Independent providers contract with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) to provide services/supports for Licking County residents. They must provide the services themselves and cannot employ, either directly or through contract, anyone else to provide the services.
An independent provider must have:
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- Access to a computer and printer for necessary forms.
- Their own email which they access regularly.
- The ability to keep good records and notes on the support that they provide.
- They must enter billing as well as track/understand reports for the supports that they provide.
- Annual training, which is required and provided free online from DODD.
How do I apply and are there associated costs?
Download this booklet to help guide you through the process to apply for Independent Certification with DODD. Save the booklet to your computer so that you can click the links provided when available. Please, also print the form to fill in the blanks and check items off as you complete them for your records. The cost to apply for independent certification is $125 every three years. As of December 3, 2021, DODD is waiving this fee for new applicants. DODD processes certification applications within 30 days after the BCII report is received by DODD from the Attorney General’s office. However, DODD can request additional information which can delay the certification approval.
How will I know if my application to be an independent provider has been approved?
DODD will notify you by email when your application has been approved.
You should then contact the service coordinator to set up funding for support. After support begins, we will train you on billing and documentation.
To set up a time to complete the first billing, review the provider notebook and to be added to Licking County Board of DD’s independent provider network, email Teresa Whipkey, Provider Support Coordinator.
Is there training offered for independent providers?
To access the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities free online training, please click here.
What comes next?
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- Eight hours of provider training is required each year. The documents below provide additional information on training.
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- Within 60 days after certification is granted, you must take an additional class on billing for services. This class is available on DODD’s training web site. You can make an appointment with Teresa Whipkey to complete the first billing cycle (or more) and learn about reports (requires two meetings) to meet this training need. Instructions are also listed below: