Every family we show with a current respite authorization was mailed a yellow EVV Attestation (exclusion) form in May. Those families who didn’t return the exclusion were mailed an orange EVV Agreement (participate) form the week of June 6th. The one (or more, if there are additional workers and/or clients) that matches your situation should have already been returned. Without an EVV status form, respite cannot be provided once EVV is implemented.

Initially we expected this system to be ready by July 1st, but the State’s database partner, Sandata, hasn’t worked out all the issues to manage the required input. Participating workers will have lead time once the system is online, and instructions are sent. 

Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) is a part of the 21st Century CURES Act, a 2016 federal bill. The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) has determined that respite workers are personal care attendants, who are specifically named by Medicaid to participate. The state has contracted with Sandata to compile the required information for DDS. We have registered and are in the process of finalizing the family/client/worker logistics for implementation.

EVV captures the following six data elements when providing respite:

1. Type of service performed
2. Individual receiving service
3. Date of service
4. Location of service delivery
5. Individual providing service
6. Time the service begins and ends

These data elements will likely be captured using a smart phone app, or by calling an automated system. The state is exploring ways for clients in rural locations to use this service.

There is a live-in exclusion to EVV. A live-in staff is an individual who regularly remains in the client’s [consumer’s] home for more than 24 hours at a time. To be excluded from EVV, the parent/guardian must complete and return an original attestation form to Respite, Inc. for each designated respite worker who qualifies, as soon as possible. If you need an attestation form, please contact our office and we will be glad to assist you. Worker changes must be reported as they occur (i.e.: worker moves out of the home).

Both the family and the designated respite worker must agree to participate. Without an exclusion form or a participating worker in place, respite will stop.

If you do not have a live-in worker, or do not want to participate in EVV, you cannot use respite services after EVV is implemented.

If you have already submitted an original exclusion form, you are all set and can continue using respite services as normal.

•  Timesheets will still need to be submitted for a worker to be paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I use EVV?

We will be sending out another notice with instructions once we have worked out exactly how EVV will be implemented. Please check back to this website for more information.

• What is the EVV Attestation Form?

The Attestation form is required if your worker does not want to participate in EVV and regularly remains in your home for more than 24 hours at a time. This form is completed by the parent/guardian of the client(s) for each worker that lives in their home.

Do not complete or return the form if your worker does not meet the live-in criteria.

• Do I have to use the EVV system to keep using respite?

The EVV system is a federal requirement for our agency. If the designated worker does not meet the live-in criteria, the system must be used if the family would like to continue receiving services.

• What if I do not have a live-in worker and I do not want to use EVV?

You cannot use respite services after EVV is implemented. Respite will stop.

Respite can resume if an attestation form is submitted, or if the family opts to use EVV.