PDH Releases Winter 2018 School Health Update

Jill Clodgo, RN, the Acting Chief of the Division of School Health at the PA Department of Health (PDH), recently released information and due dates via Penn*Link for the School Health Annual Reimbursement Request System (SHARRS) and Dental Hygiene Authorization Plan Submission.

  • The School Health Annual Reimbursement Report will open for data entry May 15, 2018 and close September 30, 2018. Only the Superintendent has the capability to submit the SHARRS report.  Instructions to set up a SHARRS user account, a template hard copy of the Authorization Plan, guidelines and applicable laws and regulations are available on the Division of School Health’s website at   http://www.health.pa.gov/My%20Health/School%20Health/Pages/Quick%20Links/Dental%20Health/Dental-Hygiene-Services-Program.aspx#
  • The Dental Hygiene Services Program Authorization Plan will open for data entry April 1, 2018 and close April 30, 2018. Any SHARRS user may submit the dental hygiene authorization plan. The Dental Hygiene Authorization Plan must be closed for data entry before the SHARRS system can be opened for data entry in order for the system to process reports correctly.  Late entries will no longer be accepted as this causes errors in processing.
  • The Dental Hygiene Authorization Plan is a plan for the upcoming school year. The plan must be developed by the Dental Hygienist and approved by the school dentist and school administration prior to the start of the school year. Schools that do not have a hygienist hired, a plan developed and approved will revert to a Mandated Dental Program and cannot be changed after the closing date due to processing requirements.  If a school does not have a certified hygienist then they may not implement a Dental Hygiene Services Program (DHSP) and must implement a Mandated Dental Program. See the Division of School Health’s website for more information on both programs. http://www.health.pa.gov/My%20Health/School%20Health/Pages/Dental-Health-Program.aspx#

The School Health website can be accessed at http://www.health.pa.gov/My%20Health/School%20Health/Pages/default.aspx#

Jill Clodgo will be the lead presenter during the April 11th session of the 40th Annual PAPSA at the Eden Resort in Lancaster.