Assistance and Guidance for Independent Providers

Assistance and Guidance for Independent Providers

Ohioans with developmental disabilities and their families depend on independent providers to deliver personalized care, which they require to remain healthy and safe. Due to the increased need for independent providers in Ohio’s support system for people with developmental disabilities, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is providing the following assistance to encourage more independent providers to be certified and start providing critical services during the state of emergency. The DODD website offers details about how to become an independent provider. In addition to the information on the website, DODD is providing the assistance detailed below.   Independent Certification Initial Application Fee Waived   To help strengthen the provider community during this challenging time, DODD is waiving the $125 initial application fee for people who apply to be independent providers between November 23, 2020, and January 5, 2021. The application for certification must be submitted between these dates to receive a $0 checkout fee.   Background Check Assistance   In Ohio, Webcheck locations have adjusted their hours and process to accommodate COVID-19 safety measures for applicants to request an Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) check under reason code “5123.169 Applicant for a supported living certificate,” and reason code “5126.28 Employment with DODD” for those who will need a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) check because they lived outside of Ohio in the past 5 years. Background checks provided by Webcheck locations are subject to the regular fees associated with that service.   DODD operated Developmental Centers (DC) throughout Ohio will provide free background checks for independent provider applicants on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Applicants requesting the background check should follow the following procedure:   The applicant will call the DC human resources (HR) manager to make an appointment. The HR manager will provide DC specific instructions for where the applicant should report.    Applicant must report within a 10-minute window of appointment time. Upon entry to the DC, the applicant will be required to be screened and wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the DC. Background check results will be mailed from the DC to DODD provider certification to verify as part of your application.   Applicants should use the following contact information for Developmental Centers when scheduling a background check:

Training and Service Changes  Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) training requirements are not being collected as part of the certification application at this time. The applicant may upload a blank page to that part of the independent provider application.   First Aid and CPR online-only classes are being accepted, with in-person requirements to resume in the future.   When entering Supplier ID on the application, be aware that the Supplier ID number and the Registration number from Ohio Shared Services for an account are very similar. Supplier ID numbers can be obtained here.   Exceeding 60 Hours for Services    During this state of emergency, independent providers are enabled to exceed the 60-hour ceiling for providing services, if necessary, to maintain the health and safety of people receiving supports. Independent providers will still require authorization from the SSA. Independent providers may be authorized to deliver overtime hours through verbal or electronic authorization from the County Board prior to individual service plan (ISP) updates. Payment authorization for waiver services (PAWS) updates may be needed to reflect additional units for payment.   Alternative Service Delivery Methods    For independent providers who are currently certified but not engaged in the delivery of services, or who may only be providing services on a part-time basis, there are many opportunities available to meet this high demand for service. Notify the local county board of developmental disabilities (CBDD) of the willingness to assist more people Contract with an agency provider for services Be hired as an employee of an agency provider   Director Jeff Davis shares his message emphasizing the need for independent providers to increase their availability throughout Ohio.   If you are an independent provider with current, active certification, you may be hired by an agency provider without undergoing some of the traditional hiring requirements.   Agency providers hiring independent providers for direct services may forgo obtaining a BCI check if the independent provider is currently certified by DODD. Additionally, the agency can assume initial training requirements have been met as part of the independent provider certification process but must provide the independent provider with major unusual incidents (MUIs) and unusual incidents (UIs) training specific to the agency.   Please reach out to DODD.Support@dodd.ohio.gov with questions.