Navigating the IHSS parent provider rules home visits can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, understanding the process and the changes to the rules can help simplify your path forward.
Starting in February 2024, significant shifts have been made in how parents can serve as paid providers for their minor children under the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program.
These updates allow more flexibility, especially in cases where parents previously struggled to meet eligibility requirements. Knowing these rules can streamline the experience and share clearer expectations for all parties involved.
What Are IHSS and How Do They Work?
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) are state-supported programs that assist individuals with disabilities, including children, to receive the care they need at home. Notably, these programs vary by state and to learn about available support where you live, it would be best to reach out to your local healthcare services.
Typically, this service covers personal care, domestic tasks, medical supervision, and other important needs that may be too difficult for the individual to handle independently.
A significant shift has occurred regarding the eligibility of parents to become paid IHSS providers for their children. Prior to these changes, the process was more restrictive and specific–especially when determining which parents were eligible to be compensated for delivering care.
New Rules for Parent Providers
As of February 19, 2024, IHSS parent provider rules have been updated.
Parents and family members can now be paid to care for their children, regardless of their previous work or availability status. Under the old rules, parents could only become paid providers if they met certain stringent conditions. These can include being unable to work full-time or being the only available caregiver for the child.
The updated rules offer more flexibility by allowing anyone who has completed the IHSS provider enrollment process to be compensated for providing care. This covers parents who meet the necessary qualifications, such as passing a criminal background check.
It is important to note that eligibility rules for parent providers vary by state, but in many cases, parents can provide this care and be compensated.
The Enrollment Process
To qualify as an IHSS parent provider, you must complete the enrollment process. The process includes a background check conducted by the Department of Justice, verification of your identity, and some basic paperwork that confirms your eligibility.
As a parent CNA, you are required to meet all the same criteria as any other IHSS provider.
While the updated rules have relaxed some of the previous restrictions, it is still necessary for you to follow the standard IHSS enrollment steps. After enrollment, you will be authorized to be paid for providing domestic services, personal care, protective supervision, and paramedical services for your child.
What Services Are Covered?
The new rules expand the services that parents can get paid for. However, some services remain outside the scope of coverage.
The types of care for which a parent provider can be paid include:
- Domestic Services: Tasks such as cleaning, cooking, and grocery shopping.
- Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility.
- Accompaniment: Escorting your child to medical appointments or other services they need.
- Protective Supervision: Monitoring and assuring the safety of your child, especially in situations where they may be at risk.
- Paramedical Services: Care that includes the need for medical skills but does not require a licensed professional.
However, some activities are not covered under IHSS, including teaching and demonstration, yard hazard abatement, and heavy cleaning. These services remain outside the scope of payment.
What If You Are an Undocumented Parent?
One of the important updates to the IHSS parent provider rules involves the situation where a parent is not authorized to work in the United States. Under the old rules, undocumented parents could not be paid as IHSS providers for their children.
The new policy has made it possible for parents who are not authorized to work in the U.S. to hire a non-parent provider for their children. This offers much-needed flexibility for families who were previously unable to receive support under the program.
If you are an undocumented parent, you still have the authority to hire someone else to provide care for your child. Although you may not be able to provide paid care yourself, your child can still receive the benefits of the IHSS program with a provider who is eligible.
Changes for Parents in the Personal Care Services Program
Another change in the IHSS parent provider rules involves children who are currently enrolled in the Personal Care Services Program (PCSP).
Parents of children in this program were previously prohibited from being paid providers. This is because the program followed federal regulations.
With the updated rules, parents can now become paid providers if their child is transferred to the Community First Choice Option (CFCO). This change applies to minor children receiving IHSS. It allows parents to care for their children while being compensated.
If your child is in the PCSP and you want to become their provider, it is possible to request a program transfer to CFCO. Make sure to discuss these changes with your IHSS case manager to confirm that the transition will not affect your child’s IHSS hours or eligibility.
What Happens During the IHSS Home Visit?
One of the key steps in becoming an IHSS provider is completing the home visit.
During this visit, a case manager will assess your child’s needs and determine the level of care required. The case manager will also evaluate if you qualify as a parent provider and make sure that all necessary documentation is in place.
Before the home visit, it is important to gather all necessary paperwork. This includes medical documentation, identification, and proof of eligibility to work (if you are planning to be your child’s provider).
If you are a Parent CNA, this process will likely be smoother since you are already familiar with the requirements and standards for caregiving.
During the visit, the case manager will review your child’s care plan and ask you questions about your child’s daily needs. They will also go over your qualifications and any other required forms.
It is a good idea to be well-prepared by reviewing the Functional Index Ranking. This helps the caseworker assess the child’s skills and needs in various areas such as self-care and mobility.
How Voyager Home Health Care Can Help
Voyager Home Health Care focuses on helping families navigate the IHSS process, including assisting with understanding and meeting the new parent provider eligibility rules. Our team is experienced in helping families prepare for home visits. We provide guidance on what to expect during the enrollment process.
If you need support with IHSS parent provider rules home visits or any other caregiving services, we are here to help you every step of the way. With our assistance, you can be confident that your child will receive the care they need. Contact us today.
