In-home supportive services: licensed health care professional certification.

Assembly Member Nguyen's proposal to modify California's In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program refines the definition of licensed health care professionals who certify program eligibility. The legislation expands current requirements to specify that qualifying healthcare providers must have primary responsibilities in diagnosing or treating physical or mental impairments that affect functional limitations.

The bill maintains the existing certification requirement that IHSS applicants and recipients obtain documentation from a licensed California healthcare provider to verify their inability to perform daily living activities independently. This certification must confirm that without assistance, the individual would risk placement in out-of-home care. The amended definition encompasses physicians, physician assistants, regional center clinicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, optometrists, ophthalmologists, public health nurses, and nurse practitioners.

Under the legislation, counties retain flexibility to authorize services before receiving certification in specific circumstances, such as when individuals are being discharged from hospitals or nursing homes and require immediate support for safe return to their homes. The bill preserves existing provisions that prohibit healthcare providers from charging fees for completing certification forms and requires counties to develop standardized documentation that includes program descriptions and available services.