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Updates on Self-Directed Services Guidelines

May 23, 2025

Maryland Department of Health's Developmental Disabilities Administration Information Session

Date: Friday, May 16, 2025
Presenter: Dr. Yumja Smalls, Director of Professional Development, DDA

Introduction

  • Welcome to the information session on self-directed services updates.
  • Focus on updates to reasonable and customary standards.
  • Attendees are in listen-only mode; presentation available in the handout section.
  • Meeting recorded for DDA's YouTube and website.
  • Emphasis on maintaining civility during the meeting.

Agenda Overview

  1. Overview of employer and budget authorities in self-directed services.
  2. Legislative budget bill requirements for fiscal year 2026.
  3. Updates to reasonable and customary rates and wage charts.
  4. Changes to employee wages and provider/vendor rates.
  5. Presentation by financial management and counseling services providers.
  6. Updates to the self-directed services manual and available resources.

Employer and Budget Authority

  • Employer Authority: Participants can hire, terminate, and supervise employees, set pay and benefits within DDA standards.
  • Budget Authority: Participants decide service payment amounts, following reasonable standards.

Provider, Vendor, and Employee Wage Updates

  • Wage Exceptions: Allocations for wage exceptions and geographical differentials starting July 1, 2025.
  • New Rates: Need to adjust rates to comply with new maximums.
  • Action Required: Notify employees/vendors of rate changes by June 8, 2025.

Action Steps for Rate Changes

  • Participants should inform employees of changes through a written letter.
  • Follow FMCS provider processes for rate adjustments.
  • Templates available for notification letters.

Examples of Rate Adjustments

  • No Action Needed: If employee rates are below new exception rates.
  • Action Needed: If employee/vendor rates exceed new geographical differentials.

Provider Rate Adjustments

  • Changes apply mainly to counties with geographical differentials.
  • Must adjust provider rates to comply with new geographical differentials.

Vendor Rate Adjustments

  • Similar to provider rates; geographical differentials apply to specific services in certain counties.
  • Process involves notifying vendors and following FMCS processes.

Financial Management and Counseling Services Providers

  • Presentations by The Arc Central Chesapeake Region, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), and GT Independence on processes for changing rates.

Updates to Self-Directed Services Manual

  • Support Broker Flexibility: Can provide direct support to participants (not their own clients).
  • Wage Exception Process Changes: Less documentation required for existing positions.
  • Manual and Forms Updated: Reflect new flexibilities and standards.

Conclusion

  • Participants and support staff should ensure rates comply by July 1, 2025.
  • Resource links and templates available on DDA’s website.
  • Emphasis on the importance of being compliant with Maryland law regarding notifying employees of wage changes.

Q&A Session

  • Addressed key concerns regarding wage exceptions, budget modifications, and rate compliance.
  • Clarified roles of CCS and support brokers.

These notes capture key points and actions from the session for participants managing self-directed services under DDA guidelines. Please refer to the provided templates and reach out to your support team for any specific assistance needed.

Full transcript