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Medication Administration Virtual Office Hours Registration Now Open for September 24th Session

Virtual Office Hours (VOH) registration for September 24th is now available for Trainers, Primary Contacts, and/or Agency Administrators. If interested in joining, please click on the Registration link available on your MedAdmin Dashboard.

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) October 2026 Training and Events Calendar

Attached is the October 2026 training and events calendar. The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance in sharing it widely. 

Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series October 1st, 2026

Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series: Shifting the Focus of Treatment Away from Behavior and Towards Thinking
October 1, 2026
10:00am – 2:00pm
 
What is the Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series?
The Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) are pleased to announce the Dual Diagnosis Professional Conference Series, which offers presentations focused on supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism (ID/A) and mental health needs. The selected presenters share their expertise on best and promising practices as well as providing general knowledge. Session topics, which focus on increasing capacity to serve individuals with dual diagnosis in the community, are chosen based on identified needs and with input from the field of professional stakeholders. The invited audience of all professional stakeholders, including direct and clinical supporters for individuals with ID/A, are encouraged to attend. Registration is required and at no charge to attendees.
Four (4) hours of training credit and a certificate of achievement are provided.
 
Session Description
Introducing Intensive Systems Therapy (IST), a model for integrating deliberate thinking into support strategies for volatile individuals.
See the attached flyer for more information, including a full agenda.
 

Communication Corner Quarterly Newsletter – Fall 2026 Issue

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Special Populations Unit invites you to read the latest edition of the Communication Corner Quarterly Newsletter. Each Communication Corner Newsletter features tips, stories, and resources for empowering connections through effective communication.

Why Use COMPASS? A Helpful Guide for Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Participants

COMPASS is a single access point for benefits including Medicaid, Cash Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
To create a COMPASS account, visit the website or download the app (Google Play Store | Apple App Store), click “log in” then “create an account”, follow the instructions and submit your account form.
 
For further assistance:
COMPASS Helpline: (800)-692-7462, Mon. - Fri. 8:30am-4:45pm
 
See attached flyer for more info.

ODPANN 26-089 - QA&I Individual Interviews Report for Cycle 2 Fiscal Years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated communication, ODPANN 26-089 - QA&I Individual Interviews Report for Cycle 2 Fiscal Years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 and attachment ODP Releases QA&I Cycle 2 Individual Interviews Report. The purpose of this communication is to announce the release of the Individual Interviews Report for Quality Assessment and Improvement (QA&I) Cycle 2 covering Fiscal Years 2022-23, 2023-34 and 2024-25

UPDATED Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) September 2026 Training and Events Calendar

Attached is the updated September 2026 training and events calendar. The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance in sharing it widely. 

ODP Bulletin 00-26-04 Handbook for Claim and Service Documentation

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce the publication of bulletin 00-26-04 “Handbook for Claim and Service Documentation” (see attachments to this email).  Please note the effective date of this bulletin is January 1, 2027. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide guidance on documentation needed to substantiate a claim and guidance on the service documentation processes. There are some new requirements in this bulletin which include:

  • The provider’s full name or MPI must be included on service notes. 
  • For services delivered in a facility-based setting or if there is a staff ratio greater than 1:1, the names of all professionals who delivered services must be documented in the service note. 
  • Service notes must indicate the general names of locations in the community where services were delivered such as the name of a restaurant, park, or community activity. Documenting “community” or “other” does not meet this requirement.
  • Providers of Residential Habilitation, Life Sharing, and Supported Living services in the Consolidated, Community Living or Adult Autism Waivers must include start and end times of when the individual is receiving services or unpaid support that are not included in the residential service in the service note.  A description of what occurred during these times is not required to be included in the residential service note. 
  • Service note and documentation requirements have been updated for Supports Coordination Organizations to align with Performance-Based Contracting changes that will be effective January 1, 2027.
  • If there is a discrepancy of more than 25% between utilization of services and authorization of services during the period of time covered by the progress note, there must be an explanation in the progress note that describes the reason for the discrepancy and whether adjustments in the back-up plan and/or service provision will be made to ensure needed and authorized services are provided at the duration and frequency noted in the ISP.
  • Services in the attachments have been updated to reflect recently approved waivers such as the addition of the Specialty Telehealth and Assessment Team service and American Sign Language – English Interpreter service.

Attachment 1: Technical Guidance for Claim and Service Documentation

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West Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council Call for Vendors

 Arc Human Services and our partners Beaver County Behavioral Health, C.A.R.E.S., and Achieva will be hosting an employment symposium this fall in Beaver County! We are looking for presenters, hiring employers to have tables at the job fair, and resources for job seekers to have tables at the job fair.
 
Presentations can cover topics related to:
  • Employing people with disabilities
  • Best practices for hiring people with disabilities
  • Supported employment/job coaching
  • Finding the job you love
  • Assistive technology
  • Benefits counseling
Registration is required; we have five breakout session slots we are looking to fill. Submissions are due by Wednesday, September 30th. Selected presenters will hear from us by Wednesday, October 13th.
 
? Date: Thursday, December 3rd, 2026
? Location: Community College of Beaver County - Dome, 157 Sherwood Dr, Monaca, PA 15061
? Submission form: Click here
See attached flyer for more info.
 
This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council.

2026 Employment Symposium and Job Fair

Arc Human Services and our partners the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Community Resources for Independence, and Achieva will be hosting an employment symposium this fall in Erie County! Join us for a day of networking and connecting with local community members and employers. This is a day for job seekers and/or students looking for resources for employment or higher education. If interested at having a booth at the job/resource fair, click here.
 
? Date: Thursday, October 22nd, 2026
? Location: Bayfront Landing Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507
? Registration form: Click here to register for this free event
 
See attached flyer for more info.
 
This project is funded by the Pennsylvania Developmental Disabilities Council

ODP Bulletin 00-26-03 Targeted Support Management Services

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is excited to announce the publication of bulletin 00-26-03 “Targeted Support Management (TSM) Service” (see attachments to this email). This bulletin communicates and clarifies the requirements for TSM including some new requirements which include:

  • Clarification of the assessment activities required for re-evaluation of level of care; and
  • Requiring a medical evaluation be completed every 3 years.

 Please note that the Handbook for Claim and Service Documentation will also be published in the very near future and will include claim and service documentation requirements for TSM.  Some of the requirements in both bulletins will be covered in the “Billing Updates for Support Coordination Organizations In-Person Training” scheduled for September and October throughout the state.  ODP will assess ongoing training needs related to TSM and publish training opportunities identified.

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ODPANN 26-088 - Newly Released: The Certified Investigator (CI) Program Spotlight Quarterly Newsletter

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated communication, ODPANN 26-088 - Newly Released: The Certified Investigator (CI) Program Spotlight Quarterly Newsletter. The purpose of this communication is to communicate to the above Stakeholders that the Temple University Harrisburg Certified Investigator Program and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) have released the August 2026 issue of the quarterly newsletter, The CI Program Spotlight.

Updated Phase 1/Phase 2 Authorization Guidance

Effective immediately, OVR will no longer authorize Phase 2 – Job Placement at the same time as Phase 1 – Job Development. Phase 1 will be authorized while the customer is actively engaged in Job Development. Phase 2 will be authorized once a job offer and anticipated start date have been identified.

When a customer receives a job offer, the CRP must notify the VRC as soon as the job offer and anticipated start date are known and provide the required placement information. Prompt notification is critical so that OVR has sufficient time to authorize Phase 2 before the customer begins employment and necessary job coaching can be available beginning with the customer's first day of work. If the assigned VRC is unavailable and the customer’s start date is approaching, the CRP should contact the VRC Supervisor. If the VRC Supervisor is also unavailable, the CRP should contact the District Office Supported Employment Coordinator for assistance. The current SE Coordinator List is always available in the CWDS Help Center by searching “Coordinator List – Supported Employment.” If the CRP is unable to reach the VRC, VRC Supervisor, or SE Coordinator, the CRP should contact the appropriate OVR District Office using the OVR Office Directory and ask to speak with the supervisor on duty that day regarding the time-sensitive Phase 2 authorization.

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Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) Health Alert: Confirmed Measles Cases in Pennsylvania Update

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached Health Alert, Confirmed Measles Cases in Pennsylvania Alert Update.  Please review the attached Health Alert for important updates related to Measle cases in Pennsylvania and information on precautions and action steps if you have symptoms of Measles or believe you have been exposed to a person who has Measles.

ODPANN 26-087 New Address for the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals (BHA) in Harrisburg

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated communication, ODPANN 26-087 - New Address for the Bureau of Hearings and Appeals (BHA) in Harrisburg. The purpose of this communication is to inform stakeholders of the new address for the BHA office in Harrisburg.

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

REMINDER: Performance Based Contracting (PBC) Quarterly Provider Forum- Residential for 2026
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:
September 9, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Registration:

ODPANN 26-086 - Notice of a Change to the Federal Reimbursement of Transportation Costs Effective July 1, 2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated communication, ODPANN 26-086 - Notice of a Change to the Federal Reimbursement of Transportation Costs Effective July 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. The release of this communication obsoletes ODP Announcement 26-005.

ODPANN 26-073 - Adult Autism Waiver AAW Provider Information Table Update

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated communication, ODPANN 26-073 - Adult Autism Waiver AAW Provider Information Table Update and attachment, Adult Autism Waiver Provider Information Table Updated July 1, 2026. The purpose of this communication is to announce to all stakeholders that the most recent version of the AAW Provider Information Table is now available. This announcement is being reissued with a corrected link for the attachment: AAW Provider Information Table. Additionally, several links within the Provider Information Table were corrected and Appendix B: AAW Travel Policy Related to Service Definitions was updated. This communication obsoletes and replaces ODP Announcement 25-002, Adult Autism Waiver Provider Information Table.

Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) September 2026 Training and Events Calendar

Attached is the September 2026 training and events calendar. The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance in sharing it widely.

Correction to the Residential Performance Measures in ODPANN 26-080 Residential Performance-Based Contracting: Performance Standards for Contract Year 2027-2028

There has been a correction to the Residential Performance Measures and Process Details that were communicated in ODPANN 26-080 - Residential Performance-Based Contracting: Performance Standards for Contract Year 2027-2028 issued on 7/31/2026.  The correction was to PM WF.01.4 under Clinically Enhanced.
The corrected Performance Measures and Process Details have been updated on MyODP PBC Residential Services – MyODP and are attached. 
Please use this version moving forward.
 
PM WF 01.4 now reads as follows:

“Demonstrate increase to percentage of DSPs credentialed through NADSP and/or NADD by a minimum of 5 percentage points by 12/31/26 from baseline on 12/31/25. (Examples: If no DSPs were credentialed on baseline date, then 5% of DSPs must be credentialed on or before 12/31/26. If 5% of DSPs were credentialed on baseline date, then 10% must be credentialed by 12/31/26.) Providers having greater than 25% of DSPs credentialed are considered to meet the standard without requirement to increase percentage”