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The ID/A Provider Associations of PA have joined together to request a meeting with Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens. We specifically want the opportunity to address concerns we have with the implementation of Performance-Based Contracting. These concerns include:
The Deputy Secretary has agreed to meet with us in the near future, and we will keep members apprised of any developments as a result of our discussion.
Contact Carol Ferenz for any questions regarding association concerns with Performance-Based Contracting.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced the release of the Guide to the ODP Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind Services. ODP is committed to effectively supporting d/Deaf, hard of hearing, and DeafBlind (DHHDB) individuals. The guide provides information, guidance, and combines all the current announcements (ODPANN 21-055, ODPANN 22-097, and ODPANN 22-099) into one document for ease of use. It can be found under the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind Required Training on the MyODP website.
Please view the announcement, ODPANN 24-118, for addition information and details.
The Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) has announced new services that will be available as a result of the Community HealthChoices (CHC) Waiver renewal and OBRA Waiver renewal. Effective January 1, 2025, the following services will be available:
Chore Services – CHC Only
Teleservice Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy – CHC and OBRA
Teleservice Counseling Services – CHC and OBRA
Teleservice Nutritional Consultation – CHC and OBRA
The rates for the OLTL Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) rates, effective January 1, 2025, are available here.
Additional information on the licensure and certification requirements can be found in the Service Definitions under Appendix C of the waivers. Please note that these documents have not received final approval from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Once approval is received, a ListServ message will be sent with links to the final approved waiver applications.
The Fee for Service rates for Teleservice Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapy, Teleservice Counseling Services, and Teleservice Nutritional Consultation have been added to the fee schedule attached to the ListServ.
For existing OLTL providers to enroll in the services listed above a request must be submitted to the enrollment and certification resource account. The required documentation should include an updated Provider Enrollment Information Form (PEIF), a copy of the required license or certification, and a copy of the job description for the service you are requesting to add to your provider profile. If you have any questions related to the new services you can reach out to the enrollment and certification unit at 1-800-932-0939, option 1, or via email.
Please provide us with your input regarding PBC in a very brief survey (only 5 questions). We are asking:
Please complete the survey by December 4, 2025. For any questions, contact Carol Ferenz.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared a document with stakeholders that outlines draft performance standards. The Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) Strategic Thinking Group is continuing to meet. ODP is interested in hearing feedback regarding the proposed standards.
Please share any comments you have with Carol Ferenz to share with ODP.
All entities that complete investigations are required to conduct the Certified Investigator Peer Review (CIPR) process, as outlined in the CIPR Manual. New live case study sessions for Part 2 of the CIPR Course are now available. This course is offered as an opportunity to support entities to complete high-quality CI Peer Reviews that help mitigate risks to individuals receiving services.
Please view ODPANN 24-117 for information and details.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has released an update to the requirements for Tuberculosis Testing in Chapter 2380, 6400, and 6500. Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST) is strongly recommended for staff and individuals in congregate care settings. Follow current CDC guidance for health care personnel, which generally requires two tests with negative results. However, for purposes of measuring compliance, the department requires that at least one test with negative results be obtained. For additional details, see updates in red for communication ODPANN 24-094.