32 Miss. Code. R. § 1-15.2 - INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT/CERTIFICATION AS A PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT (PCA)

1. Must be at least 18 years of age.

2. Must be a high school graduate, have a GED, or demonstrate the ability to read and write adequately to complete any required forms and reports of visits.

3. Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions.

4. Must have the ability to communicate effectively.

5. Must have no known physical/mental limitations that prevent lifting, transferring or providing any other assistance to the client.

6. If the individual reports any physical/mental limitations, appropriate documentation must be received from the individual's physician indicating they are able to perform the duties of a Personal Care Attendant.

7. All Personal Care Attendant providers must have completed training/ instruction that covers the purpose, functions, and tasks associated with the Personal Care Attendant program.

8. The Personal Care Attendant must also complete a supervised practical training period and be certified as competent by IL Counselor and Registered Nurse to perform each task of assistance with activities of daily living for the client for whom the services will be performed. No prescribed time limit is set for the practical training.

9. The PCA must demonstrate the ability to comprehend and comply with basic verbal and written instructions at a level determined by the IL Counselor and Registered Nurse to be adequate in fulfilling the responsibilities of the attendant.

10. An individual that has satisfactorily completed a nurse aide training program for a hospital, nursing facility, or home health agency or was continuously employed for twelve months as a nurse aide, orderly, nursing assistant or an equivalent position, shall be deemed to meet the classroom training requirements. The individual must provide the appropriate documentation to the IL Counselor, which shall be filed in the client case file.

11. An individual that has satisfactorily provided attendant care services for four (4) weeks prior to coverage under the waiver program, with such service certified by the IL Counselor and Registered Nurse, shall be deemed to meet the training and competency requirements. The client's case file must contain the appropriate documentation.

12. A PCA may be certified by the Counselor and the Registered Nurse at the time of the initial assessment. However, the PCA cannot begin providing services to the client until the client has been given a certification date, and MDRS has received a Notice of Determination from the Division of Medicaid. If another funding source will be paying for the services, such as TBI/SCI Trust fund, the PCA can begin providing services.

13. Background checks will be performed on all PCA applicants. The background check will be processed through MS Bureau of Investigation and must be clear of any felony convictions or certain misdemeanors. A PCA cannot begin employment until the entire application has been processed by the state office.

14. Complete the Application for Employment with Ability Works of Jackson and the PCA must provide all employment verification documentation prior to their initial date of providing services to the client.

(See Resource Guide for instructions on how to certify a PCA)

Notes

32 Miss. Code. R. § 1-15.2