Choosing an Intermediate Care Facility

The Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) Program enforces rules and regulations at over 500 facilities that serve clients with a developmental disability as defined in Section 102(8) of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act 2000.  The majority of these facilities are four to eight bed homes that provide supervised group living for individuals who are placed in the facilities by the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS), a department in the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) in the Indiana Family and Social Services Agency.

Under an Agreement with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Long Term Care Division of the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is responsible for survey and certification of the Intermediate Care Facility for participation in Medicaid funding.  ISDH staff conducts certification surveys and complaint investigations at these facilities.  The surveys focus on the outcome of the facility’s implementation of active treatment services.  The surveyor uses observation, interview and record review to assess whether the facility:

• Provides needed services and interventions;
• Ensures clients are free from abuse, mistreatment, or neglect;
• Gives clients, families and/or guardians opportunity to participate in identifying and selecting services;
• Promotes greater independence, choice, community integration and productivity;
• Has staff that competently and effectively interact with the clients; and
• Meets the health needs of the clients.

The ISDH is providing these consumer report summaries to assist clients, families and guardians, through coordination with BDDS, in making informed choices when considering which ICF to select.  Be aware that no one tool or document can adequately assess the appropriateness of an ICF.  The information provided in the ICF Consumer Reports cannot substitute for personal contact and thorough review of the facility when making a decision that is in the best interests of a particular individual. Consumers should contact the administrators or staff for each agency they are considering and spend time talking with clients, families, administrators, and staff members.