SERVICE

One or more organization-operated programs or activities that have a common general objective and deploy the organization's material and human resources in a planned and systematic manner. An organization that publicly promotes or identifies itself in writing as offering a service, is licensed to deliver a service, assigns personnel and/or space to a service, or allocates financial resources to a service is considered to offer that service.		  
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  PROGRAM

A system of services offered by an organization. For example, an organization providing a mental health service may offer several mental health programs to different populations, e.g., a mental health program for adolescent teens. The word "program" can be used interchangeably with the word "service" or to describe specific programs.		  
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  SERVICE PHILOSOPHY

The theoretical framework that describes and explains an organization's approach to service. 		 
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  INFORMED CONSENT

The explicit granting of permission by a consumer or his/her legal guardian to the service provider and organization to use a specific intervention or participate in research. The consent is predicated on full disclosure of the facts to enable the consumer to make a decision based on knowledge of the risks and alternatives.		  
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  PERSONNEL

The body of employees and/or volunteers that carries out the organization's tasks under the organization's administration and/or supervision. This definition does not include foster parents who are specifically referenced in relevant standards		  
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  TRAINING

Instruction so as to make fit, qualified, or proficient in a skill or body of knowledge.		  
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  CERTIFICATION

Assurance from a state or professional association that a person or organization possesses certain attributes, knowledge, or skills. 		 
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  POLICY

A written statement of principles, values, or intent that provides a basis for consistent decision making and guides the actions of staff, management, and board of trustees. A policy is intentionally broad in its language and application. The following is an example of an anti-discrimination policy:

"[Organization Name] shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and provision of services."

In contrast, a procedure is a detailed, step-by-step description of a process. It tells the reader how to do something. Generally, policies are implemented through procedures. For example, the above anti-discrimination policy would require a detailed grievance procedure in order to operationalize it within an organization.

The governing body has the fiduciary responsibility for setting organizational policy. Therefore, policies must be approved and periodically reviewed by the organization's governing body. However, the governing body typically delegates (via policy) the responsibility for policy development to management. In owner-operated for-profit companies, the owner can act as the company's governing body, depending on the company's corporate structure.

In a public agency the responsibility for setting and reviewing policies may belong to the agency's management team, elected officials, another governmental agency, or as is often the case, a combination of the above.

  
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  PUNITIVE WORK ASSIGNMENT

Work assigned exclusively for punishment rather than as a shared responsibility for maintenance or duties; for example, stacking and restacking a wood pile repetitively as a punishment for breaking a rule.		  
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  PROCEDURES

Written instructions that outline the steps for performing a task(s) or operationalizing an administrative or service delivery process. A procedure can be written as a step-by-step set of instructions or as a narrative description of a process. A procedure tells someone how to do something not just what to do.

Unlike policies, procedures do not need to be approved or reviewed by the governing body, and need not be associated with a specific policy. For example, whereas a broad anti-discrimination policy requires grievance or other procedures in order to be operationalized within an organization, assessment procedures do not require a governing body approved assessment policy.

Note: Procedures are sometimes referred to as administrative policies.

  
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  INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM

A group of persons from different professions, disciplines, service areas, organizations, and/or personnel levels who collaborate to make decisions about and provide a range of services for the same consumer or consumer group. The service delivered would not be possible or as efficient if one organization or one professional alone provided the services.		  
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  SCREEN

A preliminary test administered to a client to determine whether he/she meets eligibility criteria for the services offered by an organization. 		 
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Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
  
Private Org Public Agency  

PA-DDS 5: Service Philosophy and Interventions

 

The program is guided by a service philosophy that:

  1. serves as the basis for how the program will meet the needs of individuals and their families; and
  2. guides the development and implementation of services, interventions, and activities based on the program goals and the best available evidence of service effectiveness.

PA-DDS 5.01

 

The service philosophy:

  1. promotes meaningful participation, inclusion, and self-determination;
  2. provides a basis for the implementation of strengths-based, person-centered activities and interventions; and
  3. safeguards the emotional, physical, and psychological well-being of the individual.

PA-DDS 5.02

 

If the agency permits the use of service modalities and interventions it defines as non-traditional or unconventional, it:

  1. explains any benefits, risks, side effects, and alternatives to the individual;
  2. obtains the written, informed consent of the individual;
  3. ensures that personnel receive sufficient training and/or obtain certification when it is available; and
  4. monitors the use and effectiveness of such interventions.
related PA-RPM 2.02
Interpretation: Examples of non-traditional and unconventional service modalities or interventions include, but are not limited to: hypnosis, acupuncture, and modalities or interventions that involve physical contact, such as massage therapy.
NA The agency does not permit non-traditional or unconventional modalities or interventions.

PA-DDS 5.03

 

Agency policy prohibits:

  1. corporal punishment;
  2. the use of aversive stimuli;
  3. interventions that involve withholding nutrition or hydration, or that inflict physical or psychological pain;
  4. the use of demeaning, shaming or degrading language or activities;
  5. unnecessarily punitive restrictions including cancellation of visits as a disciplinary action;
  6. forced physical exercise to eliminate behaviors;
  7. punitive work assignments;
  8. punishment by peers;
  9. group punishment or discipline for individual behavior; and
  10. unwarranted use of invasive procedures or activities as a disciplinary action.

PA-DDS 5.04

 

If the agency uses interventions that limit physical movement, diminish sensory experience, restrict personal freedoms, or cause personal discomfort, such interventions are implemented only when:

  1. the agency can document its reasons for believing that the intervention will be beneficial to the individual;
  2. the individual or his or her guardian has been fully informed about the risks and benefits of the intervention and has consented to it;
  3. the intervention is prescribed by a qualified medial practitioner or recommended by an interdisciplinary team;
  4. the agency periodically reviews the continued need for and effectiveness of the treatment or intervention; and
  5. the intervention is not used as a substitute for appropriate staffing patterns, for the convenience of staff, or as punishment.
Interpretation: Examples of such treatments and interventions are use of splints or poseys to prevent self-injury, use of visual or auditory screens to reduce stimulation, use of distasteful substances, textures, or activities as a consequence for behavior.
NA The agency does not use interventions that limit physical movement, diminish sensory experience, restrict personal freedoms, or cause personal discomfort.

PA-DDS 5.05

 
An intervention is discontinued immediately if it produces adverse side effects, or is deemed unacceptable according to prevailing professional standards.
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PURPOSE: Children, youth, and adults who participate in Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities achieve full integration and inclusion in the mainstream, make choices, exert control over their lives, and fully participate in, and contribute to, their communities.
 
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