Self-Directed Care Law and Legal Definition
According to 42 USCS § 3002 [Title 42. The Public Health and Welfare; Chapter 35. Programs for Older Americans; Declaration of Objectives and Definitions], the term "self-directed care" means "an approach to providing services (including programs, benefits, supports, and technology) under this Act intended to assist an individual with activities of daily living, in which-
(A) such services (including the amount, duration, scope, provider, and location of such services) are planned, budgeted, and purchased under the direction and control of such individual;
(B) such individual is provided with such information and assistance as are necessary and appropriate to enable such individual to make informed decisions about the individual's care options;
(C) the needs, capabilities, and preferences of such individual with respect to such services, and such individual's ability to direct and control the individual's receipt of such services, are assessed by the area agency on aging (or other agency designated by the area agency on aging) involved;
(D) based on the assessment made under subparagraph (C), the area agency on aging (or other agency designated by the area agency on aging) develops together with such individual and the individual's family, caregiver (as defined in paragraph (18)(B)), or legal representative--
(i) a plan of services for such individual that specifies which services such individual will be responsible for directing;
(ii) a determination of the role of family members (and others whose participation is sought by such individual) in providing services under such plan; and
(iii) a budget for such services; and
(E) the area agency on aging or State agency provides for oversight of such individual's self-directed receipt of services, including steps to ensure the quality of services provided and the appropriate use of funds under this Act."
