ODP Shares New Provider Qualification Requirements for AAW SSD Providers

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 26-079 to provide guidance and information about provider qualification requirements for the Behavioral Specialist Services (BSS) component of the Specialized Skill Development (SSD) service in the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW). The new requirements became effective on July 1, 2026, as part of the approved renewal of the AAW.

The following new provider qualifications include:

• Have an additional staff qualified to provide BSS under the AAW as a contingency in the      absence of the primary Behavioral Specialist.
• Have a Behavioral Specialist available for crisis intervention support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Behavioral Specialist on call for crisis response and the Supports Coordinator (SC) must have access to the participant’s Behavioral Support Plan (BSP) and Crisis Intervention Plan (CIP).

Please review the announcement for more details. Questions regarding this announcement may be sent electronically.