Page updated: 3/17/25

Minn. Stat. §256B.85, subd 13, Minn. Stat. §256B.0659, subd. 20

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.

Similarities

In both PCA and CFSS:

Differences

In CFSS:

In PCA:

Responsible party (RP)/participant 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.

PCA has two service options:

CFSS has two service models:

For more information about these options/models, refer to CFSS Manual – PCA service options and CFSS service models.

The process to change service options/models depends on whether the change is voluntary or involuntary.

A person can choose to change options/models at any time, unless they are not allowed to use PCA Choice or the CFSS budget model.

If a person exits the CFSS budget model during the service plan year, they are not allowed to use the budget model until the next service plan year.

In some situations, DHS may require a person to change options/models.

DHS will move a person from PCA Choice or the CFSS budget model to traditional PCA or the CFSS agency model if DHS:

Appeals

A person may appeal DHS’ decision to move them from PCA Choice or the CFSS budget model. For more information, refer to CBSM – Appeals.

A person using PCA/CFSS is responsible to

Voluntary change

The CFSS consultation services provider is responsible to help a person change models if they choose to do so. This includes the following responsibilities:

Involuntary change

The CFSS consultation service provider must attempt to help a person using the budget model and document their attempts before they recommend removing them. DHS is in the process of developing a form for providers to use for this documentation.

If the person is not succeeding as the employer of their workers, the consultation services provider is responsible to:

For a person on PCA or the CFSS agency model, the person’s current PCA/CFSS agency is responsible to work with the person’s new provider (if applicable) to ensure continuity of care.

For a person on the CFSS budget model, the person’s current FMS provider is responsible to:

Change (voluntary or involuntary)

For all people using CFSS, the county/tribal nation is responsible to:

1. Approve the services in the updated CFSS service delivery plan and sign it.

2. Complete and sign Lead Agency Addendum to CFSS Individual Service Delivery Plan, 6893W. For instructions, refer to DSD MMIS Reference Guide – ASA3 overview.

3. Authorize services using the date the lead agency approved the plan as the start date.

4. Complete the following actions:

Additional responsibilities for involuntary changes on a waiver/AC

If a person on a waiver/AC might be required to change options/models, their case manager is responsible to:

If a person receives PCA/CFSS through an MCO, the person and their providers must follow the MCO’s process for changing models.

Change (voluntary or involuntary) on a waiver/AC

DHS does not need to take action if a person on a waiver/AC decides or is required to make a change.

Change (voluntary or involuntary) not on a waiver/AC

For a person who is not on a waiver/AC, DHS is responsible to update the person’s service agreement when they choose to change options/models after the county/tribal nation submits CFSS Request Form, DHS-6893I.

Additional responsibilities for involuntary change not on a waiver/AC

For a person who is not on a waiver/AC, DHS is responsible to:

1. Review and decide on recommendations from the consultation services provider (CFSS) or review recommendations from other resources (PCA Choice) about the person’s ability to continue to successfully participate in the CFSS budget model/PCA Choice.

2. Direct the consultation services provider to help the person write an updated CFSS service delivery plan (applies only when DHS removes the person from the CFSS budget model).