additional Class of Payments to Qualifying Acute Care General Hospitals
Availability of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program; Proposed State Plan and Public Hearing Schedule
Payment for Nursing Facility Services; General Nursing Facility Supplemental Payment and County Nursing Facility MA Day One Incentive Payment
Payment for Nursing Facility Services Provided by County and Nonpublic Nursing Facilities; Notice of [...]