The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) met with stakeholders today, October 30, 2024, to discuss waiver amendments and to provide an overview of Performance-Based Contracting.
Waiver Amendments included:
Waiver Capacity:
- When an individual is in an acute care hospital and receiving waiver services, ODP will not need to reserve (hold) the individual’s waiver. They will maintain enrollment in the waiver.
- Language was updated for waiver capacity for high school graduates in the P/FDS waiver. AEs can reserve the waiver capacity for 180 days prior to when services are needed. Students can remain in service until their 22nd birthday.
Assistive Technology:
- Updated language to explain when an independent evaluation is required and when it is optional:
- REQUIRED: A device will cost $750 or more.
- OPTIONAL: A device will cost less than $750.
- An independent evaluation can be done if the team decides it would be beneficial.
- Evaluations are included in the $10,000 lifetime limit.
Community Participation Support:
- The Community Participation Support provider must complete and update an analysis of the following at least yearly to support individuals to experience meaningful community inclusion:
- Strongest interests and personal preferences for community activities;
- Skills, strengths, and other contributions likely to be valuable to employers or the community; and
- Conditions necessary for successful community inclusion and/or competitive integrated employment.
American Sign Language (ASL) – English Interpreter Service:
- English Interpreter service will be added to ODP’s waivers effective January 1, 2025.
Music, Art, & Equine Assisted Therapy:
- The cumulative maximum limit of any combination of Music Therapy, Art Therapy, or Equine Assisted Therapy has increased from 26 to 52 hours per fiscal year.
STAT Overview:
- The Specialty Telehealth and Assessment Team service was implemented in March 2024. This service may also be delivered to the participant during temporary travel, per ODP’s travel policy.
Waiver Corrections:
Life Sharing:
- The following may not be authorized for participants who receive Life Sharing services: Residential Habilitation; Supported Living; Respite (15-minute or Day) (has been removed).
Supported Living Corrections:
- The following services may not be authorized for participants who receive Supported Living services: Life Sharing; Residential Habilitation; Respite (15-minute or Day); Homemaker/Chore; In-Home and Community Supports; Behavioral Supports; Therapies; Shift Nursing; Consultative Nutritional Services; Communication Specialist and Specialize.
Benefits Counseling:
- New billable indirect activities are added. The limit has increased from 15 hours per fiscal year to 24 hours per fiscal year.
The Performance-Based Contracting Review Included:
- Effective January 1, 2025, Performance-Based Contracting will be implemented for the following services funded through the Consolidated and Community Living Waivers:
- Residential Habilitation;
- Life Sharing; and
- Supported Living.
- Changes to Enrollment of New Providers.
- What are Performance Standards?
- What are Provider Tiers?
- What Do These Changes Mean to Individuals and Families?
All performance-based contracting questions can be sent electronically.
Please see the distributed PowerPoint for additional information.