Consumer/Provider Questions

What if the consumer already has a provider?
What if the consumer hires a new provider?
What if the consumer’s new provider is currently working for another consumer?
What if the consumer’s new provider has already met the new requirements?
Where does the provider go for orientation and fingerprinting?
Who pays for the provider’s fingerprinting?

What if the consumer already has a provider?

Any provider who began working for the consumer prior to November 1, 2009, was enrolled with the county, and is being paid may continue to work for the consumer without interruption in services. However, they must complete all of the below requirements to continue being the consumer’s homecare provider:

• • 1. Complete a new Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) and submit it to the county in person
    2. Present, in person, an original government-issued photo ID (must be current) and Social Security card, along with photocopies of both documents
    3. Review the state-mandated materials used for new provider orientations
    4. Complete a new Provider Enrollment Agreement (SOC 846) stating that they understand and agree to the IHSS Program rules and regulations
    5. Submit to and clear a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) as administered by the State Department of Justice at their own expense

If the consumer has a current provider, they should contact the IHSS office that handles the consumer’s case for more information on completing the above requirements.

What if the consumer hires a new provider?

To add or change a provider, the consumer must call their provider clerk.

All new IHSS providers (i.e., providers who are not currently working for any consumers) must be enrolled with the county before they are eligible for payment through the IHSS Program. In order to enroll, providers must:

• • 1. Complete and sign the IHSS Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426). The form must be submitted to the county in person and original documentation verifying provider’s identity (e.g. current photo identification and social security card) must be provided for photocopying by the county;
    2. Attend an on-site provider orientation to obtain information about IHSS rules and requirements for being a provider;
    3. Complete a new Provider Enrollment Agreement (SOC 846) stating that they understand and agree to the IHSS Program rules and regulations
    4. Submit to and clear a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI) as administered by the State Department of Justice at their own expense

The consumer’s new IHSS provider will not be able to receive payment from the IHSS Program until they have completed the above process. They should contact the IHSS office that handles your case for more information on completing the above requirements.

In addition, the consumer will need to complete an IHSS Recipient Designation Form (SOC 426A) for their new provider. The consumer can obtain this form by contacting your IHSS provider clerk or social worker.

What if the consumer’s new provider is currently working for another consumer?

If the person who the consumer decides to hire is currently receiving payment for work done for another IHSS consumer and has already met the requirements listed under “What if the consumer already has a provider?”, the consumer will only need to complete an IHSS Recipient Designation Form (SOC 426A) before they begin to work for them. However, if the provider has not met the new requirements, they will need to do so before getting paid for the services they provide for the consumer.

What if the consumer’s new provider has already met the new requirements?

If the person who the consumer hires has already met the above requirements, they do not have to go through the enrollment process again. The consumer will only need to complete an IHSS Recipient Designation Form (SOC 426A)

Where does the provider go for orientation and fingerprinting?

If the provider has not started the enrollment process, they should contact the IHSS office that handles the consumer’s case to schedule an orientation. Information on completing the CBI process will be given to the provider’s at the orientation meeting.

Who pays for the provider’s fingerprinting?

According to the new state law, the provider must pay for their own fingerprints.