SECTION 340:5-3-6. Screening and assigning referrals

(a)   Time frame for screening Adult Protective Services (APS) referrals. APS specialist IVs or designees are responsible for screening new referrals on the APS Computer System on a regular basis throughout the day to identify emergency situations and to ensure assignment to the correct county office. Emergencies are reported to 911.

(b)   Responsibility for screening referrals. APS specialist IVs or designees are responsible for screening referrals and assigning them a Level. The APS specialist IV or designee determines if an emergency response is indicated, if the referral is employee related, and which APS specialist is assigned the referral. APS specialist IVs or designees complete screening to facilitate the timely initiation of the investigation, per Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:5-5-2.

(c)   Referrals involving domestic violence. When referrals allege maltreatment of a vulnerable adult by a spouse, other family, or household member, domestic violence resources must be considered in service planning.

(d)   Referrals involving Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) employees or their families. Specific procedures are followed when a referral of maltreatment is received that involves DHS employees.

(e)   Level Two assignments. Level Two assignments allow staff to determine the need for services and offer and/or create a service plan to assist clients. Formal assessments are not part of the Level Two case process. When the specialist determines formal assessments may be necessary, the case is staffed with the supervisor or designee and assigned at either Level Three or Level Four. When the specialist identifies new allegations he or she immediately notifies the supervisor or designee for assignment at either Level Three or Level Four. Level Two case conclusions are written in a manner that documents and supports stability of the service plan, with or without follow-up, before case closure.

(f)   Quick Look for Possible Medicaid Paid Caregiver. Referrals to APS often involve paid unlicensed caregivers whose services are funded through Medicaid. These workers are subject to the Community Services Worker Registry guidelines. The following programs contract with agencies utilizing workers are in this category:

(A)   ADvantage Waiver Services, including Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services and Supports (CD-Pass);

(B)   State Plan Personal Care Program;

(C)   Developmental Disability Services;

(D)   Adult Day Services;

(E)   Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE);

(F)   Living Choice; and

(G)   Medical Fragile (Med Frag).

[Source: Added at 20 Ok Reg 840, eff 6-1-03; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 3082, eff 6-7-04 (emergency); Amended at 22 Ok Reg 1211, eff 5-26-05; Amended at 27 Ok Reg 990, eff 6-1-10; Amended at 30 Ok Reg 624, eff 6-1-13; Amended at 35 Ok Reg 1592, eff 9-17-18]