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Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) September 2025 Training and Events Calendar

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
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Aug
15

The Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the September 2025 training and events calendar. Please share widely.

ODPANN 25-070 Update: Department of Human Services (DHS) Choking Prevention Website Now Available

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
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Aug
15

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-070 Update: Department of Human Services (DHS) Choking Prevention Website Now Available. This communication announces the release of the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Choking Prevention website. This communication is being reissued to provide an updated link to the DHS Choking Prevention website. Updates appear in red text.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Product Recall Alert

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
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Aug
13
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is sharing this important announcement from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
FDA MedWatch - DermaKleen, Dermasarra, Kleenfoam, and Perigiene Products by DermaRite Industries
DermaRite Industries is recalling the below products due to microbial contamination identified as Burkholderia cepacia.
Risk Statement:
Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) in these products may result in serious and life-threatening infections. The contaminated products may be used by immunosuppressed individuals or by people attending to immunosuppressed individuals. In healthy individuals with minor skin lesions the use of the product will more likely result in local infections, whereas in immunocompromised individuals the infection is more likely to spread into blood stream leading to life-threatening sepsis.
The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States and in Puerto Rico.
To date, DermaRite has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.
BACKGROUND:
  • DermaKleen is an OTC Healthcare antiseptic lotion soap with Vitamin E indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin.
  • DermaSarra is an OTC External analgesic indicated for temporary relief of itching associated with minor skin irritations due to dry skin, insect bites, detergents, sunburn.
  • KleenFoam is an OTC Antimicrobial foam soap with aloe vera indicated for handwashing to decrease bacteria on the skin after changing diapers, after assisting ill people, or before contact with a person under medical care or treatment.
  • PeriGiene is an OTC Antiseptic cleanser indicated for use in the perineal area.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
  • Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product.
  • Consumers with questions regarding this recall can call Mary Goldberg at 973-569-9000 x104 or email [email protected].
  • DermaRite has notified its distributors and customers by e-mail to immediately examine available inventory and destroy all affected products in accordance with each facility’s process.

Registration Open: Virtual Office Hours (VOH) for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators available on August 21

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Aug
12
Registration Open:
Virtual Office Hours (VOH) for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators available on August 21, 2025
Registration for the August VOH sessions are now available for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators. If interested in joining, please click on the registration link available on your Med Admin Trainer Dashboard. Registration is only available for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators. VOH for the August 21, 2025, sessions are listed below.
  • August 21, 2025, 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
  • August 21, 2025, 1:00 PM–2:00 PM
If you are unable to attend, the next VOH session will be September 18.

Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Quarterly Provider - Residential

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
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Aug
12
This forum is provided to support provider preparedness.
Topics of discussion include:
  • Updates to Measures
  • Introducing the new Performance Analysis Services (PAS) data submission tool
  • Technical assistance
  • Provider Performance Review data
Audience:
Residential Providers
Date:
September 10, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Registration:

Project Echo: Building Communication Opportunities for Adults with Autism & Communication Needs ECHO Program

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
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Aug
11
Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Penn State College of Medicine
Building Communication Opportunities for Adults with Autism & Communication Needs ECHO Program
NO-COST PROGRAM FOR DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS, SUPERVISORS, & TEAM LEADS
Transform your approach to supporting individuals with communication challenges! Our program provides effective strategies for supporting individuals with limited or no vocal communication. Whether you’re new to the field or have years of experience, this training will empower you with the tools to promote functional communication & improve quality of life.
Virtual sessions, held alternating Mondays, 7:45 AM-9 AM
Sessions:
  • September 8
  • September 22
  • October 6
  • October 20
  • November 3
  • November 17
Please review the attachment for registration information, course content and additional details about the program.

Save the Date Employment Symposiums - Unlocking Untapped Talent: The Benefits of Hiring Employees with Disabilities

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
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Aug
07
Save the Date!
Office of Developmental Programs’ 2025 Employment Symposiums
Unlocking Untapped Talent: The Benefits of Hiring Employees with Disabilities
The Office of Developmental Programs will be hosting four regional employment symposiums. ODP’s Employment Symposiums will build connections between local employers, individuals and families, and service providers. Through panel discussions, presentations, and networking opportunities, attendees will learn how hiring employees with disabilities benefits everyone!
Please join us for one of the dates below.
Registration information will be available in the coming weeks.

Region

Date

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ODPANN 25-080: Registration Now Open for September Certified Investigator (CI) Forum

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
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Aug
07

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-080: Registration Now Open for September Certified Investigator (CI) Forum. The purpose of this communication is to communicate that the Temple University Harrisburg Certified Investigator Program and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will be facilitating Forums for CIs and others involved in the incident investigation process. Please review the announcement for registration information and how to submit questions for discussion.

ODPANN 25-079: Now Available: Administrative Review (AR) Live Case Study Sessions

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
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Aug
05

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-079: Now Available: Administrative Review (AR) Live Case Study Sessions. The purpose of this announcement is to communicate that new live case study sessions for the Administrative Review (AR) course are now available. Please review the announcement for additional information and detail.

ODPANN 25-078: Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) Quality Management (QM) Certification Classes Registration for Additional Upcoming 2025 Virtual Classes

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Aug
05

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-078: Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) Quality Management (QM) Certification Classes Registration for Additional Upcoming 2025 Virtual Classes. The purpose of this announcement is to provide information on seven new 2025 QM Certification class dates and how to register. Please review the announcement for additional information and details.

ODPANN 25-028 Reissue: What the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's Memo Regarding the Order of Selection and Waiting List Means for the Office of Developmental Programs' Services

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
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Aug
05

The Office of Developmental Programs requests your assistance sharing the attached reissued communication, ODPANN 25-028: What the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation's Memo Regarding the Order of Selection and Waiting List Means for the Office of Developmental Programs' Services. This announcement is being reissued to update the name of the Individuals with a Non-Significant Disability (NSD) priority category. On July 1, 2025, the NSD category was renamed to Individual with a Disability (D). The change in the priority category name has not affected the relevant eligibility criteria for the D, formerly NSD, category. Please note: Changes are in red.

Please review the announcement for updated information and details.

ODPANN 25-077: Now Available: Certified Investigator Peer Review (CIPR) Live Case Study Sessions

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Aug
05

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-077: Now Available: Certified Investigator Peer Review (CIPR) Live Case Study Sessions. The purpose of this announcement is to communicate that new live case study sessions for the Certified Investigator Peer Review (CIPR) Course are now available. Please review the announcement for additional information and detail.

ODPANN 25-076: 2023-2024 Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) Statewide Report and Resource Manual Added to MyODP.org

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Aug
05

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-076: 20..23-2024 Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) Statewide Report and Resource Manual Added to MyODP.org. The purpose of this announcement is to inform all stakeholders that the 2023-2024 IM4Q Statewide Report and Facts and Resources for People with Disabilities, Family Members, and Advocates, have been added to the IM4Q section of the MyODP.org website. Please review the announcement for information on how to access these reports.

PATC 2025 - Registration Open!

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Aug
04
Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC) 2025
September 30 – October 1, 2025
Hosted Virtually
 
The Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce registration is now open for the 2025 Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference (PATC). The virtual conference will be hosted on September 30th and October 1st of 2025. The theme for this year's conference is Beyond Inclusion: Thriving in the Community. PATC will include presentations and panels from subject matter experts, providers, self-advocates, and families. This conference provides professionals working directly with individuals with autism across the lifespan, with tools, strategies, and resources to help provide the most effective support. 
 
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: 
Professionals looking to increase their knowledge of and/or ability to support individuals with autism across the spectrum and the lifespan. We welcome all professionals supporting individuals with autism in Pennsylvania, in all systems. Please join us!
 
*Please note: you may be prompted to create a MyODP account before you can register for the conference.
 
CALL FOR ARTISTS:
We are pleased to invite artists on the autism spectrum to exhibit their artwork virtually during the 18th Annual Pennsylvania Autism Training Conference September 30th & October 1st.
We are looking for artists on the autism spectrum to showcase their art in a virtual “art gallery.” Artwork includes:
  • Paintings
  • Drawings
  • Photography
  • Jewelry
  • Greeting cards
  • Pottery
  • Fabric crafts
The art show will consist of artwork supplied by artists and will be linked to ODP’s website.
If you’re interested in exhibiting your work, please submit your work here: 
 

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Recall US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Recall: SunMed Holdings, LLC Removes Adult Manual Resuscitator Devices

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Aug
04
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is sharing this important announcement from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Manual Resuscitator Recall: SunMed Holdings, LLC Removes Adult Manual Resuscitator Devices Due to Incorrect Assembly of B/V Filter
SunMed Holdings, LLC is recalling this product due to a manufacturing issue where the B/V filter was assembled onto the patient port instead of the exhalation port. This incorrect configuration may result in a delay in therapy during emergency use.
Reason for Recall
SunMed Holdings, LLC is recalling Adult Manual Resuscitator devices due to incorrect assembly of the B/V filter.
The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences, including lack of oxygen to the body (hypoxia), build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia), organ failure, and death.
There have been no reported injuries. There have been no reports of death.
Device Use
The manual resuscitator is used to provide emergency respiratory support to adult patients. It includes a face mask, bag reservoir, filter, manometer, and oxygen tubing, and is used during situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory failure to manually deliver breaths.
Affected Product
  • Product Names: Adult Manual Resuscitator with Medium Adult Mask, Bag Reservoir, Filter, Manometer and 7 ft Oxygen Tubing
  • Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Model: Each: 10884389164822, Case: 40884389164823
  • Lot/Serial Numbers: 526782, 526790, 526796, 526797, 526798, 526800, 526802, 526804, 526805, 526806, 26807, 526808, 526809, 526810, 526814, 526815, 526816, 526811, 526817, 526818  
What to Do  
  • Stop using and quarantine all affected product immediately.
  • Document quantity on hand and arrange to return or destroy affected units.
On May 1, 2025, SunMed Holdings, LLC sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Recall notice recommending the following actions:
  • Check your inventory for the affected product.
  • Stop using the product immediately and quarantine it.
  • Document the amount of product on hand and return or destroy affected units.
  • Distribute the recall notice to any customers who received the product from you.
  • Complete and return response form via e-mail to [email protected] as soon as possible.
  • If you need urgent assistance or replacement, contact SunMed directly.
  • Notify all affected personnel in your organization of recall.
Refer to the FDA Original Press Release at Manual Resuscitator Recall: SunMed Holdings, LLC Removes Adult Manual Resuscitator Devices Due to Incorrect Assembly of B/V Filter | FDA for instruction on requesting a replacement and additional information.

ODPANN 25-075: Now Available: Waiver Amendment Submissions and Supporting Documents for Supports Coordination (SC) Performance-Based Contracting

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Aug
04

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-075: Now Available: Waiver Amendment Submissions and Supporting Documents for Supports Coordination (SC) Performance-Based Contracting. The purpose of this announcement is to inform stakeholders of the submission of amendments to the Targeted Support Management State Plan, 1915(b)(4) Waiver, Consolidated Waiver, Community Living Waiver and Person/Family Directed Support Waiver (P/FDS) to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the availability of supporting publications. Links are provided throughout the announcement to the waiver amendment submissions and to the supporting documents and resources.

Please review the announcement for additional information and details.

Office of Developmental Programs' (ODP) Bulletin 00-25-03: Performance Standards for Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs)

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Aug
04

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing Bulletin 00-25-03: Performance Standards for Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) and its 2 accompanying attachments. The purpose of this bulletin is to announce the performance standards Supports Coordination Organizations must meet as part of the Office of Development Programs’ (ODP) implementation of performance-based contracting for Supports Coordination and Targeted Support Management services. Attachment 1 outlines the performance standards and measures. Attachment 2 provides the expected timeline for implementation of performance-based contracting for Supports Coordination and Targeted Support Management services.

Please review the bulletin and attachments for additional information and details.

ALERT - Phishing Email Appearing to be from ODP

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Jul
30

Please be advised that ODP has received reports from providers that they have received emails that appear to be from ODP. When clicking on the link, you are asked to enter credentials. Please note, that ODP has not sent this message, and will never send you an email requesting you to provide credential information. If you receive an email you were not expecting, doesn’t look right, or just want to err on the side of caution, please follow up with ODP Customer Service Line at 1-888-565-9435 or [email protected].

ODPANN 25-074: Initial Qualification Process for Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Provider Applicants

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Jul
30

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-074: Initial Qualification Process for Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Provider Applicants. The purpose of this announcement is to communicate the updated process for ODP’s Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP) to initially qualify new provider applicants for the AAW effective 08/01/2025.

Please review the announcement for additional information and details.

ODPANN 25-073: Agency with Choice (AWC) Financial Management Service (FMS) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Jul
30

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-073: Agency with Choice (AWC) Financial Management Service (FMS) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026. The purpose of this announcement is to provide a list of current AWC FMS organizations available to support participants and surrogates who have chosen to self-direct some or all of their waiver-funded services using the AWC FMS model under the Consolidated, Community Living, or Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) waivers.

Please review the announcement for additional information and details.

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