I'm the caregiver for a friend living with schizoaffective disorder. We just returned to California within the last month and are attempting to reinstate his In Home Health Support Service with me as his caregiver. The social worker will be coming out in a few days to interview us, and will want to know about all the medications he's taking.

In Home Support Services is a statewide program in which mentally or physically disabled individuals receiving Medi-Cal and Medicare are able to appoint their own chosen caregivers (often friends or family). A social worker comes to the home and assesses the level of care needed and assigns a given number of hours per month. The caregiver is reimbursed for his/her services by the state.

He used to use atypical antipsychotics for his condition, which proved to be very ineffective. He now uses medical marijuana (and has a valid recommendation) exclusively, and it does an excellent job of controlling his symptoms and making him more functional.

Would it be problematic for me to serve as his paid caregiver through IHSS if we were to disclose to them that he receives medical marijuana? They're going to ask about his meds, and when we tell them he's not taking any prescription medication, they're going to wonder how he's managing his condition. Does anybody out there have experience with this kind of situation? We live in San Diego. Thanks!
tedruxpin Reviewed by tedruxpin on . Safe to Disclose Medical MJ Status to IHSS? I'm the caregiver for a friend living with schizoaffective disorder. We just returned to California within the last month and are attempting to reinstate his In Home Health Support Service with me as his caregiver. The social worker will be coming out in a few days to interview us, and will want to know about all the medications he's taking. In Home Support Services is a statewide program in which mentally or physically disabled individuals receiving Medi-Cal and Medicare are able to Rating: 5