The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) received and acted upon recommendations from both the 2017 and 2018 meetings of the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS®) Stakeholder Workgroup. As a result, communication about the SIS® to individuals and family members has improved.

In a study conducted by DBHDS, a comparison of individuals’ support needs levels and related reimbursement tiers shows a high degree of consistency across the past two years. Further, an examination of individuals’ stability in levels across time indicates that, for adults 22 years and older, conducting a SIS® assessment every four years, instead of the current practice of every three years, would have little effect on an individual’s support level. If the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), the developer of the SIS®, supports the validity with the change in frequency for the assessment, DMAS and DBHDS will proceed with exploring the approach.

DMAS and DBHDS are committed to continued dialog and collaboration with the stakeholder workgroup.