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3/26/20 OPWDD Update

On today’s OPWDD Coronavirus activities update call, the following items were covered:

  1. There was significant news on the Appendix K – OPWDD is going to be responding to CMS questions and amending the application to now include (in addition to the previously announced day services) these services in their plan for obtaining approval for retainer days billing: respite, SEMP, com hab, and self-direction with budget authority for 14 days, with another extension (from 15-30 days) through the 1115 waiver.  The waiver would be for period 3/18 – 3/31 under the K, with the 15-30 day period filing right after under the 1115 waiver; anything beyond that is yet to be negotiated, but continued retainer day payments for this additional group of services will be part of the negotiations.
  2. The providers indicated they need immediate cash relief; the old way of doing business is not going to work.  Governor’s office staff indicated that they will work on this with DOB; there is no ability to guarantee an across the board rate increase at this time given the Governor’s projection that there might be a $15 billion budget shortfall.
  3. Suspension of recoupments – Kerri Neifeld from the Governor’s office indicated that the earliest that the stop on recoupments could go into effect would be with the April 22 payment, and State would have until Tuesday, March 31 to make that happen. She is fairly confident that those recoupments will be postponed and will let us know by Tuesday for certain.
  4. PPE – It remains a significant issue. Please report orders/issues with PPE to: opwdd.sm.incident.management@opwdd.ny.gov
  5. CAS Assessment – OPWDD will have an update for tomorrow on what the continuation of the assessments means.
  6. Tracking report – draft will be out tonight/tomorrow.
  7. OPWDD will take suggested word changes to the some of their guidance that is difficult to implement– no guarantee that they will be made, but they are looking to update as providers see appropriate.
  8. Emergency housing update – they have one provider who is interested and they are meeting internally to finalize the process.

3-27-20 OPWDD Update

  1. Kate Marlay presented the overview to clarify retainer day payments and residential enhancements: Meeting planned for Monday to review revised Appendix K, including what has been seen in other states.  There’s three major constructs they want to achieve through Appendix K and the 1115.  1) Residential Rate revision – looking to increase rates to address the fact that there’s going to be a need for increased daytime hours for people who did not participate in that provider’s day services; retroactive to 3/18.  2). Payment of retainer days to occur in 2 phases; 1st phase is not budget neutral because it pays both the day provider and residential provider.  This will be a 4 week period for day programs and SEMP, respite, com hab, self direction. Phase 2 will have a very different methodology than the 1st phase but will be held to budget neutrality component.  In Phase 2, likely to begin April 17, they are creating “COVID-19 response service” is an umbrella program to encompass day, community hab, pre-voc, and respite services and will compile revenue to guarantee providers 80% of expected revenue that would have been billed for all those services – day hab, com hab, respite, pre-voc services (SEMP is not included in the 2nd phase) – with the providers to produce 20% of the services to achieve 100% of funding. The umbrella allows you to compile funds for all services and use for staff to be directed to needed redeployment and staffing supports for serving both enrolled and community members.  If you go over 100% of the Phase 2 billing, there will be a clawback of the overbilled amount.  Phase 2 is open to OPWDD providers that agree to: have a residential program in place or agreement with a residential provider with an expectation that provider has retained staff; incentive to provide services and to figure out how to support people in that community.
  2. Emergency housing update – OPWDD has developed temporary emergency residential opportunities protocol, outlined the process including the roll of care managers.  For housing, COVID related or not – they would keep the housing separate (obviously); they have 3 providers willing to develop temporary housing opportunities that OPWDD is evaluating; regional offices will be accepting applications to become sites.  OPWDD is looking at opportunities for push in supports as well as the development of the sites being examined for use.  How is this funded? – They have not decided a funding mechanism as yet.
  3. Maintaining Article 16 service providers – the providers are unlikely to make it through this crisis.  OPWDD is open to listening to provider ideas on managing the clinics.
  4. CAS Assessment – OPWDD will cease activity by Maximus — pause it for the time being.
  5. Supervision level – OPWDD will try to navigate on a case by case level.
  6. Contact tracking report – discussions have continued with revisions still being made with a rough agreement.
  7. OPWDD provided an overview of the Executive Order issued today: Modifies the MH law to address the emergency housing plans to allow res services in other/alternative sites that are set up; the second one permits abbreviated training and recerts.
  8. Day services for ICFs will be paid for under the 1115 waiver allowances; provider should continue to build the day service and the residential services.  It will be done secondarily to the K.

COVID-19 Guidance on Essential Businesses and Entities

 

ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES OR ENTITIES, including any for profit or non-profit, regardless of the nature of the service, the function they perform, or its corporate or entity structure, are not subject to the in-person restriction.  (Essential Businesses must continue to comply with the guidance and directives for maintaining a clean and safe work environment issued by the Department of Health).

This guidance is issued by the New York State Department of Economic Development d/b/a Empire State Development and applies to each business location individually and is intended to assist businesses in determining whether they are an essential business and steps to request such designation.  With respect to business or entities that operate or provide both essential and non-essential services, supplies or support, only those lines and/or business operations that are necessary to support the essential services, supplies, or support are exempt from the restrictions.

For purposes of Executive Order 202.6, “Essential Business,” means:

  1. Essential health care operations including
  • research and laboratory services
  • hospitals
  • walk-in-care health facilities
  • veterinary and animal health services
  • elder care
  • medical wholesale and distribution
  • home health care workers or aides
  • doctor and dentist offices
  • nursing homes, or residential health care facilities or congregate care facilities
  • medical supplies and equipment providers
  1. Essential infrastructure including
  • utilities including power generation, fuel supply and transmission
  • public water and wastewater
  • telecommunications and data centers
  • airports/airlines
  • transportation infrastructure such as bus, rail, or for-hire vehicles, garages
  1. Essential manufacturing including
  • food processing, including all foods and beverages
  • chemicals
  • medical equipment/instruments
  • pharmaceuticals
  • safety and sanitary products
  • telecommunications
  • microelectronics/semi-conductor
  • agriculture/farms
  • paper products
  1. Essential retail including
  • grocery stores including all food and beverage stores
  • pharmacies
  • convenience stores
  • farmer’s markets
  • gas stations
  • restaurants/bars (but only for take-out/delivery)
  • hardware and building material stores
  1. Essential services including
  • trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal
  • mail and shipping services
  • laundromats/dry cleaning
  • building cleaning and maintenance
  • child care services
  • auto repair
  • warehouse/distribution and fulfillment
  • funeral homes, crematoriums and cemeteries
  • storage for essential businesses
  • animal shelters or animal care or management
  1. News media
  2. Financial Institutions including
  • banks
  • insurance
  • payroll
  • accounting
  1. Providers of basic necessities to economically disadvantaged populations including
  • homeless shelters and congregate care facilities
  • food banks
  • human services providers whose function includes the direct care of patients in state-licensed or funded voluntary programs; the care, protection, custody and oversight of individuals both in the community and in state-licensed residential facilities; those operating community shelters and other critical human services agencies providing direct care or support
  1. Construction including
  • skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers
  • other related construction firms and professionals for essential infrastructure or for emergency repair and safety purposes
  1. Defense
  • defense and natural security-related operations supporting the U.S. Government or a contractor to the US government
  1. Essential services necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or other essential businesses including
  • law enforcement
  • fire prevention and response
  • building code enforcement
  • security
  • emergency management and response
  • building cleaners or janitors
  • general maintenance whether employed by the entity directly or a vendor
  • automotive repair
  • disinfection
  • doormen
  1. Vendors that provide essential services or products, including logistics and technology support, child care and services needed to ensure the continuing operation of government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public including
  • logistics
  • technology support
  • child care programs and services
  • government owned or leased buildings
  • essential government services

If the function of your business is not listed above, but you believe that it is essential or it is an entity providing essential services or functions, you may request designation as an essential business.

To request designation as an essential business, please click here 

Restrictions on requesting designation as an essential business:

  • Any business that only has a single occupant/employee (i.e. gas station) has been deemed exempt and need not submit a request to be designated as an essential business.
  • Businesses ordered to close on Monday, March 15, 2020 under the restrictions on any gathering with 500 or more participants, including but not limited to, bars, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, casinos, auditoriums, concerts, conferences, worship services, sporting events, and physical fitness centers, are presumed to be compliant with NYS issued restrictions and must remain closed and are not eligible for designation as an essential business for purposes of this guidance.

For Guidance on cleaning and disinfection of facilities, refer to the New York State Department of Health Interim Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfection of Public and  Private Facilities for COVID -19 at http://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/coronavirus/docs/cleaning_guidance _general_building.pdf.

For further information: New York State Department of Health’s COVID-19 Webpage https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home

Center for Disease Control and Prevention Webpage:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

Local health department contact information can be found at: https://www.health.ny.gov/contact/contact_information/index.htm

 

April 21-22: Human Resources Professionals Conference For the Disability Provider Community

 

Make plans to attend the 4th Annual Human Resources Professionals Conference For the Disability Provider Community!

Previously brought to you by COPA, this two-day conference will feature HR subject matter experts who will discuss trending topics ranging from cultural diversity to recruiting in the current employment market.  Rich Landau, a principal with Jackson Lewis, will join us once again as the Opening Session Speaker.  A dynamic presenter, Rich has a wealth of practical knowledge about current labor and employment law practice. In addition to information-packed sessions, there will be informal time to catch up with peers and enjoy Saratoga Springs.

Click here to register!

Reserve your hotel room at Embassy Suites today!  There are a limited number of rooms available for this event – early registration is encouraged.

If you have any questions, please contact Tim Ferguson,  tferguson@cpstate.org

More information to come… We look forward to seeing you in April!!

National Historic Recognition Project

INTRODUCTION

2019 represents the 20th anniversary of a National Historic Preservation Project that recognized 36 of the most influential people of the 20th Century in our field.  The project culminated with awards, a national ceremony at the AAMR (now AAIDD) annual meeting, and a publication highlighting the contributions of each person/effort recognized.

The period between the 1990s and today have resulted in significant development of community based options; a strengthening of person centered ideals; greater respect for choice and personal rights; and the continued process of deinstitutionalization across the country.  This was accomplished through an array of personal, professional, and organizational efforts that empowered people with I/DD and other disabilities.

WHY RECOGNIZE NOW?

We are now at another period of change, moving from “legacy supports” to more personalized individualized supports that actualize choice and self-direction.  We are also experiencing significant retirements of leaders who made important contributions to the field.  As a result, it is a good time to stop again, collect the history of the last 20-25 years, and highlight significant contributions to the field as a collection for historical purposes and research.

Because we live in a technology age, individuals and efforts recognized will be part of a web based booklet, highlighting contributions and who contributed.  Everyone included in the process will receive a Certificate as an Honoree of the 20th Anniversary Historic Preservation Project.  Awardees will also receive a pin designating their inclusion in the process.  Instead of a single award event, we are hopeful that people will be recognized locally and/or in state and regional settings that are closely aligned with their work.

SUBIT YOUR NOMINATION

The application for nominations can be found here. The nomination deadline is December 15, 2019. No late submissions will be accepted.

Submit by mail: Ed Matthews, CEO, ADAPT Community Network, 80 Maiden Lane, New York, New York 10038
Submit via email: pgould@adaptcommunitynetwork.org

For more information, contact:  Peg Gould, ADAPT Community Network, Chair, pgould@adaptcommunitynetwork.org  or text 917-226-4433

PROCESS AND TIMELINE
  1. March – June 2019 — engaged national associations in the process
  2. July 31, 2019 — Nomination application and process distributed
  3. Criteria — person made a significant contribution to the field that enhanced personal quality of life options and opportunities; developed creative supports for people with I/DD and other disabilities; engaged in significant advocacy efforts that enhanced options and opportunities for people with disabilities; impacted public policy to affect positive change; pioneered new support options; researched or engaged in academic efforts that resulted in significant gains and insights in the field; was a leader in the areas of self-advocacy and family advocacy
  4. December 15, 2019 — Last day to submit nominations
  5. December 2019 – January 2020 — Nominees selected based on a “rubric;” selection committee utilized
  6. January 31, 2020 — Nominees notified of acceptance
  7. March 31, 2020 — Awards prepared and recognition process begins
  8. June 2020 — Target date for publication of on line recognition booklet

2019 Clinical Care Conference Speakers

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

STEPHEN SULKES, MD

“In God We Trust, All Others Bring Data” presentation materials [PDF]

Dr. Stephen Sulkes attended Boston University for college and medical school. He was fortunate to experience pediatric residency in Syracuse, NY, under Frank Oski. He completed his fellowship in developmental pediatrics (in the era before Boards) at Boston Children’s Hospital, where he had the good fortune to be mentored by Dr. Allen Crocker.

He then followed his wife and US 90 for two tanks of gas and found himself in Rochester, NY, where he has spent the rest of his career.

Steve has provided primary care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in residential and community settings, and developmental-behavioral pediatric specialty care at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester. In 1985, he developed Rochester’s fellowship program in developmental-behavioral pediatrics, initially funded by New York State, then by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau’s Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and related Disabilities (LEND) program. A glutton for punishment, he then took on leadership of Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, the Rochester University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), which he now co- directs. These two programs have given him the opportunity to hang out with colleagues from around the country at meetings of the Association for University Centers on Disability, on whose board he has served, and of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry, where he currently serves as President. His research and advocacy passions merge around improving health care delivery for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. When he is not working or thanking the nearest deity for his phenomenal family, he leads the Performance Measures, an ad hoc group of obviously non-professional and under-rehearsed singers of song parodies.

SPEAKERS

ELMAR H. FRANGENBERG, MD

“Geriatric Assessment Clinic” presentation materials [PDF]

Elmar H. Frangenberg, MD, acquired his medical education in Germany, including a neuropsychiatric residency, and his postgraduate training in pediatrics at the Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, NY, and in child neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. He entered State Service with the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and served as chief of medical services of the Monroe Developmental Center until 2003 and has continued as medical specialist 2 on a part time basis as physician member of a multidisciplinary geriatric assessment team. He holds the faculty position of clinical assistant professor of neurology and serves as the on- site instructor for physicians in training of the medical geriatric medicine program, who rotate through the geriatric assessment Clinic for IDD patients.

GREGG GERETY, MD

“Osteoporosis: Diagnosis and Treatment in 2019” presentation materials [PDF]

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Vermont, Dr. Gregg Gerety went to medical school at the Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, NY. He trained in Internal Medicine here in Albany and completed fellowship training in Endocrinology at Yale in 1988. Board-certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, he is a past- president of the American Diabetes Association New York State affiliate. Dr. Gerety is particularly interested in management of patients with diabetes and those with metabolic bone disease (such as osteoporosis). He is founder of The Endocrine Group Tour de Cure team which rides every June to raise money to help find a cure for diabetes. When not in the office, Gregg loves to be with his family of four children, riding his bike or skiing.

MICHELE GRIGUTS, DDS

“Aspiring to Prevent Aspiration Pneumonia for the Disabled Population Through Optimal Oral Care” presentation materials [PDF]

Michele Griguts, DDS, is the Dental Director in the Bureau of Medical, Dental and Pharmacy policy within the Department of Health’s Office of Health Insurance Programs. She started this position in September 2017 after 18 years of practicing dentistry in an Article 28 facility in Albany, New York working with the special needs population. The Bureau’s dental team focus on policies that strengthen the oral health of Medicaid members, especially children, and work to promote access to dental services. Questions about Medicaid Dental Policy and associated questions regarding clinic billing can be directed to the Dental Policy mailbox at dentalpolicy@health.ny.gov.

MARIA KANSAS, MD

“Primary Care/Behavioral Health Integration” presentation materials [PDF]

Dr. Maria Kansas grew up in the Capital Region, graduating from Bethlehem Central High School, Union College in Schenectady and Albany Medical College. She is a board certified Family Physician since 1989. She specializes in care for individuals and families across the

lifespan, and is passionate about caring for the whole person and helping individuals maximize their physical and mental health.

Since 2014, she has brought that passion to the Center for Disability Services, Center Health Care where they serve patients with and without disabilities. Serving individuals with developmental disabilities has taught her new skills in communication, observation and medical care.

SETH M. KELLER, MD

“Aging, Dementia, and Down Syndrome” presentation materials [PDF]

Seth M. Keller, MD, is a board-certified neurologist in private practice with Neurology Associates of South Jersey. He specializes in the evaluation and care of adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) with neurologic complications. He cares for

individuals with IDD both in the community as well as in New Jersey’s ICF/DD centers. Dr Keller is on the Executive Board of the Arc of Burlington County as well as on the board for The Arc of New Jersey Mainstreaming Medical Care Board. Dr Keller is the Past President of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD). Dr Keller is the co-chair of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG). Dr. Keller is also the chair of the Adult IDD Section with the American Academy of Neurology.  He is actively involved in national and international I/DD health education as a speaker and webinar and workshop participant. He is a co- author on a number of articles and book chapters relating to aging and dementia in those with IDD. Raised in Philadelphia, PA, Keller received his bachelor’s degree from Temple University, earned his medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine in 1989, and completed his neurology internship and residency at Bethesda Naval Hospital. He also served as a neurologist at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan.

MARILYN A. LADEWIG, SLP

“Dysphagia Evaluation, Preventing Aspiration Pneumonia with Oral Care” presentation materials [PDF]

Marilyn A. Ladewig is a licensed NY speech-language pathologist and a certified member of the American Speech Hearing Association. She has worked at Constructive Partnerships Unlimited (formerly Cerebral Palsy Associations of NYS) for 7 years and has been an SLP for 9 years. She is the clinical SLP at Metro Community Health Center in the Bronx and oversees the speech services in the adult day program. She has experience working in the residential and group home setting overseeing hundreds of patients assessing and managing dysphagia and providing staff education for mealtime protocols. Prior to working in the clinical setting, she worked at the acute care rehab unit at a level 1 trauma center at Orlando Regional Medical Center and completed over 1000 hours of modified barium swallow studies. Marilyn lives in Manhattan with her husband and enjoys traveling, visiting her family in Florida, the weather in September. You can reach Marilyn at mladewig@cpofnys.org or 718-665-6414 x 8768.

STEVEN MARCAL, PsyD

“Primary Care/Behavioral Health Integration” presentation materials [PDF]

Dr. Steven Marcal has been with Center Health Care at the Center for Disability Services since 1986. He now serves as the Lead Psychologist at Center Health Care. In his current role, he provides clinical services at Center Health Care, the Center’s adult programs, the Primary Care Department, and St. Margaret’s Center for Children. Dr. Marcal supervises the Center’s In-Home Behavioral Family Support Program and Autism Assessment Family Support grants. Dr. Marcal also has a part-time private practice in Delmar, NY.

Dr. Marcal received his Master of Sciences degree and Certificate of Advanced Specialist in School Psychology from the University at Albany, where he ultimately earned his Doctoral degree in Psychology. Prior to his appointment at the Center, Dr. Marcal was a school psychologist for Rensselaer-Columbia-Greene BOCES and Cairo-Durham School District. Dr. Marcal has spoken at many professional conferences on a range of topics, including: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) and Developmental Disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Capacity in Developmental Disabilities, and Treating Explosive Behaviors. He will be speaking in October, 2019 at the National Association for Dual Diagnosis Annual Conference in new Orleans, LA, along with Debra Marcal, MS, CAS, on the topic of Mindfulness and Developmental Disabilities.

Dr. Marcal became interested in the problem of ACES because of his long experience working with people with developmental disabilities who have suffered ACES. He has served on the Capital District’s “Think Tank and Action Committee on ACES” and continues to represent the Center for Disability Services on the HEARTS council. He provides regular training at his agency on topics associated with ACES and developmental disability in order to increase knowledge of treatment and increase understanding of this dually affected group of people. A toolkit on this topic, on which Dr. Marcal was the lead author, is available on-line (google using terms “marcal, blog, and toolkit” for the link). Dr. Marcal is a member of the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed, and the American Psychological Association.

MARCIA RICHMAN, RN

“Constipation” presentation materials [PDF]

Marcia Richman is the Health Care Coordinator/Director of Nursing for AHRC, NYC Departments of Residential Services and Home Care. She is a registered nurse, with master degrees in nursing and geriatrics, as well as certifications in developmental disabilities, geriatrics, palliative care nursing, and administration. For over twenty years, she has worked with individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities in the metropolitan New York area. Her roles with AHRC NYC include serving adults living in residences and the community throughout the five boroughs of NYC, as well as working with families, siblings and staff. She is actively involved in policy writing and committee participation within AHRC as well. She is a member of DDNA and the New York State IDD Nurses Association, and an officer of the local Zone 7 chapter of that group. As part of her daily practice, she has become more keenly aware and concerned about the importance of advance care planning in the lives of those with IDD. Individuals, families and staff are in need of resources, information, education and counseling so they are prepared when life limiting conditions are diagnosed. As nurses present on a daily basis in the lives of those served, they are optimally positioned to begin to help fill that void. Knowledge can be power, and by sharing the knowledge among many, we can empower ourselves to be better prepared to support the chronic issues that arise among aging adults with IDD, as well as the inevitabilities of end of life care for those we serve.

ZACH ROSEN, MD

“Common GI Conditions in People With Developmental Disabilities: Dysphagia” presentation materials [PDF]

Zach Rosen, MD, is a Board Certified Family Physician who has served as Medical Director of AHRC NYC for ten years. During this time, Dr. Rosen has been actively involved in medical systems improvement, including the implementation of the first onsite AHRC based, multidisciplinary Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee and as well as an onsite, multidisciplinary, Wellness Committee.

Favoring clinical research-based data, Rosen will be presenting practical clinical and research based guidance for use with the multiplicity of gastrointestinal manifestations found in the people we serve. Information at this conference will be based on data gleaned from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Medical Library, where, as an alum, Dr. Rosen has full and unrestricted access.

HARVEY SCHERER, MD

“Primary Care/Behavioral Health Integration” presentation materials [PDF]

Dr. Harvey Scherer is a child and adult psychiatrist who has long been a champion for persons with developmental disabilities. He is a graduate of Albany medical college where he also completed his residency, served as chief resident in Psychiatry and completed his fellowship in child psychiatry. He has a long and distinguished career, working as a psychiatrist and administrator for the adolescent unit at CDPC, child psychiatry consultant for unified services, Senior psychiatrist on the adult and adolescent units at CDPC, Founding director of the Child and Adolescent psychiatry Unit at Fourwinds Hospital, Child Psychiatry Consultant at St Catherine’s Center for Children Parsons Center for Children and Families. In addition he has traveled and practiced in New Zealand , served as consultant to numerous community agencies and is an active Board member for the Down Syndrome Resource Center. Dr. Scherer has been a leader and core provider at the Center for Disability Services since 1992 in Albany NY where he provides direct patient care to Adults and Children with developmental disabilities and serves as consultant to Center residents experiencing behavioral and mental health crises.

VINCENT SIASOCO, MD

Dr. Vincent Siasoco is a Board-certified Family Medicine physician, Chief Medical Officer of the Metro Community Health Centers, and serves as Co-Chair of the Cerebral Palsy Associations of NYS Medical Directors’ Council. He has extensive experience in working with patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across the lifespan. He has previously served as Medical Director for other IDD-focused Article 28 outpatient clinics, Article 16 long-term rehabilitation and behavioral health clinics, and long-term residential programs. He has been involved in all Article 28 clinics attaining NCQA Patient Centered Medical Home recognition and establishing and supervising clinical rotations at his clinics for medical students and residents. He’s the Medical Director of the Alliance for Integrated Care of N.Y., the first Accountable Care Organization with a focus on patients with IDD that was recognized by CMS for having achieved shared savings. He’s a member of the Board of Directors for Mercy Home based in Brooklyn, NY., an agency that provides services for individuals with IDD. He’s a Clinical Director for Special Olympics and an appointed member of advisory committees for OPWDD (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities).

He received his M.D. degree from the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines and obtained his M.B.A. degree from Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y. and is a member of the business honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma.

JERRY STALLER, PT

“Dysphagia” presentation materials [PDF]

Jerry Staller is a physical therapist who is the Division Director of Education and Clinical Services at Jawonio, the Rockland County CP of NYS affiliate. He previously served as the CP of NYS Associate Director of Staff development and Program Director during the Warner Center Program at Willowbrook. He has provided seminars and consultation services to programs across the country on topics of positioning, handling and treatment strategies for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

HALINA WOJCIK, MHP, RDN, CDN

“Celiac Diseaseand Lactose Intolerance” presentation materials [PDF]

Halina Wojcik is passionate about helping people to improve their health by implementing healthy eating habits and healthy lifestyle. In addition to having a private practice, she has been working at AHRC NYC providing nutrition services to clients with special needs. Previously she worked at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC as a Clinical Coordinator in the Liver Clinic, and at Bellevue Hospital in NYC as Associate Supervising Dietitian in the WIC Program. She obtained her BS in Nutrition and Food Science and Master of Public Health from Hunter College, CUNY.

Coalition Urges NYS to Set Aside of Funds from Healthcare Investment Account

Earlier this year, $675 million of the HCTF funds were used for a Medicaid rate increase to hospitals and nursing homes across New York; but no such funding has yet been dedicated to community care providers.

READ MORE HERE

 

 

The articles linked to this page are provided as a public service by CP of NYS, and do not necessarily reflect the views of CP of NYS, its Board of Directors and staff, or of the CP of NYS Affiliates.

NYU Opens New Dentistry Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities

Metro Community Health Centers is working with New York University at the new  Oral Health Center for People With Disabilities at NYU to increase dental care for people with disabilities and provide training for dental students in how to treat people with disabilities.

READ MORE HERE

 

The articles linked to this page are provided as a public service by CP of NYS, and do not necessarily reflect the views of CP of NYS, its Board of Directors and staff, or of the CP of NYS Affiliates.

Justice Center Announces Regional Conferences

The conferences are for provider agencies as well as individuals receiving services, families, peer advocates and other interested stakeholders .

FIND OUT MORE HERE

 

 

 

The articles linked to this page are provided as a public service by CP of NYS, and do not necessarily reflect the views of CP of NYS, its Board of Directors and staff, or of the CP of NYS Affiliates.