Code Section

12309.  

(a) In order to assure that in-home supportive services are delivered in all counties in a uniform manner, the department shall develop a uniform needs assessment tool.

(b) (1) Each county shall, in administering this article, use the uniform needs assessment tool developed pursuant to subdivision (a) in collecting and evaluating information.

(2) For purposes of paragraph (1), “information” includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

(A) The recipient’s living environment.

(B) Alternative resources.

(C) The recipient’s functional abilities.

(c) (1) The uniform needs assessment tool developed pursuant to subdivision (a) shall evaluate the recipient’s functioning in activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living.

(2) The recipient’s functioning shall be quantified, using the general hierarchical five-point scale for ranking each function, as specified in subdivision (d).

(d) The recipient’s functioning ranks shall be as follows:

(1) Rank one.  A recipient’s functioning shall be classified as rank one if his or her functioning is independent, and he or she is able to perform the function without human assistance, although the recipient may have difficulty in performing the function, but the completion of the function, with or without a device or mobility aid, poses no substantial risk to his or her safety.

(2) Rank two.  A recipient’s functioning shall be classified as rank two if he or she is able to perform a function, but needs verbal assistance, such as reminding, guidance, or encouragement.

(3) Rank three.  A recipient’s functioning shall be classified as rank three if he or she can perform the function with some human assistance, including, but not limited to, direct physical assistance from a provider.

(4) Rank four.  A recipient’s functioning shall be classified as rank four if he or she can perform a function, but only with substantial human assistance.

(5) Rank five.  A recipient’s functioning shall be classified as rank five if he or she cannot perform the function, with or without human assistance.