In-Home Hours Service Group Validation - January 2026 Update

Hello Case Management Entity and ODDS Staff!

In our January 2026 update on In-Home Hours Service Group Validation, we’re going to cover In-Home Hours Exceptions, and how those are implemented in eXPRS as In-home Hour Add Ons. We’ll review basics about exceptions, including:

• When and why exceptions may be needed
• The three main reasons for exceptions
• How ODDS reviews and processes these requests
• What happens in eXPRS when exceptions are approved

We’ll also have a demonstration showing how In-home Hour Add Ons work in eXPRS. Click the link to the January 2026 Update video below to learn more!

What are In Home Hour Exceptions?

Most individuals can meet their needs with the hours in their service group. A services coordinator or personal agent helps plan how to use those hours so the individual can live the life they want. 

But some individuals need more hours than their service group allows. If an individual can’t meet their needs with the hours they have, there are options:

• They can ask their services coordinator or personal agent to review their Oregon Needs Assessment.

• If their Oregon Needs Assessment is correct and they still can’t meet their needs with the hours they have, they can ask for an exception.

• Their Services Coordinator or Personal Agent has 14 days to submit the Exception Request. 
  • An individual’s hours will not go down while they wait for a decision. ODDS is working hard to complete these exceptions requests in a timely fashion. ODDS will send the individual a notice with the decision and their rights for next steps.

What Are the Reasons for an Exception?

There are three main reasons an individual can get an exception.

Intermittent Needs

Sometimes, an individual has needs that occur throughout the day—without warning. These aren’t things that can be scheduled, because it’s unknown when the support will be needed, and the hours in the service group aren’t enough to cover it.

If these needs aren’t met right away, the individual could get hurt or sick. 

Needs Take Longer Than Usual

Sometimes, an individual’s needs take much more time to support than others with similar assessed needs, and the additional time needed exceeds the hours they have available.

If it takes a lot of extra time to meet these needs, this means the individual might have a specific support need that takes longer than usual.

Social Isolation

This occurs when an individual’s needs take up the hours they have available, and there’s no time left for community activities like doing errands, recreation, dining out etc.

They need help to go out, but can’t get into the community at least 20 hours a week for these types of activities.

How Does ODDS Handle Exception Requests? 

ODDS staff review every exception request carefully to make sure it matches the individual’s documented needs. They look at the Oregon Needs Assessment, the Individual Support Plan, and any other supporting documentation, along with the details provided in the request. ODDS staff might even reach out for more information and give time to respond.

When ODDS approves an exception, an In-home Hour Add On is entered into the individual’s Plan of Care by ODDS staff.

Once the Add On has been entered, Case Management Entity Staff will be notified, and the Authorizations, Plan Lines, and Authorized Monthly Hours can be updated as needed.

Upcoming Training Presentation

We’re happy to share that a presentation on In-Home Hours Service Group Validation will be delivered in February by the eXPRS system trainer!

This presentation will be recorded and made available shortly after it is complete. It will include a review of all the materials that we’ve prepared and sent during the last months, so it’s a great chance to revisit key points and make sure everything is clear.

Additional Resources 

• In Home Hours and Exceptions for Individuals and Families - A two-pager explaining how an individual can request extra in‑home service hours when their needs go beyond standard limits. 
  
  
• Compass Website > Information for Individuals and Families - This web page contains information on requesting exceptions for additional in‑home hours. It also outlines the steps and timelines for approval.
  
  
• ODDS Website > Ask for an Exception - This webpage contains detailed descriptions of the In-Home Hours Exception Process. It covers criteria, request submission, and how approved hours are maintained while awaiting a decision.
  
  
• In-Home Hours Exception Worker Guide - The new Exceptions Worker Guide, which was updated as of October 2025.

What will we cover in future communications?

Here’s what's coming next:

1. February 2026 – Additional guidance for specific situations involving In-Home Hour Add Ons.
   
   
2. March 2026 – Recap available resources, including trainings, guides and other eXPRS and ODDS content.
   
   
3. April 2026 – Any additional updates or guidance that is available.

Questions or Feedback?

Click the Survey button below to share your eXPRS-related questions or topics you'd like to learn more about. 

Need Assistance?

Our team is always here to assist you!  If you encounter issues or need help with working in eXPRS, please submit a Technical Assistance Request by selecting Customer Service > eXPRS Technical Assistance Request from the top menu bar.

These get routed to the eXPRS Technical Assistance Unit for follow up and resolution of your issues. You can also email us at our Info.eXPRS@odhsoha.oregon.gov inbox.

For any policy related questions, email ODDS.Questions@odhsoha.oregon.gov