Public Authority Services by Sourcewise
What does Public Authority Services do?
- Enrolls independent providers into the program so they can be hired by an IHSS consumer and be paid by the IHSS program
- Administers health and other benefits for eligible IHSS Independent Providers
- Maintains a body of pre-screened IHSS enrolled providers to refer consumers to if they need to hire a care provider
- Makes no-cost training available to care providers and consumers
- Provides on-call short-term care services in emergencies to qualified IHSS consumers
- Acts as the employer of record of independent providers for collective bargaining purposes
Interested in knowing more about how Public Authority Services advocates for the IHSS population? Learn about the IHSS Advisory Board!
When Was Public Authority Services Established?
The Santa Clara County branch was established by local ordinance in 1996 by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, who are also the Governing Body for the program.
In 1999, management of the program was taken on by Sourcewise, Santa Clara County’s local Area Agency on Aging, and renamed Public Authority Services. The partnership between IHSS and Public Authority Services enables consumers and care providers to experience enhanced services due to the division of the workload.
To ensure consumers and providers of in-home care services are represented and advocated for by peers, the Governing Body appoints a nine-member Advisory Board. At least 50% of the Advisory Board members are current or past users of personal assistance services.
Looking for more information on IHSS or want to apply to receive services? You can find guidance on the County website.
Who is Sourcewise?
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Sourcewise administers key programs including Meals on Wheels, Senior Employment Services, Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, Multipurpose Senior Services Program, Public Authority Services, Caregivers Network, the community resource information and referral program Information and Awareness, and more.
Through a comprehensive network of resources, Sourcewise strives to educate, prepare, support, and advocate for all adults, their families, and their caregivers within Santa Clara County.
Learn more by visiting mysourcewise.com
Policy Updates
California Department of Social Services IHSS Program
Santa Clara County Department of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)
California Association of Public Authorities for IHSS
California Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Disability Rights California
American Society on Aging
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)