Structured Day Program Services

Definition

Structured Day Program services are individually designed services, provided in an outpatient congregate setting or in the community, to improve or maintain the waiver participant's skills and ability to live as independently as possible in the community. Services may include assessment, training and supervision to an individual with self-care, task completion, communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, socialization, sensory/motor skills, mobility, community transportation skills, reduction/elimination of maladaptive behaviors, money management skills, and skills to maintain a household.

Structured Day Program services may be used to augment some aspects of other NHTD services and Medicaid State Plan services when reinforcement of skills is necessary. This is permitted due to the difficulty many individuals have with transferring or generalizing skills learned in one setting to other settings and the need for consistent reinforcement of skills. The SP should address how the services are complimentary but not duplicative and ensure consistency. This service is intended to provide an opportunity for the waiver participant to continue to strengthen skills that are necessary for greater independence, improved productivity and/or increased community inclusion.

The Structured Day Program may be provided within a variety of settings and with very different goals. Waiver participants may choose to participate in a Structured Day Program that emphasizes basic work skills, such as punctuality, problem solving and effectively communicating with co-workers and supervisors. Other Structured Day Programs may focus on specific job skills, such as computer operation, cooking, etc. Other participants, for whom employment is not an immediate or long-term goal, may be more interested in community inclusion or improving their socialization skills.

The Structured Day Program is responsible providing appropriate and adequate space to meet the functional needs of those served. The Program must provide adequate protection for the personal safety of the program participants, including fire drills twice a year and maintain documentation of those drills. The Structured Day Program must be located in a building that meets all provisions of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Codes. In addition, access to the Program must meet and adhere to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If the RRDS or DOH identifies questionable situations, appropriate referrals will be made for necessary corrective action. The RRDS or DOH may determine the appropriateness of the physical space for the NHTD waiver participants.

Whatever type of Structured Day Program(s) the participant chooses it is essential that there be coordination between providers, assuring consensus in the type of supports and structures that are used in all settings and avoiding duplication of services. This is particularly important when the participant is receiving waiver services such as ILST, PBIS, and HCSS.

Provider Qualifications for the Director of Structured Day Programs

Structured Day Programs may be provided by any not-for-profit or for profit health and human services agency. All Structured Day Programs must be identified in the SP and provided by agencies approved as a provider of this waiver service by DOH.

The Structured Day Program Director must be:

    1. Registered Occupational Therapist - Licensed by the NYS Education Department;
    2. Registered Physical Therapist - Licensed by the NYS Education
    3. Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist - Licensed by the NYS Education Department;
    4. Registered Professional Nurse - Licensed by the NYS Education
    5. Certified Special Education Teacher - Certified by the NYS
    6. Certified Rehabilitation Counselor - Certified by the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification;
    7. Master of Social Work; or
    8. Master of Psychology.

    Structured Day Program Directors must have, at a minimum, one (1) year of experience providing functional assessments, Intensive Behavioral Services or Structured Day Program services to individuals with disabilities and/or seniors; OR

  2. Individual with a Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience providing functional assessments, Intensive Behavioral Services or Structured Day Program services to individuals with disabilities and/or seniors.

    In addition to a required Program Director, a Structured Day Program may employ program staff. Program staff must be at least 18 years old; be able to follow written and verbal instructions; and have the ability and skills necessary to meet the waiver participant's needs that will be addressed through this service. It is expected that Structured Day Program staff will be available to provide hands-on assistance to participants, and therefore, must have previous training as a PCA.

Reimbursement

Structured Day Program services must be provided by a DOH approved provider and must be included in the SP to be reimbursed.

Structured Day Program services are reimbursed on an hourly basis. Participation in Team Meetings organized by the SC is reimbursed at the hourly rate.

The provision of Structured Day Program services must not occur in a sheltered workshop environment. If a participant decides to make use of the services of a sheltered workshop, the reimbursement for that service must be provided through VESID.