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Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared Bulletin 00-26-01, which clarifies appeal and hearing processes for individuals who are applying, or already authorized, for Targeted Support Management services, Base-Funded services, or services through the Person/Family-Directed Support, Community Living, Consolidated, or Adult Autism Waivers.

This bulletin will:

  • Clarify ODP’s policies and procedures on an individual’s right to appeal a service or eligibility determination and have a hearing;
  • Clarify the decisions to which the appeal and hearing processes apply; and
  • Incorporate and provide guidance about an expedited appeal process.

Attachments:

  • Attachment 1 – Guidance and Procedures for Individuals Applying for or Enrolled to Receive Services Through a Waiver or Requesting or Receiving Targeted Support Management Services.
  • Attachment 2 – Guidance and Procedures for Individuals Applying for or Receiving Base-Funded ODP Services.
  • Attachment 3 – DP 458, Notice of Eligibility or Service Determination and Fair Hearing Request Form.

A version of the DP 458 translated in Spanish will be released soon. Stakeholders will be notified when this version of the form is ready for use.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism (ID/A) and their families to join in a virtual discussion with members of the Division of Policy and Program Innovation. These sessions are informal — meaning the conversation will not be recorded, and rules will be set before the session starts, to ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe to provide questions and comments. The session will be held through Microsoft Teams.

Please note: This event is being held exclusively for individuals and family members; this is not an event for someone who is solely a professional.

What Will Be Covered?
ODP’s policy staff is excited to engage with individuals and families about how to share a suggestion or desired change when ODP is asking for input. The process of public comment will be explained and will include:

  • How to find out when public comment is being sought;
  • Why public comment is important;
  • What happens with the comments after they are submitted; and
  • Overall information about the public comment process.

ODP has chosen this topic for June as ODP is in the process of updating some of their waivers.

Who should attend?
Individuals and Families

Date and Time:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026, 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Register:
After Hours with Policy from the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP): How Can I Share my Ideas or Make a Suggestion About an ODP Policy? What is Public Comment?

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Grant funding symbol. Beautiful wooden table. Business financing and grants concept. Copy space.

At midnight on May 1, 2026, the Department of Human Services will open applications for the first opportunity to receive Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funding. $25M of grants will be awarded, with a $1M maximum per qualified hospital, healthcare provider, and rural health facility for equipment, supplies, renovations, or structural improvements.

Key Details:

  • Application Dates: May, 1 2026 – June 1, 2026, or until the authorized funding cap has been met, whichever is sooner.
  • Total Available Funding: $25 million
  • Payment Amounts: $10,000 – $1,000,000
  • Qualified Entities: Hospitals, healthcare providers, or rural health facilities within specific regions

To receive an RHTP payment, qualified entities must complete and submit the eligibility certification. The payment must stabilize or enhance rural health care access, promote rural well-being, and fall under one of the six initiatives in the Department’s federally approved RHTP application:

  • Aging and Access;
  • Behavioral Health;
  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Transportation;
  • Maternal Health;
  • Technology and Infrastructure; or
  • Workforce

Please note, this RHTP payment is an initial opportunity. If you do not qualify for this RHTP payment and want to apply for funding for other purposes, a future opportunity may be a better fit.

See the PA Bulletin announcement here. Please contact RCPA COO Jim Sharp with any questions.

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Each year, ODP and the IM4Q technical advisors from Temple University’s Institute on Disabilities collaborate with the IM4Q Statewide Steering Committee to create and oversee the completion of an external evaluation of the IM4Q process.

ODP requests that provider agencies again have the person who may be most familiar with the IM4Q process complete the survey linked below. If more than one person is familiar with IM4Q, they may collaborate to provide a single response to the survey. Each provider agency should complete the survey only once.

Please see communication ODPANN 26-048 for additional details. The deadline for completing the survey is June 1, 2026. Follow this link to complete the survey.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) issued Announcement 26-047 to announce optional ad hoc user testing sessions for upcoming Supports Coordination Organization (SCO) billing updates and system enhancements.

General ODP Updates

  • Purpose of Testing: These sessions allow SCOs to explore enhancements to the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) and become familiar with system changes before full implementation.
  • Target Audience: Registration is prioritized for SCO staff, though Administrative Entities (AEs) may attend if space permits. Organizations are asked to limit participation to 1–2 staff members.
  • Testing Schedule:
    • Session 1: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
    • Session 2: Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
  • Location: PCG, 2040 Linglestown Rd, Suite 201, Harrisburg, PA 17110

Testing Format & Functionality

The sessions will follow an informal, ad hoc structure without a predefined agenda or test cases, encouraging participants to test functionality based on their typical workflows. Key areas for testing include:

  • Service Notes: Creating and entering service notes within the training environment;
  • Billing Reports: Running and reviewing billing extract reports and accessing the new SCO Billable Activity Report; and
  • System Enhancements: Exploring general updates and HCSIS system improvements related to SCO billing requirements.

Logistics and Registration

  • Accessibility: On-site parking and an elevator are available at the Harrisburg location.
  • Meals: Lunch will not be provided; participants should plan accordingly.
  • Registration: Interested parties must register in advance using the link provided in the announcement.

Please contact the ODP Outreach mailbox for any inquiries regarding these testing sessions.

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ADvancing States, in partnership with the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities and the National Association of Medicaid Directors, is excited to share a new infographic on the purpose, value, and impact of Medicaid HCBS. This resource includes an overview of key services, facts, and figures on HCBS utilization and spending, and trends and growth through rebalancing efforts. ADvancing States encourages members to use and share this infographic as a foundation for conversations about Medicaid HCBS. Use this link to view and download the infographic.

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