Maine SIS

Tools and Resources

Maximus has been contracted to partner with the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) to administer the Supports Intensity Scale for Adults (SIS-A) Assessments. This comprehensive planning tool, developed and maintained by the Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), measures exceptional medical and behavioral needs in the areas of home living, community living, lifelong learning, employment, health and safety, and social activities.

Review Maine SIS - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

OADS Encourages Everyone on Section 21 and 29 and the Waitlists to Receive a SIS-A Assessment

Completing the assessment gives a community case manager more details to help you achieve your goals. It also tells OADS more about you. They can use this info to build programs and services. Programs like the proposed Lifespan Waiver. Taking the SIS-A does not change your benefits or services.

Your case manager or Maximus my be contacting you to participate. Please set up an assessment now.

OR Contact Maximus to schedule your SIS-A assessment:
Contact the Maine SIS Help Desk: (call 833.771.4639 or email Maine-SIS@maximus.com)



Stay connected to important program updates and helpful program resources:

Reach out with general questions using the Help Desk contact email shown below. If you or members of your team would like to be added to one of the Maine SIS Updates list, please choose the link below that matches your needs – either Members and Families/Guardians or Program Support Roles, such as Community Case Managers, Waiver Provider Agencies, OADS staff or others involved in program support. Please include your name and email address, as well as your title and facility/organization name, if applicable. 

Members and Families/Guardians – I’d like to send email to sign up to receive email updates on the Maine SIS Program

Program Support Roles – I’d like to sign up to receive email updates on the Maine SIS Program
 

Contact the help desk
Phone & Email

833.771.4639 

Maine-SIS@maximus.com

Business Hours

8:00 am - 5:00 pm EST, M-F

Announcements

  • Maine SIS Program: Goals Behind the Lifespan Waiver and the SIS-A | Download a Sample SIS-A Report and Assessment Overview | Review Helpful Program Resources

    The implementation of the Supports Intensity Scale for Adults (SIS-A ®) assessment tool recently reached an important milestone with its official launch on March 1, 2023. Thank you to everyone who has continued to assist OADS and Maximus in helping coordinate and attend the training assessments conducted over the past several weeks. 
     
    Continue reading below to explore the new SIS-A Overview guide and additional resources. Learn more about the importance of the SIS-A process for members, as well as a tool to help OADS understand the unique needs of Mainers with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)/Autism.
     
    The SIS-A Report also provides invaluable details to help you in developing the member’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP).
     
    Download a sample AAIDD SIS-A Report here.
     

    “A Path for ME” SIS- A Assessment and Lifespan Project Timeline
     



    Q&A: Understanding the Lifespan Waiver and the Role of SIS-A 

    Why is the Lifespan Waiver being developed?
    Lifespan is a response to many concerns the department has heard about the current service system. To provide innovative ways to meet needs, OADS must understand the needs of everyone currently served in the system.

    What is the SIS-A?
    The SIS-A is a comprehensive planning tool that measures support needs in the areas of home living, community living, lifelong learning, employment, health and safety, social activities, and exceptional medical and behavioral support needs. In addition to the vital role this needs data will provide for the design and support of the Lifespan waiver. 

    What are the benefits of the SIS-A?

    Members and Families
    Completing a SIS assessment provides an opportunity for current waiver members’ Circle of Support in one meeting. needs to be captured and empower them to plan and successfully meet their goals. 
     
    Community Case Managers (CCMs) 
    The SIS-A interview, coordinated by Maximus, is an opportunity to bring together the member’s Circle of Support in one meeting. This powerful discussion about needs, goals and strengths helps to directly inform the Person-Centered Plan. The SIS-A assessment provides a clear, comprehensive report covering a broad range of support needs which maps to the member’s Plan by:

    • Spotlighting the nuance between what is “Important To” and “Important For” the member
    • Gathering valuable information for the “Charting the Lifecourse” framework

    OADS
    SIS-A assessments will play a critical part in helping OADS understand the unique needs of Mainers with IDD/Autism. The high-quality needs data gathered through these assessments will ensure that system improvements through Lifespan can be made to best meet those needs.


    NEW RESOURCE: SIS-A Overview

    A helpful new reference guide has been developed to walk stakeholders through some key basics about the SIS-A Assessment process, including:

    • The purpose of the assessment
    • How it measures support needs 
    • Who should participate 
    • Detailed visual workflow

    Click here to download the SIS-A Overview


    TOOLKIT: SIS-A Guides & Supports

    SUPPORT: Contact the Maine SIS Assessments Help Desk
     
    If a member would like to schedule a SIS-A assessment: 
    Interested members should contact the Maine SIS Help Desk and ask that an assessment be scheduled: (call 833.771.4639 or email: Maine-SIS@maximus.com). Maximus will follow up to schedule an appropriate date/time and location.

    If you have other SIS assessment related questions: 
    Contact the Maximus – Maine SIS Help Desk team from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday to learn more:

    Sign up for the Maximus SIS-A Assessment Mailing List: 
     
    Send an email to: Maine-SIS@maximus.com. Use the subject line “Add to the Maine SIS Mailing List” and include the following information in the body of your message for all members of your team who should be added to the mailing list: full name, title, facility/organization, email address.

  • OADS and Maximus Move Toward Mid-Spring 2023 Supports Intensity Scale (SIS-A) Needs Assessments Launch | SIS Process Overview | Volunteer Members Sought for Training Assessments | Program Resources

    The State of Maine – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS) and selected partner, Maximus, continue to move toward their planned Mid-Spring 2023 implementation of the Supports Intensity Scale assessment tool (SIS-A)2nd edition. Developed and maintained by the Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD), the SIS-A is a comprehensive planning tool that measures support needs in the areas of home living, community living, lifelong learning, employment, health and safety, and social activities and exceptional medical and behavioral support needs. OADS plans to use SIS-A data to develop a new waiver program through the "A Path for ME" initiative. Maximus will provide conflict-free administration of the SIS-A. 

    Read below for an overview of the SIS-A assessment process, including a timeline, reminders about initial training assessments, helpful resources, and program support contacts.

    “A Path for ME” SIS- A Assessment and Lifespan Project Timeline

     


    PROCESS OVERVIEW: Basics of the SIS-A Assessment

    Before the Assessment 

    A scheduler will contact the case manager and guardian (if applicable) to schedule a date, time, and location that works best. The scheduler will also ask if others should be invited to the assessment. Those who participate in the assessment are called respondents. 

    The SIS requires at least two qualified respondents. A qualified respondent must have known the person for 3+ months and be able to speak to their day-to-day support needs. Respondents will talk about the types of supports the member needs to be successful. They must attend for the whole assessment. It can take 2 to 3 hours. 

    To ensure the best results from the SIS-A and out of respect for the member’s privacy, it's critical to have the full attention and active participation of all respondents during the assessment. This includes the exclusion of the use of any outside electronics, such as cell phones, laptops, or recording devices.


    During the Assessment 

    The interviewer will explain the process to everyone at the assessment. It’s important that the member attend, if only part of the time. If the member cannot attend, the interviewer will schedule a time to meet them in person prior to the assessment. 


    After the Assessment 

    Once the assessment is completed, members will: 

    • Get their SIS-A results from case manager, by e-mail or mail. 
    • Get ready for their Person-Centered Planning meetings. 
    • Attend their Person-Centered Planning meetings.

    The person-centered information gathered during the assessment process will assist case managers and case management providers with greater clarity around members’ day-to-day support needs. 

    Case managers can use the information from the SIS assessment for greater understanding around the frequency and type of support needed. Information from the SIS assessment may also assist with developing goals.
      

    REMINDER: Currently Seeking Members to Volunteer for Training Assessments

    As shared previously, there is an initial training phase for SIS assessors which began on February 1, 2023. During this period, $100 stipends may be provided to participating members and up to two nonpaid respondents for training assessments, such as family members and friends.

    If you know a member who would be interested in volunteering to participate in a training assessment, call the Help Desk: 833.771.4639 or email: Maine-SIS@maximus.com with the subject line, “Member interested in SIS training assessment participation”.


    TOOLKIT: SIS Resources


    SUPPORT: Contact the Maine SIS Assessments Help Desk

    Do you have other SIS assessment related questions? Contact the Maximus – Maine SIS Help Desk team from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday to learn more:

    Phone: 833.771.4639  

    Email: Maine-SIS@maximus.com

    Program updates and support information are also available on the OADS website, as well as the newly launched Maximus – Maine SIS Assessments tools and resources page. Bookmark these helpful sites and check back to them for frequent updates in the months ahead.

    Sign up for the SIS Assessment Mailing Lists: 
    Review the instructions and click one or both links below to stay updated on all the latest program updates and new resources available.

    Receive program updates from Maximus: Send an email to: Maine-SIS@maximus.com.
    Use the subject line “Add to the Maine SIS Mailing List” and include the following information in the body of your message for all members of your team who should be added to the mailing list: full name, title, facility/organization, email address.

    Receive program updates from OADS: Go to the Office of Aging and Disability Services | Department of Health and Human Services (maine.gov) website and enter your email address in the available field to Receive Updates by Email. You will see options listed for various State offices and programs. Select the checkboxes for the OADS information most relevant to you, then follow the prompts to complete your mailing list setup. 


    LEARN MORE: Who is Maximus? 

    Maximus has extensive experience partnering with state, federal and local governments to administer conflict-free assessment services for persons with intellectual, behavioral health, and developmental disabilities, as well as older adults and individuals with complex medical conditions. This includes current management of the State of Maine – Assessment Services Agency (ASA), which is an integrated service for assisting individuals across a range of support programs. 

    Learn more about Maximus services and capabilities.

  • OADS and Selected Partner, Maximus Announce Planned Mid-Spring 2023 Implementation of Supports Intensity Scale (SIS-A) Needs Assessments | Review Implementation Next Steps, Program Resources and Support

    As shared in recent communications by the State of Maine – Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS), a new program under the “A Path for ME” umbrella is launching the use of the Supports Intensity Scale assessment tool (SIS-A) 2nd edition, with the selected vendor, Maximus, in Mid-Spring 2023. Maximus will provide conflict-free administration of the program’s standardized assessment tool. This tool is developed and maintained by the Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). The SIS-A is a comprehensive planning tool that measures support needs in the areas of home living, community living, lifelong learning, employment, health and safety, and social activities and exceptional medical and behavioral support needs.  
     
    In the months ahead, Maximus and OADS will provide new updates and resources for stakeholders across the state who will support the SIS-A Needs Assessment. Read below to learn some basics about the implementation and next steps in the process, as well as explore some helpful reference guides, contact details for the SIS Assessments Help Desk, and the new program web page. Also included is a visual progress tracker for an at-a-glance view of key milestones for “A Path for ME” SIS-A Assessments and the Lifespan Project transition timeline. 


    “A Path for ME” SIS- A Assessment and Lifespan Project Timeline
     


    Q&A: Understanding the SIS-A Assessment

    Q: Why is this new program being created?  

    A: The initial intent of the SIS-A is to gather data from the assessments to better understand the population served and provide information to guide future service design enhancements to offer innovations in member supports, empower self-direction, and grow community inclusion through services attuned to different needs across the full membership lifespan through the Lifespan Project.   
      
    Q: Who should participate in the assessment?  
      
    A: Participants must include the member and at least two people who have known the member being assessed for at least 3 months and can speak to the members day-to-day support needs. These can be the member, and/or family members, friends, direct support, or staff from residential or day service providers. The community case manager should also attend.  
      
    Q: Is the assessment required?  
      
    A: Participation will be voluntary during the implementation phase between February 2023 and January 1, 2025. It is strongly encouraged to better understand how the information gained through the SIS assessment will be used to generate high quality data for both the person-centered planning process as well as to support the long-term system innovations being developed for the Lifespan Project.   

    Q: Is there a transitional training period before the SIS assessments officially launches in Maine? 
     
    A: Yes. There will be an initial training assessments phase of the program, planned for February 1 through March 15, 2023. During this period, $100 stipends may be provided to participating members and up to two nonpaid assessment respondents, such as family members and friends.  
     
    If you know a member who would be interested in volunteering to participate in a training assessment, call: 833.771.4639 or email: Maine-SIS@maximus.com with the subject line, “Member interested in SIS training assessment participation”. 
      
    Q: What are some of the benefits of the SIS assessment? 
      
    A: For Members and their families, productive conversations lead to decisions on the most appropriate services for the individual, to meet identified needs and move toward goals and desired outcomes.   
     
    Community Case Managers can receive in-depth reporting on the kinds of needs a person has, the frequency and amount of support a person needs, as well as goals and objectives of the member  
     
    Providers benefit from the gathering of person-centered information regarding day-to-day support needs, including support from provider services.   


    RESOURCES: Review “A Path for ME” Presentation + SIS Frequently Asked Questions 
     
    OADS hosted several informative orientation sessions in December, which provided an overview for “A Path for ME”, the SIS-A assessment, and a previous of the implementation timeline and next steps. If you were unable to attend or would like to review the information again, click the links below to review the presentation and explore an initial list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about SIS assessment processes and support.  
     

    • OADS Presentation: Orientation to “A Path for ME” Needs Assessment | Download  
       
    • SIS Assessments – FAQs | Download  


    SUPPORT: Introducing the Maine SIS Assessments Help Desk  
     
    In addition to the resources available about “A Path for ME” and the SIS-A assessment available on the OADS website, Maximus has recently launched a new Maine SIS Assessments tools and resources page, which will provide a growing list of comprehensive program resources, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and other helpful support information. Click the link to bookmark the page: https://maximusclinicalservices.com/svcs/maine_sis and check back to the site periodically for updates. 
     
    A dedicated Help Desk phone line and support email address have also been created to give you additional options to receive support and find answers to your SIS-related questions. Be sure to note these contacts for future reference: 

    Phone: 833.771.4639 | Email: Maine-SIS@maximus.com  
     
    Sign up for the SIS Assessment Mailing Lists: Click one or both of the links below to stay updated on all the latest program updates and new resources. Include the following information for all members of your team who should to be added to the mailing list: full name, title, facility/organization, email address.  

    Receive program updates from Maximus: Email Maine-SIS@maximus.com with the subject line: “Please add me to the Maximus – SIS Assessment Mailing List”  
     
    Receive program updates from OADS: Email OADS.NAproject@maine.gov with the subject line: “Please add me to the OADS – SIS Assessment Mailing List”   


    INSIGHTS: Who is Maximus?  
      
    For over 40 years, Maximus has partnered with state, federal and local governments across the country to administer complex programs that provide individuals with the appropriate care and resources necessary to improve their quality of life. The company has extensive experience in conflict-free assessment services for persons with intellectual, behavioral health, and developmental disabilities, as well as older adults and individuals with complex medical conditions. This includes current management of the State of Maine – Assessment Services Agency (ASA), which is an integrated service for assisting individuals across a range of support programs.  
     
    Learn more about Maximus services and capabilities. 

Resources