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Authors Posts by Cathy Barrick

Cathy Barrick

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-073, which announces that the Department-approved Supports Broker recertification training is available for the first seven months of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25. The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requires that Support Service Professionals/Supports Brokers under the Consolidated, Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS), and Community Living (CL) Waivers must successfully complete a Supports Broker Certification Program provided by ODP or its designee every three years following their initial certification. Please view the announcement for details.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) presented updates for residential providers on Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) this morning, July 29. The Deputy Secretary also reminded residential providers that ALL providers must submit a Residential Provider agreement to ODP by August 31, 2024. Those who have not yet submitted an agreement will be receiving a warning letter.

An overview of updates included revisions to proposed waiver submissions, an implementation plan, supporting documents, instructions for tier determination, and provider data submission. Additional information was also shared on the following:

  • Adjusted Timeline: Residential providers with a signed and submitted Agreement for Provision of Residential Services may choose when to submit data and documentation to determine the PBC tier. Providers may submit information between August 1–31, 2024, or between February 15–March 15, 2025.
  • Clarification on Staff Credentialing: ODP noted that the credentialing standard is the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) for Primary and Select tiers and NADSP and/or the National Association for the Dually Diagnosed (NADD) for the Clinically Enhanced tier.
  • Reduction of Measures: Measure changes were highlighted in red on the presentation.
  • Pay for Performance and Use of ARPA Funds: ODP clarified that Pay for Performance is available for Select and Clinically Enhanced providers. Use of ARPA funds has been extended for the department through June 2026 and will be available for P4P.
  • Preparedness Tools and Scoring: ODP will be using a scoring document for provider’s submitted data, which has composite scoring ability. If a provider falls short, they will have the opportunity to prove they met the measure.

View the full presentation here.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) shared ODPANN 24-072. This communication is to inform all interested parties of the submission of a proposed amendment to the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The amendment includes all proposed changes as well as clarifications to the proposed new American Sign Language-English Interpreter service. The clarifications were added as a result of public comment.

Please view the announcement for details.

The Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) have announced that they are holding their Statewide Quarterly Positive Approaches & Practices virtual meeting on Thursday, August 8. The meeting will be held from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm, and the topic will be “Building Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania.”

View the flyer for detailed session and registration information.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared an important announcement from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about a recall of Clonazepam Orally Disintegrating Tablets due to mislabeling of the carton. This medication may be used in the treatment of Lennoz-Gastaut syndrome (petit mal variant), akinetic, myoclonic seizures, and panic disorders. Endo USA, Inc. is recalling USP (C-IV) Lot Number 550147301 due to the incorrect strength being on the product. If you have this product with the matching Lot Number, stop use immediately and contact your health care provider.

ODP Announcement ODPANN 24-070 provides a reminder to Medication Administration trainers that Updated Medication Administration Student Courses were released on July 15, 2024. A Train-the-Trainer, July–December 2024 face-to-face schedule is also available. All Train-the-Trainer Face-to-Face Classes will continue to be virtual through December 31, 2024. Please review the announcement for schedule and additional information.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 24-064. The purpose of this communication is to notify trainers and learners that the start of the Medication Administration system upgrade has been delayed. The upcoming system upgrade for the Medication Administration system will be starting Thursday, September 26, 2024, and ending Thursday, October 10, 2024.

Please view the announcement for additional information. Updates are in red.

Happy Summer! Please share these important workshops and Good Life Groups with your network! Register for upcoming events at the PA Family Network website.                 

Support Groups     

LifeCourse Workshops

Waiver Workshops