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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared an important announcement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding an expanded recall on the SmartDrive Speed Control Dial by Max Mobility/Permobil due to the motor being unresponsive to the user.

Summary:

  • Max Mobility/Permobil has expanded the recall of the Speed Control Dial, a wired control option for the SmartDrive MX2+ Power Assist Device, due to safety and performance concerns.
  • This frame-mounted Speed Control Dial can be easily mounted to a wheelchair to allow for close access and easy pressing.
  • The recall was originally initiated on December 20, 2024, and has been expanded to address recalled products that may have been inadvertently comingled with redesigned product and shipped after December 20, 2024.
  • Those impacted by the expansion of the recall will be contacted with additional instructions.
  • This recall, as expanded, impacts all Speed Control Dials manufactured and distributed between the dates of August 17, 2023, through March 10, 2025.
  • As of March 27, 2025, Max Mobility/Permobil has received 781 complaints associated with the Speed Control Dial. As of March 27, 2025, five (5) serious injuries have been reported for this issue.
  • The reported serious injuries include a fractured hip, fractured tibia, fractured malleolus bone, broken ribs, and a concussion.

Background:

Max Mobility/Permobil Brand – (model number: MX2-3DCK/MX2-3DC): The frame-mounted Speed Control is easily mounted to a wheelchair to allow for close access and easy pressing. The Speed Control Dial can be used to deactivate the SmartDrive motor, as well as provide a means of actively powering the motor.

Recommendations:

To reduce the likelihood of a hazardous situation, discontinue use of the Speed Control Dial and utilize an alternate wired controller (Switch Control buttons or Switch Control with mono jack and mechanical switch) or wearable controller (compatible Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch Wear OS app).

If you have purchased a Speed Control Dial(s) with the above model numbers, you will need to request replacement Speed Control Dial units.

Refer to the FDA Original Press Release for instructions on requesting a replacement and additional information.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) released the Room and Board Bulletin, which was initially released in March 2025. ODP extends gratitude to all stakeholders who participated in the development of the bulletin.

ODP hosted two webinars; both were recorded, and the links are below for viewing.

Room and Board Training for Residential Habilitation and Life Sharing Professionals
The first webinar was targeted towards professionals, Residential Habilitation providers, and Life Sharing providers, in order to provide an explanation of Room and Board polices and regulations, how the polices should be implemented, and an overview of the attachments of the bulletin.

Room and Board Training for Individuals and Families
The second webinar was created for individuals and families. Individuals who receive Residential Habilitation (who live in a group home) or Life Sharing must have a Room and Board contract. This webinar covers the reason for the Room and Board contract, what will be covered within the contract, and an overview of the bulletin, including an explanation of the Room and Board policies and regulations.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-039. This communication provides guidance to all stakeholders who participate in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025/26 renewal Individual Support Plan (ISP) process. The following topical areas are addressed in this communication:

  • Guidance for updating FY 2025/26 renewal plans;
  • FY 2025/26 waiver rate load;
  • Variance process for established service requirements;
  • NG5 and Residential Rate Exception NEA process;
  • Reserve to Encumbrance; and
  • Additional resources.

Please view the announcement for additional information and details.

For an individual to remain healthy, safe, and satisfied, recognizing, mitigating, and responding to risks are the responsibility of the entire team. Supports Coordinators (SC) have a critical role and responsibility on the team to monitor all the services that are being provided to the individuals they support. Because providers of Residential Services have a unique responsibility to protect and promote the health, safety, and rights of individuals they support in all aspects of their life, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this training will specifically focus on an SC’s authority and responsibilities when monitoring Residential Services.

This is a 4-part training that is provided for and recommended by the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) for new SCs during their first year of employment (days 61-365).

The training can be accessed at MyODP under Supports Coordinator (SCs) Monitoring Residential Services Webcast Training.

The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) April 2025 Stakeholder webinar is currently scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm. You can register for the webinar here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For those that want to join via phone:
Call-in Number: (562) 247-8422
Access Code: 757-198-515