Extension of COVID-19 exceptions to IHSS program requirements

The California Department of Social Services has provided guidance regarding extension of COVID-19 related exceptions for self-attestation of In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) forms.  County IHSS offices should begin transitioning back to in-person initial assessments and reassessments when possible.  When initial assessments and re-assessments are in person, required forms should be presented signed and collected at the assessment.

However, when the applicant or recipient or someone in their household has been infected with, has symptoms of, or has been exposed to COVID-19 in the two weeks prior to the assessment or re-assessment, the county should use telephone or video-conference to conduct the assessment. In such cases self-attestation of documents is acceptable.  This policy will continue until the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency.  However, some forms cannot be self-attested.  Original signatures may be mailed to the county IHSS for the Request for Order and Consent—Paramedical Services (SOC 321), IHSS Designation of Authorized Representative (SOC 839); and the IHSS Recipient’s Request for Provider Waiver (SOC 862).

When the COVID-19 state of emergency ends, the county must require original signatures on new forms at the recipient’s next annual reassessment.

Counties could accept copies of provider identity verification documents until September 30, 2021. However, when closure of county IHSS offices is required by their local Board of Supervisors, counties can continue to accept mailed in copies or fax copies of identity verification documents until the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency.  When the state of emergency ends, all applicant providers will again be required to present original identity verification documents.  Providers who provide copies of their identity verification documents will not be required to present original documents.  (ACL 21-112, September 29, 2021.)