1.Program Definition and Services
Personal Assistance Services in Illinois are designed to help individuals with severe disabilities live independently in their homes and communities. These services include:
- Assistance with personal care tasks (e.g., hygiene, grooming)
- Household tasks (e.g., laundry, cleaning, meal preparation)
- Appointment scheduling and money management
- Certain health care procedures with a doctor’s permission
- Training and support to enable individuals to perform daily living tasks independently
These services are primarily offered under the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Home Services Program (HSP), which serves individuals under age 60 who are at risk of institutionalization
2. Regulations
The program is governed by the following regulations:
- Illinois Administrative Code Title 89, Subchapter d, Part 676 (Home Services Program)
- Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act [20 ILCS 2405]
- Care Worker Background Check Act
- 210 ILCS 55/3.8 – Licensing requirements for home services agencies
3. Licensing or Certification
Providers must be licensed as Home Services Agencies by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Licensure is mandatory for any agency offering personal assistance or home services in Illinois. Individual Personal Assistants (PAs) do not require licensure but must meet specific training and eligibility criteria
4. Responsible State Agency
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) oversees the Home Services Program (HSP), while the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) licenses Home Services Agencies
5. Application Process
The application process for agencies requires submission of a formal application to IDPH. For individual Personal Assistants, the process involves:
- Completing a Personal Information Form.
- Attending a mandatory orientation session.
- Applications for agencies can be submitted by mail, including licensing fees and required documentation, to IDPH at their Springfield office
6. Required Documentation
For agency licensure:
- Completed initial licensure application form
- $500 licensing fee payable to IDPH
- Proof of compliance with state regulations
- Policies and procedures for service delivery
- Staff qualifications and background checks
- Proof of liability insurance
- For individual Personal Assistants:
- Valid state ID or driver’s license
- Social Security card
- Completion of mandatory orientation training
7. Timeline for Approval
Approval timelines vary based on the completeness of the application and compliance with regulations. Agencies can expect processing within several weeks after submission, while individual PAs must complete orientation within two months before being added to the referral list
8. Pre-Application Process
There is no formal pre-application process for agencies beyond ensuring compliance with state regulations. Individual PAs must complete an information form and attend orientation before being eligible to provide services
9. Pre-Application Training
Individual Personal Assistants must attend a mandatory unpaid orientation session covering roles, responsibilities, and consumer rights. Training programs for agency staff, such as Direct Support Person (DSP) training, must be approved by IDHS before service delivery begins
10. Additional Notes
- PAs are employed directly by consumers or through agencies; wages are paid via IDHS or self-paying consumers.
- The Home Care Ombudsman Program advocates for quality services and assists with resolving issues related to personal assistance services.
- Agencies must comply with background check requirements under the Care Worker Background Check Act.
- The Community Reintegration Program under HSP helps transition individuals from nursing homes back into their communities with necessary supports.
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