The Service Amendment Request Tool Process 

As of January 2024, Care Managers must complete the Service Amendment Request Tool (SART) in CHOICES when a member wishes to start a new waiver service or change an existing one. To ensure that the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) has the most accurate and updated information to support the SART, the member must have an up-to-date Coordinated Assessment System (CAS) for adults or CANS (Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) for children under 18. These assessments are conducted by Maximus, a third party contracted by OPWDD.

While the Care Manager cannot complete the CAS or CANS for the member, they can assist in scheduling the assessment to ensure the SART can be submitted as quickly as possible with all required supporting documentation. Any delays in scheduling or participating in the CAS or CANS can impact the timeline for approval of the SART request.

Once the SART is approved, OPWDD issues the NOD.09. This documents the newly approved or changed services and reauthorizes all existing services, including annual unit amounts. The Care Manager distributes the NOD.09 to all Providers, which is stored under the Member’s Supporting Documents in CHOICES.