COVID-19 updates to IHSS changes

The California Department of Social Services has provided information about the status of changes to In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) policies because of COVID-19.

Counties should continue to use video-conferencing for IHSS initial assessments when the applicant or someone in the household has been infected with COVID-19, has symptoms of COVID-19, or has been exposed to COVID-19 in the two weeks prior to the initial assessment. Counties may continue to use telephone or videoconferencing for annual reassessments as needed until the end of the State of Emergency in California

Counties may continue to accept self-attestation instead of original signatures on most required forms through September 30, 2021.  Original signatures are required on the SOC 321 for Paramedical Services, the SOC 839 Authorized Representative form, and the SOC 862 Request for Provider Waiver.  Original signatures are required on new forms beginning October 1, 2021.

Counties continue to allow a 45-day good cause extension for submitting the SOC 873 Health Care Certification Form through September 30, 2021.

The current emergency provider backup system for IHSS recipients whose providers cannot work because of COVID-19 is extended to December 31, 2021.

Provider enrollment requirements were waived between April and August, 2021.  Providers who have not yet completed orientation now have until September 30, 2021 to complete orientation.  Provider orientation can be done remotely.

Waiving of presentation and photocopying of original documentation for providers is waived until September 30, 2021.  On or after October 1, 2021, applicant providers must present original documentation verifying identity.

For Quality Assurance/Program Integrity Home Visits, counties should continue to use videoconferencing if when the applicant or someone in the household has been infected with COVID-19, has symptoms of COVID-19, or has been exposed to COVID-19 in the two weeks prior to the initial assessment until the end of the State of Emergency.  (ACL 21-79, July 19, 2021.)