The purpose of this provider information letter (IL) is to notify CLASS, DBMD, and HCS program providers that they may be selected to complete a mandatory, online residential provider self-assessment concerning Medicaid HCBS settings.
The residential provider self-assessment is designed to enable the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) to evaluate the extent to which DADS regulations, standards, policies, licensing requirements, and other provider requirements comply with federal regulations issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The CMS regulations, known as the “HCBS Final Rule,” require all HCBS settings to meet certain qualifications, including a requirement that the settings:
• are integrated in and support full access to the greater community;
• are selected by individuals from among setting options that include non-disability specific settings; • ensure rights of privacy, dignity and respect, and freedom from coercion and restraint;
• optimize autonomy and independence in making life choices; and
• facilitate choice regarding services and service providers.
Under the HCBS Final Rule, states must submit a statewide transition plan (STP) that evaluates their compliance with the HCBS Final Rule and proposes actions to assure initial and ongoing compliance with the HCBS settings requirements. In February 2016, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission submitted a revised STP to CMS. As referenced in the STP, DADS developed an online provider self-assessment survey to help evaluate the state’s compliance with the HCBS Final Rule. The residential provider self-assessment questions are based on questions provided by CMS and input from external stakeholders, including providers, provider associations and advocacy organizations.
DADS will select, from a random sample based on geographical location, type of setting, and Level of Need (LON), a number of CLASS, DBMD, and HCS program providers to complete the online residential provider self-assessment. Selected program providers will be notified by e-mail in March 2016.
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