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ODPANN 26-006 Qualification Process for New Intellectual Disability Autism (IDA) Provider Applicants

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-006 Qualification Process for New Intellectual Disability Autism (IDA) Provider Applicants. The purpose of this communication is to provide a clear, step-by-step process for new provider applicants seeking qualification under the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) ID/A waivers. The steps flow in the order they must be completed, making it easier for providers and AEs to follow the required sequence from PAO through qualification, enrollment, and service authorization. 

 

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Performance Based Contracting (PBC) Quarterly Provider Forum 2026 Schedule - Residential Providers

This forum is provided to support provider preparedness. The Office of Development Programs (ODP) will review the quarterly forums and discuss data presented to the Information Sharing and Advisory Committee (ISAC) Provider Performance Review Subcommittee.  ODP will also review the emerging themes or trends with the implementation of performance-based contracting.
 
Audience:
Residential Providers
 
Date:
March 11, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Registration:
 
Date:
June 10, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Registration:
 
Date:
September 9, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Registration:
 
Date:
December 9, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Registration:

Pediatric Capacity Building Institute Invitation

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is excited to announce the Third Annual Pediatric Capacity Building Institute (PCBI).  PCBI is a unique, interactive, educational experience which will occur monthly from March 2026 to October 2026.  DHS strives to bring exceptional speakers who engage participants in a wide range of topics designed to better support children and families with complex needs across the Commonwealth.  Some of the topics include infant mental health, leading through change, multisystemic planning, impact of trauma on children and families, vicarious trauma among professionals, expressive therapies and much more.  PCBI also strives to incorporate the voices and experience of the children and families using these supports and services at every juncture.  PCBI is open to professionals across systems with an interest in learning more about supporting children with complex needs and system change. 

 

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ODPANN 26-005 Notice of Change to Federal Reimbursement of Transportation Costs Effective January 1 2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-005 Notice of Change to Federal Reimbursement of Transportation Costs Effective January 1 2026.  The purpose of this communication is to provide notice of the rate change, as well as instructions for Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) on how to add transportation mileage to the vendor screen. It also instructs direct service providers on how to submit claim adjustments, if applicable.

 

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ODPANN 26-004 Provider Qualification Process

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-004 Provider Qualification ProcessThe purpose of this communication is to share the updated Provider Qualification Process. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require a statewide process to ensure providers are qualified to render services to waiver-funded individuals. The Provider Qualification Process described in the attached communication outlines the steps the Assigned Administrative Entity (AE) and provider must follow to meet these requirements and the steps Supports Coordinators (SCs) take to transition individuals if needed. This communication does not describe the qualification process for SC organizations.

Portal Training for Residential Service Providers

MyPBC Portal Training for Residential Service Providers
Training for Residential Service Providers on the MyPBC Portal features and functionality.
Who should attend?
Residential Service Providers
Date:
February 5, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Register:

Children's Trust Fund RFA Grant Opportunity

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the following message:

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is pleased to announce the Request for Application (RFA) for the Children's Trust Fund (CTF) grants. The CTF Board has identified the following funding priorities to be explored by communities as they seek to create or grow community-based primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs and projects:

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ODPANN 26-003 Updates to the Individual Support Plan (ISP) Bulletin Attachments

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication ODPANN 26-003 Updates to the Individual Support Plan (ISP) Bulletin Attachments.  The purpose of this communication is to announce the release of the ISP Manual that includes changes due to the January 1, 2026 amendments to the Consolidated, Community Living and Person/Family Directed Support waivers.
 
Please review the announcement for more details.
ATTACHMENTS:

Quality Management (QM) Spotlight Winter 2026

Please assist the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs in sharing the attached informational flyer: ODP’s Division of Quality Management’s QM Spotlight, the 16th in a series of quarterly publications. This issue focuses on the QA&I Self-Assessment and how to use it well, so that the QA&I process becomes predictable, manageable, and an opportunity – not a surprise.

Training Reminder: Tech Accelerator: Provider Technology Solutions Readiness Assessment

Reminder: There is still time to register!
Tech Accelerator: Provider Technology Solutions Readiness Assessment
Embrace the change of the new year and learn how the Provider Technology Solutions Readiness Assessment can guide your agency towards innovation and transformative technology adoption for the people you support. Customized for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Provider Readiness Assessment is a self-administered evaluation designed for service provider organizations interested in adopting or expanding the use of supportive technology and technology solutions for people with disabilities and older Pennsylvanians. The results of this assessment will assist your organization in understanding areas of strengths and needs for successful technology implementation and provide recommendations for sustainable change. Join on January 14th for a comprehensive walkthrough of the assessment and ensure your organization's success in deploying this innovative tool.
Who should attend?
All Interested Stakeholders
Date:
January 14, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Register:

ODPANN 26-002 Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Provider Billing for Individual Support Plan (ISP) Team Meetings

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication ODPANN 26-002 Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Provider Billing for Individual Support Plan (ISP) Team MeetingsThe purpose of this communication is to provide guidance regarding the intent and purpose of an Individual Support Plan (ISP) meeting and whether attending an ISP meeting is a billable unit of service.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Continuous Glucose Monitoring Software Correction

U.S. Food and Drug Administration MedWatch announces Continuous Glucose Monitoring Software Correction:
Dexcom Issues Correction for Dexcom G6 and G6 Pro Software
 

This recall involves correcting devices and does not involve removing the devices from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without correction.  

Affected Product

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Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Feedback Session on New Assessment Bundle

On July 1, 2025, Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP) rolled out a new assessment bundle for the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW). We are interested in hearing from Supports Coordinators (SCs) and providers on their experiences with implementing the new assessments. Please join us for a Virtual Office Hour (VOH) to share feedback, ask questions, and review resource materials.
Who should attend?
All AAW SCs and Providers
Date:
January 30, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Register:

ODPANN 25-117 Now Available Employment Service Definition Question and Answer Version 3 and Employment Services Quick Guide Version 2

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-117 Now Available Employment Service Definition Question and Answer Version 3 and Employment Services Quick Guide Version 2.  This communication is intended to inform all interested parties of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) publication of updated versions of the Intellectual Disability/Autism (ID/A) Employment Services Definition Question and Answer (Q&A), and the Employment Service Definition Quick Guide for ID/A Waivers and Base-Funded Participants.

NOTE: The release of this communication obsoletes ODP Announcement19-025 – Now Available Updated ID/A Waiver Employment Service Definition Question and Answer Document and ID/A Waiver Employment Service Definition Quick Guide.

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ODPANN 25-116 Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Provider Qualification Process

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-116 Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Provider Qualification Process.  The purpose of this communication is to inform providers of Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) services and Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) of the updated provider qualification process:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) require a statewide process to ensure providers are qualified to render services to waiver-funded individuals. The Provider Qualification Process described in the attached communication outlines the steps the provider must follow to meet these requirements, and the steps Supports Coordinators (SCs) must take to transition individuals if needed. This communication does not describe the qualification process for AAW SCOs.

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ODPANN 25-114 Now Available: Recorded Webinar on the 1.1.26 Changes to the IDA Waivers

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-114 Now Available: Recorded Webinar on the 1.1.26 Changes to the IDA Waivers. The purpose of this communication is to notify all interested parties of the recorded webinar that explained the January 2026 Waiver Amendments.

ODPANN 25-114 Now Available: Recorded Webinar on the 1.1.26 Changes to the IDA Waivers

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-114 Now Available: Recorded Webinar on the 1.1.26 Changes to the IDA Waivers. The purpose of this communication is to notify all interested parties of the recorded webinar that explained the January 2026 Waiver Amendments.

ODPANN 25-113 Now Available: Updated and Translated Individual Support Plan Signature Form (DP 1032)

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 25-113 Now Available: Updated and Translated Individual Support Plan Signature Form (DP 1032). The purpose of this communication is to announce revisions to the Individual Support Plan Signature Form (DP 1032) and availability of the Spanish translation of this form (DP 1032-S). 

Virtual Autism Training Opportunity for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Front-Line Supervisors

REGISTER TODAY!
Virtual Autism Training Opportunity for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Front-Line Supervisors
REMINDER: Attendees must register for each session individually AND attend both sessions to receive a training certificate!
Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorders: (ASDs) An Overview and Practical Application
Note: This training satisfies the basic autism training requirement for Residential Performance Based Contracting (PBCs). Please see more details below on Continuing Education (CE) Credits (This training is an approved alternative to the SPeCTRUM offered on MyODP.)
Over the years the prevalence of autism has increased, Pennsylvania’s service delivery system for individuals with autism has expanded, and best practices to provide quality supports have emerged. To support the individual needs of each person with autism across the lifespan, an understanding of core characteristics must be established. It is also important to learn how the individual’s presentation of autism may change across settings and situations. This training will provide attendees with an in-depth presentation on core characteristics of autism and the impact of the characteristics on daily life, routines, and activities. A review of common terms and basic principles used to change behavior, teach new skills, and develop practical application of best practices will be included. Opportunity for discussion and engagement will occur throughout the training in the virtual setting.
Who should attend?
Direct Support Professionals, Front Line Supervisors, and Program Managers supporting individuals with autism in residential and other home and community-based settings. Professionals supporting individuals in the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW), Adult Community Autism Program (ACAP), Consolidated Person/Family-Directed Support (P/FDS), and Community Living waivers are encouraged to attend.
Where and when will sessions be held?
You must register separately for each session.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
This training satisfies the basic autism training requirement for Residential Performance Based Contracting measures CN-DD/Bx.01.1S and CN-DD/Bx.01.1CE for all Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), Frontline Supervisors (FLSs), and program managers.
This training also fulfills 6100 ongoing training requirements.
Please contact the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP) Training Mailbox at [email protected] with questions.

ODPANN 24-082 Update - Now Available Guidance for Reviewing Data for Performance Based Contracting Measures RM-IM 01.2 and 01.3

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 24-082 Update - Now Available Guidance for Reviewing Data for Performance Based Contracting Measures RM-IM 01.2 and 01.3. The purpose of this communication is to advise providers of the availability of the Office of Developmental Programs updated Guidance for Reviewing Data for Performance Based Contracting (PBC) Measures RM-IM 01.2 and 01.3 and the corresponding recorded webinar on MyODP. Updates appear underlined in red text.