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This website publishes administrative rules on their effective dates, as designated by the adopting state agencies, colleges, and universities.

Chapter 5123-2 | Provider Standards

 
 
 
Rule
Rule 5123-2-01 | Technology first.
 

(A) Purpose

This rule implements the technology first policy in accordance with section 5123.025 of the Revised Code.

(B) Definitions

For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions apply:

(1) "County board" means a county board of developmental disabilities.

(2) "Department" means the Ohio department of developmental disabilities.

(3) "Home and community-based services" has the same meaning as in section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Individual" means a person with a developmental disability or for purposes of giving, refusing to give, or withdrawing consent for services, the person's guardian in accordance with section 5126.043 of the Revised Code or other person authorized to give consent.

(5) "Individual service plan" means the written description of services, supports, and activities to be provided to an individual and includes an "individual program plan" as that term is used in 42 C.F.R. 483.440 as in effect on the effective date of this rule.

(6) "Intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities" has the same meaning as in section 5124.01 of the Revised Code.

(7) "Technology first policy" means the state of Ohio policy, established in section 5123.025 of the Revised Code, that individuals with developmental disabilities have access to technology solutions.

(8) "Technology solution" means any product, device, equipment, or service used to maintain, increase, or improve the functional capabilities of an individual with developmental disabilities and that is deployed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local rules and regulations. The efficacy of a technology solution is subject to review and approval by the department.

(C) Implementing the technology first policy

(1) Each county board and each intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities will:

(a) Within one hundred eighty calendar days of the effective date of this rule or within one hundred eighty calendar days of licensure of a new intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, as applicable, develop and implement a written local policy to enact the technology first policy. The written local policy will:

(i) Clearly delineate that technology solutions are to be:

(a) Explored and documented throughout the initial and ongoing person-centered assessment and planning process; and

(b) Used to the greatest extent possible to support the outcomes in an individual service plan.

(ii) Address ability to increase capacity for use of technology solutions and outline specific steps, as applicable, to be taken including, when applicable, establishment of benchmarks for increasing the number of individuals who benefit from the use of technology solutions.

(iii) Identify strategies for increasing the level of knowledge, skill, and comfort of staff related to assessing how technology may help meet needs or achieve outcomes and the use of technology solutions.

(b) Annually review and update, as applicable, its goals and objectives related to increasing the use of technology solutions by individuals served.

(2) Each county board will actively collaborate with individuals served and their families, providers of services, the department, and community partners (e.g., local schools, mental health agencies, area agencies on aging, county departments of job and family services, public transit authorities, local vocational rehabilitation centers, and employers) to expand awareness and use of technology solutions by individuals served.

(3) Each intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities will actively collaborate with residents served and their families, persons or entities under contract to provide services to residents, the department, and community partners (e.g., county boards, local schools, mental health agencies, local vocational rehabilitation centers, and employers) to expand awareness and use of technology solutions by residents served.

(4) Each individual served by a county board or an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities will participate in a person-centered assessment and planning process in accordance with rule 5123-3-03 or 5123-4-02 of the Administrative Code, as applicable, which identifies the individual's unique strengths, interests, abilities, preferences, and resources and explores how technology solutions might support the individual's desired outcomes.

(a) Through the person-centered planning process:

(i) The individual and the individual's team will discuss any technology solution previously or currently used by the individual and the effectiveness of the technology solution;

(ii) The individual and the individual's team will discuss the individual's needs, explore information regarding available technology solutions, and consider how each technology solution might:

(a) Enhance the individual's personal freedom;

(b) Increase the individual's ability to communicate effectively with others;

(c) Expand opportunities for the individual to access and pursue available activities and establish meaningful relationships with people who are important to the individual;

(d) Enable the individual to perform tasks that support the individual's efforts to obtain or maintain employment; or

(e) Help the individual increase and/or maintain independence with daily tasks and activities.

(iii) After discussing whether or not technology solutions may be appropriate, the individual and the individual's team:

(a) Will discuss how available technology solutions may advance what is important to or important for the individual;

(b) May make referrals for assessments by technology subject matter experts to identify technology solutions; and

(c) May identify additional evaluations needed to determine whether other available technology solutions meet the individual's assessed needs.

(iv) When available technology solutions have been determined by the individual and the individual's team to meet the individual's assessed needs, they will be included in the individual service plan.

(a) Technology solutions included for the duration of the individual service plan may be reviewed and modified at any time based on a request by the individual or the individual's team. Technology solutions included on a trial basis are to be reviewed by the individual and the individual's team at the conclusion of the trial period.

(b) When reviewing a technology solution to determine whether the technology solution is effective and should continue, the individual and the individual's team are to consider:

(i) The individual's experience in terms of achieving outcomes described in paragraph (C)(4)(a)(ii) of this rule;

(ii) Whether the technology solution enhanced the individual's health or safety;

(iii) Whether additional support is needed to facilitate use of the technology solution (e.g., scheduled battery replacements or more frequent communication with the technology solution vendor).

(iv) Whether the technology solution reduced dependence on staff by increasing the individual's independence and without having the effect of isolating the individual from the individual's community or preventing the individual from interacting with people with or without disabilities; and

(v) Whether the individual has a desire to continue to use the technology solution.

(b) The results of the person-centered planning process, including, as applicable, the individual's desired outcomes as they relate to technology solutions and the activities that will occur to expand the individual's exploration, awareness, and use of technology solutions, will be integrated into the individual service plan. The individual service plan will be amended if the individual's service needs change.

(5) The department will consult and collaborate with individuals and families who receive services, county boards, providers of home and community-based services, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, vendors of technology solutions, and other state agencies to:

(a) Identify best practices;

(b) Share information about available technology solutions and ways the technology solutions provide individuals with more independence;

(c) Identify funding sources or other means for procuring identified technology solutions;

(d) Identify and expand capacity for technology-related assessment;

(e) Facilitate effective partnerships; and

(f) Identify ways the department can support statewide efforts to expand use of technology solutions.

Last updated April 21, 2022 at 8:13 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5123.04, 5123.025
Amplifies: 5123.04, 5123.025
Five Year Review Date: 4/21/2027
Rule 5123-2-02 | Background investigations for employment.
 

(A) Purpose

This rule establishes standards for conducting background investigations on persons employed or seeking employment in Ohio's service delivery system for individuals with developmental disabilities.

(B) Definitions

For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) "Agency provider" means a person, association, corporation, nonprofit organization, partnership, trust, or other group of persons that provides specialized services and employs, directly or through contract, one or more persons in a direct services position.

(2) "Applicant" means:

(a) A person who is under final consideration for appointment to or employment with the department or a county board;

(b) A person who is being transferred to the department or a county board;

(c) An employee who is being recalled to or reemployed by the department or a county board after a layoff; or

(d) A person under final consideration for a direct services position with an agency provider or subcontractor.

(3) "Candidate" means:

(a) The chief executive officer of an agency provider that applies pursuant to section 5123.161 or 5123.164 of the Revised Code for supported living certification; or

(b) A person who applies pursuant to section 5123.161 or 5123.164 of the Revised Code for supported living certification as an independent provider.

(4) "County board" means a county board of developmental disabilities.

(5) "Criminal records check" has the same meaning as in section 109.572 of the Revised Code.

(6) "Department" means the Ohio department of developmental disabilities.

(7) "Direct services position" means an employment position in which the employee has the opportunity to be alone with or exercises supervision or control over one or more individuals.

(8) "Disqualifying offense" means any of the offenses listed or described in divisions (A)(3)(a) to (A)(3)(e) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code.

(9) "Employee" means a person appointed to or employed by the department or a county board or a person employed in a direct services position by an agency provider or subcontractor. "Employee" does not mean a person who provides only respite care to his or her family member under a family support services program established pursuant to section 5126.11 of the Revised Code.

(10) "Independent provider" means a self-employed person who provides services for which he or she must be certified in accordance with rule 5123:2-2-01 of the Administrative Code and does not employ, either directly or through contract, anyone else to provide the services.

(11) "Individual" means a person with a developmental disability.

(12) "Minor drug possession offense" has the same meaning as in section 2925.01 of the Revised Code.

(13) "Multiple disqualifying offenses" means two or more convictions or guilty pleas to disqualifying offenses. Convictions or guilty pleas resulting from or connected with the same act, or resulting from offenses committed at the same time, shall be counted as one conviction or guilty plea.

(14) "Responsible entity" means:

(a) The department in the case of an applicant under final consideration for appointment to or employment with the department, being transferred to the department, or being recalled to or reemployed by the department after a layoff or a person appointed to or employed by the department;

(b) A county board in the case of an applicant under final consideration for appointment to or employment with the county board, being transferred to the county board, or being recalled to or reemployed by the county board after a layoff or a person appointed to or employed by the county board;

(c) An agency provider in the case of an applicant under final consideration for a direct services position with the agency provider or a person employed in a direct services position by the agency provider; or

(d) A subcontractor in the case of an applicant under final consideration for a direct services position with the subcontractor or a person employed in a direct services position by the subcontractor.

(15) "Retained applicant fingerprint database" means the database also known as "Rapback," maintained by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation pursuant to section 109.5721 of the Revised Code that contains the fingerprints of individuals for whom the bureau of criminal identification and investigation has conducted criminal records checks.

(16) "Specialized services" mean any program or service designed and operated to serve primarily individuals with developmental disabilities, including a program or service provided by an entity licensed or certified by the department. If there is a question as to whether a provider or subcontractor is providing specialized services, the provider or subcontractor may request that the director of the department make a determination. The director's determination is final. Programs or services available to the general public are not specialized services.

(17) "Subcontractor" means a person to which both of the following apply:

(a) The person has:

(i) A subcontract with an agency provider to provide specialized services included in the contract between the agency provider and the department or a county board; or

(ii) A subcontract with another subcontractor to provide specialized services included in a subcontract between the other subcontractor and an agency provider or other subcontractor.

(b) The person employs one or more persons in direct services positions.

(C) Requirements for responsible entities

(1) A responsible entity shall, prior to employing an applicant:

(a) Require the applicant to complete an employment application and provide the names and addresses of present and former employers; and

(b) Attempt to obtain references from the applicant's present and former employers and maintain written evidence that reference checks were attempted and/or completed.

(2) Prior to employing an applicant, a responsible entity shall check each of the following databases to determine if the applicant is included:

(a) The list of excluded persons and entities maintained by the office of inspector general in the United States department of health and human services pursuant to section 1128 of the Social Security Act, 94 Stat. 2619 (1980), 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7, and section 1156 of the Social Security Act, 96 Stat. 388 (1982), 42 U.S.C. 1320c-5 (available at http://exclusions.oig.hhs.gov/);

(b) The abuser registry established pursuant to section 5123.52 of the Revised Code (available at https://its.prodapps.dodd.ohio.gov/abr_default.aspx);

(c) The nurse aide registry established pursuant to section 3721.32 of the Revised Code (available at https://odhgateway.odh.ohio.gov/nar/nar _registry_search.aspx) and there is a statement detailing findings by the director of the Ohio department of health that the applicant or employee neglected or abused a resident of a long-term care facility or residential care facility or misappropriated property of such a resident;

(d) The sex offender and child-victim offender database established pursuant to division (A)(11) of section 2950.13 of the Revised Code (available at http://www.icrimewatch.net/index.php?AgencyID=55149&disc=);

(e) The United States general services administration system for award management database (available at https://www.sam.gov/);

(f) The Ohio department of medicaid provider exclusion and suspension list (available at https://medicaid.ohio.gov/provider/enrollmentandsupport/ providerexclusionandsuspensionlist); and

(g) The database of incarcerated and supervised offenders established pursuant to section 5120.066 of the Revised Code (available at https://appgateway.drc.ohio.gov/offendersearch).

(3) A responsible entity shall not employ an applicant or continue to employ an employee if the applicant or employee is included in one or more of the databases described in paragraphs (C)(2)(a) to (C)(2)(f) of this rule.

(4) Prior to employing an applicant in a position that involves transporting individuals or operating the responsible entity's vehicles for any purpose, a responsible entity shall verify that the applicant has a valid motor vehicle operator's license and obtain the applicant's driving record prepared by the bureau of motor vehicles. A person having six or more points on his or her driving record is prohibited from transporting individuals.

(5) Prior to employing an applicant, a responsible entity shall require the applicant to:

(a) Submit a statement to the responsible entity with the applicant's signature attesting that he or she has not been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for a disqualifying offense. An applicant or employee shall disclose to the responsible entity a conviction for any offense that has been sealed.

(b) Sign an agreement under which the applicant agrees to notify the responsible entity within fourteen calendar days if, while employed by the responsible entity, the applicant is formally charged with, is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for a disqualifying offense. The agreement shall provide that failure to make the notification may result in termination of employment.

(6) Prior to employing an applicant, a responsible entity shall request the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to conduct a criminal records check of the applicant. If an applicant does not present proof that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for the five-year period immediately prior to the date upon which the criminal records check is requested, the responsible entity shall request that the bureau of criminal identification and investigation obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check. If an applicant presents proof that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for the five-year period immediately prior to the date upon which the criminal records check is requested, the responsible entity may request that the bureau of criminal identification and investigation obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check. For purposes of this paragraph, an applicant may provide proof of Ohio residency by presenting, with a notarized statement asserting that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for that five-year period, a valid driver's license, notification of registration as an elector, a copy of an officially filed federal or state tax form identifying the applicant's permanent residence, or any other document the responsible entity considers acceptable.

(7) A responsible entity may conditionally employ an applicant, for a period not to exceed sixty calendar days, pending receipt of information concerning the applicant's criminal records check once the applicant submits to the responsible entity the statement required by paragraph (C)(5)(a) of this rule. The responsible entity shall terminate the applicant's employment if it is informed that the applicant has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to a disqualifying offense.

(8) A responsible entity shall:

(a) Enroll each employee in a direct services position in the retained applicant fingerprint database within fourteen calendar days of receiving the employee's criminal records check from the bureau of criminal identification and investigation or within fourteen calendar days of the employee's date of hire, whichever is later;

(b) Maintain enrollment in the retained applicant fingerprint database for each employee in a direct services position throughout the employee's tenure; and

(c) At a frequency of no less than once every five years:

(i) Check the databases specified in paragraph (C)(2) of this rule for each employee in a direct services position; and

(ii) Request the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to obtain a federal bureau of investigation criminal records check of each employee in a direct services position who does not present proof that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for the five-year period immediately prior. For purposes of this paragraph, an employee in a direct services position may provide proof of Ohio residency by presenting, with a notarized statement asserting that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for that five-year period, a valid driver's license, notification of registration as an elector, a copy of an officially filed federal or state tax form identifying the employee's permanent residence, or any other document the responsible entity considers acceptable.

(9) In the case that a responsible entity is notified by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation that an employee in a direct services position cannot be enrolled in the retained applicant fingerprint database, the responsible entity shall, at a frequency of no less than once every five years, request the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to conduct a criminal records check of the employee. If an employee in a direct services position does not present proof that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for the five-year period immediately prior to the date upon which the criminal records check is requested, the responsible entity shall request that the bureau of criminal identification and investigation obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check. If an employee in a direct services position presents proof that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for the five-year period immediately prior to the date upon which the criminal records check is requested, the responsible entity may request that the bureau of criminal identification and investigation obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check. For purposes of this paragraph, an employee in a direct services position may provide proof of Ohio residency by presenting, with a notarized statement asserting that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for that five-year period, a valid driver's license, notification of registration as an elector, a copy of an officially filed federal or state tax form identifying the employee's permanent residence, or any other document the responsible entity considers acceptable.

(D) Requirements for candidates

(1) At the point of a candidate's application for initial supported living certification, the candidate shall request the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to conduct a criminal records check of the candidate. If a candidate does not present proof that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for the five-year period immediately prior to the date upon which the criminal records check is requested, the candidate shall request that the bureau of criminal identification and investigation obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check. If a candidate presents proof that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for the five-year period immediately prior to the date upon which the criminal records check is requested, the department may require the candidate to request that the bureau of criminal identification and investigation obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check. For purposes of this paragraph, a candidate may provide proof of Ohio residency by presenting, with a notarized statement asserting that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for that five-year period, a valid driver's license, notification of registration as an elector, a copy of an officially filed federal or state tax form identifying the candidate's permanent residence, or any other document the department considers acceptable.

(a) The candidate shall pay to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation the fee prescribed pursuant to division (C)(3) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code for each criminal records check requested.

(b) The candidate shall instruct the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to submit the completed report of the criminal records check directly to the department.

(2) At the point of a candidate's application for initial or renewal supported living certification, the department shall check the databases specified in paragraph (C)(2) of this rule to determine if the candidate is included. The department shall not issue supported living certification to a candidate if the candidate is included in one or more of the databases described in paragraphs (C)(2)(a) to (C)(2)(f) of this rule.

(3) At the point of a candidate's application for initial or renewal supported living certification, the candidate shall submit a statement to the department with the candidate's signature attesting that he or she has not been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for a disqualifying offense. A candidate shall disclose a conviction for any offense that has been sealed.

(4) At the point of a candidate's application for initial or renewal supported living certification, the candidate shall sign an agreement under which the candidate agrees to notify the department within fourteen calendar days if, while holding supported living certification, the candidate is formally charged with, is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for a disqualifying offense. The agreement shall provide that failure to make the notification may result in denial, revocation, or suspension of the candidate's supported living certification.

(5) At the point of a candidate's application for initial or renewal supported living certification as an independent provider, the candidate shall obtain and provide to the department his or her driving record prepared by the bureau of motor vehicles if the services the candidate will provide involve transporting individuals. The department may consider the candidate's driving record when determining whether to issue supported living certification. A person having six or more points on his or her driving record is prohibited from transporting individuals.

(6) When the department issues initial supporting living certification to a candidate, the department shall enroll the candidate in the retained applicant fingerprint database. In the case that the department is notified by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation that a candidate cannot be enrolled in the retained applicant fingerprint database, the candidate shall, at a frequency of no less than once every five years, request the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to conduct a criminal records check of the candidate. If a candidate does not present proof that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for the five-year period immediately prior to the date upon which the criminal records check is requested, the candidate shall request that the bureau of criminal identification and investigation obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check. If a candidate presents proof that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for the five-year period immediately prior to the date upon which the criminal records check is requested, the department may require the candidate to request that the bureau of criminal identification and investigation obtain information from the federal bureau of investigation as part of the criminal records check. For purposes of this paragraph, a candidate may provide proof of Ohio residency by presenting, with a notarized statement asserting that he or she has been a resident of Ohio for that five-year period, a valid driver's license, notification of registration as an elector, a copy of an officially filed federal or state tax form identifying the candidate's permanent residence, or any other document the department considers acceptable.

(a) The candidate shall pay to the bureau of criminal identification and investigation the fee prescribed pursuant to division (C)(3) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code for each criminal records check requested.

(b) The candidate shall instruct the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to submit the completed report of the criminal records check directly to the department.

(E) Disqualifying offenses

(1) There are five tiers of disqualifying offenses with corresponding time periods that preclude an applicant from being employed or an employee from remaining employed by a responsible entity and preclude a candidate from receiving supported living certification issued by the department.

(a) Tier one: permanent exclusion

No responsible entity shall employ an applicant or continue to employ an employee, nor shall the department issue supported living certification to a candidate, if the applicant, employee, or candidate has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the following sections of the Revised Code:

(i) 2903.01 (aggravated murder);

(ii) 2903.02 (murder);

(iii) 2903.03 (voluntary manslaughter);

(iv) 2903.11 (felonious assault);

(v) 2903.15 (permitting child abuse);

(vi) 2903.16 (failing to provide for a functionally impaired person);

(vii) 2903.34 (patient abuse and neglect);

(viii) 2903.341 (patient endangerment);

(ix) 2905.01 (kidnapping);

(x) 2905.02 (abduction);

(xi) 2905.32 (human trafficking);

(xii) 2905.33 (unlawful conduct with respect to documents);

(xiii) 2907.02 (rape);

(xiv) 2907.03 (sexual battery);

(xv) 2907.04 (unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, formerly corruption of a minor);

(xvi) 2907.05 (gross sexual imposition);

(xvii) 2907.06 (sexual imposition);

(xviii) 2907.07 (importuning);

(xix) 2907.08 (voyeurism);

(xx) 2907.12 (felonious sexual penetration);

(xxi) 2907.31 (disseminating matter harmful to juveniles);

(xxii) 2907.32 (pandering obscenity);

(xxiii) 2907.321 (pandering obscenity involving a minor);

(xxiv) 2907.322 (pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor);

(xxv) 2907.323 (illegal use of minor in nudity-oriented material or performance);

(xxvi) 2909.22 (soliciting/providing support for act of terrorism);

(xxvii) 2909.23 (making terrorist threat);

(xxviii) 2909.24 (terrorism);

(xxix) 2913.40 (medicaid fraud);

(xxx) 2923.01 (conspiracy), 2923.02 (attempt), or 2923.03 (complicity) when the underlying offense is any of the offenses or violations described in paragraphs (E)(1)(a)(i) to (E)(1)(a)(xxix) of this rule;

(xxxi) A conviction related to fraud, theft, embezzlement, breach of fiduciary responsibility, or other financial misconduct involving a federal or state-funded program, excluding the disqualifying offenses set forth in section 2913.46 of the Revised Code (illegal use of supplemental nutrition assistance program or women, infants, and children program benefits); or

(xxxii) A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses or violations described in paragraphs (E)(1)(a)(i) to (E)(1)(a)(xxxi) of this rule.

(b) Tier two: ten-year exclusion

No responsible entity shall employ an applicant or continue to employ an employee, nor shall the department issue supported living certification to a candidate, for a period of ten years from the date the applicant, employee, or candidate was fully discharged from imprisonment, probation, and parole, if the applicant, employee, or candidate has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the following sections of the Revised Code:

(i) 2903.04 (involuntary manslaughter);

(ii) 2903.041 (reckless homicide);

(iii) 2905.04 (child stealing) as it existed prior to July 1, 1996;

(iv) 2905.05 (criminal child enticement);

(v) 2905.11 (extortion);

(vi) 2907.21 (compelling prostitution);

(vii) 2907.22 (promoting prostitution);

(viii) 2907.23 (enticement or solicitation to patronize a prostitute, procurement of a prostitute for another);

(ix) 2909.02 (aggravated arson);

(x) 2909.03 (arson);

(xi) 2911.01 (aggravated robbery);

(xii) 2911.11 (aggravated burglary);

(xiii) 2913.46 (illegal use of supplemental nutrition assistance program or women, infants, and children program benefits);

(xiv) 2913.48 (workers' compensation fraud);

(xv) 2913.49 (identity fraud);

(xvi) 2917.02 (aggravated riot);

(xvii) 2923.12 (carrying concealed weapon);

(xviii) 2923.122 (illegal conveyance or possession of deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance in a school safety zone, illegal possession of an object indistinguishable from a firearm in a school safety zone);

(xix) 2923.123 (illegal conveyance, possession, or control of deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance into courthouse);

(xx) 2923.13 (having weapons while under disability);

(xxi) 2923.161 (improperly discharging a firearm at or into a habitation or school);

(xxii) 2923.162 (discharge of firearm on or near prohibited premises);

(xxiii) 2923.21 (improperly furnishing firearms to minor);

(xxiv) 2923.32 (engaging in pattern of corrupt activity);

(xxv) 2923.42 (participating in criminal gang);

(xxvi) 2925.02 (corrupting another with drugs);

(xxvii) 2925.03 (trafficking in drugs);

(xxviii) 2925.04 (illegal manufacture of drugs or cultivation of marihuana);

(xxix) 2925.041 (illegal assembly or possession of chemicals for the manufacture of drugs);

(xxx) 3716.11 (placing harmful objects in food or confection);

(xxxi) 2923.01 (conspiracy), 2923.02 (attempt), or 2923.03 (complicity) when the underlying offense is any of the offenses or violations described in paragraphs (E)(1)(b)(i) to (E)(1)(b)(xxx) of this rule; or

(xxxii) A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses or violations described in paragraphs (E)(1)(b)(i) to (E)(1)(b)(xxxi) of this rule.

(c) Tier three: seven-year exclusion

No responsible entity shall employ an applicant or continue to employ an employee, nor shall the department issue supported living certification to a candidate, for a period of seven years from the date the applicant, employee, or candidate was fully discharged from imprisonment, probation, and parole, if the applicant, employee, or candidate has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the following sections of the Revised Code:

(i) 959.13 (cruelty to animals);

(ii) 959.131 (prohibitions concerning companion animals);

(iii) 2903.12 (aggravated assault);

(iv) 2903.21 (aggravated menacing);

(v) 2903.211 (menacing by stalking);

(vi) 2905.12 (coercion);

(vii) 2909.04 (disrupting public services);

(viii) 2911.02 (robbery);

(ix) 2911.12 (burglary);

(x) 2913.47 (insurance fraud);

(xi) 2917.01 (inciting to violence);

(xii) 2917.03 (riot);

(xiii) 2917.31 (inducing panic);

(xiv) 2919.22 (endangering children);

(xv) 2919.25 (domestic violence);

(xvi) 2921.03 (intimidation);

(xvii) 2921.11 (perjury);

(xviii) 2921.13 (falsification, falsification in theft offense, falsification to purchase firearm, or falsification to obtain a concealed handgun license);

(xix) 2921.34 (escape);

(xx) 2921.35 (aiding escape or resistance to lawful authority);

(xxi) 2921.36 (illegal conveyance of weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items onto grounds of detention facility or institution);

(xxii) 2925.05 (funding of drug or marihuana trafficking);

(xxiii) 2925.06 (illegal administration or distribution of anabolic steroids);

(xxiv) 2925.24 (tampering with drugs);

(xxv) 2927.12 (ethnic intimidation);

(xxvi) 2923.01 (conspiracy), 2923.02 (attempt), or 2923.03 (complicity) when the underlying offense is any of the offenses or violations described in paragraphs (E)(1)(c)(i) to (E)(1)(c)(xxv) of this rule; or

(xxvii) A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses or violations described in paragraphs (E)(1)(c)(i) to (E)(1)(c)(xxvi) of this rule.

(d) Tier four: five-year exclusion

No responsible entity shall employ an applicant or continue to employ an employee, nor shall the department issue supported living certification to a candidate, for a period of five years from the date the applicant, employee, or candidate was fully discharged from imprisonment, probation, and parole, if the applicant, employee, or candidate has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the following sections of the Revised Code:

(i) 2903.13 (assault);

(ii) 2903.22 (menacing);

(iii) 2907.09 (public indecency);

(iv) 2907.24 (soliciting after positive human immunodeficiency virus test);

(v) 2907.25 (prostitution);

(vi) 2907.33 (deception to obtain matter harmful to juveniles);

(vii) 2911.13 (breaking and entering);

(viii) 2913.02 (theft);

(ix) 2913.03 (unauthorized use of a vehicle);

(x) 2913.04 (unauthorized use of property, computer, cable, or telecommunication property);

(xi) 2913.05 (telecommunications fraud);

(xii) 2913.11 (passing bad checks);

(xiii) 2913.21 (misuse of credit cards);

(xiv) 2913.31 (forgery, forging identification cards);

(xv) 2913.32 (criminal simulation);

(xvi) 2913.41 (defrauding a rental agency or hostelry);

(xvii) 2913.42 (tampering with records);

(xviii) 2913.43 (securing writings by deception);

(xix) 2913.44 (personating an officer);

(xx) 2913.441 (unlawful display of law enforcement emblem);

(xxi) 2913.45 (defrauding creditors);

(xxii) 2913.51 (receiving stolen property);

(xxiii) 2919.12 (unlawful abortion);

(xxiv) 2919.121 (unlawful abortion upon minor);

(xxv) 2919.123 (unlawful distribution of an abortion-inducing drug);

(xxvi) 2919.23 (interference with custody);

(xxvii) 2919.24 (contributing to unruliness or delinquency of child);

(xxviii) 2921.12 (tampering with evidence);

(xxix) 2921.21 (compounding a crime);

(xxx) 2921.24 (disclosure of confidential information);

(xxxi) 2921.32 (obstructing justice);

(xxxii) 2921.321 (assaulting/harassing police dog or horse/service animal);

(xxxiii) 2921.51 (impersonation of peace officer);

(xxxiv) 2925.09 (illegal administration, dispensing, distribution, manufacture, possession, selling, or using any dangerous veterinary drug);

(xxxv) 2925.11 (drug possession other than a minor drug possession offense);

(xxxvi) 2925.13 (permitting drug abuse);

(xxxvii) 2925.22 (deception to obtain dangerous drugs);

(xxxviii) 2925.23 (illegal processing of drug documents);

(xxxix) 2925.36 (illegal dispensing of drug samples);

(xl) 2925.55 (unlawful purchase of pseudoephedrine product);

(xli) 2925.56 (unlawful sale of pseudoephedrine product);

(xlii) 2923.01 (conspiracy), 2923.02 (attempt), or 2923.03 (complicity) when the underlying offense is any of the offenses or violations described in paragraphs (E)(1)(d)(i) to (E)(1)(d)(xli) of this rule; or

(xliii) A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses or violations described in paragraphs (E)(1)(d)(i) to (E)(1)(d)(xlii) of this rule.

(e) Tier five: no exclusion

A responsible entity may employ an applicant or continue to employ an employee, and the department may issue supported living certification to a candidate, if the applicant, employee, or candidate has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the following sections of the Revised Code:

(i) 2925.11 (drug possession that is minor drug possession offense);

(ii) 2925.14 (illegal use or possession of drug paraphernalia);

(iii) 2925.141 (illegal use or possession of marihuana drug paraphernalia); or

(iv) A violation of an existing or former municipal ordinance or law of this state, any other state, or the United States that is substantially equivalent to any of the offenses or violations described in paragraphs (E)(1)(e)(i) to (E)(1)(e)(iii) of this rule.

(2) Multiple disqualifying offenses

(a) If an applicant, employee, or candidate has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for multiple disqualifying offenses listed in paragraphs (E)(1)(b)(i) to (E)(1)(b)(xxxii) of this rule, and offenses listed in paragraphs (E)(1)(c)(i) to (E)(1)(c)(xxvii) of this rule, and paragraphs (E)(1)(d)(i) to (E)(1)(d)(xliii) of this rule, the applicant, employee, or candidate is subject to a fifteen-year exclusion period beginning on the date the applicant, employee, or candidate was fully discharged from imprisonment, probation, or parole for the most recent offense.

(b) If an applicant, employee, or candidate has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for multiple disqualifying offenses listed in paragraphs (E)(1)(c)(i) to (E)(1)(c)(xxvii) of this rule and offenses listed in paragraphs (E)(1)(d)(i) to (E)(1)(d)(xliii) of this rule, the applicant, employee, or candidate is subject to a ten-year exclusion period beginning on the date the applicant, employee, or candidate was fully discharged from imprisonment, probation, or parole for the most recent offense.

(c) If an applicant, employee, or candidate has been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or has been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for multiple disqualifying offenses listed in paragraphs (E)(1)(d)(i) to (E)(1)(d)(xliii) of this rule, the applicant, employee, or candidate is subject to a seven-year exclusion period beginning on the date the applicant, employee, or candidate was fully discharged from imprisonment, probation, or parole for the most recent offense.

(F) A conviction of or plea of guilty to a disqualifying offense listed or described in paragraph (E)(1) of this rule shall not preclude an applicant from being employed or an employee from remaining employed by a responsible entity or preclude a candidate from receiving supported living certification issued by the department under the following circumstances:

(1) The applicant, employee, or candidate has been granted an unconditional pardon for the offense pursuant to Chapter 2967. of the Revised Code;

(2) The applicant, employee, or candidate has been granted an unconditional pardon for the offense pursuant to an existing or former law of this state, any other state, or the United States, if the law is substantially equivalent to Chapter 2967. of the Revised Code;

(3) The applicant's, employee's, or candidate's conviction or guilty plea has been overturned pursuant to law;

(4) The applicant, employee, or candidate has been granted a conditional pardon for the offense pursuant to Chapter 2967. of the Revised Code and the conditions under which the pardon was granted have been satisfied;

(5) The applicant's, employee's, or candidate's conviction or guilty plea is not for an offense listed or described in paragraph (E)(1)(a) of this rule and the applicant, employee, or candidate has a certificate of qualification for employment issued by a court of common pleas with competent jurisdiction pursuant to section 2953.25 of the Revised Code; or

(6) The applicant's, employee's, or candidate's conviction or guilty plea is not for an offense listed or described in paragraph (E)(1)(a) of this rule and the applicant, employee, or candidate has a certificate of achievement and employability in a home and community-based services-related field, issued by the Ohio department of rehabilitation and correction pursuant to section 2961.22 of the Revised Code.

(G) A responsible entity may continue to employ a person who is excluded by paragraph (E)(1)(d) of this rule if the conviction for a tier four offense occurred prior to January 1, 2013, the employee was hired prior to January 1, 2013, and if the responsible entity has considered the nature and seriousness of the offense and attested in writing to the character and fitness of the person based on the person's demonstrated work performance. The responsible entity shall have made this determination and attestation by April 1, 2013 and shall maintain the written attestation in the employee's personnel record. The determination and attestation shall be subject to review by the department.

(H) The department may renew the supported living certification of a candidate who is excluded by paragraph (E)(1)(d) of this rule if the conviction for a tier four offense occurred prior to January 1, 2013, the candidate was originally certified to provide supported living prior to January 1, 2013, and if the department has considered the nature and seriousness of the offense and determines that the candidate has demonstrated the appropriate character and fitness to have the supported living certification renewed based on the candidate's demonstrated work performance. The department shall keep a written record of its determination for each candidate.

(I) Any report obtained pursuant to this rule is not a public record for purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code and shall not be made available to any person other than:

(1) The applicant, employee, or candidate who is the subject of the report or the applicant's, employee's, or candidate's representative;

(2) The responsible entity that requested the report or its representative;

(3) The department if a county board, agency provider, or subcontractor is the responsible entity that requested the report and the department requests the responsible entity to provide a copy of the report to the department;

(4) A county board if an agency provider or subcontractor is the responsible entity that requested the report and the county board requests the responsible entity to provide a copy of the report to the county board; or

(5) A court, hearing officer, or other necessary person involved in a case dealing with the denial of employment to the applicant or employee; the denial, suspension, or revocation of certification issued pursuant to section 5123.166 or 5123.45 of the Revised Code; or a civil or criminal action regarding the medicaid program or a program the department administers.

(J) For purposes of this rule, reports from the bureau of criminal identification and investigation or any other state or federal agency regarding a person's criminal record and records supplied by the bureau of motor vehicles regarding a person's record of convictions for violations of motor vehicle laws are valid for a period of one year from the date of the report.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5123.04, 5123.081
Amplifies: 5123.04, 5123.081, 5123.1610
Five Year Review Date: 7/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 5/12/1995
Rule 5123-2-03 | Quality assurance.
 

(A) The Ohio department of developmental disabilities promotes services, supports, and activities that enhance the quality of life for Ohioans with developmental disabilities with regard to:

(1) Rights as set forth in section 5123.62 of the Revised Code;

(2) Self-determination;

(3) Physical well-being;

(4) Emotional well-being;

(5) Material well-being;

(6) Personal development;

(7) Interpersonal relationships; and

(8) Social inclusion.

(B) The department employs multiple processes, set forth in administrative rules, to achieve quality outcomes for individuals who receive services:

(1) Rule 5123-2-04 of the Administrative Code (compliance reviews of certified providers);

(2) Rule 5123-4-01 of the Administrative Code (accreditation of county boards of developmental disabilities);

(3) Rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code (major unusual incidents and unusual incidents);

(4) Rule 5123:2-1-11 of the Administrative Code (service and support administration);

(5) Rule 5123:2-2-01 of the Administrative Code (provider certification);

(6) Rule 5123:2-2-05 of the Administrative Code (employment first);

(7) Rule 5123:2-2-06 of the Administrative Code (behavioral support);

(8) Rule 5123:2-2-07 of the Administrative Code (personal funds);

(9) Chapter 5123:2-3 of the Administrative Code (residential facilities licensed pursuant to section 5123.19 of the Revised Code);

(10) Rule 5123:2-6-07 of the Administrative Code (performance of health-related activities and administration of medication);

(11) Rule 5123:2-9-02 of the Administrative Code (suitability of service settings); and

(12) Rule 5123:2-9-11 of the Administrative Code (free choice of providers).

(C) Additionally, the department participates in "National Core Indicators," a collaboration among state agencies that serve individuals with developmental disabilities, the "National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services," and the "Human Services Research Institute," which offers a systemic approach to performance and outcome measurement.

(D) Individuals who receive services, legal guardians, or family members may request a review of services or may request the results of prior reviews that have been conducted. In response, the department may initiate or conduct a review, request that a review be conducted by a county board of developmental disabilities, or take other appropriate action.

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5123.04
Amplifies: 5123.04
Five Year Review Date: 7/1/2024
Prior Effective Dates: 3/14/2013
Rule 5123-2-04 | Compliance reviews of certified providers.
 

(A) Purpose and scope

This rule governs compliance reviews conducted by the department and county boards of developmental disabilities to ensure compliance by certified providers with applicable requirements. This rule applies to all certified providers, including certified providers licensed in accordance with section 5123.19 of the Revised Code.

(B) Definitions

For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Accredited college or university" means a college or university accredited by a national or regional association recognized by the secretary of the United States department of education or a foreign college or university of comparable standing.

(2) "Applicable requirements" means:

(a) Federal and state laws and regulations which govern the conduct of the certified provider, including but not limited to, Chapters 4723., 5123., 5126., and 5160. of the Revised Code and all administrative rules promulgated under the authority of those statutes.

(b) Requirements set forth in a home and community-based services waiver administered by the department pursuant to an interagency agreement between the department and the Ohio department of medicaid.

(3) "Certification revocation" means the revocation of a certified provider's certification to serve one or more individuals in one or more counties.

(4) "Certification suspension" means either:

(a) Suspension of a certified provider's certification to serve one or more individuals in one or more counties for a specified time period; or

(b) Suspension of a certified provider's certification to serve additional individuals in one or more counties.

(5) "Certified provider" means an agency provider or independent provider certified by the department pursuant to section 5123.161 of the Revised Code to provide supported living, including home and community-based services.

(6) "Compliance review" means a review of a certified provider conducted by the department or a county board for the purpose of determining provider compliance with applicable requirements in order to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of individuals served.

(7) "County board" means a county board of developmental disabilities.

(8) "Department" means the Ohio department of developmental disabilities.

(9) "Director of operations" means the person employed by an agency provider who is responsible for and directly and actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the agency provider.

(10) "Home and community-based services" has the same meaning as in section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.

(11) "Individual" means a person with a developmental disability.

(12) "Investigative agent" means a person, regardless of title, employed by or under contract with a county board to conduct administrative investigations of major unusual incidents.

(13) "Major unusual incident" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code.

(14) "Protocol for compliance reviews" means the forms, instructions for the completion of written documentation, and process developed by the department and used by the department and county boards to conduct compliance monitoring in accordance with this rule. The protocol for compliance reviews does not create provider standards or qualifications.

(15) "Service and support administrator" means a person, regardless of title, employed by or under contract with a county board to perform the functions of service and support administration.

(C) Compliance reviews

(1) There are three types of compliance reviews:

(a) Routine compliance reviews

In accordance with priorities established by the department in the protocol for compliance reviews, the department will coordinate with county boards to ensure that each certified provider receives a routine compliance review within one year of the certified provider's initial billing for provision of services. Thereafter, routine compliance reviews of certified providers will be conducted so that each certified provider that has billed for provision of services within the past twenty-four months is reviewed once during the term of certification.

(b) Special compliance reviews

The department or a county board may conduct special compliance reviews as necessary:

(i) Pertaining to the health, safety, or welfare of an individual;

(ii) Based on a complaint or allegation; or

(iii) Based on a major unusual incident that may indicate the certified provider's failure to comply with applicable requirements.

(c) Abbreviated compliance reviews

(i) The department may conduct an abbreviated compliance review when a certified provider holds accreditation by a national accrediting entity. An abbreviated compliance review focuses on individuals served and their health and safety, examines fewer policies, and relies on smaller sample sizes of staff and individuals served. A certified provider that is accredited by a national accrediting entity may be eligible for an abbreviated compliance review when the standards of the national accrediting entity:

(a) Meet or exceed the department's standards;

(b) Are compatible with the centers for medicare and medicaid services home and community-based services core set of quality measures;

(c) Focus on achievement of desired outcomes for individuals served; and

(d) Ensure the health and safety of individuals served.

(ii) An abbreviated compliance review will examine the certified provider's compliance with applicable requirements regarding:

(a) Background investigations and training of the certified provider's director of operations and employees;

(b) Behavioral support strategies;

(c) Medication administration;

(d) Major unusual incidents; and

(e) Service delivery.

(iii) To be eligible for an abbreviated compliance review, the certified provider will submit a written request to the department that includes a copy of the most recent survey/review of the certified provider by the national accrediting entity.

(iv) The certified provider will notify the department in writing within ten calendar days if the certified provider's accreditation by the national accrediting entity is amended, suspended, terminated, or not renewed and provide a copy of related correspondence from the national accrediting entity.

(v) An abbreviated compliance review may not be available when:

(a) The certified provider has not yet received an initial routine compliance review by the department or county board.

(b) The certified provider has had multiple or significant substantiated major unusual incidents since the most recent compliance review by the department or county board or survey/review by the national accrediting entity.

(c) The certified provider's director of operations and/or key members of the certified provider's management team have changed since the most recent compliance review by the department or county board or survey/review by the national accrediting entity.

(d) The certified provider's accreditation by the national accrediting entity has been amended or suspended.

(2) Only the department may conduct compliance reviews of residential facilities licensed in accordance with section 5123.19 of the Revised Code and administrative rules promulgated under its authority.

(3) The department will maintain a protocol for compliance reviews. A county board will implement the protocol for compliance reviews and, absent extenuating circumstances, may not change or augment the protocol for compliance reviews.

(a) The protocol for compliance reviews will include, but is not limited to:

(i) The method for selecting certified providers to be reviewed;

(ii) The types and scope of reviews that may be conducted;

(iii) The process and procedures for notifying certified providers of upcoming reviews;

(iv) The elements of provider compliance which will be based on the applicable requirements;

(v) The elements of a written compliance review summary to a certified provider that will include an explanation of any citations, the process to develop and implement a plan of correction, and an explanation of the due process afforded to a certified provider;

(vi) The criteria for conducting announced and unannounced reviews; and

(vii) Any forms or methods of documentation approved by the department.

(b) The department will make the protocol for compliance reviews available at its website (https://dodd.ohio.gov).

(D) Compliance review summary and plan of correction

(1) Within ten calendar days of conclusion of a compliance review, the department or county board, as applicable, will issue to the certified provider, a written compliance review summary or a written explanation of the reason for delay in issuance of the written compliance review summary.

(a) A written compliance review summary will be in the format described in the protocol for compliance reviews and objective in terms of observations and citations, relying upon documentation that clearly addresses the standards reviewed.

(b) A written explanation of the reason for delay in issuance of the written compliance review summary will include the date by which the department or county board, as applicable, will issue a written compliance review summary, which will not be more than twenty calendar days of conclusion of the compliance review.

(2) Within fourteen calendar days of receipt of a compliance review summary that includes one or more citations, the certified provider will submit to the department or county board, as applicable, a written appeal or a written plan of correction for each citation. If the certified provider does not submit a written appeal within fourteen calendar days, the compliance review summary will be final and not subject to appeal by the certified provider.

(a) The appeal for a citation will include the certified provider's basis with supporting documentation for challenging the citation. The department or county board, as applicable, will allow or disallow the appeal within ten calendar days of receipt.

(i) If the compliance review was conducted by the department and the appeal is disallowed, the certified provider will submit a written plan of correction for the citation to the department within fourteen calendar days.

(ii) If the compliance review was conducted by a county board and the appeal is disallowed, the certified provider will either:

(a) Submit a written plan of correction for the citation to the county board within fourteen calendar days; or

(b) If the certified provider objects to the county board's decision to disallow the appeal, submit to the department a written appeal within fourteen calendar days of the county board's decision. The department will notify the certified provider and the county board of its decision to allow or disallow the appeal within ten calendar days of receipt. If the department disallows the appeal, the certified provider will submit a written plan of correction for the citation to the county board within fourteen calendar days.

(b) The written plan of correction for a citation will include action steps and timelines for remediation. The department or county board, as applicable, will approve or disapprove the plan of correction within twenty calendar days of receipt. When the department or county board disapproves a plan of correction, the certified provider will work with the department or county board, as applicable, to develop an acceptable plan of correction.

(E) Qualifications for persons conducting compliance reviews

(1) A person conducting compliance reviews will either:

(a) Hold a bachelor's degree or graduate-level degree from an accredited college or university and have at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience working directly with individuals; or

(b) Have been, without interruption, employed by or under contract with the department or a county board to conduct compliance reviews since June 30, 2019.

(2) A person conducting compliance reviews will complete training in accordance with paragraph (F) of this rule.

(3) A person conducting compliance reviews will not be an investigative agent or a service and support administrator.

(F) Training

(1) The department will provide or arrange for initial training to county boards and certified providers regarding the requirements and procedures outlined in this rule and in the protocol for compliance reviews.

(2) Any employees or agents of the department or a county board whose responsibilities include conducting compliance reviews in accordance with this rule will successfully complete the initial training in the requirements and procedures outlined in this rule prior to being authorized by the department to conduct compliance reviews.

(3) The department will provide documentation of a person's successful completion of the initial training to the county board. The county board will maintain a list of the persons in its county that have successfully completed the initial training and are authorized by the department to conduct compliance reviews in accordance with this rule.

(4) The department may require persons who have received the initial training to receive continuing training in the implementation of this rule in a manner prescribed by the department.

(G) Certification suspension and certification revocation

(1) The department may initiate certification suspension or certification revocation proceedings if the department finds:

(a) Substantial violation of applicable requirements which present a risk to an individual's health and welfare; or

(b) A pattern of non-compliance with plans of correction approved in accordance with this rule; or

(c) A pattern of continuing non-compliance with applicable requirements; or

(d) A licensed provider has had its license revoked by the licensing authority; or

(e) Failure to cooperate with the compliance review process set forth in this rule; or

(f) Other good cause, including misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance, substantiated abuse or neglect, financial irresponsibility, or other conduct the department determines is injurious to individuals being served. The department may gather and evaluate information from a variety of sources, including the county board and the provider, in making such a determination.

(2) Certification suspension and certification revocation proceedings will be conducted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(3) When the department issues a notice of its intent to suspend or revoke a certified provider's certification, the department will give written notice to the Ohio department of medicaid and to the county board of each county in which the proposed suspension or revocation is proposed to be effective.

(4) Each county board that is notified in writing by the department of the department's intent to suspend or revoke a certified provider's certification will so notify in writing each individual in the county who is receiving services for which the provider's certification is proposed to be suspended or revoked (or as applicable, the individual's parent or guardian).

(5) The department may suspend or revoke a certified provider's certification regardless of whether some or all of the deficiencies enumerated in accordance with this rule that prompted the department's intent to suspend or revoke the certification have been corrected at the time of the hearing.

(6) When the department suspends or revokes a certified provider's certification, the certified provider will comply with the department's adjudication order within thirty calendar days of the date of the mailing of the order.

(7) The department will give written notice of the certified provider's suspension or revocation to the Ohio department of medicaid and to the county board of each county in which the suspension or revocation is effective.

(8) Each county board that is notified in writing by the department of suspension or revocation of a certified provider's certification will so notify in writing each individual in the county who is receiving services for which the provider's certification is suspended or revoked (or as applicable, the individual's parent or guardian).

(H) Issuance of a citation to a county board

The department may issue a citation to a county board if the department determines, based on a compliance review of a certified provider, that the county board failed to follow applicable requirements set forth in Chapter 5123. or 5126. of the Revised Code or rules adopted pursuant to those chapters.

Last updated November 9, 2023 at 8:21 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5123.04, 5123.19, 5126.05, 5126.08
Amplifies: 5123.04, 5123.045, 5123.162, 5123.169, 5123.19, 5126.05, 5126.08, 5166.21
Five Year Review Date: 11/9/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 7/8/2004, 3/14/2013
Rule 5123-2-05 | Employment first.
 

(A) Purpose

This rule implements Ohio's employment first policy in accordance with section 5123.022 of the Revised Code.

(B) Scope

This rule applies to county boards of developmental disabilities and providers of employment services, regardless of funding source, to individuals with developmental disabilities.

(C) Definitions

For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Benefits analysis" means information provided to individuals about the impact of earning wages on public assistance programs including but not limited to, social security disability insurance, supplemental security income, medicaid/medicare eligibility, medicaid buy-in for workers with disabilities, veteran's benefits, housing assistance, and food stamps.

(2) "Community employment" means competitive employment that takes place in an integrated setting.

(3) "Competitive integrated employment" means work (including self-employment) that is performed on a full-time or part-time basis:

(a) For which an individual is:

(i) Compensated:

(A) At a rate that is not less than the higher of the rate specified in the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, 29 U.S.C. 206(a)(1), as in effect on the effective date of this rule, or the rate specified in the applicable state or local minimum wage law and is not less than the customary rate paid by the employer for the same or similar work performed by other employees who do not have disabilities, and who are in similar occupations by the same employer and who have similar training, experience, and skills; or

(B) In the case of an individual who is self-employed, yields an income that is comparable to the income received by persons without disabilities, who are self-employed in similar occupations or similar tasks and who have similar training, experience, and skills; and

(ii) Eligible for the level of benefits provided to other full-time and part-time employees;

(b) At a location where the individual interacts with persons without disabilities to the same extent as employees who are not receiving home and community-based services;

(c) That is not performed in:

(i) Dispersed enclaves in which individuals work in a self-contained unit within a company or service site in the community or perform multiple jobs in the company, but are not integrated with non-disabled employees of the company; or

(ii) Mobile work crews comprised solely of individuals operating as a distinct unit and/or self-contained business working in several locations within the community; and

(d) That, as appropriate, presents opportunities for advancement that are similar to those for persons without disabilities who have similar positions.

(4) "County board" means a county board of developmental disabilities.

(5) "Department" means the Ohio department of developmental disabilities.

(6) "Employment first policy" means the state of Ohio policy, established in section 5123.022 of the Revised Code, that employment services for individuals with developmental disabilities be directed at community employment and that individuals with developmental disabilities are presumed capable of community employment.

(7) "Employment services" means:

(a) The following medicaid-funded home and community-based services:

(i) Career planning in accordance with rule 5123-9-13 of the Administrative Code;

(ii) Group employment support in accordance with rule 5123-9-16 of the Administrative Code;

(iii) Individual employment support in accordance with rule 5123-9-15 of the Administrative Code; and

(iv) Vocational habilitation in accordance with rule 5123-9-14 of the Administrative Code.

(b) Any services, regardless of funding, that are comparable to the services described in paragraph (C)(7)(a) of this rule.

(8) "Home and community-based services" has the same meaning as in section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.

(9) "Individual" means a person with a developmental disability.

(10) "Individual service plan" means the written description of services, supports, and activities to be provided to an individual and includes an "individual program plan" as that term is used in 42 C.F.R. 483.440 as in effect on the effective date of this rule.

(11) "Informed consent" means a documented written agreement to allow a proposed action, treatment, or service after full disclosure provided in a manner the individual or the individual's guardian understands, of the relevant facts necessary to make the decision. Relevant facts include the risks and benefits of the action, treatment, or service; the risks and benefits of the alternatives to the action, treatment, or service; and the right to refuse the action, treatment, or service. The individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable, may withdraw informed consent at any time.

(12) "Integrated setting" means a setting typically found in the community where individuals interact with persons who do not have disabilities to the same extent as persons who do not have disabilities in comparable positions. "Integrated setting" includes employment settings in which employees interact with the community through technology.

(13) "Provider" means an agency provider or an independent provider that is certified by the department or a residential facility that is licensed by the department.

(14) "Working age" means at least eighteen years of age.

(D) Person-centered planning process

(1) Each individual of working age and each individual approaching completion of a program or service under Chapter 3323 of the Revised Code will participate in a person-centered planning process in accordance with rule 5123-3-03 or 5123-4-02 of the Administrative Code, as applicable, to identify the individual's unique strengths, interests, abilities, preferences, resources, and desired outcomes as they relate to competitive integrated employment.

(a) The person-centered planning process will begin with a review of available information to determine what additional information is needed and what supplemental situational and/or other formal or informal evaluations are needed to discover this information and culminate in informed consent.

(b) For an individual who receives public assistance, the importance of obtaining a benefits analysis will be emphasized to enable the individual to make informed decisions regarding employment. Resources available for obtaining a benefits analysis will be identified for the individual prior to job development.

(2) The person-centered planning process will include identification and documentation of the individual's place on the path to competitive integrated employment, that is:

(a) Place I - the individual is already engaged in competitive integrated employment and needs support for job stabilization, job improvement, or career advancement;

(b) Place II - the individual expresses a desire to obtain competitive integrated employment but is not currently employed and needs support to obtain employment or identify career options and employment opportunities;

(c) Place III - the individual is unsure about competitive integrated employment and needs support to identify career options and employment opportunities and the economic impact of the individual's decision; or

(d) Place IV - the individual has been offered, within the most recent twelve-month period, information and support to identify career options, employment opportunities, and the economic impact of the individual's decision and does not currently desire to pursue competitive integrated employment.

(3) The individual service plan will:

(a) For an individual on place I or place II of the path to competitive integrated employment, include the individual's desired competitive integrated employment outcome and related action steps.

(b) For an individual on place III of the path to competitive integrated employment, describe the activities that will occur to advance the individual on the path to competitive integrated employment.

(c) For an individual on place IV of the path to competitive integrated employment, document the information and support offered to the individual within the most recent twelve-month period about career options, employment opportunities, the economic impact of the individual's decision, and outcomes centered around the individual's capabilities and successes of engaging in meaningful activities within the individual's community.

(4) The results of the person-centered planning process will be reviewed at least once every twelve months and whenever a significant change in employment, training, continuing education, services, or supports occurs or is proposed.

(E) Requirements for county boards

A county board will:

(1) Adopt and implement a local policy to implement the employment first policy which clearly identifies competitive integrated employment as the desired outcome for every individual of working age.

(2) Outline and periodically update its strategy and benchmarks for increasing the number of individuals of working age engaged in competitive integrated employment.

(3) Collaborate with workforce development agencies, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and mental health agencies in the county to support individuals to obtain competitive integrated employment.

(4) Collaborate with school districts in the county to:

(a) Ensure a framework exists for individuals approaching completion of a program or service under Chapter 3323 of the Revised Code such that the county board and school districts in the county use similar methods to support students with developmental disabilities to obtain competitive integrated employment.

(b) Identify and attempt to resolve any duplication of efforts.

(5) Disseminate information to individuals served, families, schools, community partners, employers, and providers of services about resources and opportunities, including medicaid buy-in for workers with disabilities and other work incentive programs, that facilitate competitive integrated employment.

(6) Collect and annually submit to the department, individual-specific data regarding the cost of non-medicaid employment services, employment outcomes for individuals who receive non-medicaid employment services, and the place on the path to competitive integrated employment for individuals of working age.

(F) Requirements for providers of employment services

A provider of employment services will:

(1) Submit to each individual's team at least once every twelve months, or more frequently as decided by the team, a written progress report that demonstrates that employment services provided are consistent with the individual's desired competitive integrated employment outcome and that the individual receiving employment services has obtained competitive integrated employment or is advancing on the path to competitive integrated employment.

(a) The written progress report will include the individual's annual wage earnings and identify the anticipated time-frame and tangible progress made toward achievement of each desired outcome of the employment services provided as set forth in the individual service plan.

(b) If no progress is reported, the individual service plan will be amended to identify the barriers toward achieving desired outcomes and the action steps to overcome the identified barriers.

(2) Collect and annually submit to the department's outcome tracking system, individual-specific data regarding employment services and employment outcomes for individuals served by the provider including but not limited to, type of employment services provided, how individuals obtained employment, hours worked, wages earned, and occupations.

(3) Disseminate to individuals seeking employment services and others upon request, aggregate data regarding employment services and employment outcomes for individuals served by the provider including but not limited to, type of employment services provided, how individuals obtained employment, hours worked, wages earned, and occupations. The data will be disseminated in a manner that does not disclose confidential information regarding individuals receiving employment services.

Last updated June 30, 2023 at 2:39 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5123.022, 5123.04
Amplifies: 5123.022, 5123.04, 5126.05, 5126.051
Five Year Review Date: 6/30/2028
Prior Effective Dates: 4/1/2017
Rule 5123-2-06 | Development and implementation of behavioral support strategies.
 

(A) Purpose

This rule sets forth requirements for development and implementation of behavioral support strategies including both positive measures and restrictive measures for the purpose of ensuring:

(1) Individuals with developmental disabilities are supported in a caring and responsive manner that promotes dignity, respect, and trust and with recognition that they are equal citizens with the same rights and personal freedoms granted to Ohioans without developmental disabilities;

(2) An individual's services and supports are based on an understanding of the individual and the reasons for the individual's actions;

(3) Effort is directed at creating opportunities for individuals to exercise choice in matters affecting their everyday lives and supporting individuals to make choices that yield positive outcomes; and

(4) Restrictive measures are used only when necessary to keep people safe and always in conjunction with positive measures.

(B) Scope

(1) This rule applies to persons and entities that provide specialized services regardless of source of payment, including but not limited to:

(a) County boards of developmental disabilities and entities under contract with county boards;

(b) Residential facilities licensed pursuant to section 5123.19 of the Revised Code, including intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities;

(c) Providers of supported living certified pursuant to section 5123.161 of the Revised Code; and

(d) Providers of services funded by medicaid home and community-based services waivers administered by the department pursuant to section 5166.21 of the Revised Code.

(2) Individuals receiving services in a setting governed by the Ohio department of education shall be supported in accordance with rule 3301-35-15 of the Administrative Code.

(C) Definitions

For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Chemical restraint" means the use of medication in accordance with scheduled dosing or pro re nata ("PRN" or as needed) for the purpose of causing a general or non-specific blunt suppression of behavior (i.e., the effect of the medication results in a noticeable or discernible difference in the individual's ability to complete activities of daily living) or for the purpose of treating sexual offending behavior.

(a) A behavioral support strategy may include chemical restraint only when an individual's actions pose risk of harm or an individual engages in a precisely-defined pattern of behavior that is very likely to result in risk of harm.

(b) A medication prescribed for the treatment of a physical or psychiatric condition in accordance with the standards of treatment for that condition and not for the purpose of causing a general or non-specific blunt suppression of behavior, is presumed to not be a chemical restraint.

(c) "Chemical restraint" does not include a medication that is routinely prescribed in conjunction with a medical procedure for patients without developmental disabilities.

(2) "County board" means a county board of developmental disabilities.

(3) "Department" means the Ohio department of developmental disabilities.

(4) "Director" means the director of the Ohio department of developmental disabilities.

(5) "Emergency" means an individual's behavior presents an immediate danger of physical harm to the individual or another person or the individual being the subject of a legal sanction and all available positive measures have proved ineffective or infeasible.

(6) "Human rights committee" means a standing committee formed by a county board or an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities to safeguard individuals' rights and protect individuals from physical, emotional, and psychological harm. At an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the human rights committee may also be referred to as a "specially constituted committee" as that term is used in 42 C.F.R. 483.440 as in effect on the effective date of this rule.

(7) "Individual" means a person with a developmental disability.

(8) "Individual service plan" means the written description of services, supports, and activities to be provided to an individual and includes an "individual program plan" as that term is used in 42 C.F.R. 483.440 as in effect on the effective date of this rule.

(9) "Informed consent" means a documented written agreement to allow a proposed action, treatment, or service after full disclosure provided in a manner an individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable, understands, of the relevant facts necessary to make the decision. Relevant facts include the risks and benefits of the action, treatment, or service; the risks and benefits of the alternatives to the action, treatment, or service; and the right to refuse the action, treatment, or service. An individual or guardian, as applicable, may withdraw informed consent at any time.

(10) "Intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities" has the same meaning as in section 5124.01 of the Revised Code.

(11) "Manual restraint" means use of a hands-on method, but never in a prone restraint, to control an identified action by restricting the movement or function of an individual's head, neck, torso, one or more limbs, or entire body, using sufficient force to cause the possibility of injury and includes holding or disabling an individual's wheelchair or other mobility device.

(a) A behavioral support strategy may include manual restraint only when an individual's actions pose risk of harm.

(b) An individual in a manual restraint shall be under constant visual supervision by staff.

(c) Manual restraint shall cease immediately once risk of harm has passed.

(d) "Manual restraint" does not include a method that is routinely used during a medical procedure for patients without developmental disabilities.

(12) "Mechanical restraint" means use of a device, but never in a prone restraint, to control an identified action by restricting an individual's movement or function.

(a) A behavioral support strategy may include mechanical restraint only when an individual's actions pose risk of harm.

(b) Mechanical restraint shall cease immediately once risk of harm has passed.

(c) "Mechanical restraint" does not include:

(i) A seatbelt of a type found in an ordinary passenger vehicle or an age-appropriate child safety seat;

(ii) A medically-necessary device (such as a wheelchair seatbelt or a gait belt) used for supporting or positioning an individual's body; or

(iii) A device that is routinely used during a medical procedure for patients without developmental disabilities.

(13) "Precisely-defined pattern of behavior" means a documented and predictable sequence of actions that if left uninterrupted, will very likely result in physical harm to self or others.

(14) "Prohibited measure" means a method that shall not be used by persons or entities providing specialized services. "Prohibited measures" include:

(a) Prone restraint.

(b) Use of a manual restraint or mechanical restraint that has the potential to inhibit or restrict an individual's ability to breathe or that is medically contraindicated.

(c) Use of a manual restraint or mechanical restraint that causes pain or harm to an individual.

(d) Disabling an individual's communication device.

(e) Denial of breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or beverages (excluding denial of snacks or beverages for an individual with primary polydipsia or a compulsive eating disorder attributed to a diagnosed condition such as "Prader-Willi Syndrome," and denial is based on specific medical treatment of the diagnosed condition and approved by the human rights committee).

(f) Placing an individual in a room with no light.

(g) Subjecting an individual to damaging or painful sound.

(h) Application of electric shock to an individual's body (excluding electroconvulsive therapy prescribed by a physician as a clinical intervention to treat a diagnosed medical condition and administered by a physician or a credentialed advanced practice registered nurse).

(i) Subjecting an individual to any humiliating or derogatory treatment.

(j) Squirting an individual with any substance as an inducement or consequence for behavior.

(k) Using any restrictive measure for punishment, retaliation, convenience of providers, or as a substitute for specialized services.

(15) "Prone restraint" means a method of intervention where an individual's face and/or frontal part of an individual's body is placed in a downward position touching any surface for any amount of time.

(16) "Provider" means any person or entity that provides specialized services.

(17) "Qualified intellectual disability professional" has the same meaning as in 42 C.F.R. 483.430 as in effect on the effective date of this rule.

(18) "Restrictive measure" means a method of last resort that may be used by persons or entities providing specialized services only when necessary to keep people safe and with prior approval in accordance with paragraph (H) of this rule. "Restrictive measures" include:

(a) Chemical restraint;

(b) Manual restraint;

(c) Mechanical restraint;

(d) Rights restriction; and

(e) Time-out

(19) "Rights restriction" means restriction of an individual's rights as enumerated in section 5123.62 of the Revised Code.

(a) A behavioral support strategy may include a rights restriction only when an individual's actions pose risk of harm or are very likely to result in the individual being the subject of a legal sanction such as eviction, arrest, or incarceration.

(b) Absent risk of harm or likelihood of legal sanction, an individual's rights shall not be restricted (e.g., by imposition of arbitrary schedules or limitation on consumption of tobacco products).

(20) "Risk of harm" means there exists a direct and serious risk of physical harm to an individual or another person. For risk of harm:

(a) An individual must be capable of causing physical harm to self or others; and

(b) The individual must be causing physical harm to self or others or very likely to begin doing so.

(21) "Service and support administrator" means a person, regardless of title, employed by or under contract with a county board to perform the functions of service and support administration and who holds the appropriate certification in accordance with rule 5123:2-5-02 of the Administrative Code.

(22) "Specialized services" means any program or service designed and operated to serve primarily individuals with developmental disabilities, including a program or service provided by an entity licensed or certified by the department. If there is a question as to whether a provider or entity under contract with a provider is providing specialized services, the provider or contract entity may request that the director make a determination. The director's determination is not subject to appeal.

(23) "Team," as applicable, has the same meaning as in rule 5123-4-02 of the Administrative Code or means an "interdisciplinary team" as that term is used in 42 C.F.R. 483.440 as in effect on the effective date of this rule.

(24) "Time-out" means confining an individual in a room or area and preventing the individual from leaving the room or area by applying physical force or by closing a door or constructing another barrier, including placement in such a room or area when a staff person remains in the room or area.

(a) A behavioral support strategy may include time-out only when an individual's actions pose risk of harm.

(b) Time-out shall not exceed thirty minutes for any one incident nor one hour in any twenty-four hour period.

(c) A time-out room or area shall not be key-locked, but the door may be held shut by a staff person or by a mechanism that requires constant physical pressure from a staff person to keep the mechanism engaged.

(d) A time-out room or area shall be adequately lighted and ventilated and provide a safe environment for the individual.

(e) An individual in a time-out room or area shall be protected from hazardous conditions including but not limited to, sharp corners and objects, uncovered light fixtures, or unprotected electrical outlets.

(f) An individual in a time-out room or area shall be under constant visual supervision by staff.

(g) Time-out shall cease immediately once risk of harm has passed or if the individual engages in self-abuse, becomes incontinent, or shows other signs of illness.

(h) "Time-out" does not include periods when an individual, for a limited and specified time, is separated from others in an unlocked room or area for the purpose of self-regulation of behavior and is not physically restrained or prevented from leaving the room or area by physical barriers.

(D) Development of a behavioral support strategy

(1) The focus of a behavioral support strategy is the proactive creation of supportive environments that enhance an individual's quality of life by understanding and respecting the individual's needs and expanding opportunities for the individual to communicate and exercise choice and control through identification and implementation of positive measures such as:

(a) Emphasizing alternative ways for the individual to communicate needs and to have needs met;

(b) Adjusting the physical or social environment;

(c) Addressing sensory stimuli;

(d) Adjusting schedules; and

(e) Establishing trusting relationships.

(2) A behavioral support strategy that includes restrictive measures requires:

(a) Documentation that demonstrates that positive measures have been employed and have been determined ineffective.

(b) An assessment conducted within the past twelve months that clearly describes:

(i) The behavior that poses risk of harm or likelihood of legal sanction or the individual's engagement in a precisely-defined pattern of behavior that is very likely to result in risk of harm;

(ii) The level of harm or type of legal sanction that could reasonably be expected to occur with the behavior;

(iii) When the behavior is likely to occur;

(iv) The individual's interpersonal, environmental, medical, mental health, communication, sensory, and emotional needs; diagnosis; and life history including traumatic experiences as a means to gain insight into origins and patterns of the individual's actions; and

(v) The nature and degree of risk to the individual if the restrictive measure is implemented.

(c) A description of actions to be taken to:

(i) Mitigate risk of harm or likelihood of legal sanction;

(ii) Reduce and ultimately eliminate the need for restrictive measures; and

(iii) Ensure environments where the individual has access to preferred activities and is less likely to engage in unsafe actions due to boredom, frustration, lack of effective communication, or unrecognized health problems.

(3) A behavioral support strategy shall never include prohibited measures.

(4) Persons who conduct assessments and develop behavioral support strategies that include restrictive measures shall:

(a) Hold a valid license issued by the Ohio board of psychology;

(b) Hold a valid license issued by the Ohio counselor, social worker and marriage and family therapist board;

(c) Hold a valid physician license issued by the state medical board of Ohio; or

(d) Hold a bachelor's or graduate-level degree from an accredited college or university and have at least three years of paid, full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in developing and/or implementing behavioral support and/or risk reduction strategies or plans.

(5) A behavioral support strategy that includes restrictive measures shall:

(a) Be designed in a manner that promotes healing, recovery, and resilience;

(b) Have the goal of helping the individual to achieve outcomes and pursue interests while reducing or eliminating the need for restrictive measures to ensure safety;

(c) Describe tangible outcomes and goals and how progress toward achievement of outcomes and goals will be identified;

(d) Recognize the role environment has on behavior;

(e) Capitalize on the individual's strengths to meet challenges and needs;

(f) Delineate restrictive measures to be implemented and identify those who are responsible for implementation;

(g) Specify steps to be taken to ensure the safety of the individual and others;

(h) As applicable, identify needed services and supports to assist the individual in meeting court-ordered community controls such as mandated sex offender registration, drug-testing, or participation in mental health treatment; and

(i) As applicable, outline necessary coordination with other entities (e.g., courts, prisons, hospitals, and law enforcement) charged with the individual's care, confinement, or reentry to the community.

(6) A behavioral support strategy that includes chemical restraint, manual restraint, or time-out will specify when and how the provider will notify the individual's guardian when such restraint is used.

(7) When a behavioral support strategy that includes restrictive measures is proposed by an individual and the individual's team, the qualified intellectual disability professional or the service and support administrator, as applicable, shall:

(a) Ensure the strategy is developed in accordance with the principles of person-centered planning and trauma-informed care and incorporated as an integral part of the individual service plan.

(b) When indicated, seek input from persons with specialized expertise to address an individual's specific support needs.

(c) Secure informed consent of the individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable.

(d) Submit to the human rights committee the strategy and documentation, including the record of restrictive measures described in paragraph (F)(4) of this rule, based upon an assessment that clearly indicates:

(i) The justification for the proposed restrictive measure, that is:

(a) When manual restraint, mechanical restraint, or time-out is proposed -- risk of harm;

(b) When chemical restraint is proposed -- risk of harm or how the individual's engagement in a precisely-defined pattern of behavior is very likely to result in risk of harm; or

(c) When rights restriction is proposed -- risk of harm or how the individual's actions are very likely to result in the individual being the subject of a legal sanction.

(ii) The nature and degree of risk to the individual if the restrictive measure is implemented.

(e) Ensure the strategy is reviewed and approved in accordance with paragraph (H) of this rule prior to implementation and whenever the behavioral support strategy is revised to add restrictive measures.

(f) Ensure the strategy is reviewed by the individual and the individual's team at least every ninety calendar days or more frequently when specified by the human rights committee to determine and document the effectiveness of the strategy and whether the strategy should be continued, discontinued, or revised.

(i) The review shall consider:

(a) Numeric data on changes in the severity or frequency of behaviors that had been targeted for reduction due to a threat to safety or wellbeing;

(b) New skills that have been developed which have reduced or eliminated threats to safety or wellbeing;

(c) The individual's self-report of overall satisfaction in achieving desired outcomes and pursuing interests; and

(d) Observations by paid staff and/or natural supports as they relate to safety or wellbeing and the individual's achievement of desired outcomes and pursuit of interests.

(ii) When a manual restraint has been used in the past ninety calendar days, the review shall include seeking the perspective of the individual and at least one direct support professional involved in use of the manual restraint regarding the reason the manual restraint occurred and what could be done differently in the future to avoid manual restraint.

(iii) A decision to continue the strategy shall be based upon review of up-to-date information justifying the continuation of the strategy.

(E) Reconsideration of a medication initially presumed to not be a chemical restraint

(1) When administration of a medication initially presumed to not be a chemical restraint in accordance with paragraph (C)(1)(b) of this rule actually results in a general or non-specific blunt suppression of behavior, the provider is to alert the individual's qualified intellectual disability professional or service and support administrator, as applicable. The qualified intellectual disability professional or the service and support administrator is to ensure the prescriber of the medication and the individual's team are notified.

(a) The prescriber of the medication may adjust the medication (type or dose) in an effort to abate the general or non-specific blunt suppression of behavior.

(b) When the prescriber of the medication is not inclined to adjust the medication, the individual's team is to meet to consider what actions may be necessary (e.g., seeking an opinion from a different prescriber or introducing activities that may mitigate the impact of the medication on the individual's ability to complete activities of daily living).

(2) When a medication (as originally administered or as adjusted) continues to cause a general or non-specific blunt suppression of behavior beyond thirty calendar days, the medication is to be regarded as a chemical restraint and submitted to the human rights committee in accordance with paragraph (H) of this rule.

(F) Implementation of behavioral support strategies with restrictive measures

(1) Restrictive measures shall be implemented with sufficient safeguards and supervision to ensure the health, welfare, and rights of individuals receiving specialized services.

(2) Each person providing specialized services to an individual with a behavioral support strategy that includes restrictive measures shall successfully complete training in the strategy prior to serving the individual.

(3) After each incidence of manual restraint, a provider shall take any measures necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the individual who was restrained, individuals who witnessed the manual restraint, and staff and minimize traumas for all involved.

(4) Each provider shall maintain a record of the date, time, and antecedent factors regarding each event of a restrictive measure other than a restrictive measure that is not based on antecedent factors (e.g., bed alarm or locked cabinet). The record for each event of a manual restraint or a mechanical restraint will include the duration. The provider will share the record with the individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable, and the individual's team whenever the individual's behavioral support strategy is being reviewed or reconsidered.

(G) Establishment of human rights committees

(1) Each county board and each intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities shall actively participate in an established human rights committee. A human rights committee may be established by a county board or an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities acting independently or jointly in collaboration with one or more other county boards and/or intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The human rights committee shall:

(a) Be comprised of at least four persons;

(b) Include at least one individual who receives or is eligible to receive specialized services;

(c) Include qualified persons who have either experience or training in contemporary practices for behavioral support; and

(d) Reflect a balance of representatives from each of the following two groups:

(i) Individuals who receive or are eligible to receive specialized services or family members or guardians of individuals who receive or are eligible to receive specialized services; and

(ii) County boards, intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities or other providers, or other professionals.

(2) All information and documents provided to the human rights committee and all discussions of the committee are confidential and shall not be shared or discussed with anyone other than the individual, the individual's guardian, and the individual's team.

(3) Members of the human rights committee shall receive department-approved training within three months of appointment to the committee in:

(a) Rights of individuals as enumerated in section 5123.62 of the Revised Code;

(b) Person-centered planning;

(c) Informed consent;

(d) Confidentiality; and

(e) The requirements of this rule.

(4) Members of the human rights committee shall annually receive department-approved training in relevant topics which may include but are not limited to:

(a) Self-advocacy and self-determination;

(b) Role of guardians and section 5126.043 of the Revised Code;

(c) Effect of traumatic experiences on behavior; and

(d) Court-ordered community controls and the role of the court, the county board or intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and the human rights committee.

(H) Review of behavioral support strategies that include restrictive measures

There are two distinct processes for review of behavioral support strategies that include restrictive measures based on the nature of the request:

(1) Emergency request.

(a) An emergency request for a behavioral support strategy that includes restrictive measures shall consist of:

(i) A description of the restrictive measures to be implemented;

(ii) Documentation of risk of harm or legal sanction which demonstrates the situation is an emergency;

(iii) A description of positive measures that have been implemented and proved ineffective or infeasible;

(iv) Any medical contraindications; and

(v) Informed consent by the individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable.

(b) Prior to implementation of a behavioral support strategy submitted via the emergency request process, the strategy must be approved by:

(i) A quorum of members of the human rights committee in accordance with 42 C.F.R. 483.440 as in effect on the effective date of this rule for an individual who resides in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities; or

(ii) The superintendent of the county board or the superintendent's designee for an individual who does not reside in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

(c) A behavioral support strategy approved via the emergency request process may be in place for a period not to exceed forty-five calendar days. Continuation of the strategy beyond the initial forty-five calendar days requires approval by the human rights committee in accordance with the process for a routine request described in paragraph (H)(2) of this rule.

(2) Routine request.

(a) Absent an emergency, a human rights committee shall review a request to implement a behavioral support strategy that includes restrictive measures.

(b) An individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable, is to be notified at least seventy-two hours in advance of the date, time, and location of the human rights committee meeting at which the individual's behavioral support strategy will be reviewed. The individual or guardian has the right to attend to present related information in advance of the human rights committee commencing its review.

(c) In its review of an individual's behavioral support strategy, the human rights committee is to:

(i) Ensure that the planning process outlined in this rule has been followed and that the individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable, has provided informed consent.

(ii) Ensure that the proposed restrictive measures are necessary to reduce risk of harm or likelihood of legal sanction.

(iii) When indicated, seek input from persons with specialized expertise to address an individual's specific support needs.

(iv) Ensure that the overall outcome of the behavioral support strategy promotes the physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing of the individual while reducing risk of harm or likelihood of legal sanction.

(v) Ensure that a restrictive measure is temporary in nature and occurs only in specifically-defined situations based on:

(a) Risk of harm for manual restraint, mechanical restraint, or time-out;

(b) Risk of harm or an individual's engagement in a precisely-defined pattern of behavior that is very likely to result in risk of harm for chemical restraint; or

(c) Risk of harm or likelihood of legal sanction for a rights restriction.

(vi) Verify that any behavioral support strategy that includes restrictive measures also incorporates positive measures designed to enable the individual to feel safe, respected, and valued while emphasizing choice, self-determination, and an improved quality of life.

(vii) Determine the period of time for which a restrictive measure is appropriate and may approve a strategy that includes restrictive measures for any number of days not to exceed three hundred sixty-five.

(viii) Approve in whole or in part, reject in whole or in part, monitor, and when indicated, reauthorize behavioral support strategies that include restrictive measures.

(ix) Communicate the committee's determination including an explanation of its rejection of a strategy in writing to the qualified intellectual disability professional or service and support administrator that submitted the request for approval.

(d) The qualified intellectual disability professional or service and support administrator shall communicate in writing to the individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable, the determination of the human rights committee including an explanation of rejection of a strategy as well as the individual's or guardian's right to seek reconsideration when the human rights committee rejects a strategy.

(e) An individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable, may seek reconsideration of rejection by the human rights committee of a strategy that includes restrictive measures by submitting the request for reconsideration with additional information provided as rationale for the request to the qualified intellectual disability professional or service and support administrator, as applicable, in writing within fourteen calendar days of being informed of the rejection. The qualified intellectual disability professional or service and support administrator is to forward the request to the human rights committee within seventy-two hours. The human rights committee will consider the request for reconsideration and respond in writing to the individual or guardian within fourteen calendar days of receiving the request.

(f) An individual who resides in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities or the individual's guardian, as applicable, may appeal to the facility's specially constituted committee in accordance with the facility's procedure if the individual or guardian, as applicable, is dissatisfied with the strategy or the process used for development of the strategy.

(g) An individual who does not reside in an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities or the individual's guardian, as applicable, may seek administrative resolution in accordance with rule 5123-4-04 of the Administrative Code if the individual or guardian is dissatisfied with the strategy or the process used for development of the strategy.

(I) Use of a restrictive measure without prior approval

(1) Nothing in this rule shall be construed to prohibit or prevent any person from intervening in a crisis situation as necessary to ensure a person's immediate health and safety.

(2) Use of a restrictive measure, including use of a restrictive measure in a crisis situation (e.g., to prevent an individual from running into traffic), without prior approval in accordance with paragraph (H) of this rule shall be reported as an "unapproved behavioral support" in accordance with rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code.

(J) Reporting of behavioral support strategies that include restrictive measures

Each county board and each intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities shall enter information regarding behavioral support strategies that include restrictive measures in the department's restrictive measures notification system. Corresponding entries are to be made:

(1) After securing approval in accordance with paragraph (H) of this rule and prior to implementation of a behavioral support strategy that includes restrictive measures; and

(2) When a restrictive measure is discontinued.

(K) Analysis of behavioral support strategies that include restrictive measures

(1) Each county board and each intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities shall annually compile and analyze aggregate data extracted from the department's restrictive measures notification application regarding behavioral support strategies that include restrictive measures and furnish the data and analyses to the human rights committee by March fifteenth of each year for the preceding calendar year. Data compiled and analyzed shall include, but are not limited to:

(a) Nature and frequency of risk of harm or likelihood of legal sanction that triggered development of strategies that include restrictive measures;

(b) Number of strategies that include restrictive measures by type of restrictive measure (i.e., chemical restraint, manual restraint, mechanical restraint, rights restriction, and time-out) reviewed, approved, rejected, and reauthorized in accordance with paragraph (H) of this rule;

(c) Number of restrictive measures by type of restrictive measure (i.e., chemical restraint, manual restraint, mechanical restraint, rights restriction, and time-out) implemented;

(d) Number of strategies that include restrictive measures that have been discontinued and the reasons for discontinuing the strategies; and

(e) An in-depth review and analysis of either:

(i) Trends and patterns regarding strategies that include restrictive measures for purposes of determining methods for enhancing risk reduction efforts and outcomes, reducing the frequency of restrictive measures, and identifying technical assistance and training needs; or

(ii) A sample of implemented strategies that include restrictive measures for purposes of ensuring that strategies are developed, implemented, documented, and monitored in accordance with this rule.

(2) County boards and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities shall make the data and analyses available to the department upon request.

(L) Department oversight

(1) The department will take immediate action as necessary to protect the health and welfare of individuals which may include, but is not limited to:

(a) Suspension of a behavioral support strategy not developed, implemented, documented, or monitored in accordance with this rule or where trends and patterns of data suggest the need for further review;

(b) Provision of technical assistance in development or redevelopment of a behavioral support strategy; and

(c) Referral to other state agencies or licensing bodies, as indicated.

(2) The department will compile and analyze data regarding behavioral support strategies for purposes of determining methods for enhancing risk reduction efforts and outcomes, reducing the frequency of restrictive measures, and identifying technical assistance and training needs. The department will make the data and analyses available.

(3) The department may periodically select a sample of behavioral support strategies for review to ensure that strategies are developed, implemented, documented, and monitored in accordance with this rule.

(4) The department will conduct reviews of county boards and providers as necessary to ensure the health and welfare of individuals and compliance with this rule. Failure to comply with this rule may be considered by the department in any regulatory capacity, including certification, licensure, and accreditation.

(M) Waiving provisions of this rule

For good cause, the director may waive a condition or specific requirement of this rule except that the director shall not permit use of a prohibited measure as defined in paragraph (C)(14) of this rule. The director's decision to waive a condition or specific requirement of this rule shall not be contrary to the rights, health, or safety of individuals receiving services. The director's decision to grant or deny a request is not subject to appeal.

Last updated October 3, 2022 at 8:46 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5123.04, 5123.19, 5124.03, 5126.08
Amplifies: 5123.04, 5123.19, 5123.62, 5124.02, 5124.03, 5126.08
Five Year Review Date: 10/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 10/31/1977, 12/11/1983, 4/22/1993, 7/12/1997, 6/11/2020 (Emer.), 11/19/2020
Rule 5123-2-07 | Personal funds of the individual.
 

(A) Purpose

This rule establishes standards of accountability for a provider when the individual service plan of an individual served by the provider indicates the provider is responsible for managing the individual's personal funds.

(B) Scope

This rule applies to persons and entities that provide specialized services regardless of source of payment, including but not limited to:

(1) County boards and entities under contract with county boards;

(2) Residential facilities licensed pursuant to section 5123.19 of the Revised Code, including intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities; and

(3) Providers of supported living certified pursuant to section 5123.161 of the Revised Code, including providers of services funded by medicaid home and community-based services waivers administered by the department.

(C) Definitions

For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Agency provider" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-2-08 of the Administrative Code.

(2) "County board" means a county board of developmental disabilities.

(3) "Department" means the Ohio department of developmental disabilities.

(4) "Earned income" means wages and net earnings from employment or self-employment.

(5) "Immediate family member" means a spouse, parent or stepparent, child or stepchild, sibling or stepsibling, grandparent, or grandchild.

(6) "Independent provider" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-2-09 of the Administrative Code.

(7) "Individual" means a person with a developmental disability.

(8) "Individual service plan" means the written description of services, supports, and activities to be provided to an individual and includes an "individual program plan" as that term is used in 42 C.F.R. 483.440 as in effect on the effective date of this rule.

(9) "Intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities" has the same meaning as in section 5124.01 of the Revised Code.

(10) "Major unusual incident" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code.

(11) "Person responsible for the estate of the individual" means the executor, administrator, commissioner, or person who filed pursuant to section 2113.03 of the Revised Code for release from administration of an estate.

(12) "Personal funds" means any financial resources, including but not limited to, earned income, unearned income, bank accounts, investment accounts, and monies distributed from a trust fund or inheritance.

(13) "Provider" means an agency provider, an independent provider, or a residential facility.

(14) "Qualified intellectual disability professional" has the same meaning as in 42 C.F.R. 483.430 as in effect on the effective date of this rule.

(15) "Residential facility" has the same meaning as in section 5123.19 of the Revised Code.

(16) "Service and support administrator" means a person, regardless of title, employed by or under contract with a county board to perform the functions of service and support administration and who holds the appropriate certification in accordance with rule 5123:2-5-02 of the Administrative Code.

(17) "Specialized services" means any program or service designed and operated to serve primarily individuals with developmental disabilities, including a program or service provided by an entity licensed or certified by the department. If there is a question as to whether a provider or entity under contract with a provider is providing specialized services, the provider or contract entity may request that the director of the department make a determination. The director's determination is not subject to appeal.

(18) "Team," as applicable, has the same meaning as in rule 5123-4-02 of the Administrative Code or means an "interdisciplinary team" as that term is used in 42 C.F.R. 483.440 as in effect on the effective date of this rule.

(19) "Unearned income" means all income that is not earned income including, but not limited to, social security disability income, supplemental security income, other benefits an individual receives, and monetary gifts.

(D) Establishment of roles and parameters for management of personal funds

(1) Each individual shall be afforded the opportunity to manage the individual's personal funds and taught to do so to the extent of the individual's ability.

(2) An individual's ability to manage personal funds will be addressed through development of the individual service plan and consideration of what is important to the individual and what is important for the individual.

(3) When an individual has been assessed to need assistance managing personal funds:

(a) The individual service plan will include:

(i) The name of the person or entity responsible for assisting the individual with managing personal funds and the specific personal funds to which the person or entity will have access;

(ii) The specific type of supports to be provided (e.g., bill-paying, shopping, budgeting, or increasing the individual's independence in managing personal funds);

(iii) The dollar amount anticipated to be available to the individual upon request for personal spending;

(iv) The maximum dollar amount that the individual may independently manage at any one time;

(v) The maximum dollar amount that the provider may spend on behalf of the individual for any one expenditure without team approval; and

(vi) When applicable, the name of the person or entity responsible for providing payee services.

(b) The qualified intellectual disability professional or service and support administrator, as applicable, shall maintain the following information in the individual service plan or in the individual's official record:

(i) The name of the person responsible for the estate of the individual in the event of the individual's death; and

(ii) When applicable, the name of the person or entity assigned as guardian of the estate.

(4) Each individual, other than an individual who has been assessed to need assistance managing personal funds, shall have access to personal funds to use as the individual chooses to purchase items, goods, and services.

(5) In no circumstance will an individual be required to use personal funds to purchase or pay for items or services that are reimbursed by medicaid or any other funding source of the provider.

(E) Avoiding conflicts of interest

Providers, immediate family members of providers, employees of providers, and immediate family members of employees of providers shall not:

(1) Ask for, otherwise try to secure, or accept loans in any amount from an individual the provider or employee serves.

(2) Sell items to an individual the provider or employee serves unless the transaction is authorized in writing in advance by the team.

(3) Buy items from an individual the provider or employee serves unless the transaction is authorized in writing in advance by the team.

(F) Management of an individual's personal funds by a provider

(1) A provider responsible for managing an individual's personal funds shall:

(a) Retain, safeguard, and accurately account for the individual's personal funds.

(b) Deposit the individual's personal funds in the individual's account within five calendar days of receipt.

(c) Ensure the individual has access to personal funds managed by the provider upon request, but no later than three calendar days from the date of request.

(d) Provide an accounting of the individual's personal funds as described in paragraph (G)(4) of this rule to the individual or the individual's guardian, the team, or the department upon request.

(e) Ensure the team is notified when:

(i) An individual's personal funds exceed or are projected to exceed the maximum amount allowed for the individual to maintain eligibility for medicaid, supplemental security income, or social security disability insurance; or

(ii) An individual receives a lump sum payment (e.g., benefits back payment) or inheritance.

(2) A provider responsible for managing an individual's personal funds shall not:

(a) Co-mingle the individual's personal funds with the provider's funds.

(b) Use the individual's personal funds to supplement or replace funds of the provider or another individual on a temporary or permanent basis except in situations where a practical arrangement (e.g., individuals take turns purchasing household supplies) is agreed upon and documented in writing.

(3) An individual's team will determine, through development of the individual service plan, when a provider is required to maintain receipts for expenditures of the individual's personal funds. Receipts, when required, will identify the date, the item or items purchased, and the amount of the expenditure; other documentation or a written explanation will be obtained if a receipt is unavailable.

(4) When a provider has been appointed to act as the payee for an individual's benefits:

(a) The provider shall follow all requirements set forth by the governing authority (e.g., social security administration or veterans' administration).

(b) The provider shall not request nor accept reimbursement through the individual's home and community-based services waiver for providing payee services if the provider is paid by the individual or from another funding source for acting as payee.

(c) Provisions of this rule apply without regard to the provider's role (i.e., acting in the capacity of payee or acting in the capacity of provider).

(5) When a provider has possession of an individual's personal funds, the provider shall:

(a) Within five calendar days of termination of services, release any balance of cash to the individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable, after deducting for actual or estimated expenditures owed by the individual; and

(b) Within fourteen calendar days of termination of services, prepare a final itemized statement of the individual's personal funds accounts and release any remaining personal funds to the individual or the individual's guardian, as applicable, with the itemized statement.

(G) Accounts established for individuals' personal funds

(1) When a provider has possession of an individual's personal funds, the provider may establish a banking account on behalf of the individual or the individual may establish the individual's own account. When the provider establishes a banking account on behalf of an individual:

(a) The provider may establish a separate banking account for each individual's personal funds, combine multiple individuals' personal funds in one banking account, or a combination of both. When multiple individuals' personal funds are combined in one banking account, the provider shall separately account for each individual's personal funds and allocate interest, if earned, to each individual proportional to the amount of personal funds each individual maintains in the account.

(b) The individual's personal funds may be maintained in a checking account or a savings account or a combination of both.

(c) The provider will establish the banking account in a manner that minimizes banking fees paid by the individual.

(2) A cash account may be maintained by the provider as specified in the individual service plan.

(3) An investment account opened in accordance with the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act program and section 529A of the Internal Revenue Code may be maintained by the provider as specified in the individual service plan.

(4) For each type of account established for an individual, the provider shall maintain a written or electronic system of accounting which contains:

(a) The individual's name;

(b) The source, amount, and date of all personal funds received;

(c) The signature of the person depositing personal funds to the account, unless electronically deposited;

(d) The date, amount, and recipient of all personal funds withdrawn;

(e) The signature of the person withdrawing personal funds from the account, unless electronically withdrawn;

(f) For checking accounts and savings accounts, a current account balance reconciled to the most recent bank statement which is signed and dated by the person conducting the reconciliation; and

(g) For any cash accounts maintained by the provider, including gift cards or gift certificates belonging to an individual, a verification of the reconciliation of the documented balance to the actual personal funds available no less than once every thirty calendar days which is signed and dated by the person conducting the reconciliation.

(H) Management of an individual's personal funds by an agency provider or residential facility

An agency provider or residential facility responsible for managing an individual's personal funds shall:

(1) Develop and implement a written policy regarding management of individuals' personal funds that:

(a) Describes the system of accounting principles by which the agency provider or residential facility retains, safeguards, and accurately accounts for individuals' personal funds;

(b) Requires the agency provider or residential facility to deposit an individual's personal funds in the individual's account within five calendar days of receipt;

(c) Prohibits an individual's personal funds from being co-mingled with the agency provider's or residential facility's funds;

(d) Prohibits use of an individual's personal funds to supplement or replace funds of the agency provider or residential facility or another individual on a temporary or permanent basis except in situations where a practical arrangement (e.g., individuals take turns purchasing household supplies) is agreed upon and documented in writing;

(e) Requires an accounting of an individual's personal funds as described in paragraph (G)(4) of this rule be made available to the individual or the individual's guardian, the team, or the department upon request;

(f) Describes how the agency provider or residential facility will ensure an individual has access to personal funds managed by the agency provider or residential facility upon request, but no later than three calendar days from the date of request; and

(g) Outlines the agency provider's or residential facility's system for monitoring and reporting alleged acts of misappropriation and exploitation in accordance with rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code.

(2) Ensure a person employed by or under contract with the agency provider or residential facility, other than the person who provides direct assistance to the individual with managing personal funds or the person who maintains the written or electronic system of accounting for personal funds, conducts the reconciliations of personal funds required by paragraphs (G)(4)(f) and (G)(4)(g) of this rule.

(3) Ensure each person employed by or under contract with the agency provider or residential facility who provides direct assistance to an individual with managing personal funds, maintains the written or electronic system of accounting for personal funds, or conducts the reconciliations of personal funds required by paragraphs (G)(4)(f) and (G)(4)(g) of this rule is trained in the requirements of this rule and follows the agency provider's or residential facility's written policy regarding management of individuals' personal funds described in paragraph (H)(1) of this rule.

(I) Restoration of an individual's personal funds

(1) A provider shall restore personal funds to an individual when:

(a) The provider's failure to implement the individual service plan as written results in the loss of the individual's personal funds; or

(b) The individual experiences a loss of personal funds managed by the provider and the provider failed to maintain adequate documentation; or

(c) The provider's failure to follow its written policy regarding management of individuals' personal funds, described in paragraph (H)(1) of this rule, results in the loss of the individual's personal funds; or

(d) The provider or an employee of the provider is the subject of a substantiated misappropriation or exploitation major unusual incident which results in the loss of the individual's personal funds, in which case:

(i) The individual's major unusual incident prevention plan will compel the provider to restore the personal funds in a timely manner;

(ii) The provider will restore the personal funds as specified in the major unusual incident prevention plan; and

(iii) The major unusual incident case will remain open until the county board documents that the provider has restored the personal funds.

(2) An individual's team will ensure that restoration of personal funds is structured in a manner that does not jeopardize the individual's eligibility for medicaid, supplemental security income, or social security disability insurance.

(J) Disposition of personal funds in the event of an individual's death

(1) A department-operated intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities that has possession of an individual's personal funds at the time of the individual's death will dispose of the personal funds in accordance with section 5123.28 of the Revised Code.

(2) An intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities other than one operated by the department that has possession of an individual's personal funds at the time of the individual's death will dispose of the personal funds in accordance with Chapter 5123-7 of the Administrative Code.

(3) A provider other than an intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities that has possession of an individual's personal funds at the time of the individual's death will:

(a) Make inquiries to determine if the individual has an estate.

(b) When an estate has been opened, arrange to transfer the individual's personal funds to the person responsible for the estate of the individual within ninety calendar days.

(c) Allow the individual's personal funds to be used for the individual's funeral and/or burial expenses if payment is not otherwise available.

(d) If after one hundred eighty calendar days following the individual's death, no estate has been opened, either:

(i) Transfer the balance of the individual's personal funds to "Administrator, Medicaid Estate Recovery, Collections Enforcement Section, Ohio Attorney General's Office, 30 East Broad Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215" when the individual was a recipient of medicaid benefits; or

(ii) Dispose of unclaimed funds in accordance with Chapter 169. of the Revised Code when the individual was not a recipient of medicaid benefits.

Last updated December 1, 2022 at 10:45 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5123.04, 5123.19, 5124.03, 5126.08
Amplifies: 5123.04, 5123.19, 5123.28, 5123.62, 5124.03, 5126.08
Five Year Review Date: 12/1/2027
Prior Effective Dates: 1/1/2006, 10/1/2016
Rule 5123-2-08 | Provider certification - agency providers.
 

(A) Purpose

This rule establishes procedures and standards for certification of agency providers of supported living services, including home and community-based services provided in accordance with section 5123.045 of the Revised Code.

(B) Definitions

For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Abuser registry" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-17-03 of the Administrative Code.

(2) "Accredited college or university" means a college or university accredited by a national or regional association recognized by the secretary of the United States department of education or a foreign college or university of comparable standing.

(3) "Agency provider" means an entity that must be certified by the department to provide supported living services in accordance with section 5123.161 of the Revised Code and this rule.

(4) "Certificate of high school equivalence" has the same meaning as in section 3301.80 of the Revised Code and includes the equivalent of a certificate of high school equivalence described in division (C) of that section.

(5) "County board" means a county board of developmental disabilities.

(6) "Department" means the Ohio department of developmental disabilities.

(7) "Direct support professional" means a person who is employed in a "direct services position" as that term is defined in section 5123.081 of the Revised Code.

(8) "Director of operations" means a person employed by an agency provider who is responsible for, and who is directly and actively involved in, the day-to-day operations of the agency provider. For the purposes of conducting background investigations pursuant to section 5123.081 of the Revised Code and rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code, "director of operations" has the same meaning as "chief executive officer."

(9) "Health-related activities" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-6-01 of the Administrative Code.

(10) "Home and community-based services" has the same meaning as in section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.

(11) "Independent provider" means a self-employed person who provides services for which the person is certified in accordance with rule 5123-2-09 of the Administrative Code and does not employ, either directly or through contract, anyone else to provide the services.

(12) "Individual" means a person with a developmental disability or for purposes of giving, refusing to give, or withdrawing consent for services, the person's guardian in accordance with section 5126.043 of the Revised Code or other person authorized to give consent.

(13) "Individual service plan" means the written description of services, supports, and activities to be provided to an individual.

(14) "Major unusual incident" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code.

(15) "Provider network management module" means a component of the Ohio medicaid enterprise system platform, maintained by the Ohio department of medicaid at its website (medicaid.ohio.gov), used by providers of services to initiate applications for certification, access the provider services management system, and submit required information and documents.

(16) "Provider services management system" means the electronic portal, maintained by the department at its website (dodd.ohio.gov), used by providers of services to apply for certification and submit required information and documents.

(17) "Related party" has the same meaning as in section 5123.16 of the Revised Code.

(18) "Service and support administrator" means a person, regardless of title, employed by or under contract with a county board to perform the functions of service and support administration as set forth in section 5126.15 of the Revised Code and who holds the appropriate certification in accordance with rule 5123-5-02 of the Administrative Code.

(19) "Specialized services" means any program or service designed and operated to serve primarily individuals with developmental disabilities, including a program or service provided by an entity licensed or certified by the department. If there is a question as to whether an entity is providing specialized services, an agency provider may request that the director of the department make a determination. The director's determination is not subject to appeal. Programs or services available to the general public are not specialized services.

(20) "Supported living" has the same meaning as in section 5126.01 of the Revised Code.

(21) "Unusual incident" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code.

(22) "Volunteer" means a person who donates time, effort, and/or talent to meet a need or advance the mission of an agency provider and who is not paid or otherwise remunerated by the agency provider. "Volunteer" does not include a family member, guardian, friend, or other associate of an individual simply interacting with that individual.

(C) General requirements for agency providers

An agency provider will:

(1) Be in good standing with the Ohio secretary of state as a for-profit corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership.

(2) Obtain and maintain a medicaid provider agreement with the Ohio department of medicaid when the agency provider intends to provide home and community-based services.

(3) Comply with the requirements of this rule and other standards and assurances established in Chapter 5123. of the Revised Code and rules adopted pursuant to that chapter.

(4) At the point of application for certification and upon request by the department, provide proof of a:

(a) Continuing line of credit in the agency provider's name in an amount of at least ten thousand dollars; or

(b) Bank account in the agency provider's name with a daily balance of at least ten thousand dollars for the most recent ninety days.

(5) At the point of application for certification and upon request by the department, provide a certificate of a continuing policy of general liability insurance in an amount of at least one million dollars which includes coverage for individuals' losses due to theft or property damage.

(6) Provide and maintain in the provider services management system and the provider network management module, the agency provider's current physical address, telephone number, and electronic mail address.

(7) Provide to the department via the provider services management system, within fourteen calendar days of occurrence, the name, date of birth, and social security number for any person newly acquiring a financial interest of five per cent or more in the agency provider (including a direct, indirect, security, or mortgage financial interest).

(8) Notify the department via the provider services management system, within seven calendar days of any bankruptcy petition for which the agency provider is the subject and provide related documents to the department upon request.

(9) Participate as requested by the department in service delivery system data collection initiatives.

(D) Management of the agency provider

(1) An agency provider will have written policies and procedures that address the agency provider's management practices regarding:

(a) Person-centered planning and self-determination;

(b) Individuals' satisfaction with services delivered;

(c) Internal monitoring and evaluation procedures to improve services delivered;

(d) Supervision of staff;

(e) Training plan described in paragraph (F)(1) of this rule;

(f) Service delivery;

(g) Background investigations for employment in accordance with rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code; and

(h) Volunteers (when the agency provider engages volunteers).

(2) An agency provider will demonstrate that the agency provider has an established internal compliance program to ensure compliance with requirements for:

(a) Provider certification in accordance with this rule;

(b) Background investigations and appropriate actions in accordance with rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code for its director of operations, supervisors of direct support professionals, direct support professionals, and when applicable, volunteers;

(c) Service delivery, service documentation, and billing for services in accordance with Chapter 5123. of the Revised Code and rules adopted pursuant to that chapter for supported living services and the specific home and community-based services provided; and

(d) Management of individuals' funds.

(3) When an agency provider is governed by a board of directors, board members will:

(a) Ensure the fiscal integrity of the agency provider by reviewing and approving the agency provider's annual audit, if otherwise required, or annual financial statements and by monitoring the agency provider's financial status including trends and challenges;

(b) Review and evaluate all compliance review reports by the department or a county board and the agency provider's response, including the plan of correction;

(c) Monitor the effectiveness of the agency provider's internal compliance program described in paragraph (D)(2) of this rule; and

(d) Promote the delivery of high-quality services.

(E) Employment of staff

An agency provider will:

(1) In addition to employing a director of operations who meets the requirements set forth in paragraph (H) of this rule, employ at least one other person for the purpose of providing services.

(2) Comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, statutes, rules, codes, and ordinances pertaining to employment of staff including, but not limited to, wage and hour, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation, and withholding taxes.

(3) Be current in payment of payroll taxes, workers' compensation premiums, and unemployment compensation premiums.

(4) Conduct background investigations and take appropriate actions in accordance with rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code.

(5) Annually notify in writing, each of its staff members explaining the conduct for which the staff member may be placed on the abuser registry and setting forth the requirement for each staff member who is a supervisor of direct support professionals or a direct support professional to report in writing to the agency provider, if the staff member is formally charged with, is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses listed or described in divisions (A)(3)(a) to (A)(3)(e) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code within fourteen calendar days after the date of such charge, conviction, guilty plea, or finding.

(F) Staff training documentation

An agency provider will:

(1) Develop and implement a written training plan for its director of operations, supervisors of direct support professionals, direct support professionals, and when applicable, volunteers that:

(a) Is consistent with the needs of individuals served, best practice, and the requirements set forth in appendix A and appendix C to this rule.

(b) Describes the method (e.g., written test, skills demonstration, or documented observation by supervisor) that will be used to establish competency of supervisors of direct support professionals and direct support professionals in areas of training.

(c) Is updated at least once every twelve months and identifies who is responsible for arranging or providing the training and projected timelines for completion of the training.

(2) Maintain a written record of training completed by its director of operations, supervisors of direct support professionals, direct support professionals, and volunteers that includes a description of the training completed, the date of training, the duration of training, and when applicable, the instructor's name.

(G) Standards of service provision

An agency provider will:

(1) Provide services only to individuals whose needs the agency provider can meet.

(2) Communicate effectively with each individual served by the agency provider.

(3) Ensure that direct support professionals are knowledgeable in the individual service plan for each individual served prior to providing services to the individual.

(4) Implement services in accordance with the individual service plan and in a person-centered manner.

(5) Comply with the requirements of rule 5123-2-06 of the Administrative Code.

(6) Take all reasonable steps necessary to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of major unusual incidents and unusual incidents.

(7) Upon realization that the agency provider may be unable to continue to effectively provide services to an individual, immediately engage the individual and the individual's service and support administrator to consider alternative strategies for serving the individual that ensure the health and safety of the individual.

(8) Notify, in writing, an individual and the individual's service and support administrator in the event that the agency provider intends to cease providing services to the individual no less than thirty calendar days prior to termination of services and convey documents and records to the individual's service and support administrator as requested.

(9) Ensure that a direct support professional does not:

(a) Provide services to the direct support professional's minor child except as permitted pursuant to rule 5160-44-32 of the Administrative Code;

(b) Provide services to the direct support professional's spouse except as permitted pursuant to rule 5160-44-32 of the Administrative Code;

(c) Provide services to the minor child of an owner of the agency provider;

(d) Provide services to the spouse of an owner of the agency provider;

(e) Provide services to the minor child of the director of operations;

(f) Provide services to the spouse of the director of operations;

(g) Administer medication or perform health-related activities for individuals who receive services unless the direct support professional meets the applicable requirements of Chapters 4723., 5123., and 5126. of the Revised Code and rules adopted pursuant to those chapters; or

(h) Use or be under the influence of the following while providing services:

(i) Alcohol;

(ii) Illegal drugs;

(iii) Illegal chemical substances; or

(iv) Controlled substances that may adversely affect the direct support professional's ability to furnish services.

(H) Requirements for director of operations

(1) An agency provider will employ a director of operations who:

(a) Has a valid birth certificate.

(b) Is at least twenty-one years of age.

(c) Has a valid social security card and a valid government-issued photo identification.

(d) Has at least:

(i) One year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in the provision of specialized services; or

(ii) Four years of experience providing care to a family member (i.e., parent, child, or sibling) with a developmental disability.

(e) Has at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in:

(i) Supervision of employees;

(ii) Development, oversight, and/or supervision of programs or services; and

(iii) Financial management of an organization.

(f) Holds either:

(i) A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; or

(ii) A high school diploma or certificate of high school equivalence and has at least:

(a) Four years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience as a supervisor of specialized services; or

(b) Four years of experience providing care to a family member (i.e., parent, child, or sibling) with a developmental disability.

(g) Is able to read, write, and understand English at a level sufficient to comply with all requirements set forth in administrative rules governing the services provided by the agency provider.

(2) Prior to the agency provider's application for initial certification, the director of operations will successfully complete the training specified in appendix A to this rule.

(3) On an annual basis, the director of operations will successfully complete the training specified in appendix A to this rule.

(4) The director of operations will undergo a background investigation in accordance with rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code and consent to be enrolled by the department in the Ohio attorney general's retained applicant fingerprint database (also known as "Rapback").

(5) A person may not serve as the director of operations for an agency provider if the person is:

(a) The parent of a minor child served by the agency provider; or

(b) The spouse of an individual served by the agency provider.

(I) Required actions and notifications regarding director of operations

(1) An agency provider will notify the department via the provider services management system, if the director of operations is formally charged with, is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses listed or described in divisions (A)(3)(a) to (A)(3)(e) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code within fourteen calendar days after the date of such charge, conviction, guilty plea, or finding.

(2) An agency provider will notify the department via the provider services management system, within fourteen calendar days of determining that the director of operations is or has become a related party of a person or government entity for which the department refused to issue or renew or revoked certification pursuant to section 5123.166 of the Revised Code.

(3) An agency provider will notify the department via the provider services management system, within fourteen calendar days of determining that the director of operations has had a professional registration, certification, or license (other than a driver's license) suspended or revoked.

(4) An agency provider will update its record in the provider services management system, within fourteen calendar days when a director of operations leaves or joins the agency provider's employ.

(5) When the director of operations leaves an agency provider's employ, the agency provider will report within fourteen calendar days via the provider services management system, the agency provider's plan for identifying a new director of operations and to whom executive authority has been delegated in the interim period.

(6) A person newly appointed or employed as director of operations of an agency provider will complete the department-provided web-based orientation for directors of operations described in appendix A to this rule within thirty calendar days of appointment or hire.

(7) A director of operations will inform the department via the provider services management system, if the director of operations serves as director of operations for more than one agency provider.

(8) A director of operations will inform the department via the provider services management system, if the director of operations is or was the director of operations of an agency provider at a point in time within the last five years when the agency provider had its provider certification revoked or not renewed.

(9) A director of operations will designate in writing a staff member to whom executive authority has been delegated in the temporary absence of the director of operations.

(J) Requirements for direct support professionals

(1) An agency provider will ensure that each direct support professional:

(a) Is at least eighteen years of age.

(b) Meets one of the following:

(i) Holds a high school diploma;

(ii) Holds a certificate of high school equivalence;

(iii) On September 30, 2009, held independent provider certification issued by the department; or

(iv) On September 30, 2009, was employed by or under contract with an agency provider certified by the department.

(c) Is able to read, write, and understand English at a level sufficient to comply with all requirements set forth in administrative rules governing the services provided by the direct support professional.

(2) An agency provider will ensure that each direct support professional, except for direct support professionals exempted as specified in appendix B to this rule, holds and maintains:

(a) Valid "American Red Cross" or equivalent certification in first aid which included an in-person skills assessment completed with an approved trainer; and

(b) Valid "American Red Cross" or equivalent certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation which included an in-person skills assessment completed with an approved trainer.

(3) An agency provider will ensure that each direct support professional, except for direct support professionals exempted as specified in appendix B to this rule, successfully completes the training specified in appendix C to this rule.

(K) Requirements for supervisory staff

An agency provider will ensure that each staff member who supervises direct support professionals:

(1) Meets the requirements set forth in paragraphs (J)(1) to (J)(3) of this rule; and

(2) Has successfully completed training regarding all relevant duties and responsibilities of being a supervisor for the agency provider within ninety calendar days of becoming a supervisor.

(L) Requirements for volunteers

(1) An agency provider may engage volunteers to provide supplementary services. An agency provider will not bill for services provided by volunteers.

(2) An agency provider will ensure that volunteers are at all times under supervision of paid supervisory staff of the agency provider.

(3) An agency provider will ensure that volunteers do not provide intimate personal care (such as dressing, showering, bathing, toileting, or changing undergarments), administer medication, or perform health-related activities.

(4) An agency provider will ensure that volunteers who provide more than forty hours of service working directly with individuals served by the agency provider during a calendar year:

(a) Receive training in:

(i) The role of a volunteer in supporting individuals served by the agency provider including the national alliance for direct support professionals code of ethics and the rights of individuals set forth in section 5123.62 of the Revised Code;

(ii) Recognizing and reporting major unusual incidents and unusual incidents; and

(iii) An overview of emergency procedures.

(b) Undergo background investigations.

(i) The background investigation for a volunteer will include:

(a) Requiring the volunteer to submit a statement to the agency provider with the volunteer's signature attesting that the volunteer has not been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or been found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses listed or described in divisions (A)(3)(a) to (A)(3)(e) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code.

(b) Requiring the volunteer to sign an agreement under which the volunteer agrees to notify the agency provider within fourteen calendar days if the volunteer is formally charged with, is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses listed or described in divisions (A)(3)(a) to (A)(3)(e) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code. The agreement will provide that failure to make the notification may result in termination of the volunteer's services.

(c) Checking each of the databases described in paragraph (C)(2) of rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code to determine if the volunteer is included.

(d) Obtaining a criminal records check conducted by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation. If the volunteer does not present proof that the volunteer has been a resident of Ohio for the five-year period immediately prior to the date upon which the criminal records check is requested, the criminal records check will include information from the federal bureau of investigation.

(ii) The agency provider will, at a frequency of no less than once every five years, conduct a background investigation in accordance with paragraph (L)(4)(b)(i) of this rule for each volunteer.

(iii) The agency provider will not engage or continue to engage a volunteer who:

(a) Is included in one or more of the databases described in paragraphs (C)(2)(a) to (C)(2)(f) of rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code; or

(b) Has a conviction for, pleads guilty to, or is found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses listed or described in divisions (A)(3)(a) to (A)(3)(e) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code if the corresponding exclusionary period as specified in paragraph (E) of rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code has not elapsed.

(M) Procedure for obtaining initial agency provider certification

(1) An applicant for initial agency provider certification will submit an application via the provider services management system, for supported living services and the specific home and community-based services the applicant seeks to provide in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department. The application will include required signatures and supporting documentation to demonstrate that standards are met as required by this rule and rules in Chapter 5123-9 of the Administrative Code for the specific home and community-based services the applicant seeks to provide including, but not limited to:

(a) A certificate of good standing from the Ohio secretary of state demonstrating the agency provider's status as a for-profit corporation, nonprofit corporation, limited liability company, or limited liability partnership.

(b) Proof of an unencumbered line of credit in the agency provider's name in an amount of at least ten thousand dollars or proof of a bank account in the agency provider's name with a daily balance of at least ten thousand dollars during the past ninety days.

(c) A certificate of general liability insurance in an amount of at least one million dollars which includes coverage for individuals' losses due to theft or property damage.

(d) Proof that the agency provider employs a director of operations who meets the requirements set forth in this rule.

(e) Proof that in addition to employing a director of operations, the agency provider employs at least one other person for the purpose of providing services.

(f) An employer identification number from the internal revenue service.

(g) A certificate of policy from the Ohio bureau of workers' compensation.

(h) The name, country of birth, date of birth, and social security number for any person having a financial interest of five per cent or more in the agency provider (including a direct, indirect, security, or mortgage financial interest).

(i) Written policies and procedures that address the agency provider's management practices regarding:

(i) Confidentiality of individuals' records;

(ii) Management of individuals' funds;

(iii) Reporting and investigation of major unusual incidents and unusual incidents; and

(iv) Documentation and billing for services.

(j) The application fee specified in paragraph (Q) of this rule except when, based on the specific home and community-based services to be provided, the applicant is exempted from paying an application fee in accordance with appendix D to this rule.

(k) The criminal records check by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation, and when applicable by the federal bureau of investigation, for the director of operations.

(2) The department will review an application within thirty calendar days of receipt of all required components to determine if the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification.

(a) If the department determines an applicant seeking to provide home and community-based services meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will initiate the process for the applicant to obtain a medicaid provider agreement from the Ohio department of medicaid. The applicant may be subject to an on-site visit by the Ohio department of medicaid or its designee in accordance with rule 5160-1-17.8 of the Administrative Code; successful completion of the on-site visit is required prior to issuance of the medicaid provider agreement by the Ohio department of medicaid and certification issued by the department.

(b) If, upon review of the application, the department determines that supporting documentation does not demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail and advise that the applicant has thirty calendar days to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification.

(i) When the department receives components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the application will be advanced for processing.

(ii) When an applicant fails to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the department will take no further action with respect to the application.

(3) When the department has determined the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification and, when applicable, after the Ohio department of medicaid has issued a medicaid provider agreement to an applicant seeking to provide home and community-based services, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail that certification is approved. The notification will specify the effective date and expiration date of the certification and the specific services for which the applicant is certified.

(4) The department's review of an application may extend beyond thirty calendar days when:

(a) One or more of the submitted documents requires verification; or

(b) The director of operations:

(i) Has a conviction or notation on the criminal records check by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation or the federal bureau of investigation;

(ii) Is included in one or more of the databases described in paragraph (C)(2) of rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code;

(iii) Is the primary person involved in a major unusual incident;

(iv) Is under consideration for placement on the abuser registry; or

(v) Is a related party to an agency provider or an independent provider whose certification has been suspended or revoked or is proposed for revocation.

(5) When the department determines an applicant does not meet the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant in accordance with paragraph (S)(3) of this rule that the certification is denied. The notification will specify the reason for denial.

(N) Procedure for obtaining certification to provide additional home and community-based services during the term of existing department-issued certification

(1) A certified agency provider seeking to provide additional home and community-based services will submit an application via the provider services management system, for the additional home and community-based services the agency provider seeks to provide including:

(a) Required signatures and supporting documentation to demonstrate that standards are met as required by this rule and rules in Chapter 5123-9 of the Administrative Code for the specific home and community-based services the applicant seeks to provide.

(b) The application fee specified in paragraph (Q) of this rule except when, based on the specific home and community-based services to be provided, the applicant is exempted from paying an application fee in accordance with appendix D to this rule.

(2) The department will review an application within thirty calendar days of receipt of all required components to determine if the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification. If, upon review of the application, the department determines that supporting documentation does not demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail and advise that the applicant has thirty calendar days to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification.

(a) When the department receives components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the application will be advanced for processing.

(b) When an applicant fails to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the department will take no further action with respect to the application.

(3) When the department determines the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail that certification is approved. The notification will specify the effective date and expiration date of the certification and the specific services for which the applicant is certified.

(4) When the department determines the applicant does not meet the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant in accordance with paragraph (S)(3) of this rule that the certification is denied. The notification will specify the reason for denial.

(O) Procedure for obtaining renewal agency provider certification

(1) The department will notify an agency provider by electronic mail to the address in the provider services management system, of required certification renewal no later than ninety calendar days prior to the date the agency provider's certification expires. The notification will describe the procedures for submitting the certification renewal application in accordance with this rule.

(2) The agency provider will submit the certification renewal application via the provider services management system including:

(a) Required signatures and supporting documentation to demonstrate that standards are met as required by this rule and rules in Chapter 5123-9 of the Administrative Code for the specific home and community-based services the applicant seeks to provide;

(b) The application fee specified in paragraph (Q) of this rule except when, based on the specific home and community-based services to be provided, the applicant is exempted from paying an application fee in accordance with appendix D to this rule; and

(c) The criminal records check by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation, and when applicable by the federal bureau of investigation, for the director of operations, unless the director of operations has been enrolled without interruption in the Ohio attorney general's retained applicant fingerprint database (also known as "Rapback") for the entire previous certification term and has been a resident of Ohio without interruption for the past five years.

(3) The department will review an application within thirty calendar days of receipt of all required components to determine if the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification.

(a) If the department determines an applicant meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail that certification is approved. The notification will specify the effective date and expiration date of the certification and the specific services for which the applicant is certified.

(b) If, upon review of the application, the department determines that supporting documentation does not demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail and advise that the applicant has thirty calendar days to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification.

(i) When the department receives components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the application will be advanced for processing.

(ii) When an applicant fails to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the department will take no further action with respect to the application.

(4) The department's review of an application may extend beyond thirty calendar days when:

(a) One or more of the submitted documents requires verification; or

(b) The director of operations:

(i) Has a conviction or notation on the criminal records check by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation or the federal bureau of investigation;

(ii) Is included in one or more of the databases described in paragraph (C)(2) of rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code;

(iii) Is the primary person involved in a major unusual incident;

(iv) Is under consideration for placement on the abuser registry; or

(v) Is a related party to an agency provider or an independent provider whose certification has been suspended or revoked or is proposed for revocation.

(5) When the department determines an applicant does not meet the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant in accordance with paragraph (S)(3) of this rule that the certification is denied. The notification will specify the reason for denial.

(6) When an agency provider submits an application for renewal certification prior to certification expiration that demonstrates the applicant meets the standards for the requested renewal certification, the agency provider's certification will be renewed without lapse.

(7) When an agency provider submits an application for renewal certification fewer than forty-five calendar days in advance of certification expiration that demonstrates the applicant meets the standards for the requested renewal certification, the agency provider may experience a gap in its ability to bill for services provided between the date of certification expiration and the date the renewal certification is approved. Once the renewal certification is approved, however, the agency provider may bill for services provided during that period.

(8) When an agency provider submits an application for renewal certification after certification expiration, there will be a lapse of certification from the date of certification expiration to the date the department receives an application for renewal certification that demonstrates the applicant meets the standards for the requested renewal certification. The agency provider will not provide services nor be reimbursed for provision of services during the lapse.

(9) An agency provider will not provide services nor submit claims for reimbursement for services provided subsequent to expiration of the agency provider's certification.

(P) Application for certification subsequent to expiration

(1) An applicant whose certification has been expired for less than one year will be required to apply for and meet the requirements for renewal certification.

(2) An applicant whose certification has been expired for one year or more will be required to apply for and meet the requirements for initial certification.

(Q) Application fees

(1) Applicants seeking certification to provide services, other than those exempted in accordance with appendix D to this rule, will submit an application fee at the time of application for initial certification, application for certification to provide additional home and community-based services during the term of existing department-issued certification, and application for renewal certification.

(a) Application fees for initial certification and renewal certification

(i) The application fee for a small agency provider (i.e., one that serves or plans to serve fifty or fewer individuals) seeking initial certification or renewal certification is eight hundred dollars.

(ii) The application fee for a large agency provider (i.e., one that serves or plans to serve fifty-one or more individuals) seeking initial certification or renewal certification is one thousand six hundred dollars.

(b) Application fees for certification to provide additional home and community-based services during the term of existing department-issued certification

(i) The application fee for a small agency provider (i.e., one that serves or plans to serve fifty or fewer individuals) seeking certification to provide additional home and community-based services is seventy-five dollars.

(ii) The application fee for a large agency provider (i.e., one that serves or plans to serve fifty-one or more individuals) seeking certification to provide additional home and community-based services is one hundred fifty dollars.

(2) Applicants will pay application fees by electronic check or credit card.

(3) Application fees are non-refundable.

(4) The department will invalidate a certification issued to an applicant whose application fees cannot be collected due to non-sufficient funds available or for any other reason. An agency provider whose certification is invalidated in accordance with this paragraph will be required to initiate and submit an entirely new application via the provider network management system.

(R) Certification terms

(1) Initial certification will be issued for a term of three years.

(2) Renewal certification will be issued for a term of three years.

(3) Certification to provide additional home and community-based services will be issued for the remainder of the term of the applicant's existing certification.

(S) Denial, suspension, or revocation of certification

(1) Agency providers are subject to monitoring and compliance reviews as set forth in rules promulgated by the department. Failure to comply with this rule or other rules governing services provided by the agency provider may result in corrective action by the department, up to and including suspension, summary suspension, denial, or revocation of certification.

(2) The department may deny, suspend, or revoke an agency provider's certification for good cause pursuant to section 5123.166 of the Revised Code.

(3) When denying, suspending, or revoking certification pursuant to this rule, the department will comply with the notice and hearing requirements of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and section 5123.166 of the Revised Code.

(4) When the department denies an application for renewal certification, the agency provider will comply with the department's adjudication order within thirty calendar days of the date of the mailing of the order.

(T) Department's authority to waive provisions of this rule

(1) For good cause, the department may waive a provision of this rule. The department's decision to waive a provision of this rule will not be contrary to the rights, health, or safety of individuals served.

(2) An agency provider or applicant for agency provider certification may initiate a request for the department to waive a provision of this rule by submitting the request with justification in writing.

(a) The department may ask for input regarding the request from individuals served, individuals' guardians, or county boards.

(b) The department will grant or deny a request within fourteen calendar days of receipt of the request or within such longer period of time as the department deems necessary and may put whatever conditions on approval as determined to be necessary.

(c) The department's decision regarding a request to waive a provision of this rule is not subject to appeal.

View AppendixView Appendix

Last updated January 2, 2024 at 9:42 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5123.04, 5123.1611
Amplifies: 5123.04, 5123.045, 5123.16, 5123.161, 5123.162, 5123.163, 5123.164, 5123.165, 5123.166, 5123.168, 5123.169, 5123.1610, 5123.1611
Five Year Review Date: 9/1/2026
Prior Effective Dates: 9/29/1989, 7/24/1995, 4/28/2003, 7/1/2005, 10/1/2015, 6/11/2020 (Emer.), 9/1/2021
Rule 5123-2-09 | Provider certification - independent providers.
 

(A) Purpose

This rule establishes procedures and standards for certification of independent providers of supported living services, including home and community-based services provided in accordance with section 5123.045 of the Revised Code.

(B) Definitions

For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions apply:

(1) "Abuser registry" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-17-03 of the Administrative Code.

(2) "Agency provider" means an entity that directly employs at least one person in addition to a director of operations for the purpose of providing services for which the entity is certified in accordance with rule 5123-2-08 of the Administrative Code.

(3) "Certificate of high school equivalence" has the same meaning as in section 3301.80 of the Revised Code and includes the equivalent of a certificate of high school equivalence described in division (C) of that section.

(4) "County board" means a county board of developmental disabilities.

(5) "Department" means the Ohio department of developmental disabilities.

(6) "Health-related activities" has the same meaning as in rule 5123:2-6-01 of the Administrative Code.

(7) "Home and community-based services" has the same meaning as in section 5123.01 of the Revised Code.

(8) "Independent provider" means a self-employed person who provides services for which the person must be certified in accordance with this rule and does not employ, either directly or through contract, anyone else to provide the services.

(9) "Individual" means a person with a developmental disability or for purposes of giving, refusing to give, or withdrawing consent for services, the person's guardian in accordance with section 5126.043 of the Revised Code or other person authorized to give consent.

(10) "Individual service plan" means the written description of services, supports, and activities to be provided to an individual.

(11) "Major unusual incident" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code.

(12) "Provider network management module" means a component of the Ohio medicaid enterprise system platform, maintained by the Ohio department of medicaid at its website (medicaid.ohio.gov), used by providers of services to initiate applications for certification and access the provider services management system to submit required information and documents.

(13) "Provider services management system" means the electronic portal, maintained by the department at its website (dodd.ohio.gov), used by providers of services to apply for certification and submit required information and documents.

(14) "Related party" has the same meaning as in section 5123.16 of the Revised Code.

(15) "Related to" means the independent provider is the individual's:

(a) Parent or stepparent;

(b) Sibling or stepsibling;

(c) Grandparent;

(d) Grandchild;

(e) Aunt, uncle, nephew, or niece;

(f) Cousin; or

(g) Child or stepchild.

(16) "Service and support administrator" means a person, regardless of title, employed by or under contract with a county board to perform the functions of service and support administration as set forth in section 5126.15 of the Revised Code and who holds the appropriate certification in accordance with rule 5123-5-02 of the Administrative Code.

(17) "Supported living" has the same meaning as in section 5126.01 of the Revised Code.

(18) "Unusual incident" has the same meaning as in rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code.

(C) General requirements for independent providers

(1) An independent provider will:

(a) Have a valid birth certificate.

(b) Be at least eighteen years of age.

(c) Have a valid social security card and a valid government-issued photo identification.

(d) Meet one of the following:

(i) Hold a high school diploma;

(ii) Hold a certificate of high school equivalence;

(iii) On September 30, 2009, held independent provider certification issued by the department; or

(iv) On September 30, 2009, was employed by or under contract with an agency provider certified by the department.

(e) Be able to read, write, and understand English at a level sufficient to comply with all requirements set forth in administrative rules governing the services provided by the independent provider.

(f) Undergo a background investigation in accordance with rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code and consent to be enrolled by the department in the Ohio attorney general's retained applicant fingerprint database (also known as "Rapback").

(g) Comply with the requirements of this rule and other standards and assurances established in Chapter 5123. of the Revised Code and rules adopted pursuant to that chapter.

(h) Participate as requested by the department in service delivery system data collection initiatives.

(2) An independent provider of home and community-based services must obtain and maintain a medicaid provider agreement with the Ohio department of medicaid.

(D) Training requirements for independent providers

(1) An independent provider will successfully complete the training specified in appendix A, appendix B, appendix C, or appendix D to this rule, as applicable.

(2) An independent provider of home and community-based services will comply with service-specific training required by rules in Chapter 5123-9 of the Administrative Code for the specific services provided.

(3) After being selected by an individual to provide services and prior to providing services to that individual, an independent provider will meet with a representative of the county board to discuss:

(a) The independent provider's responsibilities;

(b) Requirements set forth in the individual service plan regarding what is important to the individual and what is important for the individual (e.g., health and safety, community integration, employment goals, behavioral support strategy, management of the individual's funds, or medication administration/delegated nursing needs);

(c) Service documentation; and

(d) Billing for services.

(E) Standards of service provision

(1) An independent provider will:

(a) Provide services only to individuals whose needs the independent provider can meet;

(b) Communicate effectively with each individual for whom the independent provider provides services;

(c) Be knowledgeable in the individual service plan for each individual served prior to providing services to the individual;

(d) Implement services in accordance with the individual service plan and in a person-centered manner;

(e) Comply with the requirements of rule 5123-2-06 of the Administrative Code; and

(f) Take all reasonable steps necessary to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of major unusual incidents and unusual incidents.

(2) An independent provider may not:

(a) Provide services to the independent provider's minor child;

(b) Provide services to the independent provider's spouse;

(c) Provide services to an individual for whom the independent provider serves as guardian unless the independent provider is related to the individual and has been approved by the probate court to provide the services;

(d) Engage in sexual conduct or have sexual contact with an individual for whom the independent provider provides services;

(e) Administer medication or perform health-related activities for individuals who receive services unless the independent provider meets the applicable requirements of Chapters 4723., 5123., and 5126. of the Revised Code and rules adopted pursuant to those chapters; or

(f) Use or be under the influence of the following while providing services:

(i) Alcohol;

(ii) Illegal drugs;

(iii) Illegal chemical substances; or

(iv) Controlled substances that may adversely affect the independent provider's ability to furnish services.

(F) Required notifications to be made by independent providers

(1) An independent provider will:

(a) Provide and maintain in the provider services management system and the provider network management module, the independent provider's current physical address, telephone number, and electronic mail address.

(b) Notify the department via the provider services management system if the independent provider is formally charged with, is convicted of, pleads guilty to, or is found eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for any of the offenses listed or described in divisions (A)(3)(a) to (A)(3)(e) of section 109.572 of the Revised Code within fourteen calendar days after the date of such charge, conviction, guilty plea, or finding.

(c) Notify the department via the provider services management system within fourteen calendar days of determining that the independent provider is or has become a related party of a person or government entity for which the department has refused to issue or renew or revoked certification pursuant to section 5123.166 of the Revised Code.

(d) Notify the department via the provider services management system within fourteen calendar days if the independent provider has had a professional registration, certification, or license (other than a driver's license) suspended or revoked.

(2) An independent provider, upon realization that the independent provider may be unable to continue to effectively provide services to an individual, will immediately engage the individual and the individual's service and support administrator to consider alternative strategies for serving the individual that ensure the health and safety of the individual.

(3) An independent provider will notify, in writing, an individual and the individual's service and support administrator in the event that the independent provider intends to cease providing services to the individual no less than thirty calendar days prior to termination of services. If, however, an independent provider intends to cease providing services to an individual because the health or safety of the independent provider is at immediate risk of serious harm, the independent provider will immediately notify the individual's service and support administrator or if after business hours, the county board's twenty-four hour emergency telephone number, and other appropriate authorities (e.g., law enforcement). An independent provider will convey documents and records to the individual's service and support administrator as requested.

(G) Procedure for obtaining initial independent provider certification

(1) An applicant for initial independent provider certification will submit an application via the provider services management system, for supported living services and the specific home and community-based services the applicant seeks to provide in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department including:

(a) Required signatures and supporting documentation to demonstrate that standards are met as required by this rule and rules in Chapter 5123-9 of the Administrative Code for the specific home and community-based services the applicant seeks to provide;

(b) The application fee specified in paragraph (K) of this rule except when, based on the specific home and community-based services to be provided, the applicant is exempted from paying an application fee in accordance with appendix E to this rule; and

(c) The applicant's criminal records check by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation and when applicable, by the federal bureau of investigation.

(2) The department will review an application within thirty calendar days of receipt of all required components to determine if the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification.

(a) When the department determines an applicant seeking to provide home and community-based services meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will initiate the process for the applicant to obtain a medicaid provider agreement from the Ohio department of medicaid.

(b) If, upon review of the application, the department determines that supporting documentation does not demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail and advise that the applicant has thirty calendar days to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification.

(i) When the department receives components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the application will be advanced for processing.

(ii) When the applicant fails to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the department will take no further action with respect to the application.

(3) When the department determines the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification and, when applicable, after the Ohio department of medicaid has issued a medicaid provider agreement to an applicant seeking to provide home and community-based services, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail that certification is approved. The notification will specify the effective date and expiration date of the certification and the specific services for which the applicant is certified.

(4) The department's review of an application may extend beyond thirty calendar days when:

(a) One or more of the submitted documents requires verification; or

(b) The applicant:

(i) Has a conviction or notation on the criminal records check by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation or the federal bureau of investigation;

(ii) Is included in one or more of the databases described in paragraph (C)(2) of rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code;

(iii) Is the primary person involved in a major unusual incident;

(iv) Is under consideration for placement on the abuser registry; or

(v) Is a related party to an agency provider or an independent provider whose certification has been suspended or revoked or is proposed for revocation.

(5) When the department determines an applicant does not meet the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant in accordance with paragraph (M)(3) of this rule that certification is denied. The notification will specify the reason for denial.

(H) Procedure for obtaining certification to provide additional home and community-based services during the term of existing department-issued certification

(1) A certified independent provider seeking to provide additional home and community-based services will submit an application via the provider services management system, for the additional home and community-based services the independent provider seeks to provide including:

(a) Required signatures and supporting documentation to demonstrate that standards are met as required by this rule and rules in Chapter 5123-9 of the Administrative Code for the specific home and community-based services the applicant seeks to provide; and

(b) The application fee specified in paragraph (K) of this rule except when, based on the specific home and community-based services to be provided, the applicant is exempted from paying an application fee in accordance with appendix E to this rule.

(2) The department will review an application within thirty calendar days of receipt of all required components to determine if the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification. If, upon review of the application, the department determines that supporting documentation does not demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail and advise that the applicant has thirty calendar days to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification.

(a) When the department receives components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the application will be advanced for processing.

(b) When the applicant fails to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the department will take no further action with respect to the application.

(3) When the department determines the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail that certification is approved. The notification will specify the effective date and expiration date of the certification and the specific services for which the applicant is certified.

(4) When the department determines an applicant does not meet the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant in accordance with paragraph (M)(3) of this rule that certification is denied. The notification will specify the reason for denial.

(I) Procedure for obtaining renewal independent provider certification

(1) The department will notify an independent provider by electronic mail to the address in the provider services management system of required certification renewal no later than ninety calendar days prior to the date the independent provider's certification expires. The notification will describe the procedures for submitting the certification renewal application in accordance with this rule.

(2) An independent provider will submit the certification renewal application via the provider services management system including:

(a) Required signatures and supporting documentation to demonstrate that standards are met as required by this rule and rules in Chapter 5123-9 of the Administrative Code for the specific home and community-based services the applicant seeks to provide;

(b) The application fee specified in paragraph (K) of this rule except when, based on the specific home and community-based services to be provided, the applicant is exempted from paying an application fee in accordance with appendix E to this rule; and

(c) The applicant's criminal records check by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation and when applicable, by the federal bureau of investigation, unless the applicant has been enrolled without interruption in the Ohio attorney general's retained applicant fingerprint database (also known as "Rapback") for the entire previous certification term and has been a resident of Ohio without interruption for the past five years.

(3) The department will review an application within thirty calendar days of receipt of all required components to determine if the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification.

(a) When the department determines the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail that certification is approved. The notification will specify the effective date and expiration date of the certification and the specific services for which the applicant is certified.

(b) If, upon review of the application, the department determines that supporting documentation does not demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant by electronic mail and advise that the applicant has thirty calendar days to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification.

(i) When the department receives components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the application will be advanced for processing.

(ii) When the applicant fails to submit components needed to demonstrate that the applicant meets the standards for the requested certification within the specified thirty calendar days, the department will take no further action with respect to the application.

(4) The department's review of an application may extend beyond thirty calendar days when:

(a) One or more of the submitted documents requires verification; or

(b) The applicant:

(i) Has a conviction or notation on the criminal records check by the Ohio bureau of criminal identification and investigation or the federal bureau of investigation;

(ii) Is included in one or more of the databases described in paragraph (C)(2) of rule 5123-2-02 of the Administrative Code;

(iii) Is the primary person involved in a major unusual incident;

(iv) Is under consideration for placement on the abuser registry; or

(v) Is a related party to an agency provider or an independent provider whose certification has been suspended or revoked or is proposed for revocation.

(5) When the department determines an applicant does not meet the standards for the requested certification, the department will notify the applicant in accordance with paragraph (M)(3) of this rule that certification is denied. The notification will specify the reason for denial.

(6) When an independent provider submits an application for renewal certification prior to certification expiration that demonstrates the applicant meets the standards for the requested renewal certification, the independent provider's certification will be renewed without lapse.

(7) When an independent provider submits an application for renewal certification fewer than forty-five calendar days in advance of certification expiration that demonstrates the applicant meets the standards for the requested renewal certification, the independent provider may experience a gap in ability to bill for services provided between the date of certification expiration and the date the renewal certification is approved. Once the renewal certification is approved, however, the independent provider may bill for services provided during that period.

(8) When an independent provider submits an application for renewal certification after certification expiration, there will be a lapse of certification from the date of certification expiration to the date the department receives an application for renewal certification that demonstrates the applicant meets the standards for the requested renewal certification. The independent provider may not provide services nor be reimbursed for provision of services during the lapse.

(9) An independent provider may not provide services nor submit claims for reimbursement for services provided subsequent to expiration of the independent provider's certification.

(J) Application for certification subsequent to expiration

(1) An applicant whose certification has been expired for less than one year will be required to apply for and meet the requirements for renewal certification.

(2) An applicant whose certification has been expired for one year or more will be required to apply for and meet the requirements for initial certification.

(K) Application fees

(1) Applicants seeking certification to provide services, other than those exempted in accordance with appendix E to this rule, will submit an application fee at the time of application for initial certification, application for certification to provide additional home and community-based services during the term of existing department-issued certification, and application for renewal certification.

(a) The application fee for an independent provider seeking initial certification or renewal certification is one hundred twenty-five dollars.

(b) The application fee for an independent provider seeking certification to provide additional home and community-based services during the term of existing certification is twenty-five dollars.

(2) Applicants will pay application fees by electronic check or credit card.

(3) Application fees are non-refundable.

(4) The department will invalidate a certification issued to an applicant whose application fees cannot be collected due to non-sufficient funds available or for any other reason. An independent provider whose certification is invalidated in accordance with this paragraph will be required to initiate and submit an entirely new application via the provider network management system.

(L) Certification terms

(1) Initial certification will be issued for a term of three years.

(2) Renewal certification will be issued for a term of three years.

(3) Certification to provide additional home and community-based services will be issued for the remainder of the term of the applicant's existing certification.

(M) Denial, suspension, or revocation of certification

(1) Independent providers are subject to monitoring and compliance reviews as set forth in rules promulgated by the department. Failure to comply with this rule or other rules governing services provided by the independent provider may result in corrective action by the department, up to and including suspension, summary suspension, denial, or revocation of certification.

(2) The department may deny, suspend, or revoke an independent provider's certification for good cause pursuant to section 5123.166 of the Revised Code.

(3) When denying, suspending, or revoking certification pursuant to this rule, the department will comply with the notice and hearing requirements of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code and section 5123.166 of the Revised Code.

(4) When the department denies an application for renewal certification, the independent provider will comply with the department's adjudication order within thirty calendar days of the date of the mailing of the order.

(N) Department's authority to waive provisions of this rule

(1) For good cause, the department may waive a provision of this rule. The department's decision to waive a provision of this rule will not be contrary to the rights, health, or safety of individuals served.

(2) An independent provider or applicant for independent provider certification may initiate a request for the department to waive a provision of this rule by submitting the request with justification in writing.

(a) The department may ask for input regarding the request from individuals served, individuals' guardians, or county boards.

(b) The department will grant or deny a request within fourteen calendar days of receipt of the request or within such longer period of time as the department deems necessary and may put whatever conditions on approval as determined to be necessary.

(c) The department's decision regarding a request to waive a provision of this rule is not subject to appeal.

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Last updated January 2, 2024 at 9:42 AM

Supplemental Information

Authorized By: 5123.04, 5123.1611
Amplifies: 5123.04, 5123.045, 5123.16, 5123.161, 5123.162, 5123.163, 5123.164, 5123.165, 5123.166, 5123.168, 5123.169, 5123.1610, 5123.1611
Five Year Review Date: 9/1/2026
Prior Effective Dates: 7/3/1989 (Emer.), 9/29/1989, 4/30/1990, 7/1/1991, 7/24/1995, 7/1/2005, 10/1/2009, 10/1/2015, 9/1/2021