DEFINITION & REGULATION

An Autism Waiver provider in Pennsylvania is an organization or individual approved to deliver services under the Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) program. These providers offer specialized supports and services to adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to help them live and participate in their communities.

The specific regulations for Autism Waiver providers in Pennsylvania are outlined in:

1. Title 55 Pa. Code Chapter 51 - Office of Developmental Programs Home and Community-Based Services
2. The Adult Autism Waiver Provider Information Table, which details the qualification requirements for each service

Key aspects of these regulations include:

1. Providers must complete the ODP Provider Applicant Orientation as the first step in the qualification process.
2. All staff must complete the SPeCTRUM 2.0 Online Training before enrolling as a provider and providing services.
3. Providers must meet specific qualification standards for each service they plan to offer.
4. Certain services require staff to obtain additional certifications, such as the CESP credential or ACRE certificate for employment services.
5. Providers must maintain ongoing compliance with waiver regulations, including completing annual training requirements and adhering to AAW policies.
6. Providers must obtain approval from the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP) and enroll as a Medicaid provider to bill for services.

These regulations ensure that AAW providers have the necessary qualifications and training to deliver high-quality services to adults with ASD in Pennsylvania.

To become an Autism Waiver provider in Pennsylvania, there are several regulatory licensing requirements you must meet:

Provider Qualification Process

The first step is to complete the ODP Provider Applicant Orientation. This orientation provides an overview of the qualification process and requirements.

Required Documentation

You will need to submit the following:

• Completed ODP Provider Agreement
• Copy of your agency's IRS letter 147C to verify legal name and FEIN
• AAW Provider Qualification Checklist
• Documentation of required qualifications and trainings

Specific Requirements

• Obtain a Master Provider Index (MPI) number
• Meet qualification standards for the specific services you plan to provide
• Complete required trainings, which vary by service
• Obtain necessary licenses/certifications for certain services
• Meet staffing requirements and background check standards

Enrollment Process

1. Submit all required documentation to the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP)
2. BSASP will review your application and qualifications
3. If approved, you can then enroll as a Medicaid provider to bill for services

Ongoing Requirements

• Maintain qualifications and licenses
• Complete annual training requirements
• Comply with waiver regulations and policies

The specific qualifications vary depending on which AAW services you plan to provide. You should carefully review the AAW Provider Qualifications document for detailed requirements for each service.

To become an Autism Waiver provider in Pennsylvania, there are several specific trainings required:

General Provider Training

All Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) providers must complete the SPeCTRUM 2.0 Online Training, which consists of 9 modules totaling approximately 7 hours. This training must be completed before enrolling as a provider and before providing services.

Service-Specific Trainings

Depending on the specific services you plan to provide, additional trainings are required:

Specialized Skill Development, Day Habilitation, Residential Habilitation, Supported Employment, and Small Group Employment

• At least one person per agency must complete Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) training prior to service provision

Career Planning and Supported Employment

• Staff must complete "Understanding Vocational Issues for Persons with Autism" and "Employer Development, not Job Development" trainings prior to first service provision
• By July 1, 2021 (or within 6 months of hire if after January 1, 2021), staff must obtain either:
  • Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential, or
  • Basic Employment Services Certificate of Achievement or Professional Certificate of Achievement in Employment Services from an ACRE-approved organization

Specialized Skill Development: Behavioral Specialist Services

• Behavioral Specialist Trainings 101 and 102 (5 modules, approximately 5 hours)
• Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) training
• Periodic Risk Evaluation (PRE) training

Specialized Skill Development: Systematic Skill Building Services

• Systematic Skill Building Training (7 modules plus submitting a sample Skill Building Plan, approximately 7 hours)

Supports Coordination

• Support Coordinator Orientation
• SC Training 101 and 102 (prior to January 1, 2021)

specific certifications required for certain services under the Autism Waiver in Pennsylvania:

Career Planning and Supported Employment

Staff working directly with individuals must obtain one of the following certifications by July 1, 2021 (or within 6 months of hire if hired after January 1, 2021):

1. Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential from the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)
2. Basic Employment Services Certificate of Achievement or Professional Certificate of Achievement in Employment Services from an Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) organizational member with ACRE-approved training

Specialized Skill Development: Behavioral Specialist Services

While not a certification per se, behavioral specialists must complete specific trainings:

• Behavioral Specialist Trainings 101 and 102
• Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) training
• Periodic Risk Evaluation (PRE) training

Professional Qualifications

For certain services, providers must employ or contract with professionals who hold specific certifications or licenses, such as:

• Board-certified behavior analysts
• Certified school psychologists
• Certified special educators
• Licensed certified social workers
• Licensed professional counselors
• Occupational therapists
• Physical therapists
• Speech therapists

Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS)

For providers of Specialized Skill Development, Day Habilitation, Residential Habilitation, Supported Employment, and Small Group Employment services, at least one person per agency must complete Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) training prior to service provision.These certification requirements ensure that providers have the necessary expertise to deliver high-quality services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

SUMMARY

Based on the information provided, here are the step-by-step licensing requirements to become an Adult Autism Waiver (AAW) provider in Pennsylvania:

1. Complete the ODP Provider Applicant Orientation
   This is the first required step in the provider qualification process.
2. Review qualification materials
   Review the AAW Provider Qualifications document and AAW Provider Information Table to understand requirements.
3. Complete required trainings

• All providers must complete the SPeCTRUM 2.0 Online Training (9 modules, approximately 7 hours) before enrolling.
• Complete any service-specific trainings required for the services you plan to offer.

4. Gather required documentation

• Completed AAW Provider Qualification Checklist
• Proof of completed trainings
• Licenses/certifications for staff as required for specific services
• Verification of staff qualifications and experience

5. Submit application

• Apply through the Provider Enrollment System online portal
• Submit all required documentation to the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations (BSASP)

6. Application review
   BSASP will review your application and qualifications.
7. Obtain approvals

• Receive approval from BSASP
• Obtain a Medicaid provider number if not already enrolled

8. Ongoing compliance

• Maintain qualifications and complete annual training requirements
• Comply with AAW regulations and policies

9. Service-specific requirements
   Meet any additional requirements for specific AAW services you plan to provide, such as:

• Obtaining CESP credential or ACRE certificate for employment services
• Completing Goal Attainment Scaling training for certain services

Remember to verify current requirements with BSASP, as regulations may be updated periodically.

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Need Help? Visit www.waivergroup.com or call 302.888.9172