§346D-4  Provision of services.  (a)  Services that maximize the individual's independence shall be provided in the individual's home, the home of a responsible relative or other adult, or a residential alternative setting.

     (b)  The program shall provide the services in the most economic manner feasible that is compatible with preserving quality of care through:

     (1)  Informal care providers, such as family members, friends, or neighbors who regularly provide specific services without remuneration and not as a part of any organized volunteer activity;

     (2)  Individual providers hired and directed by the waiver program individual to provide specific approved services;

     (3)  Contracts with agency providers, such as home care agencies and public or private health and social service organizations;

     (4)  Contracts with individual providers, such as counselors, nurses, therapists, and residential alternative program operators who provide services for the waiver program; and

     (5)  Program personnel, such as social workers and nurses who are hired by the waiver program to provide specific services.

     (c)  The department of human services shall:

     (1)  Practice employment first principles, as described in section 78-66, with respect to waiver program personnel; and

     (2)  Ensure that contracted agency providers that provide services for the waiver program follow employment first principles, as described in section 78-66. [L 1983, c 192, §5; am L 1985, c 207, pt of §1; am L 1987, c 134, pt of §1; am L 1988, c 208, pt of §3; am L 1998, c 294, §5; am L 2022, c 308, §2]