Current through Reg. 49, No. 38; September 20, 2024
(a)
Purpose. Direct Purchase of Service (DPS) is a procurement method that provides
flexibility and effective management of resources by purchasing services on a
client-by-client basis as determined by an assessment of the individual's
service needs.
(b) The DPS
procurement method is used:
(1) to facilitate
an individual's access to services;
(2) to target limited resources;
(3) to encourage broad participation of
service providers in Title III programs;
(4) to promote accuracy in reporting;
and
(5) to assist the area agency
on aging in meeting key performance measures projection targets.
(c) DPS System Structure.
(1) Vendor Pool. A vendor pool shall be
developed and maintained by the area agency on aging using:
(A) Open Enrollment. Open enrollment allows
eligible service providers to enroll at any time in the program year;
or
(B) Closed Enrollment. Closed
enrollment allows eligible service providers to enroll only during the
enrollment period established by the area agency on aging; or
(C) A combination of open and closed
enrollment.
(2) Vendor
Agreement. A vendor agreement shall be developed by the area agency on aging in
accordance with the standards and criteria established by the area agency on
aging and TDoA to ensure service providers meet all applicable certifications,
standards and criteria established by state law.
(3) Service Authorization.
(A) Service authorization may be provided by
an area agency on aging approved access and assistance staff member either by
phone or in person.
(B) If the
following factors are identifiable or measurable, the area agency on aging must
include them in the service authorizations: the number of units authorized,
frequency and duration of the service to be purchased.
(C) The vendor list from which a service is
authorized shall be regularly reviewed and approved by the area agency on
aging.
(d)
Match. Match shall be obtained in accordance with §260.2 of this title
(relating to Area Agency on Aging Fiscal Responsibilities).
(e) Program Income. Program income shall be
accounted for in accordance §260.2 of this title.
(f) Quality Assurance. Quality assurance of
services provided by vendors shall be determined through reassessment and other
follow-up activities with the client conducted by the area agency on aging. The
area agency on aging shall require monthly reports from active vendors. A
quality assurance review is conducted to ensure a satisfactory performance in
the following areas to determine whether a vendor has met the service criteria
established in the vendor agreement and whether:
(1) the vendor is meeting the performance
criteria and frequency of the service as authorized for the client;
(2) the vendor is performing those duties
specified when the service was authorized;
(3) the client indicated that the services
provided are satisfactory; and
(4)
services met or exceeded all applicable state and federal guidelines.
