IHSS Care Planning and Authorized Hours 3

Question 1

What is the SOC 821 form used for in the IHSS program?

Accepted Answer

To inform the recipient and provider of program rights and responsibilities

Answer

To report suspected fraud to the county

Answer

To enroll a new provider in the IHSS system

Answer

To request a change in the provider's hourly wage

Question 2

IHSS uses a 'functional index ranking' to help assess a recipient's needs. What does this ranking primarily measure?

Accepted Answer

The recipient's ability to perform daily tasks without assistance

Answer

The provider's skill level and experience

Answer

The recipient's total household income

Answer

The number of family members available to help

Question 3

A recipient wants to add a new task, such as paramedical services, to their IHSS care plan. What must happen first?

Accepted Answer

A physician must document the medical need and the county must authorize it

Answer

The provider must agree to perform the new task

Answer

The recipient must pay out of pocket for one month before it can be covered

Answer

The recipient must have been enrolled in IHSS for at least one year

Question 4

If an IHSS recipient temporarily moves to a different county in California, what happens to their authorized services?

Accepted Answer

Their case transfers to the new county, which may reassess their needs

Answer

Their IHSS services are immediately terminated

Answer

They must re-apply from scratch in the new county

Answer

Their hours automatically double to cover transportation costs

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of the authorized hours in protecting both the provider and the recipient?

Accepted Answer

They set a clear boundary for compensable work so providers are paid fairly and recipients receive appropriate services

Answer

They ensure the provider is paid for all time spent at the recipient's home regardless of tasks

Answer

They prevent recipients from requesting any additional help beyond the authorized hours

Answer

They guarantee the provider will always have a full-time work schedule

Question 6

A social worker is conducting an annual reassessment and determines that a recipient no longer needs as many hours as previously authorized. What document will notify the recipient of this change?

Accepted Answer

A Notice of Action (NOA) indicating the reduction in services

Answer

A new provider enrollment agreement

Answer

A letter from the state IHSS director

Answer

An updated timesheet with reduced hours

Question 7

Under the IHSS program, which of the following statements about the care plan is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Only authorized tasks listed in the care plan can be compensated, and changes require county approval

Answer

Providers can modify the care plan at any time based on the recipient's changing needs

Answer

The care plan is a flexible guideline and providers can substitute tasks at their discretion

Answer

Recipients can verbally authorize new tasks without involving the county