Authorized Provider Selection Process

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The DDDS is committed to the development, implementation, and promotion of self-determined services. The hallmark of such a service system would be the ability of individuals and their families / representatives to self-select the provider of their service(s) from among those that have been authorized by the Division. However, the transition of a service system from one that is prescriptive to one that is capable of fully supporting the unencumbered exercise of self-determination and choice is multi-faceted and takes careful, extended planning. Therefore, until the APS is developed to the point where consumers and their families / representatives can self-select, or "comparison shop" for services among agencies and individuals that are listed in the Division's directory of authorized providers, an interim process for selecting providers has been established.

Interim Authorized Provider Selection Process

1. DDDS solicits Letters of Interest for Request for Service announcements that are published pursuant to established procurement guidelines
2. DDDS holds a mandatory Request for Service informational meeting for current and prospective authorized providers that submit Letters of Interest
3. DDDS Director-appointed Authorized Provider System Committee may utilize and make inquiries relative to one or more of the following criteria to rank authorize providers that submitted Letters of Interest and are being considered as provider(s) of the services under a specific Request for Services:
   1. Experience and reputation
   2. Expertise (e.g., specialize in services for adults with autism )
   3. Capacity to meet service requirements (e.g., size, staff turnover, current vacancies)
   4. Location (geographic)
   5. Demonstrated ability (e.g., QA-survey history, service-quality references)
   6. Input from individuals that will be receiving the services and their families/representatives
   7. Current distribution of services to existing providers
   8. Willingness to accept established/published service rates
4. In addition to the above, other criteria necessary for the delivery of quality services may be utilized.
5. Each Request for Service project shall be given individual attention, and a weighted average may be applied to criteria according to its importance in each project
6. The Chair of the Authorized Provider Selection Committee shall inform the Director of the DDDS of the outcome of the committee's deliberations
7. The Chair of the Authorized Provider Selection Committee shall ensure that all public notices of the outcome of the committee's deliberations are made in accordance with established procurement practice and procedure

Last Updated: Friday November 03 2006