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In this Week's Edition
News
HUD Strengthens Standards
for Inspections of Real Estate (NSPIRE)
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NJ DHS Provides Updates
on Flexibility Terminations Following
End of Public Health Emergency
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In Case You Missed It:
New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus
April 25th Roundtable on Housing
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DDD Update:
Information Sessions on
Division of Developmental Disabilities
Self-Directed Employee Models
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Newark Officials Consider
Rent Control Ordinance
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New Jersey Partners in Policymaking
2023-2024 Hybrid Program
Now Accepting Applications
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Rutgers School of Health Professions
Offering Two Workshops for CSS Staff
June 6th and June 7th
Resources & Events
Division of Mental Health
and Addiction Services Mental Health Awareness Month Webinar Series
May 16- 2023
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PLAN NJ Person-Centered Life Planning:
Securing the Future for People with Disabilities
May 16, 2023
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Free Webinar From DCM Associates
"The Evolving Role of Today's Successful Nonprofit CFO"
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New Jersey Opioid Recovery
and Remediation Fund
Advisory Council Listening Sessions
May – July 2023
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AHA Homeownership and Preservation Day
June 10th
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Cresskill
Includes special needs and non special needs housing
Click here for full details on Cresskill Housing
Apply by June 2nd
Manalapan
Apply by June 12th
Maplewood
Apply by June 12th
Freehold
Apply by June 13th
Lacey
Apply by June 14th
Franklin
Apply by June 15th
Teaneck
Apply by June 27th
Montvale
Apply by July 5th
Monroe
Apply by July 6th
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Next SHA
Members Meeting
June 7, 2023
In-Person, Trenton
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Next SHA
Developers Meeting
May July 10, 2023
Virtual
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Join HUD’s 2023 Innovative Housing Showcase! The Showcase is a three-day HUD event on June 9-11, 2023, on the National Mall between 4th St and 7th St. The event will be open to the public and free of charge.
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LeadingAge New Jersey & Delaware
Annual Meeting + Expo
June 20-22, 2023
Atlantic City
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Save the Date!
SHA's 25th Annual Conference
November 3, 2023
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Shout out to Solar Landscape as they completed construction of a 556-kilowatt rooftop community solar installation in Secaucus that will generate clean renewable energy, while also helping workforce development efforts.
The project will provide several benefits for the community including:
- Providing solar energy at a discount to more than 90 nearby homes without requiring them to install panels;
- Saving residents more than $20,000 in annual energy costs; and
- Avoiding the creation of 478 tons of carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
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SHA Welcomes New & Returning
Members In 2023
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HUD Strengthens Standards
for Inspections of Real Estate (NSPIRE)
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NSPIRE Final Rule Effective July 1 and October 1
for all HUD Rental Assistance Programs
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published the Final Rule for the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) in the Federal Register. The rule proposes a new approach to defining and assessing housing quality and reduces regulatory burden. The publication of the final rule follows 16 listening sessions in 15 states with more than 3,330 attendees.
NSPIRE improves HUD’s oversight by aligning and consolidating inspection regulations used to evaluate HUD housing across multiple programs. NSPIRE strengthens HUD’s physical condition standards, formerly known as the Uniform Physical Condition Standard (UPCS) and the Housing Quality Standards (HQS). HUD’s Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) conducts the inspections of HUD-assisted properties in the public and Multifamily Housing programs.
The rule has distinct effective dates for the start of physical inspections using the NSPIRE Standards.
- July 1, 2023 – Public Housing Inspections Begin
- October 1, 2023 – Housing Choice Voucher, Project-based Vouchers and Multifamily Inspections Begin
The final NSPIRE rule makes changes to inspections for the Public Housing and Multifamily Housing programs in response to public comments to the proposed rule that was issued on January 13, 2021. In addition to the final rule, HUD will publish three core subordinate publications: the Scoring, Standards and Administrative Notices. Some of the changes the final NSPIRE rule makes include:
- New Self-Inspection Requirement and Report. PHAs and Owners will be required to conduct self-inspections of all units at least annually and correct all identified deficiencies. If the property scores under 60 on its HUD inspection, these self-inspection results must be provided to HUD. Records related to the self-inspection should be maintained for three years.
- New Self-Inspection Requirement and Report. PHAs and Owners will be required to conduct self-inspections of all units at least annually and correct all identified deficiencies. If the property scores under 60, these reports must be provided to HUD. Records related to the self-inspection should be maintained for three years.
- Timeline for Deficiency Correction. HUD clarifies the timeline for the correction of health or safety deficiencies. For life-threatening and severe deficiencies, the PHA or Owner must correct the deficiency within 24 hours after the inspection report is received, and upload evidence of that correction within 72 hours to HUD.
- New Affirmative Requirements. HUD developed new “affirmative standards” for all units that participate in HUD’s rental assistance programs. These include basic requirements for habitability – like kitchens and flushable toilets – but also important safety concerns like Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets, a permanent heating source, and safe drinking water.
- Tenant Involvement. HUD will allow tenants to make recommendations regarding units to be inspected. HUD will require that the PHA or Owner correct all identified deficiencies within established timeframes and provide inspection results to residents.
NSPIRE improves HUD oversight through the alignment and consolidation of the inspection regulations used to evaluate HUD housing across multiple programs. Additional changes include the following:
- HUD Committing to Reviewing Standards at Least Every 3 Years
- Retaining 3-2-1 Rule
- Changes to Deficiency Categories: Life-threatening, Severe, Moderate, Low (New)
- Post-Inspection Report (New)
- Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Alarms Requirement
- Removal of the Occupancy Requirement Related to Children of the Opposite Sex
- Elimination of Cosmetic Deficiencies
While the NSPIRE rule enhanced and updated HUD’s property standards, it retained provisions that ensure the availability of safe, affordable rental housing. This includes HUD-approval of variations for local conditions in the HCV and PBV programs and approval of alternative inspection protocols where there are other affordable housing program requirements. NSPIRE also retains provisions already in place to ensure that residents are provided notice of inspections and have access to inspection reports once available.
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NJ DHS Provides Updates on Flexibility Terminations Following End of Public Health Emergency | |
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The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) has issued a notice regarding PHE flexibility termination.
As stated in the notice from DMAHS, the following PHE flexibilities are set to expire today, May 11, 2023, the set end of the federal COVID-19 PHE:
Prior Authorization
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will no longer suspend Medicaid fee-for-service prior authorization requirements. Prior authorization procedures will resume after this date.
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will no longer extend pre-existing authorizations for which beneficiaries previously received prior authorizations through the end of the PHE.
Settings Requirements
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will no longer allow for the provision of Services in Alternative Settings.
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will no longer waive Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Requirements for Specified Settings.
HCBS
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will once again require beneficiaries and providers’ signatures on HCBS Person-Centered Service Plans.
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will transition to regular Level of Care Determinations and Redetermination Timelines.
Long-Term Care
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will no longer suspend Pre-Admission Screening and Annual Resident Review (PASRR) Level I and Level II Assessments for 30 days.
Fair Hearings
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will continue to allow longer timeframes in which to request fair hearings.
Provider Enrollment and Participation
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will no longer allow temporary Provider Enrollment based on enrollment with another State Medicaid Agency (SMA).
Presumptive Eligibility
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will no longer allow additional eligibility groups to be enrolled via presumptive eligibility.
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will no longer allow two presumptive eligibility periods during a single 12-month window.
Mental Health
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will no longer allow providers to reserve beds for youth in residential mental health treatment centers for more than 14 days.
Pharmacy
- Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare will no longer automatically allow the dispensing of 90-day supplies of maintenance medications or early prescription refills after the PHE ends. In addition, all signature requirements for pharmacy orders will be reinstated.
Personal Care Services
- Legally Responsible Individuals may no longer render Personal Care Services (PCS).
- Family members may no longer render PCS.
Click here to access the complete notice from DMAHS and for more detailed information on each of the flexibilities’ ends.
Additional important details on impacts in New Jersey
This Fact Sheet from US Dept. of Health and Human Services states in the “What will not be affected:” section that “Medicaid telehealth flexibilities will not be affected” by the ending of the federal Public Health Emergency. Governor Murphy’s Counsel just agreed that this is the case.
SHA gratefully acknowledges NJAMHAA's efforts in confirming the telehealth flexibilities.
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In Case You Missed It:
New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus
April 25th Roundtable on Housing
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If you didn't attend the most recent New Jersey Legislative Disability Caucus for their roundtable on housing, a recording is available to view here. This discussion covered the needs for housing that continue to be a major statewide issue not just in affordability but also accessibility.
The NJ Legislative Disability Caucus serves as a bipartisan forum within the New Jersey Legislature for lawmakers and their staff to consider the impact on the disability community when shaping ALL public policies in the Garden State through increased awareness and a greater understanding of the complexities of the disabilities service system and issues affecting individuals with disabilities and their families.
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DDD Update:
Information Sessions on Division of Developmental Disabilities Self-Directed Employee Models
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As you may be aware, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (Division) offers two Self-Directed Employee (SDE) Models that individuals electing to self-direct their services can use. These are the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent Model administered by Public Partnerships, LLC and the Agency with Choice Model administered by Easterseals NJ. In response to continued interest on the topic, informational webinars are once again being offered. Please register below for these opportunities.
Public Partnerships’ Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent SDE Model Information Session
When: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at 11:30 am
Register in advance for this Information Session
Easterseals’ Agency with Choice SDE Model Information Session
When: Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM
Register in advance for this Information Session
The Division’s website on Self-Directed Services also contains valuable information on these models. Please click here for more information.
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Newark Officials Consider Rent Control Ordinance | |
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A decade-long building boom in Newark has added thousands of new apartments to the city as development spreads west from Jersey City’s red-hot real estate market.
Hoping to keep Newark as affordable as its boom continues, city officials are weighing a rent control ordinance that would apply to newly constructed apartments despite a state law exempting them from local rent control. On Wednesday, the City Council introduced an ordinance proposed by Mayor Ras Baraka that would limit rent increases to 5% for any two-year period.
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New Jersey Partners in Policymaking 2023-2024
Hybrid Program Now Accepting Applications
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Deadline: June 30, 2023
New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is a leadership development and advocacy education program for adults with developmental disabilities (over age 21) and family members of young children and transition age youth available through collaboration between The New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, The Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities, and Disability Rights New Jersey. The goal of this program is to prepare the next generation of disability advocates to work toward meaningful change in our state.
The 2023-2024 Partners in Policymaking sessions are currently scheduled to take place using a hybrid model which combines in-person and virtual learning. A fully virtual option for those that are immunocompromised or have an immunocompromised family member that prevents in-person participation will be made available.
New Jersey Partners in Policymaking is committed to building a diverse group of participants that is reflective of the needs, geography, and cultural and ethnic backgrounds of New Jersey. The Partners program is now accepting applications from people with developmental disabilities and family members for the class of 2023-2024.
Download the application to learn more about the program and apply
Applications must be received by June 30, 2023. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by July 31, 2023.
Visit the NJ Partners in Policymaking page on The Boggs Center's website for additional information.
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Rutgers School of Health Professions
Offering Two Workshops for CSS Staff
June 6th and June 7th
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The Rutgers School of Health Professions (SHP) is offering a Knowledge, Skills, and Resources (KSR) Development Workshop to any CSS staff who participates in the development of the IRP. Participants will meet with SHP CSS staff (Crystal, Emilie, and Earle) and other CSS staff to review a KSR for a CSS consumer and exchange constructive feedback during the workshop.
This 2.5-hour workshop is intended to support CSS staff in the use of the KSR form and to enable direct-care staff to meaningfully contribute to the IRP development process. The workshop is interactive, and participants must bring a de-identified KSR form they have previously completed with a CSS consumer. We suggest bringing a KSR for a CSS consumer who has an IRP that is due in the next few months.
This is an interactive and practice-based workshop that requires participants to submit a de-identified KSR form and provide feedback to others. Participants will work in small groups led by SHP CSS staff. Each participant will present their previously completed KSR, ask questions, and receive feedback and suggestions from their group. CSS programs should limit registration to 1 to 2 staff.
The CSS KSR Development Workshop will be remote and held live via Zoom on Tuesday, June 6th, from 1:00 pm until 3:30 pm.
Space is limited, so staff should register as soon as possible.
Registration information must be for the staff attending the training.
Register for the CSS KSR Development Workshop
If you have any questions regarding the CSS KSR Development Workshop, please contact Crystal, Earle, or Emilie.
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The Rutgers School of Health Professions (SHP) is offering an Individualized Rehabilitation Plan (IRP) Development Workshop to CSS staff who develop and complete IRPs (e.g., licensed staff and RNs). Participants will meet with SHP CSS staff (Crystal, Emilie, and Earle) to review the presented plans and offer feedback during the workshop. Participants will meet with SHP CSS staff (Crystal, Emilie, and Earle) and colleagues to request and receive feedback on presented IRPs during the workshop.
This 2.5-hour workshop is meant for CSS staff who develop and submit plans to the IME. By June 5th participants must submit a de-identified IRP they have authored to CSS Staff: Emilie (emilie.banz@rutgers.edu), Earle (earle.leitch@rutgers.edu), or Crystal (crystal.socha@rutgers.edu). We cannot review or give feedback on an IRP authored by another clinician. We recommend presenting an IRP that is in development or was previously submitted to the IME and critiqued but not put on hold.
This workshop is interactive and will be entirely practice-based, and participants must be willing to present a de-identified plan and provide feedback to others. Participants will work in small groups led by SHP CSS staff. Each participant will present their plan, ask questions, and receive feedback and suggestions from those in their group. CSS programs should limit registration to 1 to 2 staff.
The CSS IRP Development Workshop will be remote and held live via Zoom on Wednesday, June 7th, from 9:30 am until 12:00 pm.
Space is limited, so licensed staff and RNs should register as soon as possible.
Registration information must be for the staff attending the training.
Register for the CSS IRP Development Workshop
If you have any questions regarding the CSS IRP Development Workshop, please contact Crystal, Earle, or Emilie.
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Resources & Virtual Forums | |
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Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
Mental Health Awareness Month Webinar Series
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Explore the following webinar series from the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services during the month of May. | |
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Promoting Self-care: Coping with Challenges and Sustaining Well-being
Tuesday May 16th at 12:00 PM
Presented by Steve Crimando
Register Here
A Journey to Wellness: Creating Patterns to Fuel Healthy Habits
Wednesday May 24th at 12:00 PM
Presented by Dr. Peggy Swarbrick
Register Here
Review the Journey to Wellness Guide by Dr. Peggy Swarbrick
Preventing Suicide: Knowing the Signs, Symptoms, and When to Ask for Help
Wednesday May 31st at 11:00 AM
Presented by Dr. Stephanie Marcello
Register Here
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Person-Centered Life Planning:
Securing the Future for People with Disabilities
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May 16, 2023 | 06:30 PM ET
The purpose of this workshop is to educate families who have a loved one with a significant disability about the importance of planning for the individual’s future support. Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of NJ (PLAN/NJ), a SHA Member, will guide families in this legal and estate planning and life-long support process to answer the question, “Who will care for my loved one when I am gone?”
Description: This session will address future planning issues such as independent living supports; estate planning, legal and financial protections. Topics include how to implement a future life plan for people with disabilities, Guardianship and Supported Decision Making, Special Needs Trusts, and ABLE accounts. Handouts will be provided to families to highlight the topics of the session.
Our presenter will be: Jason Miller, Director of Social Services, Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of NJ (PLAN/NJ)
***Multilingual live captioning is available in this meeting. For the list of available languages, please go to: www.wordly.ai/language-interpretation.***
Click here to register for this webinar
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Free Webinar From DCM Associates
"The Evolving Role of Today's Successful Nonprofit CFO"
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May 17, 2023 |1:00 p.m. EST / 10:00 a.m. PST
*Offered free of charge to support our friends and colleagues in the nonprofit community
This live interactive webinar session will address the evolving strategic role that today’s CFOs play in helping steer their organization towards success. Join is in this important and timely discussion on these important topics:
- What has been the most significant change in the role of being a CFO in the past few years?
- In what ways has their role evolved from being “numbers cruncher” to a strategic advisor to their CEO and Board?
- What role do they play now in talent development for your organization?
- How has your role changed with regards to collaborating with other members of your leadership team?
Click here to register
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New Jersey Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund
Advisory Council Listening Sessions
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In addition to the input already received through the online portal, the New Jersey Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund Advisory Council is holding listening sessions to gather public input on distributing opioid settlement funds.
New Jersey will receive at least $641 million over 18 years as part of a federal opioid settlement. The state will receive half of the funding, and the other half will be provided to participating county and local governments.
Register to testify here: https://bit.ly/3oloFUD
MONDAY, MAY 22 (1 – 3 P.M.)
Central Jersey
Mercer County Community College
Roma Bank Auditorium
Conference Center
1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor
MONDAY, JUNE 12 (10 A.M. – NOON)
South Jersey
Camden County College (Blackwood)
CIM Auditorium
200 College Road, Blackwood
THURSDAY, JUNE 22 (11 A.M. – 1 P.M.)
North Jersey
Essex County College
Clara E. Dasher Student Center
303 University Avenue, Newark
THURSDAY, JULY 20 (11 A.M. – 1 P.M.)
Virtual: Link will be sent after registering
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AHA Homeownership and Preservation Day - June 10th | Join AHA and their community partners on Saturday, June 10th from 10 AM -1 PM outside of their Eatontown office located at 59 Broad St, Eatontown, NJ 07724 for a day of free presentations, resources, and community engagement! | |
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Homeownership Promotion
• Realtors, Lenders, and Down Payment Assistance
• First Time Home Buyer, Manufactured Home Buying, and After Purchase Counseling
• Home Buying and Financial Presentations
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Home Preservation
- Sustainability Counseling
- Reverse Mortgage
- Foreclosure Intervention
- Homeowner Rehabilitation Programs
- Post-Purchase Education
- And So Much More!
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There are many great ways of supporting SHA: Join as a member or send donations.
Thank you for your support!
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Want all the member benefits with SHA? Visit our website or contact Joseph Christensen to apply or manage your membership.
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Members can post jobs to find applicants within the wider supportive housing community. Click on the button to visit our job page.
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Advocate ● Educate ● Support
The Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey unites its diverse coalition of members engaging development, resources, and information to sustain supportive housing systems within New Jersey. Since 1998, our statewide mission seeks to enhance lives and accessibility to enable independent living within our communities.
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Supportive Housing Association of New Jersey
185 Valley Street, South Orange, NJ 07079
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