Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q)
Independent Monitoring for Quality is an innovative statewide program developed by the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP). This unique system of monitoring the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disabilities was a result of ODP's Multi-year Planning. IM4Q programs were established throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1999 by the Department of Welfare. IM4Q is one of the methods the state uses to measure the quality of services. The purpose of IM4Q is to gather information from recipients to improve their quality of life, to improve the quality or PA's intellectual disability service system, and to offer an additional safeguard for the health and wellbeing of individuals receiving services. IM4Qs, which are independent of the County and Providers of Service, visit individuals receiving services to learn about their lives and to assist them with accessing the opportunities to choose and realize their goals of where and how they learn, live, work and socialize. This information is entered into a statewide data base where provider agencies, the local MH/IDD office, and the state ODP can view aggregate results to improve the quality of the service system. As a result of the IM4Q Program, individuals have moved into supportive settings of their choice, explored employment opportunities, increased their community presence, and are living Everyday Lives. Chester County’s IM4Q is the only stand-alone organization in Pennsylvania which is consistent with the state’s original spirit and intent.
Social Security Administration (SSA) Representative Payee Services.
Independent Monitoring Corporation is an approved SSA Organization and provides services for individuals who are in need of a helping hand to manage their budgets and funds. For a modest fee, the following services are provided:
- Meeting with the individual/beneficiary and team to determine specific needs and budgets.
- Contacting and meeting with the Social Security Office to arrange for the appointment of Independent Monitoring Corporation to serve as representative payee.
- Establishing and maintaining a direct-deposit, interest-bearing checking account for the beneficiary; writing, distributing checks and balancing the account.
- Planning and tracking of benefits to ensure that individuals who receive Waiver will not be in jeopardy of losing funding and informing the Social Security Office of changes that could impact the individual's benefits.
- Completing required reports and providing an annual summary of beneficiary benefits and expenditures.
Money Follows the Person (MFP)
Independent Monitoring Corporation is authorized by the MFP to conduct the Quality of Life Survey which is sponsored by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the state of Pennsylvania. MFP is a program designed to help Medicaid beneficiaries transition out of institutional care into the community. Results from the study helps CMS and the state of Pennsylvania to evaluate how well its programs are meeting the needs of Medicaid beneficiaries.
