ASERT Seeks Volunteers for Art Therapy Research Opportunity
UPDATE: Notice of Change to Federal Reimbursement of Transportation Costs
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared an update to ODPANN 26-005, which was posted yesterday, January 12, 2026. The purpose of this update is to clarify calculation methods for the new federal reimbursement for transportation costs. All updated information will appear in red, underlined font.
NOTE: The release of this communication obsoletes ODP Announcement 25-004.
Please view the announcement for more details.
ODP Shares Qualification Process for New ID/A Provider Applicants
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 26-006. The purpose of this communication is to provide a clear, step-by-step process for new provider applicants seeking qualification under the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) ID/A waivers. The steps flow in the order they must be completed, making it easier for providers and AEs to follow the required sequence from PAO through qualification, enrollment, and service authorization.
Please view the announcement for more details.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Attachment #1: New Provider Qualification Approval Template
- Attachment #2: New Provider Qualification – Additional Information Needed Template
- Attachment #3: New Provider Qualification Not Approved Template
DHS Announces the Pediatric Capacity Building Institute Year 3
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is excited to announce the Third Annual Pediatric Capacity Building Institute (PCBI). PCBI is a unique, interactive, educational experience which will occur monthly from March 2026 to October 2026. DHS strives to bring exceptional speakers who engage participants in a wide range of topics designed to better support children and families with complex needs across the Commonwealth. Some of the topics include infant mental health, leading through change, multisystemic planning, impact of trauma on children and families, vicarious trauma among professionals, expressive therapies and much more. PCBI also strives to incorporate the voices and experience of the children and families using these supports and services at every juncture. PCBI is open to professionals across systems with an interest in learning more about supporting children with complex needs and system change.
Please review the invitation to apply for more details and to complete the interest survey. Interest surveys must be completed by January 29, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their selection status by February 5, 2026 via email. Contact RCPA Behavioral Health Policy Associate Emma Sharp with any questions.
ODP Hosts PBC Quarterly Provider Forums for Residential Providers 2026
These forums are being held to support provider preparedness. The Office of Development Programs (ODP) will review the quarterly forums and discuss data presented to the Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) Provider Performance Review Subcommittee. ODP will also review the emerging themes or trends with the implementation of performance-based contracting.
Audience:
Residential Providers
Dates and Registration Links:
March 11, 2026, 2:00 pm – 3:30 PM
Performance Based Contracting Quarterly Provider Forum – Residential
June 10, 2026, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Performance Based Contracting Quarterly Provider Forum – Residential
September 9, 2026, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
Performance Based Contracting Quarterly Provider Forum – Residential
December 9, 2026, 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Performance Based Contracting Quarterly Provider Forum – Residential
ODP Hosts PBC Quarterly Provider Forums for SCOs 2026
These forums are being provided to support provider preparedness. The Office of Development Programs (ODP) will review the quarterly forums and discuss data presented to the Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) Provider Performance Review Subcommittee. ODP will also review the emerging themes or trends with the implementation of performance-based contracting.
Audience:
Supports Coordination Organization (SCO)
Dates and Registration Links:
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Performance Based Contracting Quarterly Provider Forum – Supports Coordination Organization (SCO)
Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Performance Based Contracting Quarterly Provider Forum – Supports Coordination Organization (SCO)
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Performance Based Contracting Quarterly Provider Forum – Supports Coordination Organization (SCO)
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Performance Based Contracting Quarterly Provider Forum – Supports Coordination Organization (SCO)
Notice of Change to Federal Reimbursement of Transportation Costs
The United States General Services Administration has announced a change for the rate of transportation mile reimbursement rate, procedure code W7271, beginning January 1, 2026. The new rate is $0.725 per mile. Communication ODPANN 26-005 provides notice of the rate change, as well as instructions for Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) on how to add transportation mileage to the vendor screen. It also instructs direct service providers on how to submit claim adjustments, if applicable. Please view the announcement for additional information and details.
NOTE: The release of this communication obsoletes ODP Announcement 25-004.
ODP Shares Updated Provider Qualification Process
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared communication ODPANN 26-004, in order to share the updated Provider Qualification Process. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require a statewide process to ensure providers are qualified to render services to waiver-funded individuals. The Provider Qualification Process described in this communication outlines the steps the assigned Administrative Entity (AE) and provider must follow to meet these requirements, and the steps Supports Coordinators (SCs) take to transition individuals if needed. This communication does not describe the qualification process for SC organizations.
The release of this communication obsoletes ODP Announcement 25-014 Provider Qualification Process Update. Please review the announcement for more details.
MyPBC Portal Training for Residential Service Providers
The Office of Development Programs (ODP) will be holding an online training for Residential Service Providers on the MyPBC Portal features and functionality.
Who should attend?
Residential Service Providers
Date:
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Register:
MyPBC Portal Training for Residential Service Providers
ODP Shares Updates to the Individual Support Plan Bulletin Attachments
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared communication ODPANN 26-003. The purpose of this communication is to announce the release of the ISP Manual that includes changes due to the January 1, 2026 amendments to the Consolidated, Community Living, and Person/Family-Directed Support waivers. Please review the announcement for more details.
ATTACHMENTS:
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