NOTICES
DEPARTMENT OF
HUMAN SERVICES
Proposed Federal Section 1115 Application for Substance Use Disorder; Public Hearing Schedule
[47 Pa.B. 7127]
[Saturday, November 18, 2017]The Department of Human Services (Department) is making available for public review and comment the proposed Federal Section 1115 Demonstration waiver application for substance use disorder (SUD) services.
The purpose of this Demonstration is to afford continued access to high quality, medically necessary treatment for opioid use disorder and other SUDs. The Commonwealth recognizes the importance of a full continuum of treatment services, including residential services that are provided in a cost-effective manner and for a length of stay that is governed by appropriate clinical guidelines. This Demonstration is critical to provide the necessary funding to support the continuation of medically necessary services.
The goals of this Demonstration are to:
1. Improve the overall population health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries diagnosed with an SUD by:
a. Reducing overdose deaths
b. Increasing the number of Medicaid beneficiaries who access substance use treatment
c. Increasing the rate of retention in treatment across all levels of care
2. Decrease utilization of high-cost emergency department and hospital services by:
a. Decreasing the number of emergency department visits and inpatient admissions
b. Decreasing the number of readmissions to the same level of care or higher levels of care for a primary SUD diagnosis
3. Improve care transition across the continuum of substance use services by:
a. Enhancing coordination of care with other behavioral and physical health services
b. Enhancing the process for transitions between levels of care
The 1115 Demonstration waiver application is available at http://www.healthchoices.pa.gov/info/about/behavioral/1115WaiverApplicationforSUD/index.htm. In addition, copies of the application are available upon written request to the Director, Bureau of Policy, Planning, and Program Development, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, 11th Floor, Commonwealth Tower, 303 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
Public Hearing Schedule
The Department will hold four public hearings throughout this Commonwealth to accept testimony on the proposed 1115 Demonstration waiver application. The Department will also present updates and solicit comment on the waiver application at the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee meeting on December 14, 2017.
The schedule of dates, times and locations for the public hearings is listed as follows:
December 4, 2017, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
OMHSAS NE Field Office Conference Room
100 Lackawanna Avenue
Scranton, PADecember 5, 2017, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Norristown State Hospital Auditorium
1001 Sterigere Street
Norristown, PADecember 8, 2017, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Child Welfare Resource Center
403 East Winding Hill Road
Mechanicsburg, PADecember 11, 2017, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Shenango Crossing
2520 New Butler Road
New Castle, PA 16101Public Comment
The Department seeks public input on the proposed 1115 Demonstration waiver application for SUD services. The 30-day public comment period will begin on November 18, 2017, and end on December 18, 2017. Persons who wish to testify on the proposed 1115 Demonstration waiver application at one of the public hearings should schedule a time by calling (717) 772-7900. Persons from outside the Harrisburg area may send a written request, including telephone number, to Satoko Hariyama, Bureau of Policy, Planning and Program Development, Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, 11th Floor, Commonwealth Tower, 303 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
Individuals also may submit written comments at any of the public hearings or by e-mail to RA-PWOMHSASComm@pa.gov or by mail to the address of the previously identified contact person. The Department will consider all comments received by December 18, 2017, in developing the final waiver application.
Persons with a disability who require auxiliary aid or service may submit comments using the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at (800) 654-5984 (TDD users) or (800) 654-5988 (voice users).
TERESA D. MILLER,
Acting SecretaryFiscal Note: 14-NOT-1190. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 17-1889. Filed for public inspection November 17, 2017, 9:00 a.m.]
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