ODP Announcement 23-014 provides new guidance to SCOs on Supports Coordinators’ (SC) participation in the SIS-A™ and PA Supplement assessments, as well as clarification and new guidance on virtual assessments. This announcement obsoletes ODP Announcement 22-090. Read the full announcement for details. Highlights include:

Criteria for SC Participation and Virtual Assessments:

• SC participation is required for all first assessments.
• SCs are welcome but no longer required to participate in 5-year reassessments. If the SC does not attend the 5-year reassessment, it is ODP’s expectation that the SC review the finalized family-friendly report, update the Individual Service Plan (ISP) to reflect any changes in support needs, and conduct follow-up activities as needed.
• SC participation is required for all Significant Life Change assessments. A Significant Life Change is any major change in an individual’s life that has a lasting impact on support needs that may cause the individual’s support needs to increase or decrease.

Virtual assessments are permitted during inclement weather and when an individual or respondent is ill and able to participate virtually. Additionally, SCs now have the authority to decide whether an assessment should be scheduled virtually based on what is best for the individual and other valid respondents. It is ODP’s expectation that all valid respondents and observers who participate in a virtual assessment must have both audio and video on for the duration of the assessment.

ODP appreciates your commitment to the individuals and families we serve. Please contact your Regional Program Office (RPO) if you need more information or have questions about the SIS process.

• Central Region — Randy Evertts
• Northeast Region — Kristy Daynorowicz
• Southeast Region — Nathifa Castro
• Western Region — Jared Roser