Client Questions

Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions specific to Clients.

For definitions to common terms mentioned, please review our frequently asked questions glossary.

DSHS and case management staff perform these tasks and develop service plans for Clients.

After the assessment is complete, the Case Manager authorizes hours to CDWA rather than the IP. If there is more than one IP, CDWA works with the Client to allocate hours to them. CDWA helps the Client manage work week limits and overtime utilization.

CDWA signs the PCSP (DDA) or Service Summary (HCS/AAA) as the authorized provider of personal care.

The Client decides how many hours they would like the home care agency to provide and how many hours they would like the IP to provide. The Case Manager authorizes those amounts, separately, to the home care agency and to CDWA.

Clients receive a Client Service Agreement when they initiate services with CDWA. As the Medicaid provider, CDWA is eligible to receive Client information if they choose the CDE option.

As the managing employer, you select, supervise, manage, and dismiss your IPs. CDWA gives you information that helps you understand your duties as the managing employer. www.ConsumerDirectWA.com/IP-Handbook/

CDWA works with Clients to determine which tasks are assigned to each IP from the Client’s care plan, including those tasks that require nurse delegation.

There are some situations in which CDWA may choose not to provide services or to stop providing services to a Client. These include:

  • The situation between the Client and IP does not support a safe plan of care and the Client is unwilling to choose a different IP.
  • The Client commits fraud or violates program rules.
  • The Client does not pay their Client Responsibility. CDWA will work with the Client or Case Manager for resolution to maintain care for the Client before stopping services.

CDWA helps resolve IP time disputes. Our goal is to help Clients and IPs resolve disputes informally. If necessary, we will assist Clients in submitting a formal complaint. If the Client has an IP through CDWA and a caregiver from a home care agency, the Client’s Case Manager may also get involved.

If you or your IP reports a problem, CDWA will contact your Case Manager. In most cases, CDWA staff do not make home visits.

No. the Client’s spouse cannot be an IP, except in the case of an IP for a chore services Client. For more information, please review WAC 388-71-0540.

No. Natural, step, or adoptive parents cannot be IPs for their children who are under 18. For more information, please review WAC 388-71-0540.