Category: News

USDE Withdraws Proposed School-based Medicaid Rule (January 2, 2025)

On December 27, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) withdrew a proposed federal rule that supporters said would have made it easier for schools to be reimbursed for school-based Medicaid services. It was seen as a way to reduce schools’ paperwork burdens and increase reimbursements for the rendering of applicable in-school Medicaid services.

The proposed rule, first issued in May 2023, recommended a rare amendment under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which guarantees that students with disabilities receive supports for learning and related services. The rule also sought to eliminate an IDEA provision that requires one-time parental consent before schools file first-time invoices for school-based specialized services for children eligible for public benefits under Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or other public insurance and benefits programs. No other parental consent procedure under IDEA would have been affected. 

In addition, USDE leadership will change with the January 20th inauguration and it is unknown what the tenor would be for making such a rule change.

For more details, visit K-12 Dive by clicking here.

PAPSA Announces FREE February 12, 2025 Webinar!

PAPSA + The Social Institute Present 
Navigating Cell Phone Bans: Empowering Students with Essential Social and Tech Skills
Date & Time:  Feb 12, 2025 12:00 PM ET

As schools increasingly adopt cell phone bans to reduce distractions, educators face a new challenge: ensuring students are still equipped to navigate today’s tech-fueled world in high-character ways. While removing phones from the classroom can boost focus, it doesn’t address the underlying need for students to develop healthy habits around technology use. Social media, A.I., and screen time continue to play a significant role in students’ lives, whether phones are present or not.

Find out what this all means in the context of delivering pupil/student services to students whose needs, whether they be academic or social, often significantly vary from nondisabled peers.

Reserve your seat NOW!

Register Here

A recording will be made available to all registrants after the webinar has concluded.

State Performance Plan Data Requirements – Postsecondary School Survey (Cohort 5 Exit) (December 31, 2024)

The accountability requirement under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 mandates each state determines the extent to which students are achieving transition outcomes (State Performance Plan – Indicator 14). To meet the federal reporting requirement, each local educational agency (LEA) is mandated to administer an Exit Process and Post-School Surveys to students (who have graduated, dropped out or reached the maximum age) with individualized education programs (IEPs) once over a five-year period, based on the LEA’s assignment to a targeted sampling year.

For the 2024-2025 school year, LEAs assigned to target sampling Cohort 5 are required to administer the My Plan for Success (MP4S) Exit Process. During 2025-2026 these same LEAs will be required to complete the Post-School Surveys.

The following information specifically addresses the Exit Process administration for 2024-25. LEAs assigned to target sampling Cohort 5, as listed below, are required to address the following:
-Administer the Exit Process for all student leavers (graduates, dropouts, and students who reach maximum age) who have IEPs. To access information from the September 19, 2024, webinar regarding the administration of the Exit Process, including supporting handouts from the training, visit the PaTTAN Secondary Transition My Plan 4 Success Annual Exit Cohort webpage.
-Participate in the February 20, 2025, Exit Survey training webinar from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Registration for this event is required and can be completed when registering for the September webinar. Information regarding accessing and entering information into the online system will be presented during this webinar Registration is required and may be accessed directly at: https://www.pattan.net/Events/Webinar/Course-3341/Events/Session-39831. Please note if you registered for the September 19, 2024, training, you are already registered.

For questions about the MP4S Exit Process or Indicator 14, please contact PaTTAN Educational Consultant, Hillary Mangis, [email protected].

USDE Drops Proposed Title IX Athletics Rule (December 27, 2024)

Citing legal challenges and searing public comment, along with the inauguration of a new president, on December 20, 2024 the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) withdrew its proposed rule that would have extended Title IX protections to transgender student athletes. The notice, published in the Federal Register, states the USDE “recognizes that there are multiple pending lawsuits related to the application of Title IX in the context of gender identity, including lawsuits related to Title IX’s application to athletic eligibility criteria in a variety of factual contexts.”

The Title IX athletics proposed rule is separate from a broader Title IX final rule that is now in place and extends sexual discrimination protections to include LGBTQI+ students and staff. That rule, which was implemented in August 2024, also faces several legal challenges and is temporarily blocked in at least 26 states.

Source: K-12 Dive

Shapiro Administration Highlights Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder Supports, ID/Autism, and Other Resources Available to Help Pennsylvanians Through the Holiday Season (December 19. 2024)

On December 18, 2024, leadership from the Shapiro Administration came together at the Capitol Christmas tree to remind Pennsylvanians of resources that are available to support them during the holiday season and into the new year. The departments of Human Services (DHS), Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), and Health (DOH) came together to reinforce the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to helping Pennsylvanians throughout the year, especially during the holidays.

“The holiday season can bring about a range of feelings and experiences – some of which can be difficult or feel isolating. Please know that if you are going through hard times or find this time of year to be challenging, you are not alone,” said DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh. “No matter what you are feeling or struggling with, you don’t have to go through this time on your own. Support is available, and we urge Pennsylvanians to use these resources for themselves or share them with loved ones or friends.”

Mental Health Resources
Help is available for people struggling with their mental health or considering self-harm as well as people looking to help a loved one through the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. The Lifeline is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 988 serves as a direct link for suicide prevention and mental health crisis support. Anyone who calls, texts, or chats with 988 will be directly connected to trained, compassionate mental health crisis response counselors. Callers to 988 can also connect with the Veterans Crisis Line or assistance in Spanish. 988 call centers provide support for individuals considering suicide, self-harm, or any behavioral or mental health need for themselves as well as people looking for help for a loved one experiencing a mental health crisis.
Pennsylvania’s Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Resource guides offer information related to mental health screenings, help with finding a mental health or SUD treatment professional, resources for housing insecurity, help with trauma, and assistance with contacting your county assistance office and county drug and alcohol office, and applying for benefits.
More free resources are also available to assist Pennsylvanians with mental health needs connect with longer term support in their community.

Substance Use Disorder Resources
Individuals seeking substance use treatment or recovery resources for themselves or a loved one can call the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This helpline is confidential, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is staffed by trained professionals who will connect callers to resources in their community. Callers can also be connected with funding if they need help paying for treatment. Treatment Atlas is also available for Pennsylvanians and their loved ones to search for and compare SUD treatment facilities using criteria such as location, services offered, and insurance accepted so they can find the best treatment for their unique needs.“While the holidays are usually filled with celebrations, gatherings and cherished times with family and friends, the very same things can be overwhelming and triggering for those who are battling a substance use disorder. We want everyone to know that no one is alone. Help is always available,” said DDAP Deputy Secretary Kelly Primus. “DDAP’s Get Help Now resource is just one phone call away. It’s open every hour of every day; someone will always be on the end of the other line– including on holidays.”

Naloxone
Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid drug (e.g., prescription opioid medication for pain or heroin). When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and restores breathing. Pennsylvanians can obtain naloxone at their local pharmacy by using the Secretary of Health’s standing order. Residents can also get naloxone mailed to their home when completing a short training through a partnership with NEXT Distro.“During the holiday season, we should all be especially vigilant for signs that someone may need a helping hand or a listening ear,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen. “Another way to help neighbors and loved ones who may be struggling with substance use disorder is by carrying naloxone. I encourage everyone to get the facts about substance use disorder and carry naloxone wherever you go, because you never know when you will have the opportunity to save a life.”

Resources for People with Intellectual Disabilities & Autism
DHS’ Office of Developmental Programs has resources developed by self-advocates to provide helpful tips and suggestions for people with intellectual disabilities & autism to manage stress during the holidays. These tips include:Being aware of potential sensory issues and trying your best to explain them to other people so they can assist if you’re feeling overstimulated;Talking to a trusted friend or family member about expectations for the gathering;Using coping skills and having an exit plan if you need to excuse yourself;Making sure you have a safe, comfortable place when you come home to decompress; and,Understanding self-care and knowing what works best for you in holiday situations.
Additional information and resources can be found at www.myodp.org or www.paautism.org.

Public Assistance Programs
DHS encourages Pennsylvanians having trouble meeting basic needs to apply for programs that can help them stay healthy and safe through the winter months. Programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), cash assistance, and other programs can be applied for at any time through COMPASS. DHS’ public assistance programs can also help connect recipients to training and education programs that can help them find success in the workforce.
On-site County Assistance Office (CAO) services are also available if recipients cannot access online services or need assistance that cannot be accessed through the COMPASS website, the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, or by calling the Customer Service Centers at 1-877-395-8930 or 215-560-7226 for people in Philadelphia.

For more information on assistance programs available to help Pennsylvanians, visit www.dhs.pa.gov.