IHSS - In-Home Supportive Services certified provider Provider Enrollment Requirements Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is a mandatory step for all prospective In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers as part of the enrollment process?
- Completing a college-level course in caregiving.
- Passing a physical fitness examination.
- Submitting fingerprints for a Department of Justice background check. (Correct answer)
- Providing three letters of reference from previous employers.
Correct answer: Submitting fingerprints for a Department of Justice background check.
State law requires all IHSS providers to undergo a criminal background investigation (CBI) administered by the California Department of Justice (DOJ), which involves submitting fingerprints via Live Scan as a mandatory part of the enrollment process.
Question 2: A potential IHSS provider, was convicted of felony fraud against a public social services program 8 years ago. Based on IHSS provider enrollment requirements, what is their eligibility status?
- Eligible without any conditions.
- Ineligible to become a provider. (Correct answer)
- Eligible only if the recipient signs a special waiver.
- Eligible after a one-year probationary period.
Correct answer: Ineligible to become a provider.
A conviction for fraud against a government health care or supportive services program within the last 10 years is classified as a Tier 1 exclusionary crime. This makes the individual ineligible to be an IHSS provider, and this exclusion cannot be waived.
Question 3: During an in-person enrollment appointment, a prospective provider must present specific identification. Which combination of documents is required?
- A student ID card and a birth certificate.
- A valid, government-issued photo ID and an original Social Security card. (Correct answer)
- A library card and a piece of mail with their current address.
- A credit card with a photo and a high school diploma.
Correct answer: A valid, government-issued photo ID and an original Social Security card.
To complete the IHSS provider enrollment, applicants must present a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID and their original Social Security card (or a replacement card issued by the SSA) at their in-person appointment. The names on both documents must match exactly.
Question 4: An applicant was convicted of a Tier 2 crime 7 years ago. Under what circumstance might they still become an eligible IHSS provider?
- If they pay an additional 'risk' fee during enrollment.
- If they agree to work for a lower hourly wage.
- If they have never committed a driving-related offense.
- If the recipient requests and is granted an individual waiver for the provider. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: If the recipient requests and is granted an individual waiver for the provider.
For certain Tier 2 crimes, an individual may be eligible to be a provider if the IHSS recipient they will be working for specifically requests an individual waiver to hire them despite the conviction. This is one of the exceptions available for Tier 2 offenses.
Question 5: What is the primary purpose of the mandatory provider orientation in the IHSS enrollment process?
- To administer a final exam on medical terminology.
- To teach providers how to invest their earnings.
- To inform providers about program rules, their responsibilities, and the payroll process. (Correct answer)
- To match providers with recipients based on personality profiles.
Correct answer: To inform providers about program rules, their responsibilities, and the payroll process.
The provider orientation is a required step where prospective providers learn crucial information about IHSS program rules, their roles and responsibilities, how to submit timesheets, and general payroll information.
Question 6: Who is responsible for paying the costs associated with the Live Scan fingerprinting and criminal background check?
- The IHSS recipient.
- The State of California.
- The prospective provider. (Correct answer)
- The county social services agency.
Correct answer: The prospective provider.
State law requires that the prospective IHSS provider is responsible for paying all costs associated with the fingerprinting and the criminal background check process.
Which of the following is a mandatory step for all prospective In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers as part of the enrollment process?