Carol Ferenz
ODP New Process for Residential Habilitation Vacancies
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has revised the Residential Habilitation Vacancy management process in order to streamline the referral process for any vacancies that become available in a home where a Harry M class member resides. The Harry M settlement agreement was approved by a federal court judge in 2013 and was created in order to ensure Pennsylvanians are provided with necessary communication assistance services based upon their assessed needs. The agreement also establishes that the participants who are deaf have the opportunity to live with other deaf participants if they so choose.
It is not uncommon for people who are deaf to regularly interact and reside with other deaf individuals. ODP promotes individual choice and no individual will be required to move involuntarily. ODP Announcement 19-003 directs providers to notify the ODP deaf services mailbox for all vacancies that occur in a home where a Harry M class member resides in lieu of the usual process. This will allow ODP to review the opening and possibly identify a Harry M class member that communicates in a similar manner and is interested in residing in the home.
If an individual is identified, they will be offered the opportunity to live with another deaf person. If an individual is not identified within five business days, the administrative entity (AE) will have the opportunity to identify an individual who might utilize the vacancy. In that case, the AE would follow the usual process detailed in ODP Communication Packet 098-12.
For further information regarding this communication contact the ODP deaf services mailbox.
ODP Offers Virtual Trainings and Virtual Office Hours
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce the schedule of virtual trainings and virtual office hours during the months of January, February, and March 2019. This represents an alignment of the training schedule for both the Bureau of Community Services (BCS) and Bureau of Autism Services, and the trainings are designed for both, with specific content for administrative entities (AEs), supports coordination organizations (SCOs) and agencies, other service providers, and other professionals supporting individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and other developmental disabilities.
Please note that beginning in February, ODP will offer one targeted session for BCS AEs and SCOs, but those entities may also benefit from attending other non-targeted topic sessions, and are encouraged to review the scheduled options.
Pre-registration is required for each session you want to attend. ODP uses GoToWebinar for Virtual Targeted Trainings (VTTs). Each scheduled VTT offered will have its own unique registration link. The links are available in the ODP Announcement 19-002. To register for trainings and virtual office hours that you plan to attend, click on the linked title of the training or virtual office hours. Once you preregister, you will receive an email with instructions to participate, including a new link to join the meeting.
It is recommended that you register in advance to ensure you receive the meeting reminder.
Please note: Attendees will have the option to call into the webinar by phone, in addition to participating online and using the chat feature.
Virtual Office Hours (VOH)
- Interactive dialogue opportunity to field questions related to a specific topic
- Not recorded or posted
- One-time opportunity to participate live
Virtual Targeted Training (VTT)
- Traditional virtual training presented using a PowerPoint (lecture format)
- Will be recorded and posted
- Little to no opportunity to answer questions unless time permits at the end
For questions about this announcement, email: MyODP Training.
ODP Quality Management Certificate Holders Recertification
ODP Announcement 19-001 serves as a reminder that ODP Quality Management (QM) Certificate Holders who achieved certification during Calendar Year 2017 are due for recertification by December 31, 2019.
ODP created a QM Certification Program as part of its QM Strategy to support four objectives:
- Offer the highest quality services that promote choice and control in individuals’ everyday lives;
- Safeguard the health and safety of individuals receiving services;
- Implement positive practices; and
- Ensure program compliance with regulations.
A pilot of the certification curriculum was started at the end of 2015 and certified the first group of staff in early 2016. Since that time, ODP has continuously improved the content and format, based on feedback from attendees, and offered QM Certification Classes in the spring and fall of each year. Included in the ODP QM Certification program is the requirement for staff to recertify every two years. For those who are not already certified, ODP QM Certification classes are scheduled to occur across the Commonwealth during the Spring of 2019 and will be announced soon.
Recertification is highly recommended, as it supports the continued advancement of QM skills, knowledge, and expertise. All staff who became certified during Calendar Year 2017 and wish to remain certified must obtain recertification, no later than the December 31, 2019 deadline.
Recertification modules and the accompanying test are available on MyODP. Recertification applicants will have 2 attempts – 24 hours apart – to achieve a score of at least 84%. If a recertification applicant waits until December 31, 2019 to take the test, they will have only one attempt, as the exam will close at midnight on that day.
To recertify, staff must complete a review of four ODP QM Recertification Modules:
- Part 1: QM Strategy Updates
- Learn about changes to ODP’s QM Strategy that are included within updated QM Modules 101-105 made available in January 2018
- Part 2: QM Tools Overview
- Discuss tools used in QM
- Part 3: Organizing Data and Creating Graphs
- Learn how to organize data and create graphs for QM monitoring and analysis
- Part 4: RCA – the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process
- Learn when and how to use this excellent but under-utilized tool. Once staff review this information, they are encouraged to begin using the RCA Process.
Materials from the Recertification Modules should be added to the ODP QM Certification Manual for future reference.
Questions about ODP’s QM Strategy, the ODP QM Certification program, or other questions related to quality management, can be sent to the ODP QM Mailbox.
ODP Update on HCBS Services Self-Assessments
ODP Announcement 108-18 provides Update 5 regarding HCBS Settings Provider Self-Assessments. As of December 6, 2018, all residential providers were emailed their self-assessment reports and guidance for any needed corrective actions. Providers are encouraged to email here if a report has not been received for a residential service location for which a self-assessment was submitted.
ODP is now working on developing the self-assessment reports and guidance that will be sent to non-residential providers (Community Participation Support and/or Day Habilitation). ODP will start emailing this information to providers on December 31, 2018. It should take about a month for all reports and guidance to be sent for every service location. Non-Residential providers should email this address if a report has not been received by January 31, 2019, for a service location for which a self-assessment was submitted.
On October 1, 2018, ODP contacted residential and non-residential providers for which a self-assessment for an active service location was not submitted and informed them that an onsite assessment would be scheduled. Their current analysis shows four residential service locations and 19 non-residential service locations that meet this criterion. Staff from ODP will be completing the onsite assessments for residential service locations and Administrative Entity staff will be completing the onsite assessments for non-residential service locations. Providers who will receive an onsite assessment should be contacted by staff from ODP or an Administrative Entity soon to discuss and schedule the assessment. It is their goal to complete all onsite assessments by March 31, 2019.
Through the HCBS Settings Provider Self-Assessment process, there have been some frequently asked questions and concerns regarding corrective actions and documentation that ODP wanted to clarify to all providers involved that are addressed in this announcement.
Please be advised that ODP has received a large quantity of emails and phone calls from providers. As a result, it has been taking longer than expected to respond to each provider individually. ODP wants to thank you for your ongoing patience throughout this HCBS Settings Provider Self-Assessment process. For any questions related to this communication, please submit them via email.
ODP Announcement Updated Fair Hearing Request Form Now Available
ODP Announcement 109-18 announces that the Fair Hearing Request Form (DP 458) has been updated. The form is used by individuals and families to object to the following actions taken by the Administrative Entity (AE), County Program, Supports Coordination Organization (through the auto authorization process), or ODP and to request a fair hearing before the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Hearings and Appeals:
- An individual is determined likely to meet an Intermediate Care Facility for persons with an Intellectual Disability (ICF/ID) or Other Related Conditions (ICF/ORC) level of care and is enrolled to receive Medical Assistance but is not given the opportunity to express a service delivery preference for either Waiver or ICF/ID services.
- An individual is denied preference of Waiver, Targeted Support Management, or ICF/ID services.
- Based on a referral from the AE or County Program, a Qualified Developmental Disability Professional (QDDP) determines that an individual does not require an ICF/ID or ICF/ORC level of care and eligibility for services denied or terminated.
- An individual is denied Waiver service(s) of their choice, including the amount, duration, and scope of service(s).
- An individual is denied the choice of willing and qualified Waiver or Targeted Support Management provider(s).
- A decision or an action is taken to deny, suspend, reduce, or terminate a Waiver service authorized on the individual’s Individual Support Plan (ISP).
If an individual or family needs assistance completing the form, the AE, County Program, Supports Coordinator, or Targeted Support Manager may help.
The Fair Hearing Request Form should not be completed for actions taken by the County
Program regarding base-funded services. Base-funded services are services that are not paid for through a waiver and do not include Targeted Support Management. Denial of eligibility for base-funded services and individuals who have had base-funded services denied, reduced, or terminated have the right to appeal under the Local Agency Law.
The Fair Hearing Request Form should not be completed for actions taken regarding services in the Adult Autism Waiver or Adult Community Autism Program at this time. Individuals who would like information about how to request a fair hearing for an action regarding the Adult Autism Waiver or Adult Community Autism Program should talk to their Supports Coordinator. The updated Fair Hearing Request Form and accompanying instructions are here.
Questions about this communication should be directed to the appropriate Office of Developmental Programs Regional Office.
College of Direct Support Offers Refresher Webinar Thursday, Dec. 20
This webinar is intended for anyone that utilizes the College of Direct Support (CDS) to train staff including service providers, residential programs, persons who self-direct, family members, support brokers, self-advocates, Administrative Entities (AEs), Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs), Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) programs, etc.
DirectCourse Learning Management System Overview
Thursday, December 20, 2018, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Host: Alphonzo Cosby
During this session, the trainer will provide an overview of the administrative components in the DirectCourse learning management system, including using announcements, managing learners, making assignments, using discussions, creating knowledge manager checklists, uploading custom lessons and policies, tracking certifications/licensure requirements, and basic reporting features. This session is intended solely for individuals who have administrator access supporting DirectCourse.
To register as an attendee, Click “Join Now.”
To receive a call back, provide your phone number when you join the event, or call the number below and enter the access code.
Call-in toll-free number: 1-855-733-3266 (US)
Call-in number: 1-937-610-2663 (US)
Attendee access code: 858 628 7500
Event number: 746 402 926
This event does not require a password
For more information about CDS and the webinar:
Call 866-865-6170 • email • visit online
The College of Direct Support in Pennsylvania is now administered by the Institute on Disabilities at Temple University. It is funded through Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Programs, Department of Human Services.
New Director Named for ODP Bureau of Policy and Quality Management
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce that Jeremy Yale will be the new Director for the Bureau of Policy and Quality Management. Jeremy brings tremendous experience to the position and begins his new role on January 14, 2019.
As the Administrator of the Lackawanna-Susquehanna Behavioral Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention Program, Jeremy assured the delivery of quality, evidence-based services to children, adults, and families provided by numerous community-based agencies within Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties across four (4) program areas including: Mental Health, Intellectual Disabilities, Early Intervention, and Drug and Alcohol Services. Jeremy became the Assistant Administrator for the County Office in September 2007 and assumed the role of Administrator in January 2014. Prior to his role in county administration, he worked for Keystone Community Resources for five years in several capacities, including the agency’s Director of Clinical Services and a Staff Development Coordinator. Under Jeremy’s leadership, Lackawanna-Susquehanna has been a vanguard in infusing LifeCourse into practice.
Jeremy earned a Master of Science in Social Work from Marywood University in 2005 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Lock Haven University. He continues his affiliation with Marywood’s School of Social Work as an adjunct instructor, with a focus on instruction in administration and research.
He currently serves as a Board Member of the Pennsylvania Association of County Administrators for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities (PACA MH/DS), where he also co-chairs a statewide committee for Support Coordination Services. Jeremy is the Treasurer of the Northeast Behavioral Health Care Consortium (NBHCC) Board, which manages the HealthChoices Program for a four-county region.
Jeremy lives in Clarks Summit with his wife, Renee, and their two daughters, Eleanor and Carys.
ODP Final Fee Schedule Rates and Department-Established Rate for 2018-19
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Communication 106-18 announces that the final public notice for fee schedule rates and Department-established fees for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 have been published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin Volume 48, Number 50 on Saturday, December 15, 2018. The title of the notice is Fee Schedule Rates and Department-Established Fees for Consolidated, Community Living and Person/Family Directed Support Waivers Services, Targeted Support Management and the Community Intellectual Disability Base-Funded Program. You may obtain the public notice by following this link.
The Fee Schedule Rates effective July 1, 2018, were developed in accordance with 55 Pa. Code Chapter 51 using a market-based approach. The Fee Schedule Rates represent the maximum rates that the Department will pay for each service.
There have been no changes to the Fee Schedule Rates since they were published as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin Volume 48, Number 4 on Saturday, January 27, 2018. The current Fee Schedule Rates can be accessed on the Department of Human Services website.
There have been no changes to the Department-established fees that have been in effect July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, since the fees were published as final in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, 48 Pa.B. 688 (January 27, 2018). The Department-established fees effective July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 can be viewed as historical rates on the Department of Human Services website.
The Department has examined current federal housing data across the Commonwealth and determined that a differential of approximately 10% exists between the costs in the counties of Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and Pike, and those in the rest of the Commonwealth. Unlike wage costs, which are typically standardized across multiple counties through use of a single wage scale across counties, housing costs tend to be specific to a particular county and are therefore difficult to standardize. For these reasons, the Department has decided that the differential in housing costs warrants an increase to the Department-established fees, comparable to the cost differential, for residential habilitation ineligible services provided in the aforementioned counties, effective January 1, 2019.
The changes in rates will be automatically reflected in each impacted individual’s ISP. Providers of residential habilitation services and supports coordinators are not required to do anything to implement this change.
The Department-established fees for residential habilitation ineligible services can be accessed in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and on the Department of Human Services website.
Interested persons are invited to submit written comments by January 14, 2019 regarding the final Fee Schedule Rates and Department-established fees to the Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs, Division of Provider Assistance and Rate Setting, 4th Floor, Health and Welfare Building, 625 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120. Comments can also be sent to this email. Use subject header ”PN Fee Schedule.” The Department will consider comments received in reviewing future adjustments to the Fee Schedule Rates and the Department-established fees.
ODP/ASERT Training Needs Survey
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training (ASERT) Collaborative are trying to learn more about training needs among providers who work with individuals living with autism, intellectual disabilities, other developmental disabilities, and their families. ODP is constantly building capacity by developing resources and trainings that are helpful to people who support individuals with autism, intellectual, and developmental disabilities.
By responding to this survey, you are helping ODP to create trainings and resources that will better meet your needs. Please have your voice heard! This survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete. Please complete this survey by January 18, 2019. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact info@paautism.org.
To complete the ASD Seminar Survey, use this link.
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