The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has authorized counties to suspend any scheduled In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) reassessments through June 30, 2020. However, initial assessments must continue to be done face-to-face. Social workers should try to collect as much information as possible by telephone prior to the assessment to minimize the time spent in the applicant’s home.
Counties may continue to conduct reassessments by phone, but any adverse action shall not take effect until June 30, 2020.
Counties should prioritize activities related to applicants and recipients receiving timely authorization of services. These activities include initial assessments, requests for reassessment because of change in condition or circumstances (including loss of alternative resources because of COVID-19), enrollment of providers, and answering phone calls from providers and recipients. (ACL 20-26, March 24, 2020.)