1.Program Definition and Services
Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in Idaho is a Medicaid program designed to provide in-home assistance for state residents who are aged and disabled. The program aims to prevent unnecessary nursing home admissions by offering support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)1.
Services provided under this program include:
- Basic personal care and grooming
- Assistance with bladder or bowel requirements
- Food preparation and nutrition support
- Medication assistance
- Incidental housekeeping
- Accompanying participants to medical appointments
- Shopping for essential items
2. Regulation
Personal Assistance Services are governed by Idaho Code Title 39, Chapter 56, and IDAPA 16.03.10.303 - Personal Care Services
3. Licensing or Certification
Personal Assistance Agencies must sign a Medicaid Provider General Agreement and the Additional Terms-Personal Assistance Agencies agreement with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
4. Responsible State Agency
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is responsible for overseeing Personal Assistance Services
5. Application Process
While the provided results don't provide specific details on the application process, providers interested in offering Personal Assistance Services should contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare for application instructions and to sign the required provider agreements
6. Required Documentation
Providers likely need to submit the following:
- Signed Medicaid Provider General Agreement
- Signed Additional Terms-Personal Assistance Agencies agreement
- Proof of liability insurance coverage
- Documentation of staff qualifications and training
7. Timeline for Approval
The available results do not specify a timeline for approval to become a Personal Assistance Services provider in Idaho.
8. Pre-Application Process
There is no specific pre-application process mentioned in the available results.
9. Pre-Application Training
While no pre-application training is explicitly mentioned, providers must ensure their personal assistants meet the standards and qualifications outlined in Chapter 56 of Title 39, Idaho Code
10. Additional Notes
- Adults receiving PAS under the State Medicaid Plan are limited to a maximum of 16 hours per week
- Children who meet necessity criteria may receive up to 24 hours per day of PAS through the month of their 21st birthday
- Personal Assistance Agencies are responsible for recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, and quality assurance of personal assistants
- Service coordination must be provided by a different agency than the one providing personal assistance services to avoid conflicts of interest
- As of 2025, the program continues to be an essential part of Idaho's efforts to support independent living for elderly and disabled residents.
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