PCA Choice

The PCA Choice Option is an alternative option for the traditional PCA Program in Minnesota.  Unlike traditional PCA services, the Choice Option allows for more control of services by the consumer.  The aspects that increase a consumer’s control of their program under the Choice Option are:

• Decision-making
• Staff recruitment
• Staff hiring and terminations
• Full participation in the development of their plan of cares
• PCA pay rates
• Full collaboration with the Qualified Professional
• Their choice of Qualified Professional
• Training and orientation of staff
• Verification of timesheets

SMILES PCA Choice Program is intended to provide its consumers with more control of their programs.  This control is intended to produce a variety of potential outcomes for recipients who have chosen SMILES as their PCA Choice provider.  The outcomes that we expect from the program include:

• Recipients will assert their self-determination
• Recipients will achieve a strong, individualized program
• Recipients will increase their health and safety through more control
• Recipients will have a higher quality of life by recruiting their own staff
• Recipients will have an increase in their leadership skills
• Recipients will increase their communication skills
• Recipients will increase their problem/conflict resolution skills
• Recipients will experience higher self-efficacy, self-esteem, and self-confidence
• Recipients will work proactively with a variety of professionals which will increase their knowledge about PCA services, the rules and laws that govern it, and skills in managing staff.

The services covered under the Choice Option are the same as those covered under traditional PCA services.  The services provided under the Choice Option are required to be determined as “medically” necessary and under new legislation, the assessment determines the need for services described in the Service Plan.  The services covered under the Choice Option are:

• Activities of Daily Living: Bathing, Grooming, Toileting, Mobility, Transferring, Positioning, Eating, and Dressing

• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: Meal planning, shopping, light housekeeping, participation in the community, etc…

• Health- Related Functions:  Sterile procedures that require a Registered Nurse as the Qualified Professional

• Behavior Interventions: Includes observing and redirecting behavior that interferes with completion of PCA services.