The new Community and Employment Support (CES) Agency Standards became effective April 1, 2024. The CES Agency Standards can be found at this link: DHS Rules – Arkansas Department of Human Services.
Section 313(b)(1) of the Standards requires the selected Consultation Provider to “develop and implement a positive behavior support plan if a beneficiary’s risk mitigation plan identifies the beneficiary as a high behavioral risk that can lead to harm to self or others, as defined in the risk assessment and mitigation plan tool.” An individual credentialed as a Positive Behavior Support Specialist (PBSS) is permitted to develop and implement a positive behavior support plan pursuant to Section 313(b)(2)(A). Section 608 states that a Positive Behavior Support Specialist must be “certified through the Center of Excellence University of Arkansas Partners for Inclusive Communities or any other entity that offers a similar certification curriculum. “
The Division of Developmental Disabilities has approved the following certification programs:
- Partners for Inclusive Communities – University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions
- Myers-Davis – PBSS Certification Training
- GoodLife University – PBSS Certification Training
Per Section 304(b) it is the responsibility of the Provider to maintain proof of certification or appropriate licensure for five (5) years from the date an employee ceases providing services to Provider or, if longer, the conclusion of all reviews, appeals, investigations, administrative actions, or judicial actions related to the employee that are pending at the end of the five (5) -year period.
