Office of Developmental Programs Amendment Changes

Consolidated & Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Amendments Effective July 2016

On July 8th and July 11th, ODP sponsored a teleconference on the amendment changes that have been made regarding the Consolidated & Person Directed Waivers.  Below is a list of what was covered during the teleconference.  To see more information regarding these amendments, go to:

http://www.dhs.pa.gov/provider/developmentalprograms/ConsolidatedandPFDSProposedWaiverAmendment/

  • Active treatment was removed as a requirement to meet waiver level of care
  • Level of care criteria must be met prior to enrollment in the waiver and annually thereafter
  • Under Home and Community Habilitation
    • service definition has been revised to reflect a full range of activities that can be provided
    • revisions reflect ways service can be used to maximize opportunities for individual to engage in community life
    • may include a companion (no more than half of service provided)
    • staff must be awake during overnight hours according to tasks identified in the ISP
    • clarified that transportation is included in the rate paid to agency providers
    • relatives/legal guardians are allowed to provide Companion Services (21 and older)
    • a limit will be implemented on the number of hours that relatives/legal guardians can provide in home habilitation
    • room and board costs may not be charged when an individual is receiving respite
  • Supported Employment
    • individuals must be referred to OVR prior to receiving Supported employment Services through the Waiver (exceptions are listed on the website)
    • 6 month evaluation requirement for job finding has been removed
  • Orientation, Mobility & Vision Therapy
    • new name: Orientation, Mobility & Vision therapy
    • qualification Criteria listed on Website
  • Assistive Technology: lifetime limit of $5000 on purchase of generators
  • Home Accessibility
    • clarifies that glass window panes can be replaced with shatterproof material, not Plexiglas
    • clarifies modifications for bathrooms
    • clarifies that Home Accessibility Adaptations my not be used in construction of new home
  • Specialized Supplies: only provided for adult waiver participants; children under 21 covered in state plan
  • Transitional Work Services: may be provided without referral to OVR unless participant is under the age of 24
  • Criminal History & Background Investigation: certifications required every 60 months vs. every 36 months
  • Services by Relatives/Guardians
    • spouses are considered relatives
    • companion and nursing services can be provided by relatives/legal guardians
  • Changes to Consolidated Waiver Only
    • Supports Broker: provided when moving from a residential setting to private residence
  • P/FDS Waiver Only
    • increase to serve 600 more clients (15/16)
    • $30,000 per person per fiscal year total limit is established for all services, except Supports Coordination and Supports Broker Services