IHSS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield IHSS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which action represents a violation of a recipient's right to free choice in IHSS? → Pressuring a recipient to accept services they have refused
2. An IHSS recipient with limited vision asks their provider to read their medications list aloud each morning. The provider should: → Assist as this supports the recipient's health and independence
3. An IHSS provider finds a recipient unresponsive and not breathing normally. After calling 911, what should the provider do next? → Begin CPR immediately if trained and an AED is available nearby
4. Which of the following correctly describes what constitutes a 'workweek' for IHSS timekeeping purposes? → A fixed recurring period of 7 consecutive days established by the county
5. When an IHSS provider switches from paper timesheets to the Electronic Services Portal (ESP), what must they do first? → Register and create an account on the CDSS ESP website
6. Under what circumstance may an IHSS provider legally share information about a recipient with a third party? → Only with the recipient's written consent or as required by law
7. What is the overtime rate that IHSS providers in California receive for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek? → 1.5 times the regular hourly rate
8. A recipient requests that no one enter their bedroom without knocking first. This is an example of the right to: → Privacy and personal space
9. A recipient with diabetes tells you they feel shaky, sweaty, and confused. Which action is most appropriate? → Give them a sugary drink or glucose tablets if they can swallow safely
10. A provider disagrees with a recipient's decision to refuse a recommended medical treatment. What should the provider do? → Respect the recipient's decision as long as they are mentally competent
11. An IHSS provider who is also the recipient's spouse must complete which additional enrollment step compared to non-spouse providers? → No additional steps are required
12. A recipient tells you they want to fire their current IHSS provider and hire someone else. What right are they exercising? → Right to choose and dismiss providers
13. Which of the following is an example of a CONTROLLED substance that an IHSS provider must handle with extra caution? → Oxycodone (a prescription opioid)
14. An IHSS recipient disagrees with the number of hours authorized in their care plan. What is the appropriate way to challenge this decision? → File a state fair hearing request within the specified timeframe on the NOA
15. An IHSS provider is going through a personal financial crisis. What is the ethical way to handle this situation? → Seek community resources or assistance programs independently
16. Which of the following best describes the role of an IHSS provider in relation to the recipient? → The provider is a supportive employee who assists the recipient in living independently
17. What IHSS payroll rule applies to a provider who is a minor (under 18 years old)? → Minors can be providers but require work permits and parental consent
18. What does the IHSS 'back pay' process address? → Retroactive wage increases owed to providers due to an approved rate change
19. Why is it important for IHSS providers to document tasks completed during each visit? → To provide an accurate record that supports compliance and quality of care
20. A recipient is prescribed eye drops for glaucoma. When assisting, you should ensure the dropper tip: → Does not touch any surface to prevent contamination
21. An IHSS recipient has a prescription compression stocking. When should the provider apply it? → In the morning before the recipient gets out of bed
22. A Live-In provider works 7 days a week for their recipient. Under IHSS overtime rules, what happens after 6 consecutive days of work in the same workweek? → The 7th consecutive day is paid at double the regular rate for the first 8 hours
23. A recipient wants their IHSS provider to take them to a social event, not a medical appointment. Is this authorized? → Yes, if accompaniment services are approved on the recipient's SOC 873
24. A provider's recipient asks for help completing an online job application. This task is: → Unauthorized because it is not a listed IHSS service
25. What should a provider do if a recipient's family member pressures them to share the recipient's private health information? → Refuse to share, citing the recipient's right to privacy
26. A recipient who uses oxygen therapy wants to smoke a cigarette. What must the IHSS provider do? → Firmly decline and explain that smoking near oxygen is a serious fire and explosion hazard
27. How should a provider handle a situation where they disagree with a recipient's cultural or religious practices that affect care? → Respect the recipient's cultural and religious preferences in providing care
28. When transferring a recipient from bed to wheelchair, the provider notices the floor is wet. What should the provider do first? → Dry the floor before proceeding with the transfer
29. Under IHSS rules, what generally happens to a recipient's authorized services when they are admitted to a hospital or skilled nursing facility? → Services are temporarily suspended during the inpatient stay
30. Which of the following correctly describes when an IHSS provider's enrollment is considered 'active'? → After the county approves all enrollment documents and issues a provider number