ODP Update on EVV

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Communication 19-020 is intended to provide current information to external stakeholders regarding the Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Federal mandate established by the 21st Century Cures Act. This is also to request that you complete a DHS survey to help inform their EVV system development and implementation.

EVV is a technology solution which electronically verifies that home and community-based services are delivered to the individuals needing those services. EVV includes multiple technologies, such as telephonic, mobile, and web portal verification inputs. The 21st Century Cures Act requires that all state Medicaid agencies implement an EVV solution to manage their personal care services by January 1, 2020, and home health care services by January 1, 2023.

As a reminder, the EVV system must collect and verify:

1. Type of service performed;
2. Individual receiving the service;
3. Individual providing the service;
4. Date of the service;
5. Location of service delivery; and
6. Time the service begins and ends.

DHS is working with DXC and Sandata to develop an EVV system that will integrate with their existing Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS), PROMISe™. However, Pennsylvania is using an open EVV system model and providers may use their own EVV vendor/system, as long as it captures the six required items and is able to submit EVV data into the state’s system. Third party EVV systems will need to meet Sandata’s technical specifications and DHS’ Addendum, both of which will be made available once finalized. Providers serving participants covered under one of the Community HealthChoices Managed Care Organizations (CHC-MCOs) will be able to use the MCO’s EVV system, HHAeXchange. If a provider participating in CHC already has their own internal EVV system, they must work with the CHC-MCO to ensure their system is able to send information to HHAeXchange. For participant-directed programs in the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) waivers, the vendor fiscal agent Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) will be utilizing their EVV system, Time4Care, to satisfy EVV requirements.

DHS is developing the state EVV system with a full go-live date of August or September 2019, with a soft implementation of the system and outreach and training beginning this spring through the fall. DHS is also asking that you complete a quick survey to help inform EVV system development and implementation by March 8, 2019. You can access the survey directly at this link.

DHS will continue to provide you with guidance and updates as they move through this process. Updated information will be sent to you and will also be included on the DHS website. Questions or comments can be submitted to the EVV resource account email.