(1) Independence advisor (IA) is defined in ARM 37.40.1402.

(2) The IA may help consumers or their personal representatives:

(a) learn how to successfully direct services;

(b) develop a service plan;

(c) access waiver services, Medicaid State Plan services, and other needed medical, social, or educational services regardless of funding source;

(d) develop, implement, and monitor a monthly spending plan;

(e) identify risks and develop a plan to manage those risks;

(f) develop an individualized emergency backup plan;

(g) negotiate payments for necessary and allowable goods and services;

(h) work with the financial manager (FM) to track expenditures;

(i) monitor the provision of the services to ensure the consumer's health and welfare; and

(j) coordinate with the FM to ensure that consumers or personal representatives budget appropriately to meet their needs as defined in the service plan.

(3) This is a mandatory service for consumer-direction.

(4) An IA must be certified by the department to provide the service.