DRV8818: PPAD GND connection

Part Number:DRV8818

I have a hand-wired prototype for the DRV8818 to drive a small stepper motor.  Because the current required is very low I wondered if I could get away with not connecting the PPAD.  The data sheet makes no mention of electrical connection requirement (only thermal).  Reading some other posts on similar motor drivers suggests that there is a need for electrical connection to GND.  Can you confirm that?  It would be very difficult to modify at this point, so I want to be sure of the need before doing it.

Thanks,

Greg