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Community-Based Services Manual (CBSM)

Community-Based Services Manual (CBSM)


Note: As of Feb. 9, 2024, the application priorities in this eList announcement no longer apply. DHS requests public comments to identify alternative strategies to manage ICS growth. For more information and instructions to submit public comments, refer to the Feb. 9, 2024, eList announcement.

DSD eList announcement

Date: Jan. 31, 2024
To: Integrated community supports (ICS) providers, lead agencies and other interested parties
From: DHS Disability Services Division (DSD) Director Heidi Hamilton
Purpose: To share a message from DSD Director Heidi Hamilton about our efforts to manage the growth of ICS
Effective: Jan. 31, 2024
Contact: DSD Contact Form

Letter from the director: Efforts to manage ICS growth

DHS recognizes and appreciates the work of our partners to implement the new home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver service called integrated community supports (ICS).

We have approved 368 ICS settings, and now we must shift our primary focus to:

  • · Create more opportunities for people to live as independently as possible.
  • · Advance culturally and linguistically appropriate services (CLAS).
  • · Support people who need assistance with behavioral interventions or clinical/nursing care.

    • Background information

    People with disabilities need a full array of community-inclusive service options. DHS developed ICS in response to needs identified by the community. ICS is an alternative to customized living that supports people in a variety of service categories. ICS providers deliver ICS in multi-family housing.

    ICS settings are HCBS provider-controlled settings and must comply with the federal HCBS regulations. For more information, refer to DHS – Minnesota’s implementation of the HCBS settings rule.

    DHS must prioritize the outcomes in Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan to:

  • · Increase the number of people with disabilities who live in their own home.
  • · Maximize opportunities for people to live in integrated HCBS settings as required by the federal HCBS regulations.

    • DHS also must adhere to independent living first policy under Minn. Stat. §256B.4905, subd. 8.

    ICS service usage

    The number of approved ICS units exceeds the number of people who receive services. DHS implemented ICS in:

  • · January 2021 for Brain Injury (BI) and Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) waivers.
  • · January 2023 for Community Alternative Care (CAC) and Developmental Disabilities (DD) waivers.

    • As of the third quarter of 2023:

  • · 927 people receive ICS, including 841 people in Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties and 86 people outside the five-county metro area.
  • · 368 ICS settings are approved, including 338 settings in Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties and 30 settings outside the five-county metro area.
  • · 2,557 ICS units across the state are approved.
  • · 36.25% of approved ICS units are occupied.

    • DHS actions

    Effective immediately, DHS will only process complete submissions for:

  • · New applications submitted on or before Jan. 31, 2024, regardless of location.
  • · New applications for settings located outside of Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties.
  • · Updates to approved ICS settings to decrease capacity, regardless of location.
  • · Updates to approved ICS settings to increase capacity outside of Anoka, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties.

    • DHS will prioritize ICS reviews for settings operated by providers that:

  • · Support people who speak languages other than English.
  • · Meet qualifications to deliver positive support services as outlined on CBSM – Positive support services.
  • · Meet qualifications to deliver complex home care nursing as outlined on CBSM – Home care nursing.
  • · Support people transitioning out of acute hospital settings.
  • · Receive funding through the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program.

    • DHS will not review incomplete applications or notify applicants that do not meet these criteria. We will re-evaluate this policy periodically and provide updates as changes occur.

    Together, we can work to ensure all people with disabilities live full and integrated lives in Minnesota.

    Sincerely,

    Heidi Hamilton, Director, Disability Services Division

    Previous eList announcements

    DSD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD STAKEHOLDER ARCHIVE

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