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Authors Posts by Cathy Barrick

Cathy Barrick

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UPDATE: This webinar has been cancelled by ODP
The Family Medical Support Assistance (FMSA) Webinar for Professionals on May 21 has also been cancelled

In 2022, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) created the new waiver service Family Medical Support Assistance (FMSA). ODP is scheduling webinars to explain what this service entails, how it works, and who it applies to. ODP is encouraging individuals and families to attend this webinar to learn about this waiver service; there will be time during the webinar for questions to be asked directly to ODP.

Who should attend?
Individuals and Families

Date and Time:
Friday, May 29, 2026
10:00 am – 11:30 am

Please note that this session is intended specifically for individuals and families. ODP is offering a seperate session for professionals.

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ODP Announcement ODPANN 26‑050 provides technical guidance for stakeholders involved in the FY 2026/27 Individual Support Plan (ISP) renewal process.

The following topical areas are addressed in this communication:

  1. Guidance for Updating FY 2026/27 Renewal Plans;
  2. FY 2026/27 Waiver Rate Load;
  3. Supports Coordination Billing Changes;
  4. Variance Process for Established Service Requirements;
  5. NG5 and Residential Rate Exception NEA process;
  6. Data Clean Up Efforts;
  7. When to Create FY 2026/27 ISPs;
  8. Reserve to Encumbrance (R2E); and
  9. Resources.

Please see the bulletin for more instructions and information. For information related to special considerations or for other questions about the ISP renewal process, please contact your respective ODP Regional Program Office.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared Bulletin 00-26-01, which clarifies appeal and hearing processes for individuals who are applying, or already authorized, for Targeted Support Management services, Base-Funded services, or services through the Person/Family-Directed Support, Community Living, Consolidated, or Adult Autism Waivers.

This bulletin will:

  • Clarify ODP’s policies and procedures on an individual’s right to appeal a service or eligibility determination and have a hearing;
  • Clarify the decisions to which the appeal and hearing processes apply; and
  • Incorporate and provide guidance about an expedited appeal process.

Attachments:

  • Attachment 1 – Guidance and Procedures for Individuals Applying for or Enrolled to Receive Services Through a Waiver or Requesting or Receiving Targeted Support Management Services.
  • Attachment 2 – Guidance and Procedures for Individuals Applying for or Receiving Base-Funded ODP Services.
  • Attachment 3 – DP 458, Notice of Eligibility or Service Determination and Fair Hearing Request Form.

A version of the DP 458 translated in Spanish will be released soon. Stakeholders will be notified when this version of the form is ready for use.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism (ID/A) and their families to join in a virtual discussion with members of the Division of Policy and Program Innovation. These sessions are informal — meaning the conversation will not be recorded, and rules will be set before the session starts, to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe to provide questions and comments. The session will be held through Microsoft Teams.

Please note: This event is being held exclusively for individuals and family members; this is not an event for someone who is solely a professional.

What Will Be Covered?
ODP’s policy staff is excited to engage with individuals and families about how to share a suggestion or desired change when ODP is asking for input. The process of public comment will be explained and will include:

  • How to find out when public comment is being sought;
  • Why public comment is important;
  • What happens with the comments after they are submitted; and
  • Overall information about the public comment process.

ODP has chosen this topic for June as ODP is in the process of updating some of their waivers.

Who should attend?
Individuals and Families

Date and Time:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Register:
After Hours with Policy from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP): How Can I Share my Ideas or Make a Suggestion About an ODP Policy? What is Public Comment?

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African Woman Filling Survey Poll Or Form On Laptop Computer

Each year, ODP and the IM4Q technical advisors from Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities collaborate with the IM4Q Statewide Steering Committee to create and oversee the completion of an external evaluation of the IM4Q process.

ODP requests that provider agencies again have the person who may be most familiar with the IM4Q process complete the survey linked below. If more than one person is familiar with IM4Q, they may collaborate to provide a single response to the survey. Each provider agency should complete the survey only once.

Please see communication ODPANN 26-048 for additional details. The deadline for completing the survey is June 1, 2026. Follow this link to complete the survey.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is delaying the effective date of the published Fee Schedule until January 1, 2027, to allow additional time for transition activities related to the rates changing from 15-minute Fee Schedule Rates to monthly case rates and flat fee-for-service rates. Notice of the change in effective date will be published in a future Pennsylvania Bulletin.

  • ODP is delaying implementation of the changes to Supports Coordination rate structure and related billing practices until January 1, 2027.
  • Supports Coordination services will continue to be billed in 15-minute units and HCSIS and PROMISe changes will not be effective until January 1, 2027.
  • ODP will provide additional details related to training materials and opportunities in the coming weeks.

Please contact your respective ODP Regional Supports Coordination Lead with any questions regarding this announcement.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has clarified qualification requirements for Residential Habilitation in the Consolidated Waiver specifically for individuals with a Medically Complex Condition (MCC).

Currently, there are about ten providers qualified to provide Residential Habilitation to individuals with an MCC in the Consolidated Waiver. To ensure that individuals with an MCC have access to needed services, current residential providers are encouraged to become qualified to provide Residential Habilitation to individuals with a MCC.

Please see ODPANN 26-044 for more information and details on the following:

  • Why Should Providers Become Qualified?
  • What are the Steps for Current Residential Providers to become an MCC Residential Habilitation Provider?
  • What are the Responsibilities of the Administrative Entity (AE) to Support Current Residential Providers to become MCC Qualified?

Questions about this communication should be directed to the appropriate ODP Regional Office.

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