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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has released a significant update on the status of the Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) framework for Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO). Key changes reflect both public feedback and a shift towards a more unified and outcomes-driven service system. Based on comments from over 140 stakeholders, ODP has confirmed that all SCOs will be held to the same performance standards through a phased approach — eliminating previously proposed tiers. The timeline for tier determination has been adjusted (now set for 8/15/25 – 9/15/25), with performance measure submissions required between 10/1/25 – 11/1/25 to allow time for preparation and systems development.

In terms of payment structure, the transition to a monthly case rate model for all SCOs is scheduled to begin July 1, 2026. The definition of “Intensive TSM” has been revised, and billing guidance will now include qualified tasks for Associate SCs. These changes reflect a broader move away from task-based reimbursement toward an outcome- and quality-focused model, aligning with CMS’s HCBS Quality Measure Set and Pennsylvania’s population health priorities.

Next steps include the submission of 1915(b)(4) and (c) waiver amendments to CMS in late July, publication of finalized documents (including an implementation guide and preparedness toolkit), and SCO forums starting July 28. A new Performance Analysis Services (PAS) vendor is also developing a data system to support outcome tracking and analysis. ODP emphasizes that this transition requires a mindset shift — from measuring quantity to prioritizing quality and individual outcomes such as employment, community living, and health stabilization.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has reissued ODPANN 25-062 and its accompanying attachment. This announcement is to:

  • Provide details about information that will be sent to individuals and their families regarding the assignment of Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) tiers for residential service providers; and
  • To equip Supports Coordinators (SC) and Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) with the necessary information and resources to respond to questions from individuals and families about the PBC tier assignment.

This announcement is being reissued with updates to the following links: “What is Performance-Based Contracting?” and “Performance-Based Contracting Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Individuals and Families.”

Please view the announcement for additional information and details.

Checklist concept - checklist, paper and pen

In alignment with key quality metrics and the implementation of “Everyday Lives: Values into Action,” all Administrative Entities (AE), Support Coordination Organizers (SCO), and Providers are required to complete a Quality Assessment & Improvement (QA&I) self-assessment of their performance on the provision of services and supports to individuals annually. The QA&I self-assessment requirement applies to all entities, regardless of the type of review (i.e., full review or record review only).

Exception: The QA&I Self-Assessment will be optional for SCOs scheduled to receive a full review in C3Y1, due to the concurrent demands of preparing for Performance-Based Contracting (PBC).

On July 1, 2025, a hyperlink will be sent to the email address of the entity’s primary contact from the QA&I Process mailbox (RA-PWQAIProcess@pa.gov) with the subject line “Action Required! The QA&I Cycle 3, Year 1 Self-Assessment – (Entity) is now available!” If the primary contact does not receive this email, please check spam and junk mail folders to ensure the email did not filter to one of those folders in error. If the entity’s primary contact does not receive the link by the end of the day on July 1, please email the QA&I Process mailbox for assistance.

All self-assessments must be submitted electronically to ODP via QuestionPro utilizing the hyperlink. Each entity must complete the applicable self-assessment by COB August 31, 2025. An entity shall submit only ONE self-assessment for their entire agency.

If an entity does not complete a self-assessment, a Directed Corrective Action Plan (DCAP) will be issued and ODP and/or the AE may elect to conduct a full review regardless of an organization’s regularly scheduled full review within the three-year cycle.

Please direct any inquiries, issues, or concerns regarding this communication to the QA&I Process mailbox. Read the ODP Announcement for more details.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) has shared ODPANN 25-053. This announcement provides clarification to assist Supports Coordination Organizations (SCO) and Administrative Entities (AE) in properly identifying and planning for individuals who may be eligible for enrollment in the Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS) Waiver through reserved capacity provisions.

Please review the announcement for additional information and details.

The Office of Development Programs (ODP) and its Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) technical advisors, in collaboration with the IM4Q Statewide Steering Committee, have begun partnering with Support Coordination Organization (SCO) representatives to enhance SCs’ understanding of IM4Q and their role in the process. The IM4Q SC Tip Sheet outlines the IM4Q process, SC responsibilities, how to inform the individuals they support, and what occurs after the interview. SCOs are encouraged to share the tip sheet as a reference when training new SCs and with experienced SCs as a refresher.

Please review ODPANN 25-051 for further details and information.

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The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is hosting a series of public comment webinars to provide an overview of how ODP proposes to implement Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) for Supports Coordination (SC) services, effective January 1, 2026. Additional proposed changes to the Consolidated, Person/Family Directed Support (P/FDS), and Community Living Waivers that are not related to Performance-Based Contracting will also be covered.

Preregistration is required. Registered participants will have the opportunity to provide verbal comments during the session. Each session will also be held for specific stakeholder groups.

The SCO meeting will be held May 6, 2025, at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm. You can register here.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) will be holding a webinar to provide an overview of the proposed implementation for Performance-Based Contracting (PBC) for Supports Coordination services effective January 1, 2026. The webinar will be held April 29, 2025, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. You must register to attend, and you can register here.

Additional proposed changes to the Consolidated, Community Living, and Person/Family Directed Supports waivers that are not related to Performance-Based Contracting will also be covered. Public comment will not be accepted during this webinar. The webinar is designed to give attendees the information and details they’ll need to participate in upcoming public comment sessions. There will be time, however, for presenters to answer questions submitted by participants.

NOTE TO INSPECTOR: The word "iridium" on the pen's nib is not a brand: it's the name of the metal of which the nib is made. Thanks. Inky old fountain pen on a $100 bill.

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) reminds Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) that they are required to provide a *PDF of their 2024 fiscal year-end financial statements no later than 9 months from the end of their fiscal year. In most cases, this date will be March 31 annually.

Financial Statement submissions must include, at a minimum, a Profit and Loss Report (Income Statement) for the 2024 fiscal year and a Balance Sheet as of the end of the provider’s fiscal year. ODP developed a QuestionPro link for SCOs to easily attach a *PDF of their financial statements, which will satisfy the requirement. The link for the ODP Waiver Provider Financial Statement Submission Form is available.

Residential Providers are required to provide a *PDF of their financial statements as part of Performance-Based Contracting and are no longer required to submit statements separately using the URL referenced in this document effective the date of this announcement.

Details of this requirement are available in ODPANN 25-025.

Supports Coordinator (SCs) Monitoring Residential Services Webcast Training

Supports Coordinators (SCs) have a critical role and responsibility on the team to monitor all the services that are being provided to the individuals they support. Residential Service Providers have a unique responsibility to protect and promote the health, safety, and rights of individuals they support in all aspects of their life, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

This 4-part training specifically focuses on the Supports Coordinator’s authority and responsibilities when monitoring Residential Services.

Audience: Intellectual Disability and Autism (ID/A) and Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Supports Coordinators (SCs), SC Supervisors, and Support Coordination Organization (SCO) Administration.

There is no registration for this online training. Any learner with a professional profile role can access the training directly in MyODP. The current link in the announcement will take the learner to the SC Landing Page, where there will be a direct link to the course. Link will be available starting Thursday January 2, 2025.


Supports Coordinator (SCs) Monitoring Residential Services — Live, Virtual Sessions for SC Supervisors and Support Coordinator Organization (SCO) Trainers

The Department of Human Services is holding a live, virtual Zoom training to provide Support Coordinators (SCs) Supervisors and Support Coordinator Organization (SCO) Trainers the opportunity to apply learning from the Supports Coordinator Monitoring Residential Services training to support their SCs to effectively monitor Residential Services. Each session will include small and large group discussions of two scenarios an Intellectual Disability and Autism (ID/A) or Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) SC might encounter during a residential monitoring. SC Supervisors and Trainers can use these scenarios and discussions as a model for similar discussions with their SCs to improve the thoroughness, thoughtfulness, and quality of residential monitoring.

Session recordings (6 scenarios) will be made available on MyODP and announced through ODP Communications. The recordings can be viewed by SCs and used by SC Supervisors/Trainers to support additional SC staff development.

Audience: Intellectual Disability and Autism (ID/A) and Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) Supports Coordinators (SCs) Trainers, SC Supervisors, and Support Coordination Organization (SCO) Administration only.

SCs are not the audience for these sessions and will not have access to registration due to role restrictions.

Please register here.

Three sessions are being offered with each session exploring different scenarios.  You are invited to register and attend one or more of the sessions.

  • Monday, February 3, 2025, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • Friday, February 7, 2025, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Prior to the sessions, completion of the Supports Coordinator Monitoring Residential Services training is required.

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