Page 45

JUNE 17, 2002 NEBRASKA HEALTH AND CCS PROGRAM MANUAL LETTER # 37-2002 HUMAN SERVICES MANUAL 392 NAC 5-003.01

5-003.01 Child Abuse/Neglect Report: If the potential provider indicates on Form CC-0351 that a child abuse/neglect report has been filed, the worker must review the child protective service investigation report. The worker must not approve the provider if the report indicates behaviors which might endanger the health, safety, or morals of children under care.

5-003.02 Provider Receiving Treatment: If the potential provider indicates on Form CC- 0351 that s/he is receiving treatment for mental illness, drug addiction, or alcoholism, the worker must obtain a statement from a physician or licensed or certified mental health practitioner, to verify that the problem will not interfere with the provider's ability to care for children. 5-004 Application: A worker assigned resource development responsibilities must conduct a face-to-face interview with each potential provider. If the provider does not meet standards at the time of the initial visit or interview but is willing to correct the deficiency within a reasonable period of time, the worker continues the application process when proof of compliance is received. 5-004.01 Conflict of Interest: No employee of the Department or its subdivisions may be approved as a service provider if s/he is in a position to influence his/her own approval or utilization. 5-004.02 Worker Relatives as Providers: Service staff members must not approve, reapprove, evaluate, negotiate provider agreements with, or authorize service provision from, providers to whom they are related. In situations where a relative-provider is the only resource, staff must request prior Central Office approval. 5-004.03 Service Provider Agreements: The following guidelines govern service provider agreements: 1. The provider must obtain any necessary registration or child care license before signing an agreement. 2. Each provider must have a service provider agreement in effect before service can be authorized for purchase. 3. Staff must evaluate and approve or disapprove all service providers located within the unit’s jurisdiction. 4. Service provider agreements are effective up to 12 months, are not back-dated, and must be completed and signed by all parties on or before the effective date. The agreement may be made effective with the client’s request for a specific provider but no earlier than the date of receipt of the application. 5. Changes in service provider agreements require renegotiation of the agreement. Address changes which do not affect the service location do not require a new agreement. 6. Notice of any change in services, units, or unit rates proposed by either the provider or the service agency must be given as soon as possible.