Governor Shapiro Signs Three New Executive Orders, Benefiting People With Disabilities

The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced that Governor Shapiro signed three new executive orders (EO) to benefit people with disabilities. The following information comes from the Office of Long-Term Living:

The first Executive Order rescinds and replaces EO 2002-5 and will protect the rights, dignity, and privacy of people with disabilities by reaffirming the Commonwealth’s longstanding nondiscrimination commitment and emphasizing the need that these protections require renewed attention and action, not just compliance. This order will ensure data collection by Commonwealth agencies is limited to the minimum data necessary and proper processes are followed by Commonwealth agencies, including collection in health care, research, and compliance in the law.

The Governor’s second Executive Order rescinds EO 2006-09 and EO 2016-03 and establishes the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities, which will consist of up to 30 volunteer members, appointed by the Governor, including individuals with disabilities, family members, or those with relevant expertise. The members will serve two-year terms. The new commissioners will recommend policy changes across the disabilities spectrum, engage with federal/state/local agencies, communicate Administration initiatives to the public, and compile information on programs, funding, and additional supports to create an inclusive resource for individuals with disabilities and their family members across Pennsylvania.

Individuals interested in the Governor’s Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities Executive Director position, may apply here or by visiting the Commonwealth of PA – Opportunities for All Job Seekers page.

The third Executive Order rescinds EO 1997-2 and reestablishes the Development Disabilities (DD) Council so that it can continue to fulfill Pennsylvania’s obligations under the federal Developmental Disabilities Act. The independently operated DD Council is more narrowly focused than the newly-created Commission and will advise the Governor on all matters affecting individuals with developmental disabilities in Pennsylvania, and advocate for improved independence, productivity, and community inclusion. The Council will continue to develop and implement a statewide plan and advocate for systemic change across the Commonwealth.

More information about the Governor’s press release and the three new Executive Orders can be found on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Newsroom page.

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ODP Updates the MAAC on Paid Relative Caregiving & Travel Limitations

By Tim Sohosky • May 29, 2026

On Thursday, May 28, the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) provided an update to the Medical Assistance Advisory Committee (MAAC) regarding current policies and upcoming regulatory changes following a recent Commonwealth Court decision. On February 17, 2026, the PA Commonwealth Court issued a decision in Dunkelberger v. Department of Human Services that determined that ODP’s limitations on provider model services (specifically the 40/60-hour caps and 90-day travel maximums) were null and void. The decision was based on process rather than policy validity; the Court found that these limitations were not properly promulgated as regulations in accordance with the Commonwealth Documents Law and Regulatory Review Act. To maintain a balanced approach between flexibility and oversight, ODP is moving forward with the following actions: Regulatory Amendments: ODP will amend regulations to establish formal authority for setting service delivery limits that support individual welfare and program integrity. Self-Directed Model Agreements: ODP has already modified agreements for self-directed models to clarify limits on overtime, combined relative service provision, and travel restrictions. Travel Restrictions: Due to the inability to monitor services effectively over long distances, service provision will now be limited to Pennsylvania and contiguous states. Waiver Changes: ODP will seek modifications through the amendment process to the Consolidated, P/FDS, Community Living, and Adult Autism Waivers to include: New requirements for agencies providing IHCS and Companion services to disclose a DSP's relationship to participants; and Strengthened programmatic oversight and integrity measures. Life Sharing Alternative: For participants requiring more than 60 hours of paid care from a relative, the Life Sharing (24/7) service model remains the recommended alternative. ODP anticipates a public comment period for these proposed waiver changes beginning in January 2027.

Two men with intellectual disabilities working happily on a tablet.

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By Tim Sohosky • May 28, 2026

Press Release from DHS : Published May 27, 2026

ODP Provides Updates to PBC 2026/27 Residential Pay-for-Performance

By Cathy Barrick • May 28, 2026

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 26-039 . The purpose of this communication is to provide updated details about the Residential Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) Pay-for-Performance (P4P) initiatives for Fiscal Year 2026/27. Updates are provided in red . Please review the announcement for more details. Visit here to access the Pay for Performance (P4P): Residential Rural Capacity Expansion Plan template .