BLOG

ODPANN 26-098 - Registration for Ad Hoc User Testing: SCO Billing Updates Now Open

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
29

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-098 - Registration for Ad Hoc User Testing: SCO Billing Updates Now Open. The purpose of this communication is to share information about optional ad hoc user testing sessions for upcoming SCO Monthly Billing updates and enhancements to the Home and Community Services Information System (HCSIS).

ODPANN 26-097 - Now Available: Residential Provider Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
29

 The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-097 - Now Available: Residential Provider Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). The purpose of this communication is to notify stakeholders that the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has published an updated FAQ for Residential Provider-PBC.

ODP Bulletin 00-26-05 Expectation for Coordination of OVR and ODP Employment-Related Services

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
20

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce the publication of bulletin 00-26-05 “Expectations for Coordination of OVR and ODP Employment-Related Services,” with an effective date beginning on January 1, 2027.

The purpose of this joint bulletin is to provide guidance on expectations to coordinate employment related services between ODP and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), including when an individual must be referred to OVR prior to the authorization of ODP funded employment services.

Read More

Save the Date: Provider Innovation Series

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
20
The Provider Innovation Series showcases pioneering work of the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) provider community. This session will feature a presentation by Penn-Mar’s leadership team, incorporating a decade of experience that has shaped agency culture around career pathways for DSP and frontline supervisors. This session will include details about the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) credentialing program.
 
The key takeaways from the program will be:
 
  • Discover how a comprehensive talent development strategy—extending beyond required training—can strengthen workforce stability, service quality, and outcomes for people supported.
  • Learn how Direct Support Professional (DSP) and Frontline Supervisor (FLS) credentialing, leadership development, and clear career pathways can improve retention and create opportunities for advancement.
  • Explore practical approaches for building effective supervisors, strengthening workplace relationships, and creating a culture of personal leadership and accountability.
  • Hear directly from DSPs, FLS’, and people supported who will co-present and share how they have benefited from these comprehensive talent development and credentialing strategies.
  • Hear measurable results, lessons learned, and sustainment strategies that other providers can adapt to support a stable, skilled, and high-performing workforce.
Who should attend?
ODP Providers
Date:
November 20th, 11:00am – 12:00pm
 
Click here to register

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

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
20

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

Update to CAO Hours of Operation

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
20
All CAOs, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Customer Service Center, and the PA DHS Helpline currently have a delayed opening to the public of 11:00am on Thursdays. Starting November 5th 2026, they will have a delayed opening of 1:00pm on Thursdays.
 
The public will not be able to enter offices and calls will not be accepted before 1:00pm on Thursdays due to staff training. This will not impact hours of operation on other days of the week. Thursday delayed openings will continue for the foreseeable future.
 
Individuals can still submit an application or renewal, report a change, submit verification documents, and more anytime online at dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS.
 

Medication Administration Virtual Office Hours Registration Now Open for October 22nd Session

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
20

Virtual Office Hours (VOH) registration for October 22nd 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.

MEDADMIN ANN 10-13-2026: Provider Role Designation/Verification Form Updated & Provider Administrator and Primary Contact Role and Responsibilities Document Updated

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
13
Medication Administration Training Program: Provider Role Designation/Verification Form Updated & Provider Administrator and Primary Contact Role and Responsibilities Document Updated MEDADMIN ANN 10-13-2026
The purpose of this communication is to announce that an updated Provider Role Designation/Verification Form is now available.

UPDATE: Handbook for Claim and Service Documentation: Training for Providers

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
13
UPDATE:
Handbook for Claim and Service Documentation: Training for Providers
Updates to the Office of Developmental Programs claim and service documentation requirements were published in Bulletin 00-26-04.  This training will cover the requirements in this bulletin, including new requirements that will be effective starting January 1, 2027.
 
Who should attend?
  • Traditional providers
  • Agency with Choice Financial Management Service (FMS) Organizations
  • Providers of vendor services
  • Organized Health Care Delivery Systems funded through base-funding or the Consolidated, Community Living, Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) and Adult Autism Waivers (AAW)
  • Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) funded through the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW)
 
This training will not cover Claim and Service Documentation requirements specific to:
  • Supports Coordination services funded through the ID/A Waivers and Targeted Support Management.  These trainings have been occurring separately as part of implementation of Performance-Based Contracting.
  • Services provided through the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent (VF/EA) model.  ODP will be scheduling a training on Claim and Service Documentation Requirements in the VF/EA model for a future date.
Date:
 November 20, 2026, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
 
Registration:
Click the link below:
 
This training will be recorded and posted on MyODP for future reference.

ODP Webinar: Supporting Community Inclusion: The Role of the Provider, Caregivers, and Other Professionals

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
12
Date: Monday, November 23rd, 10am-12pm
Based on the National Core Indicators, ODP wants to continue to improve the satisfaction scores, specifically with community inclusion. Through data analysis and communicating with self-advocates, this training will provide ways that providers of ODP waiver services can help individuals explore meaningful ways to participate in their community.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) invites Providers of Waiver Services, including DSPs, caregivers, and other professionals who help support individuals receivingwaiver services, to join and participate in a webinar on Supporting Community Inclusion: The Role of the Provider.  In response to National Core Indicator (NCI) data, ODP wants to partner with Providers in improving individuals’ satisfaction with their level of community participation and inclusion. This training will provide ways that the Provider, caregivers, and other professionals can help individuals explore meaningful ways to navigate and participate in their community.
The session will be held with Teams.
Who should attend?
Providers and any other professionals who provide ODP waiver services
 

Handbook for Claim and Service Documentation: Training for Providers

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
12
Updates to claim and service documentation requirements were published in bulletin 00-26-04.  This training will cover the requirements in this bulletin, including new requirements that will be effective starting January 1, 2027, for the following:
Traditional providers, Agency with Choice Financial Management Service (FMS) Organizations, providers of vendor services, and Organized Health Care Delivery Systems funded through base-funding or the Consolidated, Community Living, Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) and Adult Autism Waivers (AAW).
Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) funded through the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW).
This training will be recorded and posted on MyODP for future reference.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will be scheduling training specific to the Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent model separately.
Who should attend?
Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) funded through the Intellectual Disabilities/Autism (ID/A) Waivers and Targeted Support Management (TSM) have been occurring separately as part of implementation of Performance-Based Contracting (PBC).
Date:
November 3, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Registration:
Handbook for Claim and Service Documentation: Training for Providers

Phishing Attempt Awareness: ODP Docusign Link

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
08
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) have been made aware of a phishing attempt asking providers to sign a Docusign document within 24 hours or your license will be suspended. This e-mail includes the Provider Name, Contact Name, MPI, Phone, and E-mail address. Do not click on the link in this e-mail.
 
E-mails from ODP and MyODP will come from [email protected] or PW, ODP_Outreach ([email protected]).
 
Phishing remains one of the most common and effective tactics used by cybercriminals. Messages like these often try to create urgency, request sensitive information, or include unexpected links or attachments. If you have questions as to the authenticity of an e-mail, please reach out to ODP’s resource accounts before clicking on any unknown links or submitting any information.

Changes to Medicaid are Coming

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
06
If you are enrolled in a Consolidated, Community Living, P/FDS, or Adult Autism waiver, these changes do no affect you.
If you are not enrolled in a waiver, or you care for someone with a disability, these changes may affect you.
 
The Federal government is requiring some people who have Medicaid to either work, go to school, help in the community, or get job training to keep their Medicaid (known as “work requirements”).
 
Work requirements may not apply to some people if they meet certain conditions (known as ‘being exempt’ from the rule). For example, if you have a disability or are a parent or caregiver of someone with a disability, you may be exempt from work requirements. The full list of exemptions are on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS)
 
Starting January 1, 2027: Some adults (between ages 19-64) will need to have their Medicaid checked every six months instead of every year.
 
You can find out more by calling the HR1 FAQ Line at 1-877-883-6383.
 
Please see attached flyer for more details.

ODPANN 26-093 - Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Systematic Skill Building Updated Training and Resources

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
05

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication, ODPANN 26-093 - Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Systematic Skill Building Updated Training and Resources. The purpose of this communication is to provide guidance and information about updated trainings and resources for the SSB component of the SSD service in the AAW. These updates reflect changes made as part of the approved renewal of the AAW, effective July 1, 2026.This communication obsoletes and replaces ODP Announcement BAW 16-16: SSB Training.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month October 2026

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Oct
02

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the October 2026 Proclamation for Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Down Syndrome is the most common genetic disorder in the world population. It is estimated that 38% of the population knows someone with Down Syndrome. With medical advancements, increased knowledge and awareness, and early intervention; individuals with Down Syndrome are living longer, more fulfilling lives. Governor Shapiro has issued a proclamation celebrating the many individuals living and advocating for Down Syndrome. Please join ODP in acknowledging Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

 

National Disability Employment Awareness Month October 2026

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
02

In recognition of the eighty-first anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Governor Josh Shapiro has issued a proclamation celebrating the many advancements across the Commonwealth in creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  NDEAM is an annal recognition of the positive changes that have been made to create a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities who want to work. As an Employment First State, Pennsvylania supports individuals with disabilities to pursue competitive integrated employment in their communities. Please join the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) in celebrating the individuals who are working to provide equal opportunities and inclusivity to all individuals.

2027 Dual Diagnosis Conference: Save the Date & Call for Proposals

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Oct
02
Call for Proposals:
The 2027 Dual Diagnosis Conference
April 13-14, 2027
Penn Stater Hotel
State College, PA
 
Save the date for the 2027 Dual Diagnosis Conference!
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) and the Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) invite you to save the date for the 2027 Dual Diagnosis Conference (DDx). The conference will take place on April 13 and 14 of 2027 at the Penn Stater Hotel in State College, Pennsylvania. Presentations will share best practices for supporting individuals with an intellectual disability and co-occurring mental health challenges. Visit the DDx Website for more information and to stay up to date!
 
Call for Presenter Proposals
ODP and OMHSAS are requesting presentation proposals for the Dual Diagnosis Conference. The 2027 conference will focus on complex care across the lifespan. We are particularly interested to hear from people who have developed and/or effectively implemented models of support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and/or autism in the following areas:
Medically Complex Children (including eligibility)
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Medically Complex Children with Mental Illness (Complex Cases)
Transition Planning
Geriatric Mental Health
Wellness

Deadline to submit is November 16

ODPANN 26-091 - Performance Based Contracting (PBC) Supports Coordination Manual Now Available on MyODP

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Sep
29

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached communication and attachment, ODPANN 26-091 – Performance Based Contracting (PBC) Supports Coordination Manual Now Available on MyODP. The purpose of this communication is to announce the release of the Performance-Based Contracting Supports Coordination Services Manual.

Please review the announcement and attachment for more details.

Read More

2026 Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) Updates for Pennsylvania

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Sep
28
During this webinar, we will review and demonstrate the pending Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) updates. We will highlight changes to areas that impact both the HRST Rater and Reviewer. While reviewing the updates, we will demonstrate how they impact current screenings, how to identify current HRST screenings with Outstanding Disagreements, and what is required to finalize them before the updates are launched.
Lastly, we will discuss the change to the Clinical Reviewer Training, moving from a live monthly webinar to an in-app, self-paced eLearn available 24/7, so learners can access the training when they have time.
 
Who should attend?
Direct care workers, Waiver services, and Residential Providers
Presenter:
Dina Pizzurro-Smith, BSN, RN, CDDN, IntellectAbility Director of Client Services
Date:
October 27, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Registration:
2026 Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) Updates for Pennsylvania

Office of Developmental Programs Health Alert: Measles Outbreak Update

by: Ilana Gruber
Category: ODP Communications
Tags
Sep
22

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated Health Alert: ODP Calls for Strengthening Prevention Efforts Amid Measles Outbreak. Please review the attached Health Alert for important information on staying safe during the continued Measles outbreak. These resources provide guidance on risks of getting infected with Measles, prevention and treatment measures, and recommended safety practices to help protect yourself and others.

Page 1 of 29
<< first < Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next > last >>