AASD and DSD eList announcement

Date: June 17, 2020
To: Lead agencies, personal care assistance (PCA) provider agencies and interested stakeholders
From: DHS Aging and Adult Services and Disability Services divisions
Purpose: To announce modifications to PCA services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Contact: dsd.responsecenter@state.mn.us

COVID-19 modifications to PCA services

DHS temporarily modified PCA services to allow flexibility for PCA providers and ensure people can safely access services during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes:

· Allow qualified professionals to provide required in-person oversight of PCA workers via two-way interactive telecommunications (i.e., phone or internet technology) for all people who receive PCA services, including people who are new to receiving services or transferring to a new agency

· Increase the number of hours a PCA provider agency can bill for an individual worker to 310 hours per month, per worker, exceeding the current 275-hour per month limit.

These changes affect PCA services authorized through the:

· Medical Assistance state plan

· Alternative Care program

· Brain Injury Waiver (state plan and extended PCA)

· Community Alternative Care Waiver (state plan and extended PCA)

· Community Access for Disability Inclusion Waiver (state plan and extended PCA)

· Developmental Disabilities Waiver (state plan and extended PCA)

· Elderly Waiver (state plan and extended PCA).