IHSS - Obtaining a Care Provider

Matching Recipients with Providers

Once approved for IHSS services, recipients must hire a provider to perform the authorized services. IHSS recipients are considered to be the provider’s employer and, therefore, assume the responsibility to hire, train, supervise, and, when necessary, terminate the provider. It is important that recipients and in-home care providers are comfortable with each other, and that recipients take an active role in their own care and household. Recipients are encouraged to interview potential providers about their knowledge of the community, work experience, available working hours, medical expertise, ethics, references, and any other issues that are important to them. Recipients always make the final decision about who to employ. Most recipients select a provider who is a family member or friend. But if they cannot find a provider, recipients are referred to the IHSS Public Authority, which maintains a registry of available caregivers. All providers must be fingerprinted, undergo a criminal background check and complete mandated orientation and training.

IHSS Public Authority

IHSS recipients who do not have a family member, friend, or relative to provide authorized services for them and need help finding a service provider can get help through the IHSS Public Authority. The Public Authority was established in 2003 to improve the quality of in-home support for both providers and recipients, and allows IHSS recipients to remain safely in their own homes and avoid institutionalization. The role of the IHSS Public Authority is to:

• Conduct provider recruitment
• Maintain a Registry of screened providers
• Refer providers to IHSS recipients
• Conduct provider training

Current IHSS recipients who need help finding a provider should contact the IHSS Public Authority at (805) 654-3416.

IHSS Public Authority providers needing information may call (805) 654-3416 or click here for online resources.