Upon approval of the home profile per OAC 317:40-5-40, the companion, provider agency, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Developmental Disabilities Services Division (DDSD) case manager, agency companion services (ACS) staff, and others as appropriate meet to develop a service authorization budget. OKDHS Form 06AC074E, Service Authorization Budget, is used to develop the individual service budget for the member's program and is updated annually by the member's Personal Support Team (Team).
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(1) The companion receives:
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(A) a salary based on the level of support needed by the member. The level of support is determined by authorized DDSD staff per OAC 317:40-5-3. The ACS rate for the:
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(i) employer model includes funding for the provider agency for the provision of benefits to the companion; and
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(ii) contractor model does not include funding for the provider agency for the provision of benefits to the companion; and
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(B) any combination of hourly or daily respite per Plan of Care year to equal 660 hours in order to provide respite to the companion as reflected on Form 06AC074E.
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(i) Habilitation training specialist (HTS) services may be approved by the DDSD director or designee if providing ACS with additional support represents the most cost-effective placement for the member and the member has an ongoing pattern of not:
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(I) sleeping at night; or
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(II) working or attending employment services, in spite of continuing efforts by the Team.
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(ii) HTS units authorized must be reduced when the on-going situation changes.
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(iii) HTS authorizations must be reviewed annually or more often if needed.
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(2) OKDHS Form 6AC074E reflects the amount of room and board the member pays to the companion. If the amount exceeds $450, the increase must be:
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(A) agreed to by the member and, if applicable, legal guardian;
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(B) recommended by the Team; and
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(C) submitted with written justification attached to OKDHS Form 06AC074E to the DDSD area manager or designee for approval.
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(3) Prior to the meeting to discuss the service authorization budget, a back-up plan identifying respite staff is developed by the provider agency program coordination staff and companion.
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(A) The back-up plan:
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(i) is submitted to the DDSD case manager for approval and attached to completed OKDHS Form 06AC074E;
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(ii) describes expected and emergency back-up support and program monitoring for the home; and
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(iii) is signed by the companion, provider agency representative, and DDSD case manager.
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(B) The companion and provider agency program coordination staff equally share the responsibility to identify approved respite providers who are:
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(i) knowledgeable about the member;
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(ii) trained to implement the member's Individual Plan (Plan);
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(iii) trained per OAC 340:100-3-38; and
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(iv) involved in the member's daily life.
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(C) The spouse or other adult residing in the home may provide ACS in the absence of the companion, if trained in accordance with OAC 340:100-3-38. The spouse or other adult residing in the home cannot:
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(D) The companion and respite staff are responsible for the cost of their meals and entertainment during recreation and leisure activities. Activities selected must be affordable to the member and respite staff. Concerns about affordability are presented to the Team for resolution.
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(4) The member is allowed therapeutic leave in accordance with OAC 317:40-5-3.