To learn more about the SIS®
Watch these SIS® Videos produced by the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
Supports Intensity Scale® (SIS)
A Measure for Success
What is the Supports Intensity Scale?
The Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) is a list of items that focus on the supports needed for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) to reach their goals. The SIS results give useful information for creating Individual Support Plans (ISP) for each person's unique needs.
The Supports Intensity Scale® (SIS) - Adult/Child
- is a national assessment tool designed by experts for people with I/DD disabilities ages 5 and older
- identifies and measures the supports needed for an individual to successfully participate in various life activities
- is completed through a positive interview process every two years for children and every three years for adults.
Who receives an SIS® assessment?
Anyone getting services through the NC Innovations Waiver must complete an SIS. The SIS gives very valuable information to us and you.
Anyone getting services through the NC Innovations Waiver must complete an SIS. The SIS gives very valuable information to us and you.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires everyone in a Medicaid waiver to have a valid, comprehensive assessment. NC Medicaid uses the Supports Intensity Scale-Adult Version® (SIS-A®) to fulfill this requirement for anyone ages 16 and older. The SIS-A® was created to measure the supports a person needs to be successful in their daily life. Since 2016, each person receiving Innovation Waiver services has participated in a Supports Intensity Scale Assessment.
Since 2016, our law says each person on the Innovations Waiver must have a support budget. NC Medicaid works with the Human Services Research Institute to evaluate the support budget model to decide whether any changes will be needed to better support individuals on the Innovations Waiver.
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