<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".11" citation="COMAR 10.22.12.11" title_num="10" subtitle_num="22" chapter_num="12" heading="Initiation of Services.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Initiation of service delivery to an eligible individual seeking DDA-funded services shall be dependent upon:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Assigned service priority, except for family support services and low intensity support services which are provided on a first-come, first-served basis;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Availability and allocation of funds provided to the DDA;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Availability of an appropriate community vacancy; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The individual's completing an application for Medical Assistance or other alternative funding.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Emergency Situations.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>If an emergency situation arises and immediate services are needed to resolve a crisis, the regional director may telephone the Director or the Director's designee to authorize the initiation of services for a maximum of 15 calendar days, provided that an:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Evaluation pursuant to Regulation .10B(2) is performed to confirm eligibility within 10 calendar days of the initiation of services. If the individual cannot afford evaluation services, the State shall arrange for them.</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Application for services is processed pursuant to Regulation .04C and approved by the Director pursuant to Regulation .10.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If the Director or the Director's designee cannot be reached, the regional director may authorize services provided that the approval is obtained on the next working day.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Ninety days after the receipt of services, the service needs and priority status of an individual shall be reviewed by the regional director or the regional director's designee, and adjusted if indicated. If the service meets the needs of the individual, the individual's name shall be removed from the waiting list for that service.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Any time after the receipt of services, an eligible individual may:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Apply for or request a change in intensity of services or support, or apply for additional services;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Request a less intensive form of that service, and may receive the less intensive service if it is available.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Individuals assigned to Category I who enter a State residential center because needed community services are not available or will not be available within a reasonable time, shall retain their eligibility and priority status for community services for 12 months after the date they enter the SRC.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>Except in an emergency situation or a case approved by the Director because of extenuating circumstances, DDA may not fund services for individuals with State-only dollars unless the individual has been denied:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Medical Assistance including waiver services; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Related alternative funding.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>