Frequently Asked Questions Glossary

Definitions to common terms referenced in our frequently asked questions

Authorized Representative: An Authorized Representative is someone a Client can designate to represent them when they apply for or receive benefits with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) or Health Care Authority (HCA). This individual is authorized to act on the Client’s behalf for eligibility purposes.

Background Check Central Unit (BCCU): The BCCU is a centralized database used by DSHS to conduct background checks on providers before they provide services to Clients.

Character, Competence and Suitability (CC&S): The process used, when required, to decide whether an individual may have unsupervised access to minors or vulnerable adults.

Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA): CDWA was named the CDE following a competitive bidding process by DSHS.

Consumer Directed Employer (CDE): The CDE will become the legal employer and provide administrative employment support for Washington’s Individual Providers (IP) who care for Clients who receive in-home personal care through the state’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS).

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV): EVV is required by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare’s 21st Century Cures Act. EVV will be used by IPs to capture the type of service performed, the person receiving the service, the date, location, and person providing the services, and the time the service begins and ends. Washington’s live-in IPs will not be required to use EVV.

Financial Worker: The financial worker is a DSHS employee who reviews the Client’s financial status to determine if Client Responsibility will be required from the Client.

Individual Provider (IP): A person who provides in-home personal care and respite services to another person who is elderly or who has a long-term disability.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS): DSHS is a group of agencies supporting Washingtonians’ social and health needs including older adults, people with long term disabilities, and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Work Week Limits (WWL): A WWL is the total number of service hours an IP may work in a work week. WWLs are the rules developed by DSHS to establish a process for allowing overtime to IPs in response to the Companionship Exemption.