Dear DDS Provider Community and Colleagues,

Over the past several months, the Office of Quality Enhancement (OQE) has been working closely with the PBS Implementation Team to review and revise the Licensure & Certification (L&C) indicators related to Positive Behavior Support (PBS). We know providers are eager to understand the timeline for when OQE will begin reviewing the applicable PBS indicators. This update outlines our current progress and anticipated rollout schedule. We appreciate your patience as we take a thoughtful and deliberate approach to ensure clarity and readiness for implementation.

There will be multiple opportunities to provide input through the survey, town halls, and pilot exit interviews. Our goal is to ensure PBS requirements are clearly reflected in the indicators, expectations are transparent, and implementation is both feasible and person-centered. Additional details, including survey links and town hall dates, will be shared as we approach January 2026.

Where We Are Now

• OQE, in partnership with the PBS Implementation Team, has been reviewing existing L&C indicators to determine the updates needed to align with PBS regulations, including 115 CMR 5.14.
• We are revising indicators that are directly tied to PBS components to clarify expectations for providers and surveyors and improve statewide consistency.
• We continue to coordinate with clinical staff to ensure alignment between clinical expectations, regulations, and licensing requirements.
• OQE is close to finalizing the draft indicators that will be shared for review and feedback.

Rollout Plan & Timeline

January 2026 – Release of Draft Indicators and Guidance

• DDS will publish the draft PBS-related L&C indicators and guidance.
• Providers and stakeholders will be invited to review the drafts and provide feedback through an online survey and town hall meetings scheduled for February and March.
• The town halls will offer an opportunity to walk through the indicators, discuss intent, answer questions, and gather input.

Early Spring 2026 – Pilot of Revised Indicators

• OQE will pilot the revised indicators with providers already scheduled for reviews during this period.
• The pilot will test the indicators across service types and regions. These indicators will not be scored.
• Feedback will be gathered through provider exit interviews and input from QE surveyors.
• Pilot results will inform further adjustments to the indicators and guidance.

Late Spring 2026 – Final Revisions

• DDS will review all feedback from providers, stakeholders, survey teams, and the pilot.
• The finalized PBS-related L&C indicators and associated guidance will then be released.

Summer 2026 – Full Implementation

• The revised PBS-related L&C indicators will be fully integrated into the survey process by Summer 2026.

Thank you for your partnership and patience as we work to integrate PBS more fully into the Licensure & Certification process. We look forward to your feedback and continued collaboration.

Sincerely,

Michelle Stomboly-Lorenzo, Director of Licensing and Certification

Office of Quality Enhancement

Dr. Maryjane Fellows-Leavitt, Senior Psychologist, DDS