Learn all about training and recertification requirements for Independent Providers by clicking on the appropriate tabs below.
All independent providers are required to have the following annual training (unless noted as exempt below):
Two (2) hours of training provided by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) or by an entity using DODD-provided curriculum in topics relevant to the independent provider’s duties, including:
- Empathy-based care
- “National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals” code of ethics
- Rights of individuals set forth in section 5123.62 of the Revised Code
- Rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code (MUI Rule) including a review of health and welfare alerts issued by DODD since previous year’s training
Six (6) 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:
- Components of quality care (examples include but are not limited to: interpersonal relationships and trust; cultural competency; effective communication; person-centered philosophy, planning, and practice; implementing individual service plans; trauma informed care; empathy-based care)
- Health and safety (examples include but are not limited to: signs and symptoms of illness or injury and procedure for response; transportation safety)
- Positive behavioral support (examples include but are not limited to: creating a positive culture; general requirements for intervention and behavioral support strategies and role of independent provider including documentation; crisis intervention techniques
There may be additional training requirements depending on the service you are providing. Those requirements can be found within the rule for the specific service provided. As of 2024, all 8 hours of annual provider training may be completed online through the DODD MyLearning portal.
CPR and First Aid Certification must always be current.
The Medina County Board of DD is happy to offer First Aid/CPR training free of charge to providers who serve individuals with developmental disabilities throughout Medina County. For more information and to schedule a training session, please contact fa-cpr@mcbdd.org.
Note: The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities offers trainings for providers in-person and/or virtually. Please contact MCBDD’s Training and Compliance Specialist at 330-725-7751 ext. 306 for more details.
Exemptions from Annual Training Requirements
If you are only certified to provide services that appear on the list below…
- Clinical/Therapeutic Intervention (only when a “Senior Level Specialized Clinical/Therapeutic Interventionist” or “Specialized Clinical/Therapeutic Interventionist”
- Functional Behavioral Assessment
- Home Delivered Meals
- Informal Respite
- Interpreter Services
- Money Management
- Nutrition Services
- Participant/Family Stability Assistance
- Social Work
- Support Brokerage
You are required to complete Annual Training provided by DODD or by an entity using DODD-provided curriculum in Rule 5123-17-02 of the Administrative Code (MUI Rule) including a review of health and welfare alerts issues by DODD since the previous year’s training.
If you are only certified to provide services that appear on the list below…
- Environmental Accessibility Adaptations
- Specialized Medical Supplies and Equipment
There is no required annual training.
Your initial certification is valid for 3 years.
When your certification is approaching expiration, you must apply for recertification. You can start applying up to 90 days in advance of expiration. Best practice is to start the application as soon as you are able to in order to prevent delays in reimbursement and/or service provision.
Requirements for Recertification
- Current background check (BCI) if not enrolled in RapBack (Most providers are enrolled in RapBack. If you are not sure, please contact the Medina County Board of DD).
- FBI background check if not a resident of Ohio for the previous 5 years, regardless of RapBack enrollment
- CPR/First Aid Certification (current)
- Completion of annual required training
- Updated copy of State ID
If you are certified in transportation, you will also need:
- Current copy of Driver’s License
- Current copy of Car Insurance
- Current Driver’s Abstract, dated within 14 days of the date you are submitting your application
Note: Additional information may need to be submitted depending on the services you are certified to provide.
How to Apply for Recertification
Instructions and additional information can be found on DODD’s website (www.dodd.ohio.gov) or by clicking here.
Training
Who tells me what training I need to do?
As an independent provider, it is your responsibility to keep track of what training you have completed and what is required for you to complete. DODD and the Medina County Board of DD are able to tell you what the general requirements for providers are, but do not keep track of your training hours or follow along to ensure you are in compliance annually.
Where do I get training?
2 hours of your required annual training content is provided by DODD through the MyLearning portal. DODD MyLearning also features some additional content that you may use towards your 6 remaining hours, however, that content does not equate to 6 hours. You will need to locate additional trainings that are relevant to the services you provide/individuals you serve. The County Board may periodically host or facilitate trainings that can help you meet the 8 hour requirement. Contact MCBDD Training and Compliance Specialist for additional MCBDD training information.
Can I do CPR/First Aid training online?
Not exactly. You are not permitted to do a complete CPR/First Aid class online. By rule, you must have a skills assessment done by an approved instructor. Should you want to access an online class, you will need to make sure to choose a “hybrid” model in which the course will be taken online, followed by an in-person skills assessment with an instructor. The Medina County Board of DD provides in-person classroom sessions. For more information, please contact fa-cpr@mcbdd.org.
Recertification
I am a Provider in another county. How do I get certified to provide services in Medina County?
Your certification is valid in all 88 counties. Contact the Medina County Board of DD for assistance with accessing the RFP Portal.
I received notice that it is time to renew my certification. What do I need to do?
Gather all the required documents and then complete an application through the PNM portal to renew. Contact MCBDD Provider Relations Specialist if you need assistance.
I don’t know if I need a background check for my renewal. How do I find out?
You may not need to get a background check if you were enrolled in RapBack at the time of your initial certification or at a prior renewal. MCBDD can check if you are enrolled in RapBack, or you may contact DODD. If you lived outside of the state of Ohio in the last 5 years, you will need an FBI background check, regardless of your RapBack status.