Direct Support Workforce and COVID-19 National Report: Six-Month Follow-up
Returning Staff to the Office: Tips for Medicaid Leadership
Using the LifeCourse Framework for Transition
ODP Releases 2019–2020 Annual Comprehensive Employment Report
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce the release of the second Annual Comprehensive Employment Report. The ODP Comprehensive Employment Report provides important performance data to individuals, families, advocates, providers, government officials, and taxpayers.
Employment is paramount to living an everyday life. While there has been tremendous progress, there are still many barriers to overcome. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals’ employment, as well as their physical and emotional health, is significant. In addition, barriers that existed prior to the pandemic still exist. ODP stands behind the philosophies and recommendations of Everyday Lives and the Employment First Act. With valuable insight from all stakeholders, ODP is committed to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism to achieve their employment aspirations.
The 2019–2020 Annual Comprehensive Employment Report is available by accessing the report directly or by visiting the MyODP employment web page.
ASERT Launches LANTERN Learning Management System
ASERT team members have officially launched their learning management system, LANTERN. LANTERN hosts trainings to support all stakeholders of the autism and intellectual disability communities across Pennsylvania, covering topics ranging from COVID-19 to anxiety management. For Autism Acceptance Month in particular, they have shared their ‘Welcome to LANTERN!’ course, which introduces the platform and provides a background on why we celebrate individuals with autism throughout April. To access this platform, please visit ASERT.
Prudent Payment of Claims Suspended until April 2022
ODP Announcement 21-031 is to announce the continued suspension of Prudent Payment of claims for Medical Assistance providers through March 31, 2022. The Governor’s Budget Office has announced it will continue the temporary suspension of Prudent Payment of claims for Medical Assistance providers through March 31, 2022. Prudent Pay will be reinstated beginning April 2022 using a phased–in approach. For more information about Prudent Pay during the COVID–19 pandemic, please visit the Department of Human Services.
This action continues allowing providers to be paid in the next financial cycle after the claim is approved for payment. Please note all claims must still meet all other billing requirements before payment.
The ODP Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) Rate Setting unit would like to remind all ICF/ID Providers that there is a regulation that requires providers to bill monthly:
§1101.68. Invoicing for services.
(a) Invoices. When billing for MA services or items, a provider shall use the invoices specified by the Department or its agents, according to billing and other instructions contained in the provider handbooks.
(b) Time frame. MA providers shall submit invoices correctly and in accordance with established time frames. For purposes of this section, time frames referred to are indicated in calendar days.
- A provider shall submit original or initial invoices to be received by the Department within a maximum of 180 days after the date the services were rendered or compensable items provided. Nursing facility providers and ICF/MR providers shall submit original or initial claims to be received by the Department within 180 days of the last day of a billing period.
A billing period for nursing facility providers and ICF/MR providers covers the services provided to an eligible recipient during a calendar month and starts on the first day service is provided in that calendar month and ends on the last day service is provided in that calendar month.
Split billing constitutes a regulatory violation. It has become apparent that PROMISe does not edit that situation properly; however, providers are still required to follow the regulation. Discovery of such violations can be found by any of the organizations within the Commonwealth that audit/review ICF/ID claims or expenditures, and can have negative consequences. Questions may be directed here.
People With IDD Can Get COVID-19 Vaccination Help From New Website
Biden Calls For Major Boost To Disability Services
Pennsylvanians in Phase 1B Now Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine
DHS Issues Guidance on Covid-19 Personal Care Homes, Assisted Living Residences, and Private Intermediate Care Facilities
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is providing the below guidance as an update to the guidance issued on June 26, 2020, as updated on July 31, 2020, September 18, 2020, October 26, 2020, November 25, 2020 and January 28, 2021. As the Commonwealth – along with the nation – has obtained more data, deepened our scientific understanding of the COVID-19 virus, distributed vaccinations, and contemplated innovative policy options, our guidance continues to evolve.
Revisions are in red text. Facilities that are certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should also continue to follow all relevant CMS guidance available now and in the future.
Visit the DHS website for the DHS’s long-term care guidance. Visit the governor’s website for the most recent mitigation order.
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