DSP Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which federal law establishes the background check requirements for DSPs working with individuals who receive Medicaid-funded home and community-based services?
- The Affordable Care Act
- The Social Security Act Section 1128 (Correct answer)
- The Americans with Disabilities Act
- The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Correct answer: The Social Security Act Section 1128
Section 1128 of the Social Security Act allows states to exclude individuals with certain criminal convictions from participation in Medicaid programs, forming the basis for background check requirements.
Question 2: A newly hired DSP is found to have a prior conviction for financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. What is the most likely outcome regarding their employment?
- They may work with supervision for 90 days
- They must complete extra ethics training before starting
- They are disqualified from working as a DSP in most states (Correct answer)
- They can work only in daytime shifts
Correct answer: They are disqualified from working as a DSP in most states
Financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult is a disqualifying offense in virtually all states, preventing the individual from being hired as a DSP.
Question 3: Under NADSP competency standards, which area specifically requires DSPs to understand and apply principles of person-centered planning?
- Community Inclusion and Network Building
- Participant Empowerment (Correct answer)
- Communication
- Vocational, Educational and Career Support
Correct answer: Participant Empowerment
The Participant Empowerment competency area directly addresses supporting individuals in making choices and directing their own lives through person-centered approaches.
Question 4: What is the minimum age requirement to work as a Direct Support Professional in most U.S. states?
- 16 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 21 years old
- 25 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
Most states require DSPs to be at least 18 years old due to the legal responsibilities involved in caring for vulnerable individuals.
Question 5: Which document typically outlines the specific support tasks, goals, and required procedures a DSP must follow for each individual they support?
- The DSP employment contract
- The Individual Support Plan (ISP) (Correct answer)
- The agency policy manual
- The state licensing agreement
Correct answer: The Individual Support Plan (ISP)
The Individual Support Plan (ISP) is the personalized document that details the specific needs, goals, and required supports for each person receiving services.
Question 6: CPR and First Aid certification is a common DSP requirement. How frequently must this certification typically be renewed?
- Every 6 months
- Every year
- Every 2 years (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Every 2 years
Most certifying bodies, including the American Red Cross and American Heart Association, require CPR/First Aid renewal every 2 years to ensure skills remain current.
Question 7: Which NADSP competency area requires a DSP to document and report changes in an individual's health status accurately?
- Community Living Skills and Supports
- Health and Wellness (Correct answer)
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Organizational Participation
Correct answer: Health and Wellness
The Health and Wellness competency area specifically covers monitoring, documenting, and reporting changes in the physical and mental health of people supported.
DSP Requirements 2
Which federal law establishes the background check requirements for DSPs working with individuals who receive Medicaid-funded home and community-based services?