HCBS Final Rule – Non-residential Setting Self-Assessment and Tutorial posted; Technical Assistance Sessions Announced

​Last week, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) announced the initial posting of its Non-Residential Self-Assessment in the form of a PDF on the Family and Social Services Administration’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Final Rule Statewide Transition Plan Web page. Yesterday, they posted additional information about the Non-Residential Setting Self-Assessment. 

​The information from the two bulletins is synthesized below:

Providers of the following services may print the PDF to formulate their responses in preparation for the official online assessment:
- Adult Day Services
- Community-Based Habilitation (Group/Individual)
- Facility-Based Habilitation (Group/Individual)
- Prevocational Services

Results of the assessment will assist the state in determining areas of compliance and non-compliance within our waiver programs related to requirements in the HCBS Final Rule released March 17, 2014, by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that waiver participants receive Medicaid HCBS in settings that are integrated in and support full access to the greater community. This includes opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive and integrated settings, engage in community life, control personal resources and receive services in the community to the same degree as individuals who do not receive HCBS. CMS expects all states to review current HCBS programs and to develop a transition plan providing an assessment, strategies and timelines for compliance with the new rules.

Please note that the non-residential self-assessment is not specific to individual waiver participants served by these providers, so waiver participants should not be asked to participate in this process.

A tutorial on how to complete the non-residential self-assessment is posted on the FSSA Webinars Web page as well as the HCBS Final Rule Statewide Transition Plan Web page under the DDRS heading.

The official online assessment will be open from September 13, through October 13, 2016. A link to the assessment was sent to the providers of Non-Residential Day Services NOA email address on September 13. All responses must be submitted using the online version during the open assessment period as hard copies will not be accepted.

DDRS will offer two technical assistance (TA) webinar opportunities during the 30-day assessment period. The TA webinars are scheduled for September 21, at 9 a.m. EST and September 29, at 10 a.m. EST. Technical assistance sessions will be available using this link.

Additional updates, guidance and resource information related to the Final Rule will be posted on the
HCBS Final Rule Statewide Transition Plan Web page, so please check back periodically for ongoing
updates.

We hope this information was helpful. If you have questions, feel free to contact the INARF office.