Provider Verification Requirements Will Change on October 1, 2025
Updated SHARS Personal Care Service Provider Competence Verification Requirements
PCS must only be provided by an individual employed by or contracted with the local education agency (LEA). The individual must:
- Meet the requirements of 42 CFR § 440.167.
- Demonstrate the understanding and competence necessary to perform the eligible PCS tasks required by a student’s individualized education program (IEP), including written documentation procedures.
The LEA may use one of the following methods to determine that the individual is qualified to perform PCS in the two competence areas:
- Review of the individual’s education, related certification, or related training
- Evaluation from one or more qualified employees of the LEA verifying competence, who may additionally consider work experience, evaluations from other qualified employees of the LEA, and on-site demonstration
For the purposes of verifying PCS provider qualifications, a qualified employee of the LEA is defined as any of the following:
- An individual with current special education teacher certification under 19 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §233.8 whose work responsibilities include working with PCS providers
- An individual whose primary work responsibilities include supervising, training, and confirming the qualifications of PCS providers
- A licensed health care practitioner eligible to provide reimbursable services under a SHARS benefit other than PCS
LEAs must document the PCS provider’s ability to perform general assistance with ADLs and IADLs for students enrolled in special education. The LEA must keep a statement that:
- Is signed and dated by a qualified employee of the LEA.
- Verifies that the individual can perform PCS tasks under the direction of a qualified employee of the LEA, in accordance with the required PCS competence areas.
- Is stored in a centralized location.
The LEA may provide training if the individual lacks understanding and competence in an area of PCS.