Become an Independent Provider or Provider Agency

How to Become An Independent Provider

An independent provider is a self-employed person who directly provides services to people with developmental disabilities. They cannot employ someone else to provide services on their behalf.

Basic Requirements:

Providers must:

Have a Background Check
Be certified through Ohio’s Department of Developmental Disabilities
Be 18 years or older
Have a valid Social Security Number
Have a government-issued photo ID

Have a GED or high school diploma
Be able to read, write and understand English at a sufficient level (set forth in administrative rules)
Hold a valid American Red Cross (or equivalent) certification in First Aid and CPR

How to apply: Get details on requirements, application and training needed to become a certified Independent Provider at DODD’s website.

Need additional assistance? If you have any questions about being a provider or would like assistance with the application process, feel free to reach out to Wayne County Board of DD at 330-264-4086 or by e-mailing crommel@waynedd.org

How to Become a Provider Agency

What is a Provider Agency? A provider agency employs a Director of Operations (or DOO) and at least one other person that directly provides services to people with developmental disabilities.

Basic Requirements:

Provider Agencies must have:

A certificate of good standing from the Ohio Secretary of State demonstrating the agency provider’s status as a for-profit corporation, non-profit corporation, LLC, or LLP
Proof of an unencumbered line of credit in the agency provider’s name of at least $10,000
A certificate of general liability insurance of at least $1 million which includes coverage for individuals’ losses due to theft or property damage
Proof that the agency provider employs a director of operations who meets the requirements outlined in the rule
Proof that in addition to employing a director of operations, the agency provider employs at least one other person to provide services
An Employer Identification Number from the IRS
A certificate of policy from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Proof that the agency provider is current in payment of payroll taxes, workers’ compensation premiums, and unemployment compensation premiums
The name, country of birth, and social security number for any person having a financial interest of 5% or more in the agency provider
Written policies and procedures that address the agency provider’s management practices regarding the confidentiality of individual’s records, management of individual’s funds, reporting and investigation of major unusual incidents and unusual incidents, and documentation and billing for services
The criminal records check by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation, and when applicable, by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for the DOO
Certificate or transcript showing completion of the Director of Operations Orientation Training for Initial Certification located on DODD MyLearning
A non-refundable application fee

How to apply: Get details on requirements, application, DOO requirements and training needed to become a certified Provider Agency on DODD’s website.