Provision of services

(a) Services that maximize the individual's independence shall be provided in the individual's home, the home of a responsible relative or other adult, or a residential alternative setting. (b) The program shall provide the services in the most economic manner feasible that is compatible with preserving quality of care through: (1) Informal care providers, such as family members, friends, or neighbors who regularly provide specific services without remuneration and not as a part of any organized volunteer activity; (2) Individual providers hired and directed by the waiver program individual to provide specific approved services; (3) Contracts with agency providers, such as home care agencies and public or private health and social service organizations; (4) Contracts with individual providers, such as counselors, nurses, therapists, and residential alternative program operators who provide services for the waiver program; and (5) Program personnel, such as social workers and nurses who are hired by the waiver program to provide specific services. (c) The department of human services shall: (1) Practice employment first principles, as described in section 78-66, with respect to waiver program personnel; and (2) Ensure that contracted agency providers that provide services for the waiver program follow employment first principles, as described in section 78-66.