The Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) and Disability Services Division (DSD) come together weekly, offering updates that affect everything from provider costs to safety orientations. This week, the deadline to complete a provider costs and wages survey has been extended to March 21, 2025, providing more time for lead agencies, providers, and others to weigh in.
As part of its ongoing efforts, DHS has begun shifting from personal care assistance (PCA) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG) to the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program. Since October 1, 2024, they've been providing "regular updates early in the transition," ensuring a smooth process for everyone involved. In addition, a report on the 2021 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Workforce Development Grant is now available, offering insights into how these funds are driving positive change.
For service providers and agencies, a wrench in the works has been addressed with the resolution of a programming issue in the Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS). The snag, identified with exception code 635, impacted transitional service limits for several waivers, but with immediate effect, it looks like smooth sailing from here on out. By July 1, 2025, DHS also plans to roll out new residential support services criteria, impacting a broad spectrum of stakeholders from providers to families.
Training and knowledge exchange are also on the docket, with the Culture of Safety Orientation webinar slated for April 11, 2025, promising to cover essential human factors and safety science principles. The DHS is doubling down on education with an optional training on Minnesota Rules, chapter 9544, also known as the Positive Supports Rule, aiming to guide providers on positive support strategies and restrictive interventions. Details for these sessions are critical for those in the service sector and can be found on the DHS announcement page here.
