The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-055. This communication provides ODP stakeholders with information to access various emails (resource accounts) that can help address many common questions or issues that arise through the use of ODP services. These resource accounts have been created to better assist stakeholders in contacting specific ODP departments to gain information and support.
Message to Supports Coordinators:
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared the following information as part of the Annual Review Update process. It is essential to ensure each individual’s demographic information is accurate and current. Please take a few extra moments during your review to verify that all details are up-to-date and correctly documented.
HCSIS Navigation
Completion Guidelines
Please confirm that the following details are correct to the best of your knowledge:
Consumer Demographics
Consumer Addresses
Consumer Contacts
Accurate information not only supports effective service planning and coordination — it also plays a key role in ensuring a smooth transition as we prepare for Enterprise Case Management (ECM) implementation. Thank you for your attention to detail and your continued commitment to delivering high-quality supports.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your ODP Regional Office.
TOPIC: Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview and Practical Application
On behalf of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), due to a widespread power outage when we were scheduled to conduct the Western Region ASD Seminar in April, we have decided to hold an additional session. We welcome anyone interested to register for this event!
Reminder: This seminar satisfies the basic autism training requirement for Residential Performance-Based Contracting. Please see more details below on Continuing Education Credits.
Over the years the prevalence of autism has increased, Pennsylvania’s service delivery system for individuals with autism has expanded, and best practices to provide quality supports have emerged. To support the individual needs of each person with autism across the lifespan, an understanding of core characteristics must be established. It is also important to learn how the individual’s presentation of autism may change across settings and situations. This seminar will provide attendees with an in-depth presentation on core characteristics of autism and the impact of the characteristics on daily life, routines, and activities. A review of common terms and basic principles used to change behavior, teach new skills, and develop practical application of best practices will be included. Opportunity for discussion and engagement will occur throughout the seminar.
Who should attend?
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Front Line Supervisors, and Program Managers supporting individuals with autism in residential and other home and community-based settings. Professionals supporting individuals in the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW), Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), Consolidated, Person/Family-Directed Support (P/FDS), and Community Living waivers are encouraged to attend.
Where and when will sessions be held?
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
*After logging into your MyODP account, completion of the Demographics Form is required before being able to register for a session.
Please contact the Bureau of Autism Training inbox with questions.
Registration is now officially open for the 2025 RCPA Conference Strive to Thrive! The conference offers inspiring keynotes and plenaries, over sixty workshops, live updates from both state and national partners, and the ability to interact with exhibitors and sponsors in our Connections Hall! View our Registration Brochure for complete details of the conference schedule, presenters, current sponsors, and a message from RCPA President and CEO Richard Edley. You can also register directly here.
All conference information is also available on the RCPA Conference website. Be sure to check the website regularly for details and updates to the schedule, registration, and sponsors/exhibitors. Our mobile app, which we are proud to share is once again being sponsored by Millin, will become available closer to the time of conference and will contain CE information, a detailed agenda, and more!
In addition to registration, there are still many opportunities available for sponsorship and exhibit booths, so don’t delay! Opportunities still available include but are not limited to coffee and refreshment breaks, our Awards Luncheon, entertainment, and meal sponsorships. If your organization is interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at our conference, all information is available in our Sponsor, Exhibit, and Advertise Brochure. Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, for more details.
View our sponsors and exhibitors at our Conference website!
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-054. This announcement provides details related to changes to the HCSIS Auto Authorization Functionality.
In alignment with the Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy, Administrative Entities (AE) require greater insight into plan changes that will have virtual budget impacts. Plans submitted for AE review after June 9, 2025, will be subject to the changes. See changes on the chart within the announcement, reflecting the categories of Individual Support Plan (ISP) updates or revisions. Plan categories where a yes appears in the chart require manual approvals. The newly-added categories are highlighted in green and will now require manual review by AEs.
Questions should be directed to the ODP Regional Office.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-053. This announcement provides clarification to assist Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) and Administrative Entities (AE) in properly identifying and planning for individuals who may be eligible for enrollment in the Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver through reserved capacity provisions.
Please review the announcement for additional information and details.
Enhancing Access to Specialized Care: The Impact of the STAT Waiver Service and BH Services
Free Webinar for RCPA members
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Register Here
This session will explore the impact of the STAT (Specialized Telehealth and Assessment Team) service in Pennsylvania, focusing on its role in improving access to care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Key data will highlight how STAT connects individuals to specialists trained to meet their unique needs and its positive impacts on both individuals and Direct Support Professionals (DSP).
A discussion with Barber National Institute will showcase how they use StationMD services for STAT and Behavioral Health support. The provider will share how StationMD enhances behavioral health care for individuals with I/DD, while offering valuable support to DSPs by providing timely guidance in complex situations.
Lastly, this session will emphasize how STAT and StationMD services complement each other to improve access to care and to enhance the quality of life for individuals with I/DD.
Presenters:
Matthew Kaufman, MD, FACEP, Chief Executive Officer, StationMD
Thad Jackman, Senior Director of Residential Services, Barber National Institute
Objectives: Following this course, the learner will:
Certificates of attendance are available to RCPA members who attend this webinar; anyone interested in a certificate should contact Cathy Barrick. To apply for CEs, you will need to register for the RCPA Annual Conference Strive to Thrive and indicate you attended the webinar in your CE packet, which will be made available on the mobile app.
Contact Carol Ferenz, Conference Coordinator, for details, or visit the RCPA Conference website for information on workshops, sponsors, exhibitors, and more!
RCPA is excited to host a membership benefits webinar on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:00 am, as an opportunity for members to orient themselves with all that RCPA membership includes. This is not just for new and future members. For current members, there may be benefits associated with our membership that you may not be aware of, including targeted meetings and groups that occur throughout the year.
Registration is required; please register here to attend the webinar. Items we will review include the below and much more:
Visit the RCPA member benefits web page for more information, or contact Tieanna Lloyd for benefit details.
