Independent Providers

An independent provider supporting a person at Cedar Point.
A photo of an independent provider supporting a person on vacation.

An Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) Certified Independent Provider is a self-employed direct support professional who provides services/supports for people with developmental disabilities.

There are more than 100 independent providers who provide direct services to Licking County residents who have developmental disabilities.

LCBDD has a Provider Support team that is dedicated to supporting providers in our county.

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.

How do I become an independent provider?

An independent provider must have:

    • 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.

LCBDD now offers a regular newsletter for independent providers. Click here to see the most current edition, as well as an archive of previous newsletters.

Who is part of the LCBDD Provider Support Team and how can I contact them?

You can contact our Provider Support Team by calling 740-349-6588 or by clicking on a name below to access email.

Additional resources:

  • Eight hours of provider training is required each year. There are specific topics that DODD requires you complete. The link below will guide you to additional information on training.
  • Renewal of Provider Certification must be completed online approximately every three years. Providers should use the template below to prepare for renewing their DODD Independent Provider Certification. Certifications will open 90 days before they expire.

  • Providers who engage in a shared living arrangement with the person they support but are not immediate family, may find it helpful to have a document explaining the details of their arrangement. This document would help answer questions such as “If that person decided to hire a different provider, what would be the arrangement for room rent or food, personal care and cleaning supplies?” The below link contains a DODD recommended example agreement which can help ensure needed information is clearly stated.