DHS COVID-19 PROVIDER GUIDANCE // ODP
ODP Announcement 20-036:
ISP Revisions in the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW)
Issued: April 2, 2020
Audience
Supports Coordination Organizations (SCOs) in the Adult Autism Waiver.
Purpose
To provide SCOs additional information on documentation needs related to Individual
Support Plans (ISPs) impacted by Appendix K.
Discussion
In response to Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)
applied to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for an Appendix K
addition to the AAW. CMS approved ODP's Appendix K on March 18, 2020.
The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) recently issued the Operational Guide for
Appendix K for the Adult Autism Waiver with ODP Announcement 20-027. The
Operational Guide, as well as all communications and other materials issued in response
to COVID-19, can be found at this link on MyODP.org.
In most cases, revisions that are needed to an ISP as a result of service changes made
during the response to COVID-19, should be end-dated through the end of the
participant’s plan year or March 11, 2021, using the date that comes first. This is due to
the uncertainty about when the system will return to normal operations and to avoid
multiple plan revisions.
All ISPs revised as a result of COVID-19 must include the following language in the
service note:
The changes made to this plan to services, the amount of service, or when services are
delivered are being made to ensure participant health and safety during the COVID-19
emergency. These changes are time limited. When the COVID-19 emergency restrictions
are lifted, the plan will be revised to reflect the previously authorized services and service
levels. The changes made to the ISP are intended to revert to levels prior to being
impacted by COVID-19 and are not subject to fair hearing and appeal requirements.
This information, as well as additional clarifications, will be included in the next revision
of the Operational Guide to Appendix K.
Contact
Any comments or questions regarding this communication should be sent to
the Provider Support mailbox at RA-BASProvidersupprt@pa.gov.