Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Find helpful information for attorneys, legal professionals, vendors, clients, and members of the public.

For attorneys
For vendors
For clients and the public

Vendor-Specific FAQs

Becoming a Vendor

To receive payment for your work on a case, you must apply and be approved as a CPCS vendor. This includes professionals already approved to work with other state agencies. 

Before applying, review the Court Cost Vendor Manual for more information about needed qualifications, rates, and the application process. Access the portal to begin your application.

As an independent contractor, you are welcome to promote yourself as a vendor for CPCS. 

However, as attorneys are expected to do their own vetting of experts, you are not allowed to indicate that you are an employee of or have been certified, accredited, or vetted by CPCS.

Yes! It’s up to you to let us know for which divisions you are willing to take cases. 

Once you’re approved as a vendor, you are able to take cases from any and all divisions.

We encourage you to learn more about the different divisions and their specific needs to determine which best meet your interests and skills.

Taking on Cases

Ethical codes for social service professions state that you should only work within your area of professional competence. When considering taking a given case, ask about the expected scope of work and decide whether you have the needed education and experience to do that particular work. Communicating with the attorney can help in determining your qualification for a case.

If you’re working on a case and this occurs, consult with the attorney about the specific client needs. Share what you can and cannot provide in terms of expertise. You may also consider recommending a different vendor that can meet those needs.

Absolutely. You can decline any case at any time and for any reason. We encourage vendors to take cases as their schedules and expertise allows.

Please let us know if you would like to be moved to our inactive list via phone or email. When you’re ready to return, reach back out. 

 

Note: Attorneys often share the name of vendors by word of mouth. We cannot guarantee that you will not be contacted; your name and contact info will not be included in any request for vendors.

This process goes beyond completing the required forms if you’re employed by another state agency. Be mindful that a non-state agency, school, or hospital employer could also pose a potential conflict if any parties have received services from you or your employer. 

Attorneys or your social services expert divisional contact can help with determining possible conflicts.

Supporting Legal Representation

When starting a case, ask for the APPROVED Motion for Funds and the NAC number for the case. Both are needed for billing.

We recommend obtaining a letter of engagement specifying the scope of the requested work and services, your role, and the timeline of any work product or court dates.

You will also need a client’s contact information and signed releases, along with the context, theory, and criminal charges for the case.

Best interest refers to an outside person deciding what they believe is best for the client. This approach is often used in human services and child welfare systems.

As part of a legal team, your job is to work within the client’s expressed wishes. For example, you may be part of a legal team in which a youth wants to return home. While you may question whether this is in the youth’s best interest, it is your job to advocate for the client and identify support services.

No.

Please document your efforts to reach an attorney or a client. 

If, after a period of time, you haven’t received a response from a client, inform the attorney. 

If the attorney is not responding, reach out to the divisional contact in your case. 

As a retained expert, you’re a member of the client’s legal team. What they share with you is protected by attorney/client confidentiality and privilege. 

Before starting a case, plan to discuss with attorneys any limits posed to confidentiality by your professional licensing or ethics. From this discussion, clearly explain any confidentiality limits to the client.

We encourage vendors to develop HIPAA-compliant release forms. Examples are available online. Individual attorneys may request you use a release template they provide.

In your initial consultation with the attorney, determine whether obtaining records would be within your scope of engagement. Do not request any records without first consulting with the attorney.

Please inform the attorney immediately if you uncover any information that may not be helpful. The attorney will work with you to assess your involvement moving forward. The attorney may discuss with you how the new information could be presented in a way that mitigates any negative impact.

Billing

Please contact vendorbills@publiccounsel.net for system lockouts, replacement/stop payments, or any questions regarding court cost billing.

Please reach out to the divisional contact before performing the service.

Generally speaking, the Indigent Court Cost Act (ICCA), which funds vendor works, does not allow for the billing of direct care or treatment services. For example, you can refer your client to counseling but cannot provide therapy.

Please contact vendorbills@publiccounsel.net for system lockouts, replacement/stop payments, or any questions regarding court cost billing.

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