Overview

This page is an archive of announcements the DHS Aging and Adult Services Division (AASD) has sent during the past two years.
Note: DHS moved this content to the CBSM on Feb. 12, 2024.

Terminology

The terminology used to describe people with developmental disabilities has changed over time. While DHS supports the use of “people-first” language within its documents, you might still find outdated terms within historical and official documents such as statutes, reports and third-party material.

April 2025

4/29/25: Webinar about the sensory equipment category of assistive technology
4/22/25: Supporting new Americans in the LTC workforce grant program listening session
4/22/25: CFSS implementation updates
4/15/25: Recent CBSM updates
4/15/25: Instructions for MMIS errors
4/8/25: CFSS implementation updates
4/1/25: Waiver-funded assistance for community emergencies or disasters
4/1/25: MnCHOICES initial assessments validity extension

March 2025

3/25/25: Reminder: Register for Odyssey webinar “The Art of Access”
3/25/25: Recent CBSM updates
3/25/25: Feedback about provider reimbursement for worker overtime
3/25/25: Lead agency instructions to avoid gaps in services
3/18/25: CFSS implementation updates
3/18/25: Reminder: Extension to complete provider costs and wages survey
3/11/25: Register for Odyssey webinar “The Art of Access”
3/11/25: Culture of Safety, Systemic Critical Incident Review: Annual public report posted
3/11/25: Survey about reimbursement for overtime
3/4/25: Training on Minnesota Rules, chapter 9544
3/4/25: 2021 HCBS Workforce Development Grant report
3/4/25: CFSS implementation updates
3/4/25: Extension to complete provider costs and wages survey

February 2025

2/18/25: 2025 Odyssey webinar series
2/18/25: Recent CBSM updates
2/18/25: CFSS implementation updates
2/11/25: Reminder: Webinar about technology for elopement and wandering
2/11/25: Provider costs and wages survey now open
2/4/25: Transitional services available under AC
2/4/25: AC extension approved by CMS
2/4/25: CFSS implementation updates

January 2025

1/28/25: Webinar about technology for elopement and wandering
1/28/25: Webinar announcement: Comprehensive Training on the Assisted Living License and CL Services
1/28/25: EAA service limit increase for AC and EW
1/28/25: Recent CBSM updates
1/21/25: DHS to continue DWRS cost reporting and begin CFSS cost reporting
1/21/25: MnCHOICES user access recertification
1/21/25: CFSS implementation updates
1/21/25: Upcoming survey about provider costs and wages for rate methodology evaluation
1/21/25: CDCS policy updates
1/14/25: EW amendment approved by CMS
1/14/25: Rate increases and changes to select MHM services
1/7/25: How the Senior LinkAge Line can and cannot help
1/7/25: MnCHOICES benchmarks annual report published
1/7/25: CFSS implementation updates
1/7/25: LTSS Improvement Tools discontinued

December 2024

12/31/24: All clear to enter and change service agreements in MMIS
12/31/24: AC and ECS eligibility worksheet updates
12/30/24: Do not add or make changes to MMIS service agreements
12/24/24: Recent CBSM updates
12/23/24: All clear to enter and change MMIS service agreements
12/17/24: CFSS implementation updates
12/10/24: CFSS resources for assessors and case managers to share with people who receive services and families
12/10/24: Incentive bonuses available through the PCA College Service Corps program
12/10/24: CDCS unbundling project implementation updates
12/10/24: Transition to permanent remote reviews by the lead agency review team
12/10/24: Reminder: Do not add or make changes to MMIS service agreements Dec. 12-20, 2024
12/3/24: New resource guide for working with interpreters now available
12/3/24: CFSS implementation updates
12/3/24: Reminder: DHS requests feedback on EVV simplification for live-in caregivers
12/3/24: Do not add or make changes to MMIS service agreements Dec. 12-20, 2024

November 2024

11/26/24: Extension of three-month PCA/CSG service agreements
11/19/24: Recent CBSM updates
11/19/24: CFSS implementation updates
11/18/24: DHS requests public comments on an HCBS evidentiary package
11/15/24: New ratings for Assisted Living Report Card
11/12/24: Training announcement: EW Foundations 2: Assessment, Support Plan and Rates
11/12/24: CFSS implementation updates
11/12/24: Rate and budget changes on Jan. 1, 2025
11/12/24: DHS requests feedback on EVV simplification for live-in caregivers
11/12/24: Grant opportunity for 501c3 and other non-profit social service organizations to support rural and underserved communities
11/5/24: Reminder: Register for the annual Minnesota Gathering in November 2024
11/5/24: CDCS unbundling project and policy changes

October 2024

10/29/24: Reminder: Register for the annual Minnesota Gathering in November 2024
10/29/24: Reminder: Webinar on how to talk about technology during the MnCHOICES assessment
10/29/24: CFSS implementation updates
10/29/24: How to use MnCHOICES for people enrolled in managed care and on a disability waiver
10/29/24: DHS to begin CFSS cost reporting
10/29/24: EVV requirements for Safe at Home program
10/29/24: Complex transitions referral form to open to all lead agencies
10/29/24: Reminder: DHS requests public comments on acute care transitions
10/22/24: CFSS implementation updates
10/22/24: COVID-19 wind-down policy clarifications
10/16/24: DHS requests public comments on HCBS evidentiary packages
10/15/24: DHS requests public comments on acute care transitions
10/15/24: Recent CBSM updates
10/15/24: CFSS implementation updates
10/15/24: CLQI grant RFP
10/15/24: PolicyQuest search function ends for adult protection, aging and disability services
10/8/24: Webinar on how to talk about technology during the MnCHOICES assessment
10/8/24: Register to attend Minnesota’s Self-Direction Connection Conference
10/8/24: Asset assessment policy change for married people who apply for AC
10/1/24: Reminder: Register for the annual Minnesota Gathering in November 2024
10/1/24: MMIS updates for CFSS implementation
10/1/24: CFSS implementation begins Oct. 1, 2024

September 2024

9/24/24: Webinar announcement: EVV Lunch and Learn
9/24/24: Reminder: EW customized living services rate floor adjustments for disproportionate share facilities
9/24/24: CFSS resource for workers now available
9/24/24: What to expect when MnCHOICES legacy applications retire on Oct. 1, 2024
9/17/24: Watch The Principles of Disability Justice webinar recording
9/17/24: Self-paced online course: CFSS MMIS Updates Training
9/17/24: Recent CBSM updates
9/17/24: Workplace rights and minimum wage requirements
9/17/24: DHS publishes CFSS individual service delivery plan template
9/10/24: Advancing Your Skills: Enhancing Support Plans webinar series update
9/10/24: DHS begins EVV compliance enforcement
9/3/24: Register for the annual Minnesota Gathering in November 2024
9/3/24: MnCHOICES legacy systems retirement

August 2024

8/27/24: EW customized living services rate floor adjustment for disproportionate share facilities
8/27/24: Final version of the CFSS Policy Manual now available
8/26/24: DHS requests public comments on EW plan amendments
8/20/24: Recent CBSM updates
8/13/24: Feedback about barriers to transition from emergency rooms and hospitals
8/13/24: RFP to analyze funding models for direct support workers
8/13/24: HCBS labor market survey instructions
8/6/24: EVV provider training session
8/6/24: Reminder: Register for the Odyssey webinar “The Principles of Disability Justice”
8/6/24: Long-term services and supports workforce incentive payments for DSPs

July 2024

7/30/24: CFSS online trainings available
7/30/24: Reminder: Save the date for the annual Minnesota Gathering in November 2024
7/30/24: EVV provider onboarding session
7/30/24: Spouses and parents of minors can be paid to provide PCA services
7/30/24: EVV compliance reminder
7/30/24: EVV survey
7/30/24: Assisted living verification code requirement ends Aug. 1
7/30/24: Policy change to allow access to MHM TC with AMH-TCM, CMH-TCM, BHH and ACT
7/30/24: Legislative changes to PTO for CDCS and CSG workers
7/23/24: Registration for Odyssey webinar now open
7/23/24: Brochures and videos about how to get help with MnCHOICES assessments
7/16/24: HCBS Workforce Development Grant update
7/16/24: Recent CBSM updates
7/16/24: Reminder: Opportunities to give feedback on crisis, positive support, respite and specialist services
7/9/24: Webinar announcement: CDCS unbundling project
7/2/24: DHS requests public comments on HCBS evidentiary packages
7/2/24: EVV compliance update
7/2/24: RFP to analyze funding models for direct support worker retirement benefits

June 2024

6/25/24: Save the date for the annual Minnesota Gathering in November 2024
6/25/24: Spanish and Russian translations of the PCA/CFSS worker training and test
6/25/24: Opportunities to give feedback on crisis, positive support, respite and specialist services
6/25/24: Housing Stabilization Services survey
6/25/24: Save information from in-progress online forms before July 12
6/25/24: Federal mileage rate increase
6/21/24: Emergency and disaster assistance for people receiving waiver services
6/18/24: Reminder: Webinar announcement: Advancing Your Skills: Enhancing Support Plans
6/18/24: Updates to the AC and ECS eligibility worksheets
6/18/24: Recent CBSM updates
6/18/24: Olmstead disability inclusion and choice survey
6/11/24: Update to webinar announcement: EVV Quarterly Updates
6/11/24: MnCHOICES revision project update about assessment results and CDCS budgets
6/11/24: Policy change to allow waivers/AC to stay open for 30 days during incarceration
6/7/24: Phase 4 of the MnCHOICES revision launch will begin on July 1, 2024

May 2024

5/28/24: Recent CBSM updates
5/28/24: Survey about service suspension and termination form development
5/21/24: Reminder: Register for the Odyssey webinar “From Either/Or to Both/And: When Disability and Aging Intersect”
5/21/24: DHS will no longer allow lead agencies to bypass MMIS exception code 951
5/21/24: DHS plans to review, update and archive PartnerLink MnCHOICES webpages
5/21/24: EVV contact information update
5/16/24: DHS requests public comments on CFSS Policy Manual
5/14/24: Webinar announcement: Advancing Your Skills: Enhancing Support Plans
5/14/24: Changes to the Direct Support Connect website
5/8/24: DHS announces CFSS implementation timeline
5/7/24: Policy change to remove MHM Y indicator eligibility requirement in the LTC screening document
5/7/24: Grants available to HCBS providers that support rural and underserved communities

April 2024

4/30/24: Reminder: SASD Support Team to discontinue fax number
4/16/24: Training announcement: EW Foundations 1: Administration and Eligibility
4/16/24: Rescheduled Odyssey webinar: “From Either/Or to Both/And: When Disability and Aging Intersect”
4/16/24: AASD discontinued forms DHS-2988 and DHS-2497
4/16/24: Recent CBSM updates
4/2/24: Upcoming Odyssey webinar postponed
4/2/24: Reminder: Webinar about the life-changing power of technology
4/2/24: Grant opportunity to support new Americans in the LTC workforce
4/2/24: SASD Support Team to discontinue fax number

March 2024

3/26/24: Instructional video on how to apply for an HCBS license under Minn. Stat. Ch. 245D
3/26/24: Reminder: Register for Odyssey webinar “From Either/Or to Both/And”
3/19/24: Webinar about the life-changing power of technology
3/19/24: RFP to evaluate rate methodologies for EW, AC and ECS programs
3/12/24: Reminder: Webinar announcement: Advancing Your Skills: Enhancing Support Plans
3/12/24: Webinar announcement: EVV Quarterly Updates
3/12/24: MnCHOICES benchmark annual report posted
3/12/24: Recent CBSM updates
3/12/24: Lead agency business process review and recommendations reports
3/12/24: New manual to support people who take psychotropic medications
3/12/24: Reminder: Apply for the PCA training stipend by June 15, 2024
3/12/24: AASD and DSD will no longer accept questions through PolicyQuest
3/8/24: Phase 3 of the MnCHOICES revision launch will begin on April 1, 2024
3/5/24: 2024 Odyssey webinar series: Registration for first Odyssey webinar now open

February 2024

2/28/24: CFSS receives federal approval
2/27/24: 2024 Odyssey webinar series
2/27/24: Webinar announcement: Advancing Your Skills: Enhancing Support Plans
2/27/24: Acute Care Transitions Advisory Council to meet Feb. 29
2/20/24: CDCS budget changes for EW and AC
2/20/24: Recent CBSM updates
2/20/24: MnCHOICES revision application user survey
2/13/24: PCA now covers driving provided by PCA workers
2/6/24: Update to PCA remote QP supervision policy for certain populations
2/6/24: LTSS Improvement Tool lead agency feedback survey

January 2024

1/30/24: CMS approves EW amendment package
1/30/24: Minnesota launches new Assisted Living Report Card
1/30/24: CDCS policy change about hours of paid personal assistance services
1/23/24: Reminder: Acute Care Transitions Advisory Council to meet Jan. 25
1/23/24: Reminder: Volunteers from lead agencies needed to participate in focus groups about proposed MnCHOICES assessment changes
1/16/24: Webinar announcement: EVV Quarterly Updates
1/16/24: Acute Care Transitions Advisory Council to meet Jan. 25
1/16/24: Recent CBSM updates
1/16/24: Volunteers from lead agencies needed to participate in focus groups about proposed MnCHOICES assessment changes
1/9/24: PSN form now available for MHM eligibility and enrollment process
1/9/24: Case management, care coordination and assessment requirements
1/2/24: Seeking people to apply for temporary field interview positions

December 2023

12/26/23: Reminder: Rate and budget changes on Jan. 1, 2024
12/19/23: Recent CBSM updates
12/12/23: Updates to the AC and ECS eligibility worksheets
12/12/23: 2023 provider legislative update posted
12/12/23: New manual page about PCA services in HCBS settings
12/6/23: All clear to enter and change MMIS service agreements
12/5/23: Reminder: Webinar announcement: EVV Quarterly Updates
12/5/23: DHS no longer requires hospice to use EVV in Minnesota
12/1/23: Update on CFSS implementation timeline

November 2023

11/28/23: DHS requests public comments on an HCBS evidentiary package
11/28/23: Updated MMIS automation instructions
11/28/23: Reminder: Refrain from adding or making changes to MMIS service agreements Dec. 1-6, 2023
11/21/23: Webinar announcement: Building Your Skills: Developing a Support Plan, Episode 15: Monitoring the Support Plan
11/21/23: Recent CBSM updates
11/21/23: All required EVV service providers are live with EVV
11/14/23: Correction: Rate and budget changes on Jan. 1, 2024
11/9/23: Extension to MnCHOICES revision project launch
11/7/23: HCBS lead agency reviews to begin again in spring 2024
11/7/23: Refrain from adding or making changes to MMIS service agreements Dec. 1-6, 2023
11/7/23: CFSS Development and Implementation Council seeks new members

October 2023

10/31/23: Webinar about off-the-shelf options for home automation to create a smart home
10/31/23: Provider spending requirements for inflationary rate adjustment distribution plans
10/31/23: DHS signs contract with agencies to provide FMS
10/31/23: CL moratorium exception to expire December 2023
10/31/23: RFP for intervention services study
10/31/23: RFI about specialized services and supports to new Americans to enter the LTC workforce
10/24/23: Reminder: Exception allowing PCA provider agencies to bill for services provided by spouses and parents of minors ends in November
10/17/23: Major Changes webinar recording now available
10/17/23: Reminder: Attend the annual Minnesota Gathering in October
10/10/23: Webinar announcement: Building Your Skills: Developing a Support Plan, Episode 14: Approving the Support Plan and Service Authorization
10/10/23: Attend the annual Minnesota Gathering in October
10/10/23: Recent CBSM updates
10/3/23: Register to attend Minnesota’s Self-Direction Connection Conference
10/3/23: Updated HCBS requirements
10/3/23: Interactive video approved for VA/DD-TCM
10/3/23: EVV updates

September 2023

9/29/23: DHS requests public comments on amendments to EW plan
9/26/23: Reminder: Register for GEAR Grantee Showcase webinar
9/26/23: Reminder: EW customized living services rate floor adjustments for disproportionate share facilities
9/26/23: Survey to get feedback on positive support training resources
9/26/23: Reminder: Exception allowing PCA provider agencies to bill for services provided by spouses and parents of minors ends in November
9/19/23: Webinar announcement: EVV Quarterly Updates
9/19/23: Recent CBSM updates
9/15/23: Update on launch of MnCHOICES revision project
9/14/23: Final phase of EVV implementation starts in October
9/12/23: Remember to apply for PCA training stipend grant initiative
9/12/23: Survey to understand impact of caring career recruitment campaign
9/12/23: Rate and budget changes on Jan. 1, 2024
9/5/23: DHS thanks DSPs for their work before national week of recognition

August 2023

8/29/23: 2023 Odyssey webinar series – Registration for GEAR Grantee Showcase webinar now open
8/29/23: Webinar announcement: Building Your Skills: Developing a Support Plan, Episode 13: Backup Planning
8/22/23: EW customized living services rate floor adjustments for disproportionate share facilities
8/22/23: Case manager and care coordinator toolkit reminder
8/15/23: Recent CBSM updates
8/15/23: Conversational Agent tool now available for MnCHOICES assessors
8/8/23: Reminder: Register for Major Change Initiatives webinar
8/1/23: Electronic visit verification welcome letter available in MN–ITS boxes

July 2023

7/25/23: Reminder: AASD and DSD communications feedback survey
7/18/23: 2023 Odyssey webinar series – Registration for Major Change Initiatives webinar now open
7/18/23: Webinar announcement: Building Your Skills: Developing a Support Plan Episode 12: Rights and Informed Decision Making
7/18/23: How to identify assisted-living facilities that are MHM-qualified community residences
7/18/23: Recent CBSM updates
7/18/23: Remote assessments: End of COVID-19 protocols and start of new remote assessment policy
7/18/23: EVV start date for home health providers
7/18/23: New EVV policy pages
7/18/23: Reminder: AASD and DSD communications feedback survey
7/11/23: Remote adult day training information
7/11/23: AC and ECS asset policy during the unwinding period
7/11/23: AASD and DSD communications feedback survey
7/5/23: Reminder: Register for 2023 Legislative Updates webinar
7/5/23: DHS launches third year of HCBS labor market survey

June 2023

6/30/23: Update on launch of MnCHOICES revision project
6/30/23: Increase to background study rates for CDCS
6/27/23: EW renewal approved by CMS
6/27/23: Changes to family caregiver services through AC, ECS, EW and MHM
6/20/23: Webinar announcement: Office Hours: Overnight Supports
6/20/23: Webinar announcement: Understanding DME
6/20/23: Webinar announcement: EVV Quarterly Updates
6/20/23: Recent CBSM updates
6/20/23: Update on launch of MnCHOICES revision project
6/13/23: 2023 Odyssey webinar series – Registration for 2023 Legislative Updates webinar now open
6/13/23: “Building Your Skills” webinar series returns with new session about informed choice
6/13/23: 2023 Odyssey webinar series – A second session with Donte Curtis
6/13/23: Updates to the AC and ECS eligibility worksheets
6/13/23: Case manager and care coordinator toolkit reminder
6/13/23: DEED launches direct care professional recruitment campaign
6/13/23: Using revised MnCHOICES application for people enrolled in managed care and on a disability waiver
6/13/23: Federal mileage rate increase
6/13/23: Changes to customized living moratorium exception
6/13/23: EVV PCA supervision update
6/6/23: Quality of life assessment and communication tools now available in multiple languages
6/6/23: State makes more direct care professionals eligible for grant funds
6/6/23: EVV Phase 3: Soft launch for MCO providers

May 2023

5/16/23: CFSS trainings available
5/16/23: Apply for grant initiatives, including retention bonuses and training stipends
5/16/23: Updates on the HCBS Settings Rule transition
5/16/23: Updates to MnCHOICES Help Desk Contact Form
5/12/23: Temporary extension of COVID-19 modification allowing parents of minors and spouses to provide PCA services
5/9/23: More self-study recommendations for “Building your skills” webinar series
5/9/23: Recent CBSM updates
5/9/23: EVV updates
5/9/23: Permanent remote adult day services available July 1, 2023
5/2/23: Information session: Upcoming campaign to recruit direct care professionals
5/2/23: Past preadmission screenings (PAS) will be no longer available

April 2023

4/26/23: Update on launch of MnCHOICES revision project
4/25/23: Webinar announcement: 245D virtual roundtable series
4/25/23: 2023 Odyssey webinar series – Workforce shortage
4/25/23: Virtual training sessions about using positive support practices
4/25/23: Information about the end of continuous coverage for AC
4/25/23: Updated: Waiver eligibility and MA financial eligibility renewals and the end of the continuous coverage period
4/25/23: Emergency and disaster assistance for people receiving waiver services
4/18/23: Recent CBSM updates
4/13/23: Update on launch of MnCHOICES revision project
4/11/23: More self-study recommendations for “Building your skills” webinar series
4/11/23: 2023 Odyssey webinar series – Topics, dates and times
4/11/23: SASD Support Team discontinuing fax forms
4/11/23: Updated: Use LTC screening document Mini-Cog field starting April 10, 2023
4/11/23: Waiver eligibility and MA financial eligibility renewals and the ends of the continuous coverage period
4/6/23: Pause on launch of MnCHOICES revision project
4/4/23: Information session: Consider becoming an HCBS cooperative
4/4/23: Study about funding LTSS
4/4/23: Case management face-to-face requirements resume Nov. 1, 2023
4/4/23: New and updated MnCHOICES communication forms/documents
4/4/23: State Plan on Aging open for public comment
4/4/23: Use LTC screening document Mini-Cog field starting April 10, 2023

March 2023

3/28/23: Update on launch of MnCHOICES revision project
3/28/23: Waiver amendments approved by CMS
3/28/23: Update to MnCHOICES lead agency transfer form
3/28/23: Do not use LTSS Improvement Tool after revised MnCHOICES launch
3/21/23: 2023 Odyssey webinar series
3/21/23: Webinar about assistive technology for people you support
3/21/23: Recent CBSM updates
3/14/23: More self-study recommendations for “Building your skills” webinar series
3/14/23: Updated Service Agreement and Screening Document (SASD) Support Team forms now available
3/14/23: Requirements for electronic visit verification compliance
3/10/23: Changes to AASD and DSD eList format
3/7/23: Updates to policy about reassessments for changes in condition

February 2023

2/17/23: Update on CFSS implementation timeline
2/17/23: End of the federal public health emergency and wind down of current COVID-19 waivers
2/17/23: Recent CBSM updates
2/16/23: Status of the MnCHOICES revision project
2/16/23: More self-study recommendations for “Building your skills” webinar series
2/15/23: End to COVID-19 emergency staffing program
2/9/23: Status of the MnCHOICES revision project
2/1/23: Self-study recommendations for “Building your skills” webinar series

January 2023

1/25/23: DHS requests public comments on EW application
1/24/23: Electronic visit verification updates
1/20/23: Update on MMIS authorizations for chore services
1/13/23: Annual EAA training set for Jan. 30
1/12/23: Support plan training in 2023
1/11/23: Recent CBSM updates
1/10/23: Positive supports training for organizations
1/9/23: Updates to the AC and ECS eligibility worksheets
1/9/23: Webinar about identifying and overcoming obstacles to AT and remote support

Additional resources