The Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) and Disability Services Division (DSD) have released their latest weekly digest, outlining crucial updates on their ongoing and future initiatives to assist Minnesota's aging and disabled populations. This week's notable mentions include clarifications in Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) policy, a forthcoming survey for service providers on costs and wages, and ongoing implementation updates on the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program.
Effective immediately, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has provided important clarification to CDCS policies, as a direct consequence of legislation passed in 2024. These policy updates are specifically addressed to lead agency staff and parties of interest, aiming to streamline clarity and better operational effectiveness.
Furthermore, DHS is prepping for a significant survey, set to launch on January 27,in order to evaluate the rate methodology that impacts the remuneration of various services. This survey is set to remain open until March 7, targeting lead agencies and providers who are integral to the DHS' decision-making on future rate methodologies.
In another vein of updates, the DHS has shared progress on the transition from previous personal care models to CFSS that began on October 1, 2024. In preparation for the Minnesota Provider Screening and Enrollment portal's need to have up-to-date information, DHS requests DWRS and CFSS agency-model providers to update their authorized agent details. This push for accuracy will facilitate the department’s initiatives in cost reporting for both DWRS and CFSS.
Finally, a brief note was included for DHS's annual MnCHOICES user access recertification scheduled for March 2025. Lead agency staff will undergo data privacy training and user access verification, maintaining high standards of user data protection and accessibility. Additionally, the department relayed an announcement from January 13, about a request for proposals related to the Live Well at Home Grants, aimed at developing or providing services for the state's older residents to comfortably live within their communities.
