Individual Providers working through Consumer Direct Care Network Washington need to understand more than their scheduled hours.
Every client has an individual care plan describing their assessed needs and the services they are authorized to receive.
DirectMyCare provides a way to review this information, but two documents are especially important to distinguish: the Plan of Care and the Service Authorization.
The care plan explains what services are needed. The authorization determines the approved amount of services.
Where to Find the Care Plan
CDWA provides care plans through the DirectMyCare web portal.
According to its official instructions, Individual Providers can open the Client Documents section from the home page.
From there, select the blue Document Name link to open the relevant document.
If you work with multiple clients, use the dropdown menu to select the correct person.
This matters because each client’s care plan is specific to their circumstances.
What Does the Plan of Care Contain?
A care plan describes the assistance a client needs based on their assessment.
Depending on the individual, this may involve personal care, assistance with daily activities, or other authorized support.
The document helps the provider understand which tasks are appropriate for that client.
It isn’t simply a weekly work schedule.
Two clients with similar authorized hours may have very different care needs.
Who Creates the Care Plan?
In Washington’s Consumer Directed Employer program, DSHS Case Managers conduct client assessments and develop service plans.
The Case Manager sends assessment information and service summaries to CDWA through the state’s CARE system.
CDWA then makes the relevant care documents available to Individual Providers.
This means the provider isn’t responsible for independently creating or approving the client’s official care plan.
Reviewing the Plan Before Starting Work
CDWA’s Individual Provider Employment Attestation specifically requires providers to review the client’s care plan before beginning services.
Providers must also review updated plans.
This is more than a recommendation to browse documents occasionally.
The plan identifies the work the provider has agreed to perform.
If the document contains tasks you don’t understand or cannot safely complete, clarify the issue before proceeding.
Service Authorization Is a Separate Requirement
A client may need assistance with several daily activities, but the total service time is governed by an authorization.
CDWA receives the authorized service hours after the DSHS assessment process.
The authorization represents the approved amount of care available to the client.
It doesn’t automatically assign all those hours to one Individual Provider.
When several caregivers serve the same client, the hours may be allocated among them.
What If the Client Needs More Assistance?
A change in the client’s condition may affect the amount or type of assistance required.
However, a caregiver cannot independently increase the client’s official authorization through DirectMyCare.
CDWA directs changes in client care needs to the DSHS Case Manager.
The Case Manager determines whether reassessment or changes to the service plan are appropriate.
The portal can display the resulting information, but it isn’t a substitute for that process.
The Client Still Manages the Work Schedule
Under CDWA’s model, the client or authorized representative directs the Individual Provider’s work.
They assign schedules and tasks within the approved care plan and applicable limits.
The provider must also observe their Work Week Limit.
A client may request a schedule adjustment, but that doesn’t automatically change the authorization or the provider’s weekly limit.
These requirements must be considered together.
What If the Care Plan Looks Outdated?
Providers should review the current document whenever a client’s needs or services change.
If the plan appears inconsistent with the client’s actual circumstances, discuss the concern with the client or authorized representative.
Questions involving an assessment or service-plan change may need to be addressed by the DSHS Case Manager.
Don’t assume that an older document has been replaced merely because a different schedule is being followed.
Missing Documents and Missing Authorizations
A missing care plan and a missing authorization are not necessarily the same problem.
If the expected care document isn’t available, CDWA can help investigate whether the plan has been received and shared.
If DirectMyCare doesn’t show an active authorization, the client may need assistance from their Case Manager.
CDWA’s FAQ also explains that missing authorizations can prevent providers from submitting service time.
Identifying which record is missing helps avoid unnecessary troubleshooting.
A Useful Routine for Providers
Before beginning services for a new client, review the available care plan and confirm the tasks you’re expected to perform.
Check that the relevant service authorization is in place.
When a revised plan becomes available, read the updated information rather than relying on instructions from an earlier period.
For providers serving multiple clients, make sure you’re reviewing the correct person’s documents.
Understanding the Difference
DirectMyCare gives CDCNWA Individual Providers access to important care documents and authorization information in one workspace.
But the documents have different responsibilities.
The Plan of Care describes the client’s assessed needs and expected services. The Service Authorization establishes the approved service amount.
When using DirectMyCare, review both. Understanding the care plan helps you provide the appropriate assistance, while understanding the authorization helps ensure the work remains within the client’s approved services.