Ohio Administrative Code Title 5123 - Department of Developmental Disabilities
Ohio Administrative Code – Title 5123: Department of Developmental Disabilities
Detailed Explanation
📘 Overview:
Title 5123 of the Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) contains the rules and regulations governed by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). This department oversees services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities across Ohio. The rules define how services are delivered, who qualifies, how providers are licensed, how funding is used, and what safeguards are in place.
🧠 What is a Developmental Disability?
A developmental disability (DD) is a chronic condition that begins before the age of 22 and causes significant limitations in areas such as:
Intellectual functioning
Communication
Mobility
Self-care
Learning
Independent living
Examples include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities.
🏛️ Main Functions of Title 5123:
Here are the key areas regulated under Title 5123:
1. Eligibility and Assessment:
Rules define who qualifies for services.
An individual must have a diagnosed developmental disability and significant limitations in daily life skills.
Assessments include functional evaluations and often use tools like the Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (OEDI) or Children’s Ohio Eligibility Determination Instrument (COEDI).
2. Service Coordination and Plans:
Every eligible individual gets a Service and Support Administrator (SSA) who helps create a person-centered plan.
This plan outlines what the individual wants (goals) and what services are needed to help them.
It must be reviewed annually.
3. Residential and Community Services:
Title 5123 covers how residential services (group homes, supported living, etc.) and day programs are structured.
It includes:
Homemaker/Personal Care (HPC)
Adult Day Services
Vocational training
Transportation services
Providers must meet health, safety, and staffing standards.
4. Provider Certification and Monitoring:
Individuals or agencies must be certified by the DODD to provide services.
Certification includes:
Background checks
Training requirements
Site inspections
Providers are monitored for compliance and can be sanctioned or decertified for violations.
5. Waiver Programs:
Many services are paid through Medicaid waiver programs, such as:
Individual Options (IO) Waiver
Level One Waiver
Self-Empowered Life Funding (SELF) Waiver
These programs allow individuals to receive care at home or in the community rather than in institutions.
6. Rights of Individuals with DD:
Rules guarantee the rights and dignity of individuals with DD, such as:
Freedom from abuse, neglect, or exploitation
Right to privacy and personal property
Right to participate in decision-making
Right to access grievance procedures
7. Behavior Support and Restrictions:
Title 5123 governs how behavior support strategies are used.
Restrictive measures (like restraints or time-outs) can only be used:
As a last resort
With a written plan
Under strict oversight and reporting
8. Health and Safety Standards:
Rules cover:
Medication administration
Emergency procedures
Incident reporting (including abuse or medical emergencies)
There’s a system to report Major Unusual Incidents (MUIs) and ensure investigation and follow-up.
9. Funding and Billing:
Rules outline how services are billed, how funds are used, and what documentation is required.
Fraudulent billing or misuse of funds leads to investigations and penalties.
✅ Why It Matters:
This title ensures that Ohio residents with developmental disabilities:
Get access to fair and consistent services
Are supported in living independently or with assistance
Are protected from harm
Are given the opportunity to participate fully in their communities
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