Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to become a respite provider?
- Complete an application
- Complete the Respite4Kids Trauma-informed care training (online & self-paced)
- Complete the Respite4Kids De-escalation training (online)
- Become certified in CPR/First Aid (online and in-person skills training) (expires every 2 years)
- Complete a Background Check
- Complete 1099* forms (Providers are responsible for completing all required 1099 forms and for filing their own annual taxes.)
What are some Respite Rules and Regulations?
- Respite can NOT be used during the guardians work hours. Respite is NOT a substitution for babysitting
- All services should align with the youths careplan, if emergency services are needed, please contact Respite4Kids@unisonhealth.org
- A provider can service up to 3 youth max per service, with a 3-year age gap per group (sibling exception)
- Respite workers can do one service per day, up to 3 youth at a time
- Respite services can NOT be provided overnight
- Each approved youth gets 90 days of service per year (renews Jan 1st of each year)
- Each service is paid per diem, with a minimum of 4 hours of service per day
- The latest service documentation MUST end at 11:59 PM (Example: 7:59PM - 11:59PM)
- Respite Providers cannot provide services to youth with the same address
- Respite4Kids has the discretion to release any provider from our program for any reason at anytime
How long will the results of my background check take?
Results have been taking longer than expected. Our Team does a great job at approving providers when their results come back from HR.
If you are not approved within 3 months, you can reach out to Respite4Kids@UnisonHealth.org
Once I become a respite provider, what do I have to do to get paid?
- Log In to your Respite account
- Ensure you have completed and submitted all 1099 forms (All providers are responsible for filing your own yearly taxes)
- Submit a "Respite Documentation" form for EACH service, per youth (If you provided services for 3 youth, you should submit 3 different forms)
- Submit a "Respite Payment Request" form, ONE sheet bi-weekly, PER YOUTH (the sheet will ask what dates and times you provided respite services. This sheet goes to the guardian for approval
- The Respite Payment Request form is to be submitted biweekly on Mondays at 7pm. (The Respite Calendar is provided on our Website)
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Q: Who is responsible for tax filing?
A: As an independent contractor, providers are responsible for completing all required 1099 forms and for filing their own annual taxes.
Please note: payment can be held at the discretion of the agency for audit, if corrections are needed, or if we are pending verification of services.
Can I provide respite services for anyone?
No, you may only provide respite services for APPROVED youth enrolled in the OhioRISE program.
It is the guardian's responsibility to inform the Respite4Kids Program with any changes to their Medicaid Billing.
It is the guardian's responsibility to inform the Respite4Kids Program with any changes to their care coordination.
Any changes would stop services immediately to allow for updates
Please note: payment can be held at the discretion of the agency for audit, if corrections are needed, or if we are pending verification of services.
Do I need to notify anyone when respite services begin?
Yes. You must notify the agency prior to the first visit you have with a new youth and prior to a visit if there is a large break in services. This is to ensure respite is reflected within the youth's care plan to ensure payment for the provider.
Can respite services be provided overnight?
No, respite cannot be provided overnight.
- The latest service documentation MUST end at 11:59 PM (Example: 7:59PM -11:59PM)
How many respite services am I allowed to provide?
- Services must be coordinated in accordance with the youth’s Care Plan schedule. If the frequency of services provided does not align with the approved Care Plan, respite payments may be withheld and will be subject to audit. The Care Coordinator will be notified of any discrepancies. For any emergency services, please contact Respite4kids@UnisonHealth.org
- Each OhioRISE youth is allowed 90 days of respite services per calendar year. Prior authorization is required after 90 days of service.
Is a home visit conducted to ensure the youth’s home is a safe environment?
No, the youth’s parent or guardian is responsible for ensuring the youth’s home is a safe environment.
What does a family do if they have issues with a Respite Provider?
They can reach out to the care coordinator or to anyone in the respite team to raise concerns. Families can choose to no longer utilize a respite provider at any time for any reason.
If a provider wants to leave their job to be a respite provider, is this encouraged?
Providers are able to make choices regarding their own employment. However, we do tell them that no hours are guaranteed, that families can terminate services at any time or no longer qualify, and that their contract with the Respite4kids program can be terminated at any time.
Can we start respite services without respite on the care plan?
No. We must have respite services reflected on the care plan at all times. The Care plan must include the Reason for respite services, Frequency and the duration for services.
What are the costs to become a respite provider?
The provider is responsible for paying for their background check & First aid-CPR training. The de-escalation and trauma training can be accessed at no cost to the potential provider.