Provider Types

 

What type of providers can a customer of brokerage support services enroll to deliver direct supports to them?

The individuals we serve (customers of brokerage support services) can enroll and hire different types of providers to deliver direct support to them in their homes and out in the community based on their needs and preferences.

  1. Independent Provider (Personal Support Worker, Independent Contractor)

  2. Certified Provider Organization

  3. General Business

Please note, Community Pathways is not the employer of direct support providers. The individual who enrolls the provider is the “employer of record” (EOR). Community Pathways does help the individuals we serve (customers and employers) to enroll the providers they want and need by facilitating the enrollment and credential renewal of personal support workers (PSW).

Visit the Oregon Home Care Commission website for more information about becoming a PSW. Create a profile in the OHCC’s Registry and Referral System to connect with individuals looking for providers or to find available providers.

 

Independent Provider

Role and Responsibilities

  • Individuals who are qualified to be a:

  • Personal Support Worker (PSW)

  • Independent Contractor (IC)

  • They can be hired professionals, family members, or friends, but cannot be the legal partner or spouse of the individual who is being supported.

  • The qualification of independent providers is determined by DHS and requires an approved background check and provider enrollment application.

  • Each independent provider needs a designated responsible party to be the common law employer (CLE). The independent provider may not be the common law employer.

  • Must sign a service agreement outlining the supports and services to be provided.

  • Use the Oregon DHS Express Payment and Reporting System (eXPRS) to submit time sheets, mileage records, and progress notes. These must also be submitted to the individual's brokerage or CME prior to payment. Personal agents (PAs are responsible for monitoring the services provided by independent providers to help ensure individuals are receiving the support approved through their individualized support plan (ISP).

Example: A PSW assists individuals with activities of daily living (ADL), like providing support with cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and bathing.

Please note, independent contractors can only provide some employment support services and behavior supports. 

Certified Provider Organization

Role and Responsibilities

  • Certified by the State of Oregon to provide services to individuals with disabilities.

  • Provide supports both in the home and in the community.

  • Have a staff of providers to choose from and typically offer a wider variety of services.

  • Must sign a service agreement outlining the supports and services to be provided.

  • Submit invoices and progress notes to the brokerage and PA for review prior to the payment of the providers.

Example: Certified provider organizations provide facility based socialization or employment, assessments, and independent living classes.

General Business

Role and Responsibilities

  • Businesses that provide services or goods to the general public and have been approved for payment.

  • Your PA can assist you with accessing the most cost effective goods or services that are appropriate for your needs.

Example: TriMet provides honored citizen passes to qualified individuals.