Business Solutions

Home Access Levels

An outline to help home access providers connect the progression of product/solution complexity to the levels of expertise required:

• By Joseph Duffy
• Apr 01, 2015

The following is an outline that helps to connect the progression of product/solution complexity to the levels of expertise required:

Level 1 — Do not need any certification outside of what already exists for a DME Supplier. (No outside certification necessary.)

Provision of Product: Minimal Training – Only requires basic instruction

• Threshold ramps
• Portable ramps – no handrails
• User friendly doorknobs/handles
• Basic assistive transfer devices
• Shower benches
• Elevated toilet seats
• Reachers
• Most other products that you sell

Level 2 — Requires CEAC designation

Provision of Product/Equipment: In House Training – Able to follow technical instructions

• Portable ramps with handrails
• Portable patient lifts
• Stand poles
• Bed rails
• Bath/tub lifts
• Over-bed trapeze

Level 3 — Light remodeling requiring CEAC designation and knowledge/capability to align with applicable local building code and license requirements.

Assessment of Need and Provision of Product/Equipment: Manufacturer/Factory Training/Certification Required

• Modular ramp with platforms/turns
• Grab bars
• Hand rails
• Bridge lifts

Level 4 — CEAC and/or CAPS designations to comply with all applicable local building codes and license requirements (transition level)

Assessment of Need and Provision of Product/Equipment: Manufacturer/Factory Training/Certification Required

• Stair lifts
• Vertical platform lifts
• Incline platform lifts
• Wall/pole mounted lifts
• Ceiling mounted lifts

Level 5 — CEAC, CAPS, Certified/Licensed Health Care Professional, Licensed Contractor and/or Remodeler. Projects at this level are considered to be quite involved and the TEAM approach is recommended to comply with any applicable local building codes and license requirements.

Assessment of Need, Provision of Product/Equipment: Remodeling Process with TEAM Component - Contractor/Carpenter/Plumber/Electrician - Skills/License

• Roll in/transition free showers
• Walk In Bathtubs
• Wooden ramps/decks
• Complex bathroom renovations/modifications
• Widening doorways/hallways and automatic door openers
• Most kitchen modifications
• Installing non-slip flooring
• Accessible room additions
• Indoor elevator
• Building code specific items in Level 4

This article originally appeared in the April 2015 issue of HME Business.