In March 2014 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) passed the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Final Rule. All providers of HCBS must be in compliance by March 2019. The intent of the Final Rule is to ensure individuals have full access to the benefits of community living and receive services in the most integrated setting possible. The change is not just about a physical location. It is also about the outcomes of individuals who have the opportunity to interact within a wider community that includes persons who do not have disabilities.
CMS requires states to evaluate their providers and transition to compliance. The department has an HCBS Settings Team that will be working with providers on their transition plans to achieve full compliance within the required timeframes. Some providers will have a site visit while others will send information to the department. This is separate from unannounced surveys. Providers are given advance notice of any visit so they can send documentation ahead of the visit. The work will be collaborative, with the team providing technical assistance.
For further information, please contact Barb Rydell at Barbara.rydell@state.co.us or 303-691-4982.
For more information about the HCBS Settings Final Rule, please go to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing's web site at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/hcpf/home-and-community-based-services-settings-final-rule.
This blog publishes information typically sent to users of the Colorado Health Facilities Interactive (COHFI) system for health care entities regulated by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Please note that COHFI is the official medium for business communication between the Department and licensed and/or Medicare/Medicaid certified health care entities. Health care entities should continue to monitor their email accounts routinely.
