BLOG

Quality Management (QM) Spotlight Summer 2026

Please assist the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs in sharing the attached informational flyer: ODP’s Division of Quality Management’s quarterly QM Spotlight, Issue #17. This issue focuses on the updated QM/QI Plan template.

Reminder: Provider Innovation Series Applications due July 30th

Provider Innovation Series Applications due July 30th
The Office of Developmental Programs is accepting applications for the second installment of the Provider Innovation Series! This unique opportunity gives providers a platform to showcase and be recognized for innovative practices that improve quality, strengthen services, and promote peer-to-peer learning. Building on the success of the inaugural session launched during the Everyday Lives Conference in May 2026, the second session will be held in November 2026 as we continue to leverage the power of collaboration, learning, and innovation across our provider community.
We encourage provider organizations of all sizes to consider the innovative practices, programs, and approaches they would like to share. We look forward to learning more about your work and highlighting innovations that can inspire and benefit others across the field. Selected presenters will be recognized for their leadership and innovation through a feature on MyODP News, a certificate of appreciation, and a digital badge that can be displayed on websites, social media platforms, and email signatures.
Don't miss this opportunity to demonstrate your impact and share your successes with peers across the Commonwealth. Proposals for the second session will be accepted from July 8 through July 30, 2026. To learn more, visit the Provider Innovation Series webpage on MyODP to review an informational webinar. Selected presenter(s) will be announced in August and will receive support in preparing for the November session.
Please note: Providers are encouraged to submit any new innovations they would like to be considered for this round. Previously submitted proposals and ideas will automatically be included in the review process and do not need to be resubmitted to be considered.

ODPANN 26-077 - Now Open: Registration for Certified Investigator (CI) Initial Certification Course

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication and attachment, ODPANN 26-077 – Now Open: Registration for Certified Investigator (CI) Initial Certification Course. The purpose of this communication is to communicate that registration for the September – December 2026 CI Initial Certification Course cohorts is now open in MyODP.

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

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

Office of Developmental Programs Health Alert: Cyclosporiasis

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached Health Alert: Cyclosporiasis. Please review the attached Health Alert for important information on staying safe during a possible Cyclospora outbreak. These resources provide guidance on risks of getting infected with Cyclospora, prevention and treatment measures, and recommended safety practices to help protect yourself and others.

ODPANN 26-076 - ODP QM Certification Classes: Registration for Upcoming Fall-Winter 2026 Virtual Classes

 The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication and attachment, ODPANN 26-076 – ODP QM Certification Classes: Registration for Upcoming Fall-Winter 2026 Virtual Classes. The purpose of this communication is to provide information on upcoming 2026 QM Certification class dates and registration.

HCSIS Notification

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is aware of a systemwide Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS) issue affecting the authorization of fiscal year 2026-2027 Individual Support Plans (ISPs). The issue has been reported to the HCSIS Support Team and is being actively investigated. ODP recognizes the impact this is having on providers, Administrative Entities, Supports Coordination Organizations, and the individuals they support. ODP will provide additional information as it becomes available, and appreciate your patience while this issue is being resolved. 

Any provider that encounters claim denials due to the absence of service authorization should attempt to rebill after ODP sends notification that the issue is resolved. 

ODPANN 26-075 - Supports Coordination Performance-Based Contracting: Performance Standards for Contract Year 2027-2028

 The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication and attachment, ODPANN 26-075 – Supports Coordination Performance-Based Contracting: Performance Standards for Contract Year 2027-2028 and Supports Coordination Performance Standards and Process Details for Contract Year 2027-2028. The purpose of this communication is to notify the field that the updated SCO PBC Performance Measures are now available for review and preparation for the February – March 2027 data submission period.

Reminder: CBI Year 10, Invitation to Apply

Many people feel at a loss as to how to best provide support to individuals with a dual diagnosis (individuals with an Intellectual Disability and Autism (IDA) with co-occurring mental health issues, and challenging behaviors) to lead healthy, happy, and meaningful lives. Current best practices and supportive models that have shown to be most helpful are sometimes beyond the reach of people who work directly with individuals with a dual diagnosis. CBI addresses these issues from an individual and systemic level through training, integration of knowledge into practice, and opportunities to build a statewide cohort to work together to effect change and build capacity. The participants will share individual best practice experiences leading to recommendations to the Office of Developmental Programs and Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to facilitate a more effective delivery of services across systems.

The Capacity Building Institute (CBI), offered by the Office of Developmental Programs and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, provides an in-depth learning opportunity to professionals across the entire service partnership including direct support staff and supervisors, supports coordinators/case managers and supervisors, agency trainers, managed care organizations, behavior specialists, psychiatrists, professional counselors and therapists, and dual diagnosis treatment teams. CBI participants represent a wide range of agencies including Residential Service Providers, Supports Coordination, State Hospitals, State Centers, Adolescent Residential Treatment Facilities, Autism Supports, Education, Resources and Training Centers, Administrative Entities, the Health Care Quality Units, and others.

Read More

ODPANN 26-073 - Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Provider Information Table

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication and attachment, ODPANN 26-073 – Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Provider Information Table and 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.

ODPANN 26-039 - ODPANN 26-039 – Update Performance-Based Contracting 2026-2027 Residential Pay-for-Performance Details Now Available

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication and attachment, ODPANN 26-039 – Update Performance-Based Contracting 2026-2027 Residential Pay-for-Performance Details Now Available and Rural P4P Operational Guidance 5-1-2026 July Updates. The purpose of this communication is to provide details about the Residential Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Pay-for-Performance (P4P) initiatives for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The Purpose of this update is to provide the Performance Based Contracting P4P Residential Rural Expansion: Operational Guide.

ODPANN 26-074 - Performance Based Contracting (PBC) Residential Services Manual Now Available on MyODP

 The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication and attachment, ODPANN 26-074 – Performance Based Contracting (PBC) Residential Services Manual Now Available on MyODP and Performance-Based Contracting Residential Services Manual July 2026 Update. The purpose of this communication is to announce the release of the Performance-Based Contracting Residential Services Manual.

ODPANN 26-072 - Request for an Exception of Established Service Limits Within the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) – UPDATED

 The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated communication, ODPANN 26-072 – Request for an Exception of Established Service Limits Within the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW). The purpose of this communication is to provide updates to the AAW policy and procedures to request an exception of an established service limit and the process for which it will be reviewed. These changes were made in the AAW renewal, effective July 1st, 2026. This communication replaces and obsoletes ODPANN 23-018.

ODPANN 26-071 - Adding the Transportation Service to an ISP in the AAW

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated communication, ODPANN 26-071 – Adding the Transportation Service to an ISP in the AAW. The purpose of this communication is to provide updated guidance to AAW SC’s and their supervisors for adding the Transportation service to ISP’s. This communication replaces and obsoletes ODPANN 24-005.

Registration Now Open: Provider Roles & Responsibilities for Service Utilization

Provider Roles & Responsibilities for Service Utilization
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP), Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Program is offering an overview for AAW Providers regarding service utilization review.  The focus will be on basic concepts related to participant service utilization and the expectations of the providers when adding a new service, adjusting an existing service, or continuing a service into the next plan year.
 
Who should attend?
Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Providers 
 
Date:
August 25, 2026, 10: 00 AM – 11:30 AM
 
Registration:

ODPANN 22-116 - Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) Protocol Update

 The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated communication, ODPANN 22-116 – Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) Protocol Update. The purpose of this communication is to announce that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is releasing updated Health Risk Screening Tool protocols to clarify expectations and timelines, reflect enhancements implemented by IntellectAbility, and provide additional guidance on roles and responsibilities.

ODPANN 25-030 - Updated Reminder of 6100 Annual Training Requirements

 The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated communication, ODPANN 25-030 - Updated Reminder of 6100 Annual Training Requirements and Orientation and Annual Training Regulation Requirements FAQ. The purpose of this communication is to remind all Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) Providers and Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) of the Annual Training Requirements outlined in the Chapter 6100 Regulations and provide an updated FAQ.

ODPANN 25-043 REISSUE Updates to the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) Manual for Individuals with intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached reissue of communication, ODPANN 25-043 Updates to the Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) Manual for Individuals with intellectual Disabilities and/or Autism and its attachment: PUNS Manual. The purpose of this communication is to distribute the updated Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services (PUNS) Manual, which includes changes related to the Multi-Year Program Growth Strategy initiative. This updated PUNS Manual is designed to replace the prior PUNS Manual. This announcement is being reissued with a correct link for the attachment: PUNS Manual.

Please review the announcement for additional information and details.

ODPANN 26-070 - QAI C3Y2 Begins July 1st, 2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-070 – QAI C3Y2 Begins July 1st, 2026 and the QAI FAQThe purpose of this communication is to announce the start of Cycle 3, Year 2 (C3Y2) of the Quality Assessment and Improvement (QA&I) Process on July 1st, 2026.

ODPANN 26-069 - Newly Released Soon - Preparing for an Interview

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-069 – Newly Released Lesson – Preparing for an Interview. The purpose of this communication is to announce the release of a new online lesson, Preparing for an Interview, which is part of an interviewing lesson series.