How do I become certified to provide services as an agency?

All certification is obtained through the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD). Information on becoming a provider is available in the Providers section of the DODD website. The application for certification can be completed electronically through the DODD Provider Certification Wizard. Please note that procedures and standards for certification must be completed in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 5123:2-2-01.

What qualifications do I have to have to become an agency provider?

Detailed general requirements are provided in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 5123:2-2-01.

An agency provider must employ a chief executive officer who is

• at least twenty-one (21) years of age,
• holds a high school diploma or GED, and
• either a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and one year of full time experience in the provision of services for individuals with developmental disabilities or four years of full time work experience as a supervisor of programs for persons with developmental disabilities.
• This person must also obtain a report from the bureau of criminal identification and investigation (BCII) which demonstrates that he/she has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any disqualifying offense. Background checks must meet the requirements specified in OAC  in OAC 5123:2-2-02. Please see the list of disqualifying offenses within the rule – as defined in Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) 109.572 (A) (3) (a) to (e).

How long will it take to get certified?

Certification can take anywhere from six weeks to six months. Be sure that all forms are completely filled out. Submitting an application that is not complete can slow down the process considerably. It is recommended that applicants work with Summit DD staff throughout the application process to ensure that applications are complete. Please contact us to request assistance.

How long will it take to get a client?

It’s important to remember that Summit DD does not match providers to clients. Rather, each individual has the right to choose the provider of their choice who meets their needs, or “free choice of provider”. Free choice of provider is mandated by OAC 5123:2-9-11. Once certified, providers will have to notify Summit DD to receive instructions about how to get access to the Summit DD’s web based referral portal. Through this portal, providers must make it known when they are willing to serve based on the individual needs posted. Persons served, with the help of their support team, will choose who they would like to interview and ultimately who they would like to provide their services.

What does it pay?

Rates for services are determined by the DODD, based on the cost of doing business in each county. These rates can be found in appendixes of 5123:2-9-14 through 5123:2-9-38 of the DODD website.

Which services should I apply to provide?

Each applicant for certification must decide for themselves what they are qualified and interested in providing. All certifiable services are defined in OAC 5123:2-9-14 through 5123:2-9-38.

I own/rent a home already. Can I use that to open a group home?

No. Ohio Administrative Code prohibits providers of services to persons with developmental disabilities from being both the homeowner/landlord AND the provider of services. Agencies cannot profit from rent or room and board and the provision of services.

Can my staff serve their family member or relative?

Yes. As a DODD certified provider you can serve any individual that has been deemed eligible for County Board services. Family members can be employed by an agency to provide services for their relatives. Note: Parents cannot provide paid services to their own children under the age of 18.

Have questions about independent provider certification?  Check out our Independent Provider Certification FAQs.

Have another question? Contact us.