Respite:

Respite services provide periodic support and relief to the primary caregiver(s) from the responsibility and stress of caring for children ages three (3) to twenty-one (21) with mental health, developmental disabilities or substance usc/addiction service needs, and for adults 21 and over with developmental disabilities. Persons receiving this service must live in a non-licensed setting, with non-paid caregiver(s). This service enables the primary caregiver(s) to meet or participate in planned or emergency events, and to have planned time for him/her and/or family members. Respite may be utilized during school hours for sickness or injury. Respite may include in and out-of-home services, inclusive of overnight, weekend care, or emergency care (family emergency based, not to include out of home crisis). Respite may be provided in an individual or group setting. The primary caregiver is the person principally responsible for the care and supervision of the beneficiary and must maintain his/her primary residence at the same address as the beneficiary. 

Respite is a periodic service. 
Respite may be provider directed or beneficiary/family directed. 

Provider Requirements:
Respite services must be delivered by staff employed by a MH/IDD/SA provider organization that meets the provider qualification policies, procedures, and standards established by Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services and the requirements of 10A N.C.A.C. 27G and NC G.S. 122C; providers must meet all NC Innovations Waiver provider requirements and be enrolled as a 1915(c) waiver provider if they serve beneficiaries with developmental disabilities; and providers must meet any competencies specified by the NC Division of Medical Assistance (DMA). 

Provider Agencies who operate private respite homes are subject to licensure under NC G.S. 122C, Article 2 when: more than two individuals are served concurrently, or either one of two children, two adults, or any combination thereof are served for a cumulative period of time exceeding 240 hours per calendar month. Provider Agencies, facility based and in-home services are also subject to NC G.S. 122C.

Staffing Requirements:
All Associate Professionals (AP) and Paraprofessional level persons who meet the requirements specified for Associated Professional and Paraprofessional status according to 10 N.C.A.C. 27G 0104 may provide Respite.