Legally Responsible Individuals (LRIs)

Announcements

Legally responsible individuals (LRIs) may provide personal care services.  Legally responsible individuals are defined as parents or legal guardians of minors or the participant’s spouse.  Personal care services provided by a legally responsible individual must be extraordinary in nature, which is above and beyond what they are obligated to provide.  Personal care may only be used to meet the extraordinary needs of the participant under the age of 18 due to his or her disability, and it is above and beyond the typical basic care for a child that all families with children of the same age may experience.  For individuals younger than 18 years of age, the LRI must meet the needs of the participant, including the need for assistance and supervision typically required for children at various stages of growth and development.

Reimbursement may be made to LRIs for up to 40 hours per week.  When the LRI is reimbursed to provide assistance for multiple children, they may be reimbursed for up to 40 hours per week for each child.   

The LRI must also meet the same requirements as other personal care aides or attendants. All services rendered by a paid LRI must be within the scope of the personal care service and are limited to support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and general supervision are not considered extraordinary care and are, therefore, not allowable. Respite services are not available when there is a paid LRI providing personal care/assistance.