What Are Paramedical Services — and Can I Be Paid for Those Too?

If you’re caring for a child with a disability or chronic health condition through California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program, you may have heard about something called Paramedical Services — but what exactly does that mean?

More importantly:
Can you, as a parent or caregiver, get paid for providing those services?
The answer is yes — and understanding this part of IHSS can make a big difference in how your child’s care is recognized and supported.

The answer is yes — and understanding this part of IHSS can make a big difference in how your child’s care is recognized and supported.

What Are Paramedical Services?

Paramedical Services under IHSS are tasks that:

• Are prescribed by a licensed medical professional, and
• Would normally be performed by a nurse or trained medical staff,
• But are being done at home by a non-medical caregiver (like a parent).

These are not basic daily tasks like bathing or feeding — they are medically necessary procedures that require special training, supervision, or instruction.

Examples of Paramedical Services

Here are some common tasks that qualify:

• G-tube feedings or care
• Seizure management and emergency intervention
• Oxygen administration or suctioning
• Diabetes management (insulin injections, blood sugar monitoring)
• Wound care
• Catheter care
• Medication administration (if prescribed and requires oversight)
• Use of adaptive medical equipment (CPAP, ventilators, etc.)

If your child has a medical condition that requires you to do any of the above, you may be eligible for paid Paramedical hours.

Can a Parent Be Paid for These Services?

Yes. IHSS allows a parent provider to be paid for Paramedical Services if:

• The task is prescribed by a doctor, and
• The parent receives instruction and supervision (typically informal training from a healthcare provider), and
• The child cannot safely perform the task on their own.

This is especially important for parents of children with complex medical needs, where caregiving goes well beyond what is typical for the child’s age.

How to Get Paramedical Services Approved

To receive IHSS hours for Paramedical Services, you need to:

1. Have the doctor complete form SOC 321

This is the official Paramedical Services Request form, and it must:

• Describe each task in detail (what, how often, how long)
• Be signed by an MD, NP, or other authorized professional
• Indicate that the parent has been instructed in how to do the task

2. Submit the form to your county IHSS office

It will be reviewed during your child’s IHSS assessment or reassessment.

3. Discuss with the IHSS social worker

Be prepared to explain how often each task is done, how long it takes, and how the child would be at risk without it.

How Many Hours Can You Get?

The number of authorized hours will depend on:

• Frequency of the task (daily, multiple times a day?)
• Duration of each task
• Whether tasks are done separately or grouped together
• The child’s ability to cooperate or tolerate the procedure

For example:

• A child who requires G-tube feeds 4 times a day at 30 minutes each may receive 60–120 hours/month, just for that one task.

Paramedical hours can be approved in addition to Protective Supervision and other IHSS services.

Tips for Success

• Be specific when listing tasks on the SOC 321 — “medications” isn’t enough; write “administer 4 prescribed oral meds 3x/day.”
• Keep a care log of how long each task takes — it helps support your claim.
• Make sure your doctor understands that this form affects your IHSS benefits — and needs to be accurate and detailed.

Bottom Line

Paramedical Services are one of the most underutilized parts of IHSS — and often overlooked by parents who are already providing complex medical care at home.

If you’re doing tasks that go beyond typical parenting — and you’re trained or instructed by a doctor — you have the right to be paid for that work under IHSS.

Need help? In California, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides crucial financial help for families raising children with special needs. American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive changehappen for people diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, and a range of diagnoses across the continuum. As a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and the premier provider of the support and services people want and need, we understand the system and know how to take action regarding your best interests.CONTACT US FOR HELP. Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected].