Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL) issued Bulletin 59-26-02, titled “Participant Review Tool,” on January 13, 2026. The bulletin is effective January 1, 2026. It updates requirements for Service Coordinators related to participant reviews under certain Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs.
The bulletin focuses on how participant reviews are conducted using the Participant Review Tool (PRT), including where required visits must take place and when additional visits are expected.
What changed in Bulletin 59-26-02
Bulletin 59-26-02 updates and replaces prior guidance related to the Participant Review Tool. The revised bulletin supersedes earlier instructions, including Bulletin 59-16-12. OLTL also confirms that annual face-to-face participant reviews conducted using the PRT must occur in the participant’s home. In addition, the bulletin clarifies expectations for when additional face-to-face visits are required to ensure participant health, safety, and welfare.
Who the bulletin applies to
The guidance applies to enrolled Service Coordination Entities (SCEs) performing OLTL Medical Assistance Home and Community-Based Services under the OBRA Waiver and Act 150 Program. The bulletin addresses expectations for Service Coordinators working within those programs when completing participant reviews using the PRT.
Supporting materials included
Bulletin 59-26-02 includes several supporting documents and tools tied to the updated Participant Review Tool process:
An updated Participant Review Tool with revised questions and structure
Detailed PRT Instructions outlining completion requirements and visit-location guidance
A Participant Attestation Form and Service Coordinator registration materials for use with the QuestionPro platform
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