Information of Interest: CMS Releases Guidance on Non-Residential Settings

Earlier this week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released two final documents as a part of its HCBS Settings Toolkit, providing much-anticipated guidance on how to apply the Final Rule’s definition of Home and Community-Based Services to non-residential settings. The documents are similar in format to previously released guidance on residential settings, focusing on exploratory questions to consider when assessing the compliance level of a service setting. The new Toolkit elements are linked below for your reference:

• Exploratory Questions to Assist States in Assessment of Non-Residential HCBS Settings 
• Questions and Answers Regarding Home and Community-Based Settings 

INARF has conducted a preliminary review, and it appears that, like Indiana’s approach to assessing Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) settings, CMS has based compliance upon the individual served and their personal experience as it relates to service settings. Person-Centered Planning will be a primary mechanism to ensure consumer choice and the availability of community-based opportunities. INARF will continue to analyze these documents and will relay any pertinent information to the Membership. 

We hope you find this information helpful. If you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact your INARF office.