As a result of the California budget deficit there are changes to the State Law that affect In Home Supportive Services - (IHSS) effective July 1, 2010. This is comprised of three steps for providers.

1. Fill out the IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426).

2. Attend Provider Orientation session.

3. Fingerprinting and Criminal Background check.

All providers receive the SOC 426 in the mail along with the date and time to attend the forty-five minute orientation. At the end of the Orientation you receive an envelope packet that contains forms to take to the fingerprinting and background check. There is a listing of locations with a website to find a more extensive listing.

Providers need to bring their original Social Security Card and ID to the session along with a copy of these. I brought along my kids since my sessions was scheduled for a Saturday, but only Providers go into the room for the Orientation. There was a waiting room for all others.

It is advised to call and schedule the fingerprinting and good to check the cost as they range from $50-75 total for the fingerprinting and background check. I went to a location that utilizes a digital scan, but mine were rejected due to not having any lines on my fingers. I believe this is due to having new skin on my fingers from my eczema. The next step for me is to find a police department that uses ink.

The documents mention the results from the fingerprinting and background check take ten days. This has to be done through the Department of Justice and not just at any fingerprint facility. This is known as live scan. With all these changes comes new acronyms and terminology.

The following are some explanations of these:

DHCS - Department of Health Care Services
CDSS - California Department of Social Services
NOA - Notice of Action
CPS - Children's Protective Services
APS - County Adult Protective Services
PASC - Personal Assistance Service Council
SEIU - Service Employees International Union
CBI - Criminal Background Investigation
DOJ - Department of Justice
DPSS - Department of Public Social Services


PASC Provider Enrollment Call Center - 1-800-565-4482
IHSS Ombudsman- 1-888-678-4477
Home care training center (not mandated)- 1-886-888-8213
IHSS application hotline - 1-888-944-4477
Elder Abuse Hotline in Los Angeles County - 213-351-5401
Adult Protective services - 1-888-202-4248
PASC (maintains IHSS registry) - 1-877-565-4477
Medi-Cal Fraud and Abuse - 1-800-822-6222

Live scan sites - www.ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.htm

Information on becoming an IHSS Provider - www.cdss.ca.gov/agedblinddisabled/PG1830.htm

Medi-Cal Abuse and Fraud - www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/StopMedi-CalFraud.aspx


The Orientation covers the history and purpose of IHSS, provider qualities, provider tips, health issues, functional ability, emergencies and important phone numbers. There is also a document that covers the services and a time conversion chart. IHSS Providers are mandated reporters - meaning by law you must report any suspected abuse to APS or CPS.

"An elder is anyone aged 65 or older. Dependent adult is anyone between the ages of 18 and 64 who has physical or mental limitations that keep them from carrying out normal daily activities or protecting their own rights."

The services covered:

Accompaniment to Alternative Resources
Accompaniment to Medical Appointments - not for transportation
Bathing, Oral Hygiene/Grooming
Bowel and Bladder Care
Care/Assistance with Prosthesis -includes helping with meds
Domestic (housework) - this does not include wash walls or windows
Dressing
Feeding
Heavy Cleaning
Meal Cleanup
Menstrual Care
Move In/Out of Bed
Other Shopping Errands - not include paying bills
Paramedical Services
Prepare Meals
Protective Supervision
Remove Ice/Snow
Respiration Assistance - non-medical services
Routine Bed baths
Routine Laundry
Rub Skin/Repositioning - does not include pressure sores
Shopping for Food
Teaching/Demonstration - how to do tasks
Yard Hazard Abatement - not gardening

" Do not put time on the timesheet for days that the consumer is in the hospital, a nursing home, board and care facility, or in jail."

If you visit the consumer while they are in the Hospital you will not be paid. There is no pay for providers to go clean the provider home after they go into an Institution or if they pass away. There are exceptions though. You should also consult with the county worker before accompanying the consumer on vacation.

Services not covered:

Moving furniture
reading the mail to the consumer
caring for pets
gardening
paying bills
taking the consumer on social outings
watching tv with the consumer or visiting

"Every provider must have a valid residential mailing address. This should not be a post office box unless you have explained to the county and they have given you permission to use it."

"IMPORTANT: Beginning July 1, 2011, both of you must put your index fingerprint on every timesheet."

November 2, 1010 is the Election for Governor in the State of California, so who knows what changes could occur with a new Governor - only time will tell. A good website to subscribe to Sacramento happenings pertaining to IHSS is Advocacy without Borders at http://www.cdcan.us/