Intake & Eligibility Criteria
Starting Intake
You can start the ID/A intake process for yourself or a family member by contacting an intake coordinator
After talking to our intake staff, you will be sent a letter outlining the documentation that must be submitted as part of the intake process. A full list of documentation that is required can be found by clicking here. If you still have questions about the ID/A intake process, please email Stephen Caughie.
Eligibility Requirements
Please click on the tabs below for more information on basic eligibility requirements for registration.
- Intellectual Disabilities (ID)
- Autism (ASD)
- Developmental Disability (DD)
- Medically Complex Children
Intellectual Disability (ID)
Intellectual disability (ID) is a condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. It effects many everyday social and practical skills and emerges during the developmental period (birth to age 22).
Eligibility Criteria for Registration
To be eligible for ID services through Bucks County BH/DP, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Full-scale IQ score of 70 or below on a standardized intelligence test.
- Substantial functional limitations based upon a standardized assessment of adaptive functioning (either the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales [VABS] or Adaptive Behavioral Assessment Scales [ABAS])
- Two or more areas of limitation are required for registration.
- Three or more areas of limitation are required for Waiver eligibility.
- Diagnosis of intellectual disability from a qualified professional.
Autism (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition characterized by significant deficits in social communication and/or social interaction, and restricted/repetitive pattern of behaviors, interests or activities. It fully emerges during the developmental period (birth to age 22.)
Eligibility Criteria for Registration
To be eligible for Autism services through Bucks County BH/DP, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Applicants with autism must be enrolled in Medical Assistance. Click here if you would like to apply for Medical Assistance .
- Substantial functional limitations based upon a standardized assessment of adaptive functioning (either the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales [VABS] or Adaptive Behavioral Assessment Scales [ABAS])
- Three or more areas of limitation are required for both registration and Waiver eligibility.
- Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, based upon the results of a standardized diagnostic tool.
- Recommended for ICF/ORC Level of Care, based upon a medical evaluation (MA-51.)
A Developmental Disability is a condition of substantial developmental delay or specific congenital or acquired conditions with a high probability of resulting in intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder, the disability manifested prior to the age of 9 and the disability is likely to continue indefinitely.
Eligibility Criteria for Registration
To be eligible for developmental disability services through Bucks County BH/DP, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Must be 8 years of age or younger
- Applicants with a developmental disability must be enrolled in Medical Assistance. Click here to apply for Medical Assistance
- A diagnosis of developmental disability, based upon the results of a standardized diagnostic assessment.
- Substantial functional limitations based upon a standardized assessment of adaptive functioning (either an ABAS-3 or VABS-3).
- Recommended for ICF/ORC Level of Care, based upon a medical evaluation (MA-51.)
A Medically Complex Condition is a chronic health condition that affects three or more organ systems, and that the individual requires medically necessary skilled nursing intervention to execute medical regimens to use technology for respiration, nutrition, medication administration or other bodily functions.
Eligibility Criteria for Registration
To be eligible for Medically Complex Condition services through Bucks County BH/DP, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Must be 21 years of age or younger
- Applicants with medically complex condition must be enrolled in Medical Assistance. Click here to apply for Medical Assistance
- Have a Medically Complex condition, based on the results of a diagnostic assessment and documented on an DP 1090.
- Substantial functional limitations based upon a standardized assessment of adaptive functioning (either the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales [VABS-3] or Adaptive Behavioral Assessment Scales [ABAS-3])
- Three or more areas of limitation are required for both registration and Waiver eligibility.
- Recommended for ICF/ORC Level of Care, based upon a medical evaluation (MA-51.)