Legislative Co-Sponsorship Memo Circulating to End Prudent Pay
ODP
Announcing an Online Tool for Reporting Residential Vacancies
ODP Announcement 22-036 is to share information for residential providers to assist the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in ensuring effective use of statewide residential resources. For purposes of reporting residential vacancies, a “residential vacancy” is any change in a Licensed 6400 or Licensed 6500 setting that results in the occupancy of the home being less than the setting’s approved program capacity (excluding individuals who are on medical or therapeutic leave). Reporting a residential vacancy helps to ensure:
- Providers have an opportunity to inform SCOs, Counties, and ODP of vacancies in order to better coordinate referrals;
- Individuals have an opportunity to reside in their preferred geographic areas, close to friends, family, and the community that they know;
- Centralized reporting of residential vacancy information is available; and
- Individuals most in need are considered first for a residential habilitation opportunity.
Once a vacancy is identified, the licensed residential habilitation home or Lifesharing setting can be used for respite services as long as the home remains within the approved program capacity. The approved program capacity for Chapter 6400/6500 residential service locations is set by the PA Department of Human Services (DHS or The Department) in accordance with ODP’s policy on Approved Program Capacity (APC) stated in ODP Announcement 19-138: Approved Program Capacity (APS) and Updated Noncontiguous Clearance Form.
ODP has developed a streamlined process that allows providers to complete an online ODP Residential Vacancy survey to report available residential vacancies within the agency. Use of this tool is encouraged and replaces the previous process of submitting the DP 1024 form.
Reporting a Residential Vacancy:
- Before submitting a Residential Vacancy Survey, providers are encouraged to notify their local AE of the vacancy. The AE may have an individual referral that would meet the characteristics of the vacancy.
- To start the referral process, a provider can submit the vacancy notification to ODP by accessing the Residential Vacancy Survey.
- Submission of the form should be completed within three (3) business day of the creation of the vacancy.
- The Residential Vacancy Survey is designed to allow providers to enter up to 10 vacancies in succession. This eliminates the need to repeatedly enter the general information for the provider, such as the Master Provider Index (MPI) number and contact information.
- All providers are encouraged to complete the vacancy notification through the Residential Vacancy Survey link. A provider may experience delays in filling vacancies or completing changes to the APC when the Residential Vacancy Survey is not utilized.
- In preparation of completing the survey in the most efficient manner, providers should have available the specific information listed in the announcement.
Reporting a Residential Vacancy That is No Longer Available (Filled):
- Once the vacancy is filled, the Provider will access the Residential Vacancy Survey in order to remove the vacancy from the statewide report.
- The Provider should enter the effective date for when the vacancy was no longer available.
Update on ODP’s Expectation for Resuming In-Person Individual Monitoring Conducted by SCs
ODP Announcement 22-035 announces that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is requiring Supports Coordinators (SCs) to conduct an in-person monitoring with individuals that fall into the following priority list on their caseload that they have not seen in-person during this current Fiscal Year (FY) 2021/22 by the end of the FY, June 30, 2022.
- Individuals who live alone that have not had an in-person monitoring during this FY;
- Individuals who did not receive an in-person service from a Provider during this FY;
- Individuals supported in a licensed residential setting that is currently under licensing sanctions or license revocation; and
- Newly-enrolled individuals who have never had an in-person monitoring visit with their assigned SC.
An additional in-person monitoring visit is not required for those individuals who have already been seen in-person by the SC during this FY unless there are health and safety concerns.
Also, ODP recognizes that every individual has a different comfort level with in-person visits. Use the guidance and talking points in the Tip Sheet during your conversations with individuals and families to help them feel comfortable with an in-person visit.
ID/A SCOs and AEs Webinar: Children With Medical Complexities — April 21
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has announced the Children with Medical Complexities Training Series – Part 1: Expanding Supports for Children with Medical Complexities webinar series for ID/A Supports Coordination Organizations and Administrative Entities. This webinar will be held Thursday, April 21, 2022, from 2:00 pm–3:30 pm.
In this introductory session to providing supports to children with medical complexities, ODP Medical Director Gregory Cherpes, MD, and Chief Nursing Officer Rhonda Gengler, RN, will provide an overview of the training series’ topics that will be covered in greater detail in subsequent sessions. Particular focus will be given to a companion document that will serve to augment the Supports Coordinator (SC) monitoring tool and assist the supports coordinator during monitoring visits.
A virtual office hour session will be held on April 26 from 2:00 pm–3:00 pm to address further questions with ODP staff. Registration information will be provided at a later date.
Recording Now Available: Update on the ODP Expectation for Resuming In-Person Individual Monitoring
On April 5, 2022, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) presented an informational guidance session, including a question & answer (Q&A) period to address the resumption of in-person monitoring of participants by Supports Coordinators. The recording of the session is available here.
Questions regarding the session may be directed to ODP via email.
AAW Provider Information Table Updated: ODP Announcement 22-038
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has updated the AAW Provider Information Table and published ODP Announcement 22-038 to reflect the April 1, 2022, waiver amendment. Amended sections and new text in the table are highlighted in gray. The updated Provider Information Table includes these highlights:
- Clarification that the waiver cannot be used to fund home accessibility durable medical equipment that is covered under the Medical Assistance State Plan.
- Clarification of delivery of services while the participant is hospitalized. The requirements in the waiver will become effective when Appendix K flexibilities expire, six months after the expiration of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency.
- Extension of timeframes for staff training or credentialing for employment-related service.
- Increase in the threshold for obtaining an independent evaluation for assistive technology devices.
- Clarification on the inclusion of physical restraints in the behavioral support plan.
- Requirements for obtaining criminal history clearances for staff.
- Aligning level of care reevaluation procedures with current practice.
- Other changes designed to align the AAW, where practical, more closely with the Consolidated, Person/Family Directed Support and Community Living waivers.
- Expanded sections on provider qualifications for each service.
Providers are reminded that they are responsible for being aware of any changes to definitions of services they provide and ensuring that individuals furnishing direct services are fully qualified before providing services to AAW participants.
The AAW amendment effective April 1, 2022, is available on the Department of Human Services’ website or here.
Questions or comments about this communication can be sent to ODP via email.
Everyday Lives Conference Registration is Now Open!
2022 Virtual Everyday Lives Conference
An Everyday Life in a Changing World: A Focus on Wellness and Resilience
The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs invites you to register for the 2022 Virtual Everyday Lives Conference! The Everyday Lives Conference seeks to provide valuable information to individuals with an intellectual disability and/or autism, their families, and support professionals to help empower individuals to live their ideal everyday lives.
Registration
The conference is free for individuals and families, and $50 for professionals. Registration allows access to all virtual conference sessions. To register online, visit the Everyday Lives website and click on the Registration tab. You can also mail in your registration using the form attached.
Conference Lineup
The conference lineup, including presenters and presentation topics, is now available to view at the Everyday Lives website under the Schedule tab.
Conference Dates and Tracks
May 17, 2022
Communication and Connection
May 24–May 25, 2022
Community of Practice for Supporting Families
Regional Collaborative Summit
June 1, 2022
Supportive Technology
June 8–June 9, 2022
Dual Diagnosis
June 16, 2022
Employment
ODP Announcement 22-019 Update: ARPA Funding for Respite and FDSS
This announcement is to inform stakeholders of ARPA funds that are available to AEs to disperse in order to meet Respite and/or the Family Driven Support Services (FDSS) needs of individuals on the waiting list who do not currently receive waiver funded services. This communication is intended to:
- Describe eligibility criteria for the use of these funds;
- Describe eligible expenditures;
- Describe responsibilities of counties in allocating funding; and
- Describe reporting requirements.
An FAQ is included to address common questions about this program as well as a Family Support Funds tracker for reporting use of the funds.
ODP Corrected April External Training Calendar
ARPA Funds and Credentialing Information
April 4, 2022, 1:00 pm–1:30 pm
Audience: Providers
Join Deputy Secretary Kristin Ahrens and Bureau Director of Policy & Quality Management Jeremy Yale to discuss the recent announcement about the ODP American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) One-Time Supplemental Payment to Address Staff Training, Credentialing, and Business Associates Programs for Employment.
Format: ODP GoTo
Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Updates
April 11, 2022, 10:00 am–11:30 am
Audience: All Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) AAW Providers and Support Coordinators
The purpose of the meeting is to provide updates on the Adult Autism Waiver, answer questions, and provide technical assistance and support. These meetings are held for all ODP providers and Support Coordinators providing AAW services. The Virtual Office Hours (VOH) starts with an overview of any new ODP Announcements and also includes a) highlights of new practices, b) a review of topics and questions sent in advance, and c) a discussion of any concerns that have come up in the past few weeks. Providers will be able to ask questions directly of AAW Regional Office (RO) Representatives.
Format: Columbus GoTo
Statewide Positive Practice Seminar
April 14, 2022, 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Audience: All Stakeholders
You are invited to participate in the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Statewide Positive Approaches & Practices Meeting.
TOPIC: Embracing Behavioral Supports and Meaningful Applications — Positive behavioral support is a process that combines evidence-based practices to address behavioral challenges and improve independence, participation, and overall quality of life of individuals living and learning in complex community environments. This session will engage participants to take an active role in behavioral interventions and expand one’s knowledge with principles and practices for dual diagnosed individuals and trauma.
Session #1 — Hard to Tell: What Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Need Us to Know about Trauma and Trauma-Informed Care
Dr. Caren Roser-Morris, Licensed Psychologist, OMHSAS.
Session #2 — The Importance of Quality of Life and Lifestyle Interventions in Behavioral Support
Jordan Hollander, Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations Session
Session #3 — The Power of Collaboration Through Behavioral Assessment and Treatment
Lindy Mishler, Behavior Specialist, Bureau of Support for Autism and Special Populations Stacey Keilman, CEO, Torrance State Hospital.
Format: Columbus GoTo
Charting the Lifecourse Applying Principles and Using Tools to Support a Good Life for Individuals and Families
April 27, 2022, 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Audience: Individuals & Families
“Charting the LifeCourse” was created to help individuals and families of all abilities and all ages develop a vision for a good life, think about what they need to know and do, identify how to find or develop supports, and discover what it takes to live the lives they want to live.
Participants in this training will:
- Learn About the National Charting the LifeCourse Community of Practice;
- Apply LifeCourse Principles and LifeCourse Framework; and
- Practice Using LifeCourse Tools.
Format: Columbus Zoom
End of Support for PES: Provider Electronic Solutions Software
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared the message that the Provider Electronic Solutions software, commonly referred to as PES, will be sunset on June 15, 2022. PES was distributed free of charge to providers as a method of submitting HIPAA-ready transactions such as claims and eligibility to the PROMISe system.
Effective June 15, 2022, the software will not work with Microsoft Edge or other commonly used internet browsers. The Department of Human Services (DHS) will no longer upgrade PES due to the product’s age, limited configurability, and end-user experience. The Provider Assistance Center (PAC), which was maintained by Gainwell Technologies, will no longer provide user support for PES effective June 15. 2022.
Providers are encouraged to use the PROMISe Provider Portal to submit claims, validate eligibility, conduct claim inquires, and access their weekly remittance advice. The PROMISe Provider portal is available free of charge and allows single-entry interactive submissions. Additionally, users can purchase certified software from software vendors or contract with a clearinghouse to handle ongoing HIPAA transaction needs.
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