Transformative Service Models

Performance-Based Contracting

In May 2023, The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) issued a concept paper on selective contracting for residential services and service coordination. PAR then submitted public comments to ODP on the proposal. ODP later formed the Residential Strategic Thinking Group (RSTG) to develop the performance standards that would be used in the initiative. In December 2023, the name of the initiative was changed to performance-based contracting.

In April 2024, ODP made available for public comment the proposed changes to implement performance-based contracting for residential services in the Consolidated and Community Living Waivers. All proposed changes are scheduled to take effect January 1, 2025. The proposed changes are available for public comment until June 4, 2024.

April 2024 Performance-Based Contracting Information:

• Residential Performance-Based Contracting Implementation Plan
• 1915(b)(4) Fee For Service Selective Contracting Application
• Residential Performance Standards
• Record of Change for the Consolidated and Community Living Waivers 

PAR members are invited to submit comments to PAR on the performance-based contracting proposed waiver application and supporting waiver amendments by May 20, 2024.

The May 2023 concept paper, PAR’s July 2023 public comments, and the original November 2023RSTG performance standards draft are linked below.

• ODP Selective Contracting Concept Paper - May 2023
• PAR Comments on ODP Selective Contracting Concept Paper - July 2023
• Residential Strategic Thinking Group - Draft Performance Standards - November 2023 

The Sustainability Project

Over the past several years, PAR has been actively exploring a number of Transformative Service Models (TSMs) that intend to change – and improve – the way individuals, families, the state, counties, and providers engage to improve the lives of people with intellectual disability and autism (ID/A).

In 2023, the PAR TSM Taskforce created The Sustainability Project. The goal of the project is to begin discussions around a unified movement away from traditional fee-for-service models which have become systemically unwieldy and unsustainable. The project seeks to collaboratively develop innovative pilot models that support enhanced workforce stability, improve quality and flexibility of services, and decrease waiting lists for individuals needing services.  

PAR welcomes individuals served, families, provider organizations, state and county governments, and any other stakeholders invested in ensuring the sustainability of our system to reach out with questions, comments, and feedback. To connect with PAR about The Sustainability Project, please email [email protected].

The Sustainability Project One-Page Overview

The Sustainability Project Draft Report

Links to Report Sections:

• The Sustainability Project Initiative Overview
• Report Citations
• The Sustainability Project Pilot Model Comparison Chart
• Draft TSM Pilot Model Recommendations
• Equally Alive Guiding Principles and Proposal