In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) applicants/recipients must obtain a certification from a licensed healthcare provider affirming the inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) without assistance. Personal care services are provided to applicants/recipients who have a chronic, disabling condition that causes functional impairment that is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months, or that is likely to result in death within 12 months and who are unable to remain safely at home without services.
Qualifying Licensed Health Care Professionals (LHCPs) are defined as individuals who provide treatment or diagnosis for physical or mental conditions contributing to physical limitations. Qualifying LHCPs include, but are not limited to, physicians, physician assistants, regional center clinicians or clinician supervisors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, optometrists, ophthalmologists, or public health nurses.
The condition for which the SOC 873 certification form is completed must fall within the LHCP’s licensed scope of practice. For example, only an optometrist can sign off on an SOC 873 that claims IHSS benefits for vision related issues.
Nurse practitioners (NPs) are now officially recognized as authorized signatories for the SOC 873 form. California’s Department of Social Services (CDSS) determined that NPs are permitted to complete the form even without certification authorized under AB 890 because their existing scope of practice included diagnosing and treating physical and mental conditions that qualify recipients for IHSS. However, Registered Nurses (RNs) remain ineligible due to their limited authority to diagnose or prescribe treatment in California.
Counties must verify that all sections of SOC 873 are complete. If information is missing but otherwise verifiable, counties may accept the form without delay and contact the appropriate health care professional. If the LHCP responds no to the disabling condition question on the SOC 873 form and the county disagrees with the assessment, counties are encouraged to contact the LHCP and clarify their diagnosis.
County officials may now accept modified SOC 873 forms submitted through electronic medical record systems. Examples include discharge papers and other medical documentation that can substantiate a recipient’s need for the IHSS program.
However, modifications to SOC 821 (Protective Supervision Assessment) and SOC 321 (Paramedical Services Request) are prohibited. Original state-sanctioned versions must be used. County welfare departments (CWDs) must assist applicants/recipients in submitting original SOC 821 and SOC 321 forms as soon as possible.
Providers cannot charge applicants for completing forms affirming eligibility for public benefits like IHSS. If this practice is reported, the county must inform applicants of their rights and prevent illegal charges. (ACL 24-89, November 26, 2024.)
