Best Path Solutions | Pennsylvania ODP monitoring for providers
Reporting period: July 5, 2026 to July 11, 2026 | Published: July 13, 2026
This Week at a Glance
Bottom line: Four ODP announcements were published this week. Residential providers should review the updated 2026-2027 PBC Pay-for-Performance guidance. The other three items apply specifically to Adult Autism Waiver stakeholders.
Published: July 10, 2026 | Effective: Fiscal Year 2026-2027
What it is and what changed
ODP updated the Residential Performance-Based Contracting Pay-for-Performance guidance. The July update adds the Residential Rural Expansion Operational Guide. The three voluntary payment tracks cover DSP and FLS credentialing, rural residential capacity expansion, and successful transitions from Residential Habilitation to Life Sharing or Supported Living.
Applies to
Residential Habilitation, Life Sharing, and Supported Living providers under the Consolidated or Community Living Waivers; Administrative Entities
What providers should do
Review the announcement attachments. If pursuing rural expansion, work with the Administrative Entity on an approved Rural Capacity Expansion Plan. Separately, compare current DSP and FLS credentialing results with the published benchmarks and review the transition track criteria.
When
No single statewide compliance deadline is stated. Each voluntary payment track has its own criteria and timeline in the attachments.
Consequences
Participation is optional. A provider that does not participate receives no supplemental payment for that initiative, but does not incur a compliance penalty solely for declining.
What is coming
The rural track pays by milestones, so interested providers should plan early and confirm county eligibility with their Administrative Entity.
Adult Autism Waiver Provider Information Table updated
Published: July 10, 2026 | Effective: July 1, 2026
What it is and what changed
ODP updated the Adult Autism Waiver Provider Information Table for the July 2026 waiver renewal. Life Sharing now has its own section, Specialized Skill Development language was clarified, the Assistive Technology limit changed to $3,000 annually, and a new teleservice appendix was added. This replaces ODPANN 25-002.
Applies to
All Adult Autism Waiver stakeholders and providers
What providers should do
Use the updated table for service definitions and staff qualification checks. Make sure staff are fully qualified before furnishing Adult Autism Waiver services.
When
Use the updated table now; it became effective July 1, 2026.
Consequences
Using outdated service definitions or unqualified staff can create compliance findings and payment problems.
What is coming
The table is part of the broader July 2026 Adult Autism Waiver renewal and should be read with the related service-limit and transportation guidance.
Adult Autism Waiver service-limit exception process updated
Published: July 7, 2026 | Effective: July 1, 2026
What it is and what changed
ODP updated the policy and process for requesting an exception to established Adult Autism Waiver service limits. Exceptions are limited to specified caps involving combined employment and day services, Home Modifications, Respite, and Assistive Technology. This replaces ODPANN 23-018.
Applies to
Adult Autism Waiver Supports Coordination Organizations and service providers
What providers should do
When a participant needs services above an eligible limit, the Supports Coordinator must use the updated request form and submit it to ODP's Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations.
When
Use the updated process now; the waiver renewal became effective July 1, 2026.
Consequences
Services above a limit are not authorized or payable without an approved exception.
What is coming
This update aligns the exception process with the July 2026 Adult Autism Waiver renewal and the updated Provider Information Table.
Adding Transportation to an Adult Autism Waiver ISP
Published: July 7, 2026 | Effective: July 2026 Adult Autism Waiver renewal
What it is and what changed
ODP updated guidance for adding Transportation to an Adult Autism Waiver Individual Support Plan. It covers public transportation and per-trip transportation, natural supports, other funding sources, service limits, and prohibited overlap with certain direct services. This replaces ODPANN 24-005.
Applies to
Adult Autism Waiver participants, Supports Coordination Organizations, and transportation providers
What providers should do
Supports Coordinators should consider natural supports and other funding sources first, authorize Transportation within the service limit, and prevent overlapping authorization with excluded services.
When
Follow the updated guidance now for plans under the July 2026 waiver renewal.
Consequences
Incorrect authorization can result in denied or recouped claims and required ISP corrections.
What is coming
This guidance should be used with the renewed waiver, the updated exception process, and the updated Provider Information Table.
Please note: This digest is a summary and tracking tool prepared by Best Path Solutions. It does not replace official ODP communications. Providers remain responsible for reading the linked official sources and confirming requirements as they apply to their programs.
