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Authors Posts by Cathy Barrick

Cathy Barrick

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-075. This announcement informs stakeholders of the submission of amendments to the Targeted Support Management State Plan, 1915(b)(4) Waiver, Consolidated Waiver, Community Living Waiver, and Person/Family Directed Support Waiver (P/FDS) to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the availability of supporting publications.

Links are provided throughout the announcement to the waiver amendment submissions and to the supporting documents and resources.

Please submit questions about this information electronically.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared Bulletin 00-25-03 and its two accompanying attachments. The purpose of this bulletin is to announce the performance standards Supports Coordination Organizations must meet as part of ODP’s implementation of performance-based contracting for Supports Coordination and Targeted Support Management services. Attachment 1 outlines the performance standards and measures. Attachment 2 provides the expected timeline for implementation of performance-based contracting for Supports Coordination and Targeted Support Management services.

Please view the bulletin and attachments for additional information and details.

Attachments:

  • Attachment 1: Supports Coordination Performance Standards
  • Attachment 2: Supports Coordination Organization Performance Standard Evaluation Timeline

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced the launch of the Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy (MYPGS) training for SCs on MyODP. This three-part training series is designed to prepare SCs for successful implementation of the Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy (MYPGS).

The series covers:

  • An overview of MYPGS and its system-wide goals, including efforts to expand waiver capacity and reduce the Emergency Waiting List;
  • Recent updates to the PUNS Manual and guidance for accurate documentation of need; and
  • The critical role of SCs in aligning services with assessed needs, ensuring PUNS accurately reflects those needs and clearly communicates any changes to service plans.

Through practical examples, clear guidance, and collaborative strategies, this series empowers SCs to lead with confidence and provide timely, person-centered support to individuals with intellectual disabilities/autism (ID/A).

View the MYPGS course here.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-074. This announcement is to communicate the updated process for ODP’s Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP) to initially qualify new provider applicants for the AAW effective August 1, 2025.

Pursuant to 55 Pa. Code §6100.82 (relating to enrollment documentation) and the service qualification requirements specified in Appendix C of the AAW to become a qualified provider, applicants must:

  • First complete the ODP Provider Applicant Orientation (PAO) training pre-session modules, then
  • Complete the ODP Provider Application for Initial Qualification/Enrollment for the AAW, and finally
  • Submit all required provider qualification documentation designated for new provider applicants.

Please review the announcement for additional information and details.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-073. This announcement provides a list of current AWC FMS organizations available to support participants and surrogates who have chosen to self-direct some or all of their waiver-funded services using the Agency With Choice (AWC) Financial Management Service (FMS) model under the Consolidated, Community Living, or Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) waivers.

Please view the announcement for information and details.

The Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program is back!

Originally launched in 2018, PAID is returning with new enhancements, resources, and tools. Plus, it has now been expanded to include the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

The program has several of the same objectives as before:

  • Resolve wage violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and identified violations under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) quickly and without any litigation costs,
  • Improve employer compliance, and
  • Ensure employee back wages and FMLA remedies are paid to them – accurately and quickly.

In addition, FMLA violations can now be addressed through PAID so employers can correct errors made and employees can receive job-protected leave according to the law.

With this relaunch, DOL is encouraging proactive compliance through accessible, user-friendly resources, and web content.

DOL knows running a business is hard work. Balancing payroll, scheduling, and compliance can be a juggling act, and sometimes mistakes are made. If you’ve had errors lead to unpaid wages or FMLA leave issues, now is the chance to make it right.

For more information, visit the Division’s page on the PAID program.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) held the SCO Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Introductory Session today.

ODP received approximately 140 people’s and organizations’ comments during the public comment period. Deputy Secretary Kristen Ahrens stated that comments were very helpful and specific in finalizing the proposed plan being submitted to CMS.

General recommendations received:

  • Implement one set of standards for all SCOs (no tiers);
  • Require more than 2 SCOs in each county;
  • More and clearer engagement and education for individuals and families; and
  • Develop resources for SCOs to use.

Timeline considerations:
Feedback on the performance measures:
Rates:15-minute units vs monthly units

  • Concerns of using both
  • Average hours in the assumptions

Handouts from today’s session are available here.