The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) recently unveiled several updates and initiatives aimed at supporting individuals with disabilities and the aging population. In a weekly digest sent out by the Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) and Disability Services Division (DSD), DHS introduced a new template to streamline the planning of Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) and urged the public to familiarize themselves with workplace rights inclusive of minimum wage requirements.
Set to take effect on October 1, the DHS-published CFSS individual service delivery plan template is designed to assist those utilizing personal care assistance and other support services to spell out the specific aid they'll be getting. Hungrily assembling the new document, DHS aims to simplify the transition to CFSS for users, their families, and service providers. This template accompanies information about employee rights and minimum wage standards provided by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, reflecting DHS's commitment to workplace fairness.
Alongside these important announcements, DHS has made recent changes to the Community-Based Services Manual (CBSM), principally directed at agency staff, though applicable to all stakeholders. DHS encourages individuals to review the latest CBSM updates to stay informed on policy revisions that may impact service delivery.
Training opportunities are also on the table. DHS has planned out a series of quarterly webinars concerning the Disability Waiver Rate System (DWRS), with upcoming sessions slated for September 25 and December 11. Meanwhile, eager to boost proficiency in the CFSS Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS), DHS created a self-paced online course available for county and tribal nation staff members. Lastly, the recently recorded webinar "The Principles of Disability Justice" remains available for viewing, illuminating important advocacy frameworks for service providers and lead agencies until mid-October.
