Request for Services Policies

Three policies govern the Request for Services (RFS).  Each one defines the circumstances when a support coordinator should submit a request.  The policies are:

1. When Emergency Situations occur.

If the person experiences a crisis, the support coordinator may need to create and submit an Emergency Request for extra funding and/or a new service.  The Emergency Request procedure offers an expedited alternative to the standardized “Request for Services” process when the person has a crisis that requires immediate attention.  Emergency Requests are available only for people who are currently in services.  People who experience crisis situations while on the waiting list go through a different process (i.e. ESMC).  Expedited means the support coordinator is not required to prepare documentation for the service code’s standard criteria.  Instead, a general set of criteria are used to qualify the crisis as an emergency.

2. When Needs Based Changes require a request.

A valid needs based change can be implemented directly in the PCSP Budget without issuing a Request for Services and receiving approval to do so.  The needs based change typically means the person no longer needs one service to be funded at the level it was originally prescribed for in the Active PCSP while they need an increase in another.  In order for the needs based change to be valid, the Plan Total must retain its same (relative) value (i.e. within a few dollars).  

3. When Restricted Services are used in the plan

A small number of service codes in DSPD’s total scope of services have restrictions that affect how they can and cannot be used in the Person Centered Support Plan (PCSP).  In general, the “restrictions” mean approval must be given to the support coordinator by the Request for Services (RFS) committee regarding the service’s purpose and use prior to being implemented in the PCSP.  For example, if the person has never received RHS before and they need a residential placement, the support coordinator is not authorized to load the service in the plan before they have submitted a Request for Services (or an Emergency Request), the committee has reviewed the rate, units and other pertinent information associated with the request (e.g., criteria and documentation), and the committee has approved it.