Page reviewed:

Page updated: 5/21/26

Legal authority

Minn. Stat. §256B.0652, subd. 8, Minn. Stat. §256B.85, subd. 10

Comparison of PCA and CFSS

DHS is in the process of replacing PCA with CFSS. During the transition period, the person will transition to CFSS when the lead agency performs a reassessment. For more information about this transition, refer to CFSS Manual – Transition from PCA and CSG to CFSS.

Similarities

In both PCA and the CFSS agency model, the provider agency is responsible to request a reassessment from the lead agency 60 days before the end of the person’s current service agreement.

Differences

In the CFSS budget model, the financial management services (FMS) provider is responsible to request a reassessment 60 days before the end of the person’s current service agreement.

Definitions

Reassessment: An assessment for long-term services and supports (LTSS) completed before the end of a person’s current service agreement.

Responsible party (RP)/participant’s 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.

Overview

Effective Oct. 1, 2024, all assessments are for CFSS services.

To continue using PCA/CFSS services, a person must have a reassessment in the following situations:

The lead agency:

Annual reassessment process

At the end of the person’s service plan year:

1. The PCA/CFSS provider agency (PCA and CFSS agency model) or the FMS provider (CFSS budget model) sends Referral for Reassessment for PCA/CFSS Services, DHS-6893B to the lead agency 60 days before the end of the person’s service agreement.

2. The lead agency conducts the reassessment, develops a support plan and creates a service authorization. For more information, refer to the lead agency responsibilities section on this page.

3. The process continues as outlined on CFSS Manual – Overview of the PCA and CFSS process.

Change in condition process

When the person has a significant change in condition, the person, PCA/CFSS agency (PCA and CFSS agency model) or FMS provider (CFSS budget model) can request a reassessment using Referral for Reassessment for PCA/CFSS Services, DHS-6893B.

After receiving the request for reassessment, the lead agency determines whether to complete:

Lead agency’s responsibilities

After receiving the request for reassessment, the appropriate lead agency staff must:

1. Review the person’s previous assessment information.

2. Schedule and conduct the reassessment before the end of the person’s existing service agreement.

3. Start discussing the support plan with the person if they continue to be eligible for publicly funded services and/or supports.

4. Follow the lead agency responsibilities process on CFSS Manual – Assessment for PCA/CFSS services.

Managed care organization (MCO) responsibilities

If the person is enrolled in an MCO, the MCO follows its processes and procedures for reassessments.

Person’s responsibilities

The person must update their PCA/CFSS service delivery plan annually at the time of their reassessment. This process is different depending on whether the person uses PCA or CFSS.

PCA

The person works with the PCA provider agency to update their plan for the three months of PCA services the lead agency authorizes based on the results of the reassessment.

CFSS

In CFSS, the person works with their consultation services provider. If the person desires, the consultation services provider can help them update, develop and write their service delivery plan for the new service plan year. The consultation services provider must review the completed service delivery plan.

PCA/CFSS provider agency’s responsibilities

For a person who uses traditional PCA, PCA Choice or the CFSS agency model, the provider agency must:

1. Complete Referral for Reassessment for PCA/CFSS Services, DHS-6893B and fax it to the appropriate lead agency.

2. Keep the original DHS-6893B in the person’s file.

3. Confirm the lead agency scheduled and completed the assessment before the end of the service agreement.

FMS provider’s responsibilities (CFSS only)

For a person who uses the CFSS budget model, the FMS provider must:

1. Complete Referral for Reassessment for PCA/CFSS Services, DHS-6893B and fax it to the appropriate lead agency.

2. Keep the original DHS-6893B in the person’s file.

3. Confirm the lead agency scheduled and completed the assessment before the end of the service agreement.

Consultation services provider’s responsibilities (CFSS only)

For a person who uses CFSS, the consultation services provider can help the person update, develop and/or write their service delivery plan for the new service plan year, if the person desires. The consultation services provider must review the completed service delivery plan.

DHS’ responsibilities

For all reassessments, DHS will: