PCA service options and CFSS service models
Page posted: 8/26/24 | Page reviewed: | Page updated: 12/11/25 | |
Legal authority | Minn. Stat. §256B.0659, subd. 19, 20 and 21, Minn. Stat. §256B.85, subd. 11, 11a, 11b, 13, 13a and 14 | ||
Comparison of PCA and CFSS | DHS is in the process of replacing PCA with CFSS. For more information about this transition, refer to CFSS Manual – Transition from PCA and CSG to CFSS. SimilaritiesIn both PCA and CFSS: In traditional PCA, PCA Choice and the CFSS agency model: In PCA Choice and the CFSS budget model, the person: DifferencesThe CFSS budget model gives the person more control over employment-related activities, as well as more responsibilities. In PCA Choice, the person selects a PCA Choice agency. In the CFSS budget model: In CFSS, the person can choose to purchase goods, services and personal emergency response systems (PERS) only (i.e., not receive personal care services). In this situation, the person must use the CFSS budget model. | ||
Definitions | Traditional PCA: Service option in which the person selects a PCA provider agency that is responsible for all employment-related activities. PCA Choice: Service option in which the person is responsible for some employment-related activities. CFSS agency model: Service model in which the lead agency authorizes units for the person, and the person selects a CFSS provider agency to employ workers. This service model is similar to the traditional PCA service option. CFSS budget model: Service model in which the lead agency authorizes dollars for the person, and the person employs their workers. The person selects an FMS provider to assist with employer-related tasks. Responsible party (RP)/participant’s representative: An individual who is age 18 or older and capable of directing care on behalf of a person receiving PCA/CFSS services when the person is assessed as unable to direct their own care. In PCA, this individual is called the RP. In CFSS, this individual is called the participant’s representative. Note: All references to “representative” on this page refer to the participant’s representative, unless otherwise specified. | ||
Overview | A person using PCA/CFSS must select a service option/model before receiving services. This page includes: NoteAll references to the person’s responsibilities on this page are the RP/participant representative’s responsibility if the person has one. | ||
Additional resources | CFSS Manual – CFSS consultation services provider requirements | ||
PCA-specific information
Overview | All people using PCA must select one of the following service options: SimilaritiesIn both service options: DifferencesIn traditional PCA, the provider agency is responsible for all employment-related activities. In PCA Choice, the person is responsible for some employment-related activities, as explained in the person’s responsibilities section below. |
Lead agency’s responsibilities | After completing the assessment and determining the person is eligible for PCA services, the lead agency must: Note: If the person is on MRRP, they cannot use PCA Choice. |
Person’s responsibilities | After the assessment, the person must: In both options, the person is responsible to direct care and review and approve the worker’s documentation of time worked. Responsibilities specific to PCA ChoiceIf the person selects PCA Choice, they also are responsible to: |
Traditional PCA provider agency’s responsibilities | If the person selects traditional PCA, the provider agency is responsible to: Note: The person can suggest/decline workers. Note: The QP is responsible to do this task (refer to PCA Manual – QP services). Note: The person can request a different worker. NoteExisting traditional PCA provider agencies can continue to provide agency model services in CFSS by passing an online test and submitting updated surety bonds. For more information, refer to CFSS Manual – PCA/CFSS provider agency training requirements. |
PCA Choice provider agency’s responsibilities | If the person selects PCA Choice, the provider agency is responsible to: Note: The QP is responsible to do this task (refer to PCA Manual – QP services). NoteExisting PCA Choice provider agencies can continue to provide agency model services in CFSS by passing an online test and submitting updated surety bonds. For more information, refer to CFSS Manual – PCA/CFSS provider agency training requirements. |
CFSS-specific information
Overview | All people using CFSS must select one of the following models: SimilaritiesIn both models: DifferencesIn the agency model: Note: The person can suggest or decline CFSS workers and/or request new CFSS workers. In the budget model: Note: The person can choose to purchase goods, services and PERS only (i.e., not receive personal care services). In this situation, the person must use the budget model. Budget calculationA person’s total budget is the total units for which they are eligible multiplied by the current state-set rate. If the person is eligible for the enhanced rate, the person’s total budget is the total units for which they are eligible multiplied by the current state-set enhanced rate. |
Lead agency’s responsibilities | After completing the assessment, the lead agency must: |
Person’s responsibilities | After the assessment, the person must: Additional agency model responsibilitiesIf the person selects the agency model and wishes to purchase goods and services, the person must work with an FMS provider to coordinate the purchase. For more information, refer to CFSS Manual – Goods and services through CFSS. Additional budget model responsibilitiesIf the person selects the budget model and will use personal care services, they are the employer of their workers and assume all employment-related responsibilities, with support from the FMS provider. They must complete Worker Information for CFSS Budget Model, DHS-6893T for each worker. When determining the worker’s wages, the person must: If the worker is the person’s spouse or the parent of a minor person, the worker’s wage cannot be greater than the current state-set CFSS rate on Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Service Rate Limits, DHS-3945 (PDF). If the person will purchase goods, services and PERS only (i.e., not receive personal care services), they have no employer responsibilities because they have no workers. |
Consultation services provider’s responsibilities | For all people using CFSS, the consultation services provider must: If the person selects the budget model, the consultation services provider is responsible to: For more information about consultation services providers, refer to CFSS Manual – CFSS consultation services provider requirements. |
CFSS provider agency’s responsibilities | If the person selects the agency model, the provider agency is responsible to: For more information about provider agencies, refer to CFSS Manual – PCA/CFSS provider agency requirements overview. |
FMS provider’s responsibilities | If the person selects the budget model, the FMS provider is responsible to: If the person selects the agency model and wishes to purchase goods and services, the FMS provider must facilitate the purchase of the goods and services. For more information, refer to CFSS Manual – Goods and services through CFSS. |
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