Mission & Person-Centered Care

• Provide quality, person-centered services that promote independence, choice, dignity, and community inclusion for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Services are individualized through the ISP and focused on helping individuals achieve personal goals.

Regulatory Compliance

The agency operates in compliance with:

• Georgia DBHDD Provider Standards
• COMP/NOW Medicaid Waiver requirements
• CARF Standards
• Federal and State laws
• HIPAA Privacy Rule
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Policies are reviewed annually or whenever DBHDD or CARF requirements change.

Corporate Compliance Program

The agency maintains a Corporate Compliance Program designed to:

• Ensure legal and ethical operations
• Prevent fraud, waste, and abuse
• Conduct routine internal audits
• Monitor Medicaid billing accuracy
• Review employee and individual records
• Maintain environmental and vehicle safety inspections
• Train staff annually on compliance responsibilities

Staff Responsibilities

Employees are expected to:

• Follow agency policies and procedures
• Complete required training before providing services
• Maintain professional boundaries
• Respect individual rights and dignity
• Document services accurately
• Immediately report concerns affecting health or safety
• Practice ethical decision-making at all times.

Code of Ethics

Staff must:

• Treat individuals with dignity and respect.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Avoid discrimination or harassment.
• Avoid conflicts of interest.
• Refrain from accepting gifts or money from individuals.
• Maintain professional relationships.
• Use agency resources responsibly.
• Conduct business honestly and ethically.

Confidentiality & HIPAA

The agency protects all Protected Health Information (PHI) by:

• Following HIPAA and DBHDD confidentiality requirements.
• Limiting access to authorized personnel.
• Using Release of Information forms before sharing records (unless legally exempt).
• Reporting confidentiality breaches.
• Training staff annually.
• Maintaining records for at least six years.

Abuse, Neglect & Incident Reporting

All employees are mandated reporters and must:

• Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation immediately.
• Notify supervisors without delay.
• Ensure reportable incidents are submitted to DBHDD within required timelines.
• Cooperate with investigations.

Quality Improvement

The agency promotes continuous quality improvement by:

• Conducting quarterly Quality Improvement reviews.
• Auditing clinical and administrative records.
• Reviewing risk reports.
• Monitoring service outcomes.
• Implementing corrective actions when deficiencies are identified.
• Reviewing results with leadership and the Advisory Board.

Cultural Diversity & Equal Opportunity

The agency:

• Promotes diversity and inclusion.
• Provides equal employment opportunities.
• Prohibits discrimination based on race, religion, gender, disability, age, culture, national origin, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or other protected characteristics.
• Respects each individual’s cultural and personal preferences.

Staff Accountability

Failure to comply with agency policies may result in:

• Coaching
• Verbal warning
• Written warning
• Suspension
• Termination, depending on the severity of the violation.

Governance & Oversight

Agency leadership is responsible for:

• Maintaining licenses and permits.
• Ensuring staff receive required training.
• Monitoring regulatory compliance.
• Overseeing quality improvement activities.
• Working with the Advisory Board to review policies, risk management, and organizational performance.

Overall Compliance Objective

The agency’s compliance program is designed to ensure that all services are delivered safely, ethically, legally, and in accordance with DBHDD, Medicaid, CARF, HIPAA, and state and federal regulations while protecting the rights, health, dignity, and independence of every individual served.