Pennsylvania Supports Brokering and Self-Direction Acronyms

• AE – Administrative Entity County or contracted unit performing delegated functions under ODP waivers.
• AWC FMS – Agency with Choice Financial Management Services FMS model where the agency is the legal employer; participant is the managing employer.
• BA – Budget Authority Participant’s ability to choose services, set wages, and shift funds within the ISP.
• CLE – Common Law Employer Legal employer of SSPs in the VF/EA FMS model.
• EA – Employer Authority Participant or surrogate acts as employer or co-employer of SSPs.
• FMS – Financial Management Services Organization handling payroll, taxes, and employer functions for participants.
• FEIN – Federal Employer Identification Number IRS-issued number identifying CLE for tax purposes.
• IDD – Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Refers to conditions that affect cognitive and adaptive functioning; supported through ODP services.
• IM – Incident Management Reporting and tracking of ODP-defined reportable incidents.
• ISP – Individual Support Plan Person-centered plan outlining paid and unpaid supports for participants.
• IRS – Internal Revenue Service Federal agency overseeing tax law and collection.
• ME – Managing Employer Participant or surrogate who supervises SSPs under the AWC model.
• ODP – Office of Developmental Programs PA DHS division overseeing services for individuals with IDD.
• P/FDS – Person/Family Directed Support Waiver Medicaid waiver supporting participant-directed services.
• SB – Supports Broker Trained professional assisting participants in navigating self-direction.
• SC – Supports Coordinator Professional who helps develop and monitor the Individual Support Plan.
• SSP – Support Service Professional Direct support worker hired by the participant.
• VF/EA FMS – Vendor Fiscal/Employer Agent Financial Management Services FMS model where CLE is legal employer and vendor handles payroll/taxes.