NOTE: BHSL Director, Jeanne Parisi, has stated to PALA that inspections will be taking place in a week or two for PCH/ALR. They will release protocols for inspectors and inspections prior to resuming inspections.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is committed to serving vulnerable populations every day and protecting individuals receiving services in a facility licensed by DHS. On March 30th, we issued guidance for entities licensed by the followingDHS program offices:

1. Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)
2. Office of Children, Youth and Families (OCYF)
3. Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)
4. Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS)
5. Office of Long-Term Living/Bureau of Human Service Licensing (BHSL)

In the March 30th guidance, we indicated that DHS will not be conducting any annual renewal inspections until Governor Wolf lifts thecurrent Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for COVID-19 or until such other time set by DHS. However, licensing staff continued toinvestigate incidents and complaints.

Beginning May 28th, DHS will resume annual renewal inspections in alignment with the Governor’s plan to re-open parts of the state.Information about the phases for re-opening can be found at the following link: https://www.governor.pa.gov/process-to-reopen-pennsylvania/.

All DHS program offices listed above will resume annual renewal inspections for counties that transition to the “green” phase. OCYF,OCDEL, ODP and OMHSAS will also start some annual renewal inspections for all counties that have transitioned to the “yellow”phase.

Licensing staff from all program offices will continue to investigate incidents and complaints statewide.

DHS is also considering conducting some annual renewal inspections remotely through virtual means. More information about this willbe forthcoming prior to any use of remote inspections.

Please contact your Regional Program Office with any questions you may have.

Read the release HERE