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Authors Posts by Cathy Barrick

Cathy Barrick

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-072 and its accompanying attachments. The purpose of this announcement is to provide updated guidance for completing the SC Individual Monitoring Tool (IMT), specifically regarding when self-employment is considered Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE).

With the implementation of Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) for ID/A Residential Providers and SCOs, ODP has reviewed how CIE data is collected and interpreted. Because CIE performance measures rely on information collected through the SC IMT, ODP is issuing updated guidance to clarify how SCs should apply CIE criteria — particularly in cases involving self-employment. While PBC is not being implemented for Residential Providers or SCOs enrolled in the AAW, the AAW is also updating its IMT guidance in alignment with the ID/A IMT guidance.

These updates do not change the monitoring tool questions themselves in either the ID/A or AAW IMT. The new guidance provides additional instructions to ensure consistent understanding and documentation.

ATTACHMENTS:

  • Attachment #1: ID/A Individual Support Plan Monitoring Tool – SC Guidance Document – Reissued 7/23/2025
  • Attachment #2: AAW SC Individual Monitoring Guidance – Reissued 7-2025

Please review the announcement and attachments for additional information and details.

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Photo by Matt Popovich on Unsplash

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 22, 2025

Media Contact: Tpr. Gagliardi / X: @PSPTroopBPIO

Providers with any information are encouraged to contact PSP Washington at 724-223-5200.

Washington, PA – To aid in an ongoing investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Bureau of Criminal Investigation is requesting health care agencies and providers in the state to review their employment records due to an investigation of suspected fraudulent activities involving Shannon Nicole Womack.

Womack is alleged to have used at least 10 aliases to pose as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), and registered nurse supervisor at rehabilitation and nursing home facilities in various regions across Pennsylvania. She is charged with securing the nursing positions through staffing agencies by submitting fraudulently signed documents and also by creating a false LLC to deploy herself to jobs. Reports indicate Womack worked at each of these jobs for only a short time.

The PSP is working with the Department of Health, Department of State, and multiple district attorneys and states in the ongoing investigation.

Investigators confirmed Womack used the following aliases in various parts of the state:

  • Shannon Nicole Parham
  • Shannon Nicole Abiola
  • Shannon Nicole Armstrong
  • Shannon Abiola-Parham
  • Shannon Nicole Grimes
  • Shannon Nicole Womack
  • Shannon Nicole Lawson
  • Shannon Nicole Lethco
  • Shannon Nicole Robinson
  • Shannon Lee Lawson

If any of the names listed above match any employment records at a provider’s facility, they are urged to contact PSP Washington at 724-223-5200.

Womack is charged with Corrupt Organizations, Endangering the Welfare of Care, Unlawful Use of a Computer, Identity Theft, Forgery, Theft by Unlawful Taking, and multiple other charges.

Criminal charges are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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