210 R.I. Code R. 210-RICR-50-10-2.8

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 210-RICR-50-10-2.8 - Screening Requirements and Qualifications for PCAs

A. Age: PCAs must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

B. Work Status: PCAs must be authorized to work in the United States.

C. Relationship: Individuals cannot work as a PCA if they are the participant's representative, spouse, financial power of attorney, or Social Security Representative Payee.

D. Driver's License: If the PCA is approved to provide transportation for the participant, the PCA must have a valid driver's license, liability coverage and provide their own vehicle.

E. Training: Training requirements vary based on how the prospective PCA is introduced to the program. PCAs will not be paid until the participant has verified that training has occurred.

1. If the PCA is known to the participant, the participant may choose to provide in-home training, request that the PCA undergo mandatory orientation and training, or a combination of in-home training and selected courses from the mandatory orientation and training.

2. If the PCA is introduced to the Personal Choice program through the registry, the PCA is required to undergo mandatory orientation and training before the PCA is listed on the registry.

3. Participants may request that their PCA complete continuing education courses offered by EOHHS or its designee. PCAs may also voluntarily complete continuing education courses.

F. Certifications: PCAs must receive a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certification, renewed every two (2) years, in order to be listed on the registry. Exceptions may be made if the PCA is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or has an active CPR/First Aid certification.

G. Background Checks: All PCAs and participant representatives that have direct contact with participants must submit to a National Criminal Background Check supported by fingerprints every five (5) years, annual Office of Inspector General (OIG) screenings, and an annual Abuse Registry Record Check to be authorized to provide assistance to participants under the Personal Choice Program.

1. The FI is EOHHS' designated agent to provide authorization for the Department of Attorney General to complete the National Criminal Background Check supported by fingerprints.

2. The individual to be fingerprinted is responsible for the cost of the fingerprint.

3. To participate in the Personal Choice program as the participant's representative or in a provider (PCA) capacity, there must be no evidence of disqualifying convictions as described in R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-7.2-18.4. The FI is EOHHS' designated agent to receive information about whether a disqualifying conviction appears during the background check. The Department of Attorney General will not disclose the nature of the conviction to the FI. The FI will notify EOHHS, accordingly.

4. Evidence of any disqualifying conviction will bar the individual from acting as a PCA or representative. The individual may request a copy of their record from the Department of Attorney General and request an exception from the EOHHS Office of Community Programs Review Committee. The individual may participate as a PCA or representative, notwithstanding evidence of a disqualifying conviction, only if, in the judgment of the EOHHS Office of Community Programs Review Committee, such participation:

a. Would not threaten the health, welfare, or safety of participants; and

b. Would not compromise the integrity of the Rhode Island Medicaid program.

210 R.I. Code R. 210-RICR-50-10-2.8

Adopted effective 10/28/2019
Amended effective 12/15/2020
Amended effective 3/8/2023
Amended effective 2/12/2024