Between Dec. 1 and March 31, most eligible households cannot have electric, natural gas or heat-related water services turned off due to unpaid bills because of an annual winter moratorium. The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania says it has had about a 25% uptick in calls to its 211 service. Lastly, for expiring waivers that relate to telemedicine, individuals are advised to consult the Barbers, Cosmetologists, Accountants and Nursing Home Administrators: Barbers, Cosmetologists, Crane Operators, Nurses and Perfusionists: Suspension of certain regulations for Nurse-Midwives: Chiropractors, Dentists, Optometrists, Pharmacists and Podiatrist who hold Clinical Lab Permits to Order and Administer COVID-19 Tests: State Board of Medicine, State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, State Board of Nursing, State Board of Pharmacy, State Board of Occupational Therapy, State Board of Physical Therapy, State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Allowing Qualified Pennsylvania Vaccinators to administer COVID-19 Vaccine to 16 & 17-Year-Olds and 12 to 15-Year-Olds: Certified Nurse Midwives, Dentists, Dental students, Optometrists, Optometry students, Physician Assistants, Physician Assistant students, Podiatrists, Podiatry students, Respiratory Therapists, Respiratory Therapy students, Veterinarians, Veterinary students that may administer COVID-19 vaccines: BPOA Board Members and Physical Attendance at Meetings: This waiver allows physician assistants under the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine and the State Board of Medicine to assist with COVID-19 emergency response efforts more easily and effectively by suspending requirements pertaining to written agreements and several other items. Murphy says another lockdown is unlikely but isn't off the table If they shut down the restaurants, they shut down all the events, every component of the city and state, then hey, Im not going to put my families at risk, Im not going to force them to take their children to school, said Pedro Martinez, the chief executive of Chicago Public Schools. Keystone State. 171 0 obj <>stream School responses in Pennsylvania to the coronavirus extended the pilot program for three additional years). By Dan Morse. It will continue to be allowable in the same way it was allowable prior to the pandemic. This waiver was sought specifically to complement DDAP's suspension of 28 Pa. Code 715.9(a)(4)). Licensees attempting to meet Continuing Education Requirements entirely through Online Learning or Distance Education: -For board-specific timelines and additional information. For more information or help with scheduling an appointment through Allegheny Countys Area Agency on Aging, residents can call 412-350-4234. If you are at risk for eviction or loss of utility service help is now available through theEmergency Rental Assistance Program(ERAP). January 7, 2022 at 6:00 a.m. EST. The spiking case counts have also flummoxed the dozens of companies that sent their employees to work from home in March 2020, as Covid was first sweeping the country. Help us inform people in the Pittsburgh region with more stories like this support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation. Health officials have warned that the unvaccinated remain most at risk of severe illness or death from Omicron. This page contains a calendar of all 2022 state holidays for Pennsylvania. Also on March 31, Allegheny County stopped accepting applications for its Emergency Rental Assistance program. Down Jan. 1, 2022 In two short weeks, as the year closed out, the Omicron variant drove coronavirus case counts to record levels, upended air travel and left gaping The fund supports homeowners with a household income at or below 150% of the area median income who are now grappling with unforeseen financial hardships due to COVID. More by Amelia Winger, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). This waiver suspended the practical examination requirement for out-of-state Osteopathic Physicians applying for licensure by endorsement. About a quarter of children between ages 5 and 11 have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Pennsylvanians ages 6 months and older are eligible for the COVID vaccine, and Pennsylvanians ages 5 and older are eligible to schedule a booster. But not knowing when classes might resume made the uncertainty of the situation unsettling. Several Chicago-area colleges announced either delayed starts or shifts to remote learning, including DePaul University, the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check back This waiver "relates to Federal exemptions granted under the Federal public health emergency declaration," specifically the exemptions granted by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). For many teachers, students and parents, the fall semester had seemed promising. But some districts including public schools in Cleveland; Prince Georges County, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C.; Newark, N.J.; Mt. Storm, tech issues disrupt thousands of flights nationwide, amwater.com/paaw/customer-service-billing/customer-assistance-programs/, https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHWAP.aspx, Allegheny County DA seeks death penalty against man accused of killing woman and their unborn child, Car dealership agrees to $10M settlement for allegedly charging Black clients more, 3 people shot in Pittsburghs Hill District, VIDEO: Residents of Wilkinsburg apartment building left with no elevators, tenants frustrated, DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts, Bride killed, groom critically injured after wedding reception when drunken driver hits golf cart, Off-duty Pittsburgh police officers involved in altercation after Luke Combs concert, 1 person killed in shooting in McKeesport, Man charged in connection to death of woman hit by truck in Oakland, Its getting worse: Community seeking answers from Pittsburgh leaders in light of recent violence, Grants of up to $500 per year to be used toward households water bills, An 85% discount on the monthly service feeand 10% discount on the monthly volumetric charges, which saves the average residential customer using 3,458 gallons/month $18.94 every month, Grants of up to $500 per year to be used toward households wastewater bills, A30%discount on the total wastewater charges,which saves the average residential customer using 3,458 gallons/month $20.38 every month. Pharmacists administering Influenza Vaccinations. I dont see the logic.. Supervision Requirements for Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists: This waiver suspends all statutory and regulatory requirements for licensees of the previously named Boards that call for direct supervision or require contact/interaction that is "in-person," "face-to-face," "on-site," "on the premises" or the like. Learn more and apply for home-heating help. Latest COVID-19 news & guidance in Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Gay lives in Miramar, Fla., where cases have shot up dramatically, is not offering virtual alternatives. This waiver increases the ability of Graduate Medical Trainees under the State Board of Medicine and the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine to administer the COVID-19 vaccination at various location through Pennsylvania, rather than their assigned medical training facility. Updated: 01/10/2022 03:43 PM EST BOSTON Democrats have a message for Omicron-flooded America: get vaxxed and carry on. Court Reporters: This waiver suspends the requirement for physical presence of notaries who are court reporters/stenographers participating in criminal, civil and administrative proceedings. This waiver allows for hours of clinical experience obtained by individuals working toward licensure as a behavior specialist via telemedicine or teletherapy during the duration of the COVID-19 emergency be recognized as valid and counted towards the 1,000 hours of clinical experience. School Disruptions Omicron Upends Return to School in U.S. Have a tip for the WESA newsroom? That means her children can possibly be in classes with maskless students during this latest wave. By Matt Zalaznick February 8, 2022 (The PHE was recently extended for an additional 90 days, until January 11, 2023 see Its finally closing.From slots to mills, big property owners aim for smaller property tax billsUpdated: Pittsburgh housing execs pledge Section 8 service improvements this year Expired:September 30, 2021, Suspension of Nurse Licensing Requirements,such as practice permits and fees, extending renewal deadlines, allowing nursing school graduates to apply for the graduate permit without sitting for the licensure examination, waiving the English language proficiency testing requirement for RN and PN Temporary Practice Permits, waiving the 1,500 hours of education requirement for licensure by endorsement and licensure by examination, and waiving the education equivalency for clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) for certification by endorsement.Expired: September 15, 2021, Barbers, Cosmetologists, Accountants and Nursing Home Administrators:This waiver extends fixed timeframes to take or complete education, examination, or training in order to receive a license.Expired:September 15, 2021, Barbers, Cosmetologists, Crane Operators, Nurses and Perfusionists:This waiver extends certain temporary permits and licenses for these professionals.Expired:September 15, 2021, Perfusionists:This waiver extends temporary licenses for graduate perfusionists.Expired:September 15, 2021, Graduate Medical Trainees:This waiver suspends certain administrative requirements for Graduate Medical Trainees.Expired:September 15, 2021, Registered Nurses & Practical Nurses:This waiver extends Temporary Practice Permits issued to RNs & PNs applying for their Pennsylvania License by Endorsement.Expired:September 15, 2021, Federal and Military Medical Personnel:This waiver suspends certain licensing requirements for military medical personnel, including members of the National Guard, during the coronavirus emergency.Expired:September 15, 2021, Suspension of certain regulations for Nurse-Midwives:This waiver allows for streamlined reactivations and suspends requirements related to identification of categories of drugs that a Certified Nurse-Midwife with Prescriptive Authority may prescribe or dispense.Expired: August 31, 2021, Pharmacists and Pharmacies:This waiver includes suspensions related to nonresident pharmacies, pharmacy technician supervision for remote processing, expiration of CPR certification, and pharmacy closure notification requirements.Expired: August 31, 2021, Occupational Therapy,Physical Therapy,andSpeech Language Pathologists:These waivers expand the scope of practice that call for "Face-to-Face", "In-Person", or "On-Site" interaction.Expired: August 31, 2021, Dentists,Oral Surgeons,Athletic Trainers,Chiropractors,Podiatrists:These waivers allow for additional medical providers to help with COVID-19 operations outside of their traditional scope of practice.Expired: August 31, 2021, Massage Therapy Students:This waiver allows a limited number of massage therapy education hours to be earned via distance learning.Expired: August 31, 2021, Chiropractors, Dentists, Optometrists, Pharmacists and Podiatrist who hold Clinical Lab Permits to Order and Administer COVID-19 Tests:This waiver allows qualified Chiropractors, Dentists, Optometrists, Pharmacists and Podiatrists to be authorized to order and administer COVID-19 testsExpired: August 31, 2021, Retired/Inactive Professionals:Reactivations for retired healthcare practitioners & licensees who went inactive or allowed their license to expire or lapse related to the following boards:State Board of Medicine, State Board of Osteopathic Medicine, State Board of Nursing, State Board of Pharmacy,State Board of Occupational Therapy, State Board of Physical Therapy, State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology,and the following specific license types:Behavior Specialists, Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Expanded Function Dental Assistants, Funeral Directors, Nursing Home Administrators, Podiatrists, Practical Nurses (LPNs), Social Workers, Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians.Expired: August 17, 2021, State Board of Medicine Retired Professionals & Out-of-State Healthcare Practitioners:Waiver extending the State Board of Medicine renewal deadline, continuing license reactivations for retired professionals (Note:The passage ofAct 21 of 2021extended the expiration date of temporary licenses issued to out-of-state healthcare practitioners to September 30th, 2021. Check the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website for the most up-to-date information on resources and loans for businesses. Shutdown in PA | 90.5 WESA LIHWAP is a grant. It is also designed to allow CTC educators the flexibility necessary to assist these students in obtaining all the required education hours prior to their planned graduation date. 0 No one was really getting it, until now., Now, Mr. Boren is questioning whether a return to in-person learning makes any sense. According to the most recent utility reports submitted to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, more than 700,000 customers are at risk of termination for nearly $650 million in unpaid services. Pharmacy Practitioners and Pharmacies in Other States: This waiver grants a suspension of certain licensure requirements to allow expedited temporary licensure to pharmacy practitioners and pharmacies in other states to provide goods and services to Pennsylvanians. Robbins had been wanted on a bench warrant for unlawful contact with a minor since February 2022. Vaccine doses purchased with American dollars will be provided by the federal government at no cost. SAMHSA's guidance to Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs) and practitioners: State Board of Psychology & State Board of Social Workers; In-Person Supervision: This waiver suspends the requirement that supervisors meet individually face- to-face with psychology residents for an average supervisory total of at least 2 hours per week and suspends the requirements of the State Board of Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Counselors that the supervisor, or one to whom supervisory responsibilities have been delegated, must meet with the supervisee for a minimum of 2 hours for every 40 hours of supervised clinical experience. They dont give you a playbook at Harvard Business School on the pandemic, said Yancey Spruill, chief executive of the tech company DigitalOcean, which told its staff it will allow remote work indefinitely. COVID-19 REGULATORY SUSPENSIONS AND This reporting has been made possible through the Staunton Farm Mental Health Reporting Fellowship and the Jewish Healthcare Foundation. Eligible Supervisors for COVID-19 Vaccinations: This waiver broadens the definition of eligible supervisors to include other licensed and trained healthcare professionals whose current scope of practice allows them to immunize, thereby making it possible for pharmacy interns to administer COVID-19 vaccinations under the direct, immediate and personal supervision of a pharmacist OR certain other health care practitioners (such as physicians and surgeons, physician assistants, nurse-midwives, registered nurses and certified registered nurse practitioners). Use the Mental Health Resources guide to find help and information. Jennifer Lopez has done it again! Visit our newly designed Bill Assistance web page at www.firstenergycorp.com/billassist and to see available programs based on income and household size, Storm, tech issues disrupt thousands of flights nationwide (NCD). Biden Suspect facing multiple charges after gunfire involving police in Please note: the following portions of this waiver already expired, effective September 15, 2021: (1) the requirement for the English language proficiency testing requirements for RNs and LPNs, (2) the required 1,500 hours of education for PN licensure, (4) the need for board approval for CRNA graduates to practice, and (5) the requirement to demonstrate educational equivalency for CNSs.Expired:June 20,2022, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs):This waiver permits CRNPs to practice outside of their specific clinical specialty, and to prescribe drugs related to the COVID-19 pandemic outside of the established formulary. LIHEAP is an excellent resource for individuals who might be in this situation. This waiver suspends the 25 hours-per-week minimum requirement for individuals attempting to complete the necessary training hours for their cosmetology apprentice program. Behavior Specialists, Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Expanded Function Dental Assistants, Funeral Directors, Nursing Home Administrators, Podiatrists, Practical Nurses (LPNs), Social Workers, Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians. Others, including major companies like Apple and Google, have extended their work-from-home arrangements. Masks are now strongly encouraged, but not required, inside restaurants, gyms, retail stores, and schools. From New York to California, Were very concerned that parents will lose confidence and not send their kids back to our school communities.. Municipalities may continue to implementstricter mitigationefforts. extended their work-from-home arrangements. Graduate Medical Trainees administering COVID-19 Vaccinations. In Chicago, where businesses have remained open as cases have spiked to their highest levels of the pandemic, public school leaders said they planned to return to class as scheduled on Monday despite concerns from the citys powerful teachers union about safety precautions. Scientists are projecting that the countrys sharp increase in cases will crest by the middle of January. Clinical Clerks administering COVID-19 Vaccinations: This waiver allows clinical clerks licensed under the State Board of Medicine and the State Board of Osteopathic Medicine to assist in administering COVID-19 vaccinations across Pennsylvania, rather than just in the hospitals to which they have been assigned. Some of that help includes the Customer Assistance Program, The Dollar Energy Fund and LIHEAP. Stacy Davis Gates, the unions vice president, predicted chaos when classes resume on Monday. Thousands of flights have been canceled and National Guard troops have been activated to help staff hospitals. Licensed Health Care Practitioners providing Telemedicine Services: This waiver allows health care professionals licensed under any of the Department of State's BPOA licensing boards to provide services to patients via telemedicine during the coronavirus emergency. hbbd```b``A$Sdw`;\&+ Q`]`P D$k]$ +cK 6K5iS a Click here to learn more: amwater.com/paaw/customer-service-billing/customer-assistance-programs/. I figured that over these two weeks of break, everyone has been everywhere visiting everybody, said Teresa Morrison, 48, who plans to keep her 8-year-old daughter Tristan, who suffers from severe bronchitis, from attending in-person classes in San Antonio. And that was at a time many people were off for the holiday season. Applicants can receive assistance with mortgage reinstatements and payments, property charges, and utility payments. Tom Wolf and other top officials again pleaded with the public to stay home during a Monday news conference, citing Pennsylvania's surging, Local police were prepared to enforce a statewide shutdown order for non-life-sustaining businesses on Monday, but said they generally expected businesses, Nearly two weeks after the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S history, many federal workers still have not received their back pay or have only, Federal employees at the Transportation Security Administration who worked without pay during the partial government shutdown are getting paid again now, Pennsylvania's U.S. senators split in votes on competing bills for ending the partial government shutdown as the Senate rejected President Donald Trump's, The partial federal government shutdown is slowing the approval process for construction permits and several other environmental-related issues, according, No place in Pennsylvania has more trouble keeping food on the table as Reading, Pennsylvania, a town of 88,000 about an hour outside of Philadelphia,, Democratic Sen. Bob Casey of Pennsylvania says he'll vote against a bill reflecting President Donald Trump's demand for border wall funding in exchange, As the partial government shutdown continues, Congress remains at an impasse. Jul 29, 2022. Here's the schedule for the shutdown for each of the major wireless carriers: Sprint is also shutting down its 4G network by the end of June. If this occurs, this waiver and others tied or related to the PHE will be extended until mid-October 2022. The omicron variant is now changing expectations for the economy in 2022. For the The program is a temporary emergency program to help low-income families pay overdue water and wastewater bills. It is also designed to allow CTC educators the flexibility necessary to assist these students in obtaining all the required education hours prior to their planned graduation date.Expired:October 31,2022(Act 55 of 2022extended the pilot program for three additional years), State Board of Nursing Licensees:This waiver allows CRNPs to collaborate with other physicians without signed collaborative agreements and with physicians from other states. The United States governments response is coordinated by the National Security Council Directorate on Global Health Security and Biodefense more As life goes on, we can take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones from illness. On March 30, 2022, Act 14 of 2022 was signed into law, further extending active By moving to remote learning, Cleveland and several districts in the citys suburbs were bucking the states Republican leadership, which had urged regular school sessions. In December 2021, Mid Penn announced it would be closing branches as it consolidated former Riverview branches into its system. Ohio set records in recent days for both Covid infections and hospitalizations, prompting the states governor, Mike DeWine, a Republican, to mobilize additional members of the Ohio National Guard to help at hospitals one of several states to do so. (now The country's economic health is largely being defined by the coronavirus pandemic. PENNSYLVANIA The nation's major cellphone carriers will be shutting down their 3G networks in 2022 to make room for the faster 5G network, and that means thousands of Pennsylvania wireless customers who have hung onto older smartphones could soon be without service.
