As reported in previous editions of PASC E-News, legislation recently signed into law will change the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program in various ways. Two of the key changes that will eliminate services to certain consumers while reducing hours for others were set to be implemented on September 1st. However, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has recently announced that these changes will be delayed so that sufficient notification can be given to those consumers who will be affected. (State laws mandates that a consumer be notified of any reduction of services no less than 10 days prior to the effective date.) CDSS has not issued a new effective date.
 
Below is a quick summary of the cuts and changes that will be implemented to the IHSS Program over the next 18 months. For more detailed information, please visit our website at www.pascla.org.
 
Elimination of IHSS services for consumers who have a functional index score of less than 2 - effective date unknown (originally scheduled for September 1st)

 
Reductions in hours for domestic and related services for consumers with functional rankings of less than 4 in those categories  - effective date unknown (originally scheduled for September 1st) 
 
Elimination of the Share of Cost (SOC) Buyout Program - effective October 1st

 

Requirement that all providers submit fingerprints and clear criminal background investigations before being eligible to be paid as an IHSS homecare worker - effective October 1st (Current providers have until June 30, 2010 to meet this requirement.)

Requirement that all IHSS providers complete a provider orientation meeting at the time of enrollment - effective November 1st (Current providers have until June 30, 2010 to meet this requirement.)

 

Requirement that all consumers and their providers submit fingerprints to the county at the time of their assessment/reassessment - effective April 2010

Requirement that both consumers and providers place an index fingerprint on each timesheet submitted - effective July 2011

Requirement that providers receive a list of authorized tasks for each consumer they work for, and sign an acknowledgment of eligible services - effective December 2011

 

Requirement that provider identification be verified in-person by a county worker - effective July 28, 2009

Requirement that social workers conduct unannounced home visits - effective July 28, 2009

Change in policy that restricts a provider's ability to receive paychecks at a P.O. box - effective July 28, 2009

Reduction in Funding for Public Authorities - effective September 1st

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