From DRN and The Arc of Pa - Absences from Waiver Group Homes
From DRN and The Arc of Pa - Absences from Waiver Group Homes
Recently, DRN and The Arc of PA learned that families of people living in Waiver-funded group homes are either being told or left with the impression that their family members are limited in how much they may be absent from their group home for family visits, vacations, or other reasons. For example, families may believe that individuals may not leave their group home once they have been gone 48 days or that they will be discharged from the group home if they are absent more than 48 days in a year. Also, some families are being warned that individuals who may require hospital or other medical care need to limit home visits or vacations because they might exceed the 48-day absence limit. NONE OF THESE THINGS ARE TRUE! There is no 48 day rule for families or people living in group homes.
For individuals being served, their group home is their home. Just as anyone can come and go from their home, your family member has a right to leave his or her group home to visit you, go on a day trip, or go on vacation. Their eligibility for continued services in the group home cannot be affected and they cannot be terminated merely because they are absent from the group home for more than 48 days.
Although a provider may not receive payment for those days where your family member is absent beyond 48 days a year, a provider does not have the right to terminate your family member from the program simply because she or he is absent more than 48 days. This is a billing matter that will have to be resolved between the provider and DPW. It has nothing to do with you or your family member's right to remain in the program.
If you have questions or need additional information, call DRN at 1-800-692-7443 or 1-877-375-7139 [TDD].