Training Requirements

Training is required to become certified as a provider and also to maintain certification. All prospective and current providers must receive training in specific topics as identified in the Independent Provider Certification Rule 5123-2-09. These requirements vary depending on the stage of the certification process. Stages include:

  • Initial training for prospective independent providers
  • Annual training

Initial Training

Trainings required for certification need to be completed prior to the completion of your certification application, per Appendix A of the Certification Rule 5123-2-09. These include:

  • First Aid
  • CPR
  • Overview of serving individuals including implementation of individual service plans and service outcomes 
  • Role of an independent provider including "National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals" code of ethics 
  • Rights of individuals set forth in section 5123.62 of the Revised Code 
  • Person-centered planning and provision of services
  • Facilitating community participation and integration for individuals served 
  • Universal precautions for infection control (g) Service documentation and billing for services 
  • Rule 5123-2-06 of the Administrative Code (i) Rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code including a review of health and welfare alerts issued by the department
  • Department-provided training in empathy-based care  

Annual Training

Annual Training must total 8 hours of continuing education to maintain compliance. This includes:

  • Two hours of training provided by the department or by an entity using department-provided curriculum in topics relevant to the independent provider's duties
  • Six hours of training in topics selected by the independent provider from the following list that are relevant to the services provided and individuals served by the independent provider. Note: The six hours of training do not need to be formal courses offered by DODD, so long as they a) relate to the care of individuals served; b) enhance their ability to care for individuals served; and c) fall into one of the following categories: Components of Quality Care, Health and Safety, or Positive Behavioral Support.

Details about these trainings can be found in our Annual Training document.

Crisis Prevention Training

The Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities offers Crisis Prevention Training on an as-needed basis to groups of providers. Contact Amber Newman via email or (937) 776-0841 for details.

Where to Get Initial and Annual Trainings

Providers can meet these training requirements in several ways. These include online options or in-person training.

  • DODD MyLearning (free; initial and annual)
  • DODD webinars (free; annual trainings only)
  • The Academy for Direct Support Professionals (Dayton-area offerings are free and listed on the MCBDDS website at www.mcbdds.org. Those listed in Cincinnati are not free. Click the "Provider Training" tab just above the calendar for more information about these initial and annual training offerings.)
  • The Montgomery County Board of Developmental Disabilities Services also offers occasional specialized trainings to providers free of charge. (Offerings are listed on the MCBDDS website at www.mcbdds.org.)
  • CEU Certificates Online Provider Training (not free; initial and annual) 

MCBDDS does not recommend one training vendor over another.

Competency-based Training and Longevity Add-On

An add-on rate is an amount added on to the regular rate of reimbursement available for certain services. The Competency-Based Training and Longevity Add-On adds $0.39 per 15-minute unit to the regular reimbursement rate for routine Homemaker/Personal Care (or HPC) services. 

Direct support professionals interested in obtaining the add-on rate must meet certain conditions to be eligible.

Compliance

The MCBDDS Compliance Department offers independent providers technical assistance upon request with certification, renewal of certification, and meeting compliance standards. Technical assistance can include documentation review, training, billing, and more. Questions? Contact Marci Slifko via email or 937-457-2816.

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