Q. What is IM4Q?
A. IM4Q stands for the Independent Monitoring for Quality Program. Our mission is to gather and convey perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities to ensure their quality of life.

Q. How did IM4Q originate?
A. In 1997, the Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) to Pennsylvania’s Office of Developmental Disabilities (ODP) suggested that Pennsylvania establish the capability for independent monitoring.

Q. Who can be an independent monitor?
A. People with disabilities, family members and concerned citizens participate in monitoring services as long as they are free of conflict. Local IM4Q Programs have no conflicts of interest with the mental retardation system.

Q. Who do monitors interview?
A. People who live in any of the following settings have the opportunity to be interviewed: licensed community homes, with their families or companions, independently, in intermediate care facilities, nursing facilities, personal care homes, family living providers, and domiciliary care units.

Q. How are people chosen to be surveyed?
A. Each year the County Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) is provided with a random sample from the HCSIS (Home and Community Services Information System) database. The County IM4Q Coordinator, Residential Provider, or Supports Coordinator completes the pre-survey and sends it to the IM4Q program office for scheduling.

Q. What happens with the information?
A. All information is confidential. The information is entered into the HCSIS database. This information may then be utilized (with consumer consent) to assist provider agency report, which indicates providers strengths and areas of improvement, to benefit consumers and/or families of consumer receiving services.

Q. What are the results of the survey used for?
A. The County MH/MR Program uses the results of interviews for quality improvement purposes, such as making changes to the person’s Individual Support Plan (ISP) that the team feels will improve the quality of life for the person.

Q. Who may I contact with more questions?
A. Please contact the Director of IM4Q, Suson Akakpo-Martin or www.dpw.state.pa.us.