Definition
Direct support professional” means an individual who:
(a) Provides services to a participant in accordance with Section 4 of this administrative
regulation;
(b) Has direct contact with a participant when providing services to the participant;
“Community access specialist” means an individual who:
(a) Provides support and training that enables a participant to develop a network of natural
supports to achieve a clearly defined and valued social role within the participant’s community;

Requirements
1. Eighteen (18) years old and has a high school diploma or GED; or
2. Twenty-one (21) years old;
(d) Meets the personnel and training requirements established in Section 3 of SCL regulations;
(e) Has the ability to:
1. Communicate effectively with a participant and the participant’s family;
2. Read, understand, and implement written and oral instructions;
3. Perform required documentation; and
4. Participate as a member of the participant’s person-centered team if requested by the participant; and
(f) Demonstrates competence and knowledge on topics required to safely support the participant as described in the participant’s person-centered service plan.

 ALSO Has:
1. Previously qualified or been credentialed by the department to provide community access services prior to April 1, 2017; or
2.a. At least one (1) year of experience in the field of intellectual or developmental
disabilities; and
b. Completed a department-approved training program within one (1) year of application while providing community access services under the direct supervision of a community access
specialist; and
(c) Meets the personnel and training requirements established in Section 3 or 10 of SCL Regulations.

DOCUMENTATION
1. A note documenting each contact, which shall include:
a. A full description of each service rendered;
b. Evidence of training or service to support outcomes designated in the participant’s person-centered service plan;
c. The date of the service;
d. The location of the service;
e. The beginning and ending times of the service;
f. The signature and title of the individual providing the service; and
g. The date the entry was made in the record; and

MOST IMPORTANTLY ALL STAFF WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MONITORING AND ENSURING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, WELFARE, INTEGRITY, PRIVACY, ADN THE RIGHTS OF ALL THE PARTICIPANTS.