DSD eList announcement
Date: Feb. 9, 2024
To: Integrated community supports (ICS) providers, lead agencies and other interested parties
From: DHS Disability Services Division (DSD) Director Heidi Hamilton
Purpose: To announce a public comment period about strategies to manage the growth of ICS
Comment period starts: Feb. 9, 2024
Comment period ends: March 11, 2024
Submit comments to: DSD.PublicComments@state.mn.us
Contact: DSD Contact Form
Public comment period on efforts to manage ICS growth
DHS requests public comments to identify alternative strategies to manage:
After the public comment period, DHS will host listening sessions on this topic.
Process to submit comments
Email comments to DSD.PublicComments@state.mn.us no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, March 11, 2024.
Instructions for providers
In the meantime, the application priorities announced in the Jan. 31, 2024, eList announcement no longer apply. DHS will continue to accept complete ICS application submissions. For instructions, refer to the setting requirements section on CBSM – ICS. Due to the volume of ICS application submissions, there are long lead times for ICS application review because of limited resources available to process applications.
Review the setting capacity report status section on CBSM – ICS settings for a status update of which ICS setting capacity reports are currently under review.
Background information
In the Jan. 31, 2024, eList announcement, DHS announced a plan to manage resources for the continued successful growth of ICS in Minnesota. This communication explained the growth of ICS, current use of approved ICS units, volume of ICS submissions and requirements in Minnesota’s Olmstead Plan and the home and community-based services (HCBS) settings rule.
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:
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:
As of the third quarter of 2023, Minnesota has 368 ICS settings and:
Together, we can work to ensure all people with disabilities live full and integrated lives in Minnesota.
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