What is the Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Program (CDPAP)?

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Program (CDPAP) is defined as the provision of some or total assistance with personal care tasks, home health aide tasks and/or skilled nursing tasks by a Personal Assistant (PA) under the supervision and direction of a consumer or the consumer’s designated representative.

What are the eligibility requirements?

• Must be elderly or disabled.
• Must be eligible to receive Medicaid.
• Must have a demonstrated need for assistance with their activities of daily living.
• Must qualify for home care, personal care or skilled nursing.
• Must be able and willing to make informed choices in managing the services they receive, or have a legal guardian, designated relative or other adult able and willing to help make informed choices.

You can make an appointment to apply for Medicaid at your county Department of Social Services. The NYS Medicaid Helpline (800) 541-2831 Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm

Benefits to choosing CDPAP over other traditional PCA programs:

• Consumers have the freedom to choose their own PA’s. The consumer can hire almost anyone, including most family members (state regulations prohibit the spouse or parent).
• Consumers have complete control in scheduling their PA’s. They can develop a schedule that meets their needs, such as mornings, meals or bed times.
• Consumers can train their PA’s to provide tasks that fall under the scope of nursing level care.
• Since PA’s are not required to be certified, the consumer has a larger pool of potential workers to choose from.

Consumer’s/Designee’s Role:

• Responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, supervising and terminating caregivers.
• Notify GAHA of any changes, i.e., address, phone numbers, etc.
• Notify GAHA of changes in status of your personal assistant's hours.
• Verify and sign timesheets daily. Keep a record of your PA’s work hours (Dates, time in/time out, total number of hours worked per day.)
• Approve time off and arrange for substitute coverage.
• Providing equal employment opportunities to all prospective employees, regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, sex, disability, marital status, orientation or sexual preference.

Greater Adirondack Home Aides (GAHA) Role:

• Process each PA’s wages and benefits; processing all income tax and other required withholdings.
• Comply with worker’s compensation, disability and unemployment insurance requirements.
• Ensure that the health status of each PA is assessed prior to the start of care and comply with annual health requirements.
• Maintain personnel records for each PA consisting of time sheets, medical records and all other required documentation.
• Provide support and guidance to the consumer on employment, HR or recruiting issues that may arise.

For more information:

Contact Greater Adirondack Home Aides (518) 926-7070