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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On November 19, 2026, HRST will launch a new Scoring Summary and in-app Clinical Reviewer training. The enhancements to the tool will affect any screenings with outstanding disagreements from the Clinical Review at launch.

When the new Scoring Summary launches, any screenings with outstanding disagreements will have their Clinical Review cleared from the record and will need to be completed again.

Audience:

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is excited to announce the Fourth Annual Pediatric Capacity Building Institute (PCBI). PCBI is geared toward professionals across child- serving systems that are interested in learning more about how to support young people with complex needs and their families in PA and in initiating system change.

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

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) requests your assistance sharing the attached updated communication, ODPANN 26-089 - QA&I Individual Interviews Report for Cycle 2 Fiscal Years 2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25 and attachment ODP Releases QA&I Cycle 2 Individual Interviews Report. The purpose of this communication is to announce the release of the Individual Interviews Report for Quality Assessment and Improvement (QA&I) Cycle 2 covering Fiscal Years 2022-23, 2023-34 and 2024-25

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

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is pleased to announce the publication of bulletin 00-26-04 “Handbook for Claim and Service Documentation” (see attachments to this email).  Please note the effective date of this bulletin is January 1, 2027. The purpose of this bulletin is to provide guidance on documentation needed to substantiate a claim and guidance on the service documentation processes. There are some new requirements in this bulletin which include:

• The provider’s full name or MPI must be included on service notes. 
• For services delivered in a facility-based setting or if there is a staff ratio greater than 1:1, the names of all professionals who delivered services must be documented in the service note. 
• Service notes must indicate the general names of locations in the community where services were delivered such as the name of a restaurant, park, or community activity. Documenting “community” or “other” does not meet this requirement.
• Providers of Residential Habilitation, Life Sharing, and Supported Living services in the Consolidated, Community Living or Adult Autism Waivers must include start and end times of when the individual is receiving services or unpaid support that are not included in the residential service in the service note.  A description of what occurred during these times is not required to be included in the residential service note. 
• Service note and documentation requirements have been updated for Supports Coordination Organizations to align with Performance-Based Contracting changes that will be effective January 1, 2027.
• If there is a discrepancy of more than 25% between utilization of services and authorization of services during the period of time covered by the progress note, there must be an explanation in the progress note that describes the reason for the discrepancy and whether adjustments in the back-up plan and/or service provision will be made to ensure needed and authorized services are provided at the duration and frequency noted in the ISP.
• Services in the attachments have been updated to reflect recently approved waivers such as the addition of the Specialty Telehealth and Assessment Team service and American Sign Language – English Interpreter service.

Attachment 1: Technical Guidance for Claim and Service Documentation