Support Intensity Scale (SIS ®) and Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) Assessments

The Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) and the Supports Intensity Scale (SIS®) are the DDA-required assessment tools to identify risks and needed supports for people receiving DDA-funded supports. All people receiving waiver services are required to have an HRST on an annual basis. It should be updated any time there is a life-changing circumstance. The SIS® is part of the person-centered planning process and is required for all people receiving DDA services. Telligen, a DDA contractor, continues to complete an initial SIS® with all participants and a reassessment on a five-year cycle. It is imperative that the SIS assessment is done prior to the annual PCP date so that it can be used as part of the planning process. Please read the letter from Deputy Secretary Bernard Simons.

The Health Risk Screening Tool (HRST) is used to detect health risks and destabilization EARLY. The HRST assigns scores to 22 health and behaviorally related rating items. The total points result in a Health Care Level with an associated degree of health risk. Health Care Levels (HCL) can range from 1 through 6; Level 1 being the lowest risk for health concerns and Level 6 being the highest risk of health concerns. It is important to understand that the HRST measures health risk not disability.

In May of 2016, the DDA launched the Supports Intensity Scale assessment tool. The SIS® measures the person’s support needs in personal, work-related, and social activities in order to identify and describe the types and intensity of the supports an individual requires. SIS® was designed to be part of person-centered planning processes that help all individuals identify their unique preferences, skills, and life goals.

More Information For more information on the HRST, please visit the DDA HRST webpage . For more information on the SIS®, please visit the DDA SIS® webpage , which includes Frequently Asked Questions. Also, you may visit the  American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) .

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Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration 201 W. Preston St. | Baltimore MD, 21201 dda.health.maryland.gov

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