1. Program Definition and Services 

Personal Assistance Services (PAS) provide support to individuals with disabilities to perform tasks they would do themselves if they did not have a disability. Services include:

• Assistance with personal care activities (e.g., dressing, bathing, eating, toileting) 

• Help with domestic tasks (e.g., cleaning, laundry, meal preparation) 

• Support for work-related tasks (e.g., filing, retrieving materials, travel assistance) 

• Assistance with cognitive tasks (e.g., money management, communication facilitation) 

• Support for community participation and social activities 

2. Regulations 

The primary regulations governing Personal Assistance Services in California are: 

• California Code of Regulations, Title 9, Section 7019.7 

• California Welfare and Institutions Code (specific sections not provided) 

3. Licensing or Certification 

No specific license is required for individual PAS providers. However, agencies providing PAS may need to meet certain requirements, such as those for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) providers. 

4. Responsible State Agency 

Multiple agencies oversee aspects of PAS in California, including: 

• California Department of Social Services (for IHSS) 

• California Department of Developmental Services (for certain disability services) 

• California Department of Rehabilitation (for work-related PAS) 

5. Application Process 

The application process varies depending on the specific program: 

• For IHSS, individuals apply through their local Department of Social Services 

• For work-related PAS, individuals may apply through the Department of Rehabilitation 

• Some agencies, like the Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC), have their own application processes for providers 

6. Required Documentation 

Required documentation may include: 

• Completed application forms (e.g., SOC 295 for IHSS) 

• Health Care Certification Form (SOC 873 for IHSS) 

• Background check clearance 

• Proof of eligibility to work in the U.S. 

• Training certificates (if required by specific programs) 

7. Timeline for Approval 

The timeline for approval varies depending on the program and completeness of the application. For IHSS, the process typically takes several weeks from the initial application to the completion of the needs assessment. 

8. Pre-Application Process 

There is no formal pre-application process, but potential applicants should: 

• Research different PAS programs to determine which best fits their needs 

• Gather necessary documentation 

• Prepare for a needs assessment (for programs like IHSS) 

9. Pre-Application Training 

While not always required, some programs offer or require orientation sessions: 

• IHSS providers must attend an in-person or online county orientation 

• Some agencies, like PASC, conduct information and recruitment meetings for potential providers 

10. Additional Notes 

• PAS can be provided in various settings, including home, work, school, and community locations 

• Consumers often have control over hiring, training, and supervising their personal assistants 

• Some programs, like IHSS, allow family members to be paid as personal care providers 

• Recent updates emphasize person-centered planning and consumer choice in service delivery