Minnesota Minnesota

Community-Based Services Manual (CBSM)

Community-Based Services Manual (CBSM)


MnCHOICES certified assessors

Page posted: 8/13/14

Page reviewed: 8/19/24

Page updated: 8/19/24

Legal authority

Federally approved BI, CAC, CADI, DD and EW waiver plans, Federal 1115 Waiver Plan (PDF), Minn. Stat. §256B.0911, subd. 13

Definitions

MnCHOICES certified assessor: Lead agency staff who complete assessments for people who request long-term services and supports (LTSS).

Lead agency: County, tribal nation or managed care organization (MCO).

Roles and responsibilities

Certified assessors are responsible to:

  • · Provide the person with an estimated timeline for the completion of the assessment (can be verbal or in writing).
  • · Demonstrate best practices in assessment, including person-centered principles.
  • · Complete conversation-based assessment interviews within statutory timelines.
  • · Understand eligibility criteria for home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers and other LTSS.
  • · Understand level of care, case mix and home care rating.
  • · Recommend referrals to other professionals and agencies for other cost-effective LTSS not determined by the assessment, as needed.
  • · Help the person make an informed choice about the services and programs for which they are eligible.
  • · Maintain certification (and licensure if required), including completing minimum training requirements.
  • · Participate in multidisciplinary long-term care consultation teams.
  • · Provide the person with information about Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP).
  • · Provide the person with access to assistance to transition back to the community after an institutional admission.
  • · Provide information about competitive employment, with or without supports.
  • · Develop a person-centered assessment summary that reflects identified needs and support options within the context of values, interests and goals important to the person.
  • · Provide the person with an assessment summary of findings, support options and agreed-upon next steps.

    • Credentials and experience

    Qualified candidates employed by a lead agency must meet the education and experience requirements in Minn. Stat. §256B.0911, subd. 13, complete the required training described in the next section and have at least one of the following:

  • · Bachelor's degree in social work.
  • · Bachelor's degree in nursing with a public health certificate.
  • · Bachelor’s degree in a closely related field.
  • · Current license as a registered nurse.

    • MnCHOICES Certified Assessor Training (MnCAT)

    MnCAT includes four steps. Steps 1, 2 and 3 require assessor candidates to pass tests with 80% proficiency or higher before moving to the next course. Step 4 supports recertification for current certified assessors.

    Step 1: Foundations (TrainLink courses MNCH100 and MNCH101)

    Step 1 provides instruction for the framework of assessor work, including person-centered practices, informed choice, the assessment process, conversational interviewing and assessment outcomes.

    These courses are available in TrainLink (MNCH100 and MNCH101). Anyone may take these courses if they have a TrainLink unique key. For more information, refer to TrainLink – Unique key request form.

    Step 2: Principles (TrainLink course MNCH200)

    Step 2 provides a group of modules that introduce assessor candidates to resources, policy manuals and programs they will use when they complete their work.

    This course is available in TrainLink (MNCH200). Anyone may take this course if they have a TrainLink unique key. For more information, refer to TrainLink – Unique key request form.

    Step 3: Application

    Step 3 teaches assessor candidates to:

  • · Access and navigate MnCHOICES.
  • · Understand the content and workflow in the MnCHOICES form.
  • · Increase familiarity with assessment content/functions and complete instructed activities in the MnCHOICES Training Zone (MTZ).
  • · Participate in a multidisciplinary learning lab.

    • Lead agency mentors provide Step 3 course links to assessor candidates. Only assessor candidates have access to Step 3 courses in TrainLink. Step 3 requires access to the MTZ, which is also available through lead agency mentors. In Step 3, assessor candidates complete the certification process, and TrainLink issues them their certificate.

    Step 4: Recertification (TrainLink course MNCH8020)

    Step 4 is continuing education and professional development to help certified assessors enhance their knowledge and skills. Certified assessors must complete recertification every three years.

    Certified assessors log their continued learning units in TrainLink (MNCH8020). When they log all required courses, they issue themselves a new certificate.

    Additional resources

    CBSM – Assessment and support planning overview
    CBSM – Assessment applicability and timelines
    CBSM – MnCHOICES
    CBSM – Waiver, AC and ECS general processes and procedures
    CBSM – Waiver/AC programs overview
    PartnerLink – MnCHOICES
    MnCHOICES Matters subscription page (MnCHOICES mailing list with information, updates and resources)

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