The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has issued guidance regarding an exception to IHSS applicants submitting the SOC 873 Health Care Certification prior to authorization of IHSS services.
Counties can consider all new IHSS applicants who are unable to obtain a SOC 873 from their licensed heath care provider because of COVID-19 to be considered at imminent risk of out of home placement and therefore have good cause for not submitting the SOC 873 prior to authorization of services. These applicants should have good cause to submit the SOC 873 up to 90 days from the date it is requested by county. Counties may authorize IHSS services pending receipt of the SOC 873 for 90 days from the date of the county request for applicants who meet all eligibility requirements. (ACIN I-28-20, March 30, 2020.)