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CFSS
What is Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)?
You will learn:
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What is CFSS?
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Benefits of CFSS
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CFSS coverage
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Why Choose Blue Star Home Care for Your CFSS?
Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Minnesota healthcare program that offers more options for different needs of people.
Starting Oct 1, 2024, CFSS will replace the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG) programs.
Benefits of CFSS:
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Flexibility: Care plans that meet unique needs.
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Independence: Support independent living.
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Family Involvement: Spouses and parents can be paid caregivers.
CFSS Coverage:
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Daily Living Activities: Help with eating, bathing, grooming, and mobility.
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Health-Related Tasks: Help with medications and other medical needs.
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Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: Help with cooking, shopping, laundry, and more.
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Behavioral Support: Observation and redirection as needed.
The Two Models of CFSS:
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Budget Model: Directly hire and manage caregivers.
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Agency Provider Model: Use a provider like Rainbow Home Health Care to deliver services.
Why Choose Rainbow Home Healthcare for CFSS Needs?:
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20 years of home health care experience
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500+ trusted families in the Twin Cities
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5-Star Google and Facebook Reviews
CFSS allows individuals to manage their unique care while accessing the support they need to live independently at home and in their communities.
If you currently receive PCA or CSG services, CFSS will become an option after your next annual reassessment.
Starting October 1, 2024, you can undergo an assessment to determine your eligibility for CFSS.You can discuss your options with your lead agency or contact Rainbow Home Healthcare at 651-778-0562. We will provide more information and guide you through the transition to CFSS.
If you're using PCA or CSG services, you will continue receiving them for up to six months while transitioning to CFSS.
More transition Information Here: Minnesota Department of Human Services.
Asian Home health care in minnesota
You will Learn:
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About Rainbow Home Healthcare
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Rainbow Home Healthcare’s Serving the Asian Communities in the Twin Cities
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Rainbow Home Healthcare’s Services
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Why Choose Rainbow Home Healthcare?
Culturally Sensitive In-Home Care for Your Loved Ones
At Rainbow Home Health Care, we have provided services such as PCA, CSG, and CFSS for the Asian communities for 20 years in the Twin Cities. We offer modern care services while also understanding the unique cultural needs of Asian Americans and offer personalized support that helps our clients maintain independence and dignity in the comfort of their homes.
Whether your loved one needs assistance with daily activities, companionship, or help around the house, our caregivers provide care with warmth, respect, and cultural understanding.
🏡 Serving the Asian Community with Heart
Caring for elders is a deep tradition within the Asian community, and we honor that tradition with services that feel like family. Our caregivers are trained to support language preferences, dietary customs, and respectful interpersonal care—so your loved ones feel truly seen and understood.
We’re proud to serve a diverse range of Asian cultures, including Chinese, Karenni, Vietnamese, Thai, Hmong, Karen, and more.
💖 Our Non-Medical Home Care Services
Personal Care Assistant (PCA)/Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)
We offer top-rated PCA/CFSS services to help seniors and adults with disabilities maintain their independence at home and in the community. These services assist with daily routines while promoting dignity and quality of life.
👉 Learn more about PCA/CFSS
Homemaker Services
Our Homemaker Services support individuals with tasks like:
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Light housekeeping and laundry
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Grocery shopping and errands
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Meal prep and phone call assistance
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Safety supervision and medication reminders
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Help at community events
👉 Learn more about Homemaker services
IHS Without Training
This service supports individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges at home and in the community. Support includes:
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Community participation
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Health and safety support
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Household management
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Development of adaptive skills
👉 Learn more about IHS services
Night Supervision Services
For individuals who need assistance during the night, our trained staff provides:
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Overnight monitoring and support
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Help with nighttime routines
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Ongoing care for safety and comfort
👉 Learn more about Night Supervision
Adult and Elderly Companion Care
Our Companion Care services are perfect for functionally impaired adults needing:
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Emotional support and conversation
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Assistance with light tasks (laundry, shopping, etc.)
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Accompaniment to community or social events
👉 Learn more about Companion Services
Respite Care Services
Caregivers need care too. Our Respite Care offers:
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Temporary relief for family caregivers
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Short-term support for loved ones
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Peace of mind while you recharge
👉 Learn more about Respite Care Services
🌏 Why Families Choose Rainbow Home Health Care
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20 years of home health care experience
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Caregivers with cultural awareness and language skills such as Karenni, Thai, English, Hmong, Karen, Chinese, and more.
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Trusted by 500 families in the Twin Cities for their care services
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Services tailored to Asian Americans and their traditions
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Respect for multigenerational family dynamics
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Compassionate, non-medical care that feels personal and familiar
Our goal is to be an extension of your family—someone you can trust to care with the same love and respect.
💬 Voices from the Asian Community
"As a Hmong speaker, they make sure to explain everything in Hmong so I understand all the information. Top Hmong home healthcare in Minnesota, highly recommended!"
– Mr. Vang, Son of Client
"They are very professional and helpful. They help my family alot and im very grateful."
– Mr. Reh, Son of Client
"All staff very nice and Friendly."
– Ms. Yang, Client
📞 Connect with Rainbow Home Health Care Today
Your loved ones deserve care that respects their culture and values. Let’s talk about how we can support your family.
You can contact Rainbow Home Healthcare at 651-778-0562 or Email us at
info@rainbowhhc.com
Still have more questions?
FAQs
We Have Answers For Your Questions!
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What Insurance does Rainbow Home Heath Care accepted?Ucare, Health Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare or MA, and Medica
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How to request for PCA in Three Easy Steps?Call – Call our intake specialist to inquire about services related to your need. We will walk you through the process and give you the information needed to call for an assessment. Assessment – An assessor will come out to determine the services needed and how many hours you will qualify for. Home Care Service– Services begin when you are determined to be eligible for services by the assessor.
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Are are eligible to receive an assessment for PCA service? (If you need any service listed below, then YES you are eligible)Dressing: I need help everyday? Grooming: I need help everyday? Bathing: I need help everyday? Eating: I need help everyday? Toileting: I need help everyday? Transfer: I need help everyday? Mobility: I need help everyday? Positing: I need help everyday?
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Never Receive Service Before, what do I do?We understand how hard it is for you or your loved ones to search for home care assistance if you have never done it before. Today, our complex health care system adds more frustration and confusion to anyone that is seeking for assistance. Elderly and people with disability have to face with many challenges to live a normal life. Let alone, many still have to face the difficulty finding the assistance they need on their own. That is why we created Rainbow Home Health Care, to help and advocate for those who are unable to. Our professional team will walk with you every step of the way and assist you to the right place where you will be able to seek the help you need. You are not alone. We are here for you from the very beginning to the end. Call us today.
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First time receiving service, what to do?You have been assessed by the nurse and you are approved for home care services. What do you do next? Who is going to be your caregiver? How do you use the services? When do you use the service? So many questions and no clear answer. Take no more action. Call us and we will be happy to assist you. We can meet with you and explain in detail the service we will be providing to you. We will provide a match caregiver that will work well with you or if you prefer, we will hire the person of your choice to work with you whether it is a friend, a neighbor, or family member.
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I want to transfer my service to Rainbow Home Health Care?Everyday there are many persons receiving services who are not satisfied with the personal care services they are receiving from where they currently are. We are here to help each person develop a care plan that will tailor to their needs. Listening and addressing your concerns are what we do best at Rainbow Home Health Care. We promise to help you make a smooth transition of service to our agency as quick as possible. Turnaround time for transfer of services takes about two to four weeks. Let us work together.
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What services do you provide?Personal Care Assistance (PCA), Homemaker or Homemaking, Individual Home Support without Training, Respite, Night Supervision
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What is your starting payPlease reach out to the office
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Am I allowed to transport the client?You are not allowed to transport the client in your own vehicle. You can however, accompany them or assist them with arranging transportation services.
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Can I just use the manual time entry method?No. You will be required to use the daily clock in and clock out method. However, you may use these for missed entries or entries that need to be fixed. However, this cannot be used as the main method of time logging.
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Can I use a different device or can I only use EVV on one device?You can enter time on any device that has access to the internet or is able to download the Pavillio App. Example, if your device breaks mid visit and you have access to another device, you can use the new device to log into Pavillio using your credentials to complete the visit.
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Can the client or responsible party both sign off on the visits?If the client has a responsible party, the responsible party is the one who will sign the visits. If there is no responsible party, the client will be the one to sign the visits.
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Do I have to use the daily clock in and clock out?Yes, it is required as of 9/1/2024.
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How often do I have to use the daily clock in and clock out EVV?Whenever you provide services for the client
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I am a live in caregiver, do I have to use the daily clock in and clock out?Yes, even as a live in caregiver, you will be required to use the daily clock in and clock out.
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Can't enter time?Please call into the office and one of our staff will support you
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I did my EVV time incorrect, will I be paid for the services I performed?As long as you are showing a good faith towards using EVV, we will continue to pay you for services you performed.
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I don't want to use EVV. This other agency says they are not using EVV and still continuing doing paper timesheets.It is now required to use EVV across all Minnesota PCA Agencies. If another agency is saying you are not required to use EVV, they are not in compliance.
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What if I forget the pin?Please call the office and one of our staff will help reset the pin for you.
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What if I forgot my password?Please call the office and one of our staff will help reset your password for you
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I turned in my EVV late, will I be paid for my services?Our timesheet submissions still follow the same timeline. If you turn in your timesheet late, it will processed in the following payroll.
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If I am providing services for the client and they are out of their home, the only location I can choose is the location in the system. How do I choose the location of where I am going?The GPS will clock the location where services are performed. If you are traveling with the client, you will have to note why you are not at the client's service location.
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If I start at the client's house but end at a different location, how do I change the ending location when clocking out?Choose the default location and just add a note why you are clocking out at the ending location.
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If the client is traveling for vacation, can I provide services?Yes, you may provide services. The client can only travel within the United States. That means that any services may not be performed if traveling internationally.
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The location is wrong in the Pavillio App. How do I get the right address?Please notify office staff and we will update the location on our end.
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Using the EVV is hard. Can I just continue doing paper timesheets?We understand that this is hard transition for many users. However, it is now required to use EVV. We are here to help so please stop by the office if you need any assistance.
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What do I do if I have to take a break?If you are taking a break, you will have to clock out and complete the session and then repeat the clock in and clock out once you return from break.
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What if I am on vacation? Do I still need to log in time?No. If you are on vacation, you do not need to log any time. Please notify the office you are on vacation so that we can plan services accordingly for the client.
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What if I clocked in or clocked out at the wrong time?Continue to clock in the day and edit the time entry to the correct start time once you have completed the visit. When you edit time entries though, they are not compliant. Please make sure to try your best to have accurate clock in and clock out entries.
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What if I don't have WiFi or data services?Having access to the internet is required for using the EVV application.
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What if I forget to clock in for the day and it is tomorrow?Enter a manual time entry for the missed visit. When you add manual entries though, they are not compliant. Please make sure to try your best to have accurate clock in and clock out entries.
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Where do I find the pin?The pin is only sent to the client or responsible party. The pin is sent to the email shared with us to create their account. Our office does not have access to the pin.
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Is there a difference in the CFSS legacy assessment process for lead agencies?No, there will not be changes to the legacy assessment process. However, there will be changes to the data entry process for CFSS services. The lead agency will do the initial MMIS authorization/data entry for consultation services. When the completed CFSS individual service delivery plan comes back to the lead agency from the consultation services provider, the lead agency will need to do additional MMIS authorization/data entry to reflect the finalized plan. Additional MMIS authorization/data entry may include entering goods, CFSS agency provider or FMS provider
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Will personal care assistance (PCA) continue to be a service, or is CFSS replacing PCA?DHS anticipates CFSS will begin in July 2021. When CFSS starts: People who currently receive PCA or CSG services will transition to CFSS at their next reassessment. People who do not currently receive PCA or CSG will start receiving CFSS. There will be a date on which PCA and CSG is no longer an option. We will provide more information about the transition plan closer to the CFSS implementation date.
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How are consultation services different from case management services?Consultation services provide upfront information and ongoing support to people who are eligible for and choose to use CFSS. The responsibilities of consultation services providers are only within the scope of CFSS. They are not responsible to coordinate services within the larger social service system. We will further define consultation services in CFSS manual pages closer to the CFSS implementation date. Case management and care coordination for seniors is administered in multiple forms. If a person who currently receives waiver or AC case management starts receiving CFSS services, the person’s assigned case manager or care coordinator for seniors remains responsible for the specific duties of case management required for the person.
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How does the person pick their consultation services provider?A person must choose a consultation services provider before they can begin CFSS services. The assessor or case manager can provide resources to help the person choose a consultation services provider
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Can current PCA agencies offer both CFSS consultation services and CFSS agency services? Can the consultation services provider be employed by the agency? Is there going to be monitoring in place to address conflict of interest?As long as an entity meets enrollment criteria, they can enroll as both a CFSS consultation services provider and CFSS agency provider. While one entity can enroll and provide both of these services, CFSS policy does not allow them to provide both services to the same person. The consultation services provider must be a neutral party in the person’s choice between the agency and budget models, as well as the person’s choice of providers.
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Who is responsible to approve CFSS plans, the lead agency or the consultation services provider?It depends on the person’s situation: If the person receives only state plan CFSS services, the consultation services provider is responsible to approve the person’s CFSS individual service delivery plan If the person is on a waiver, AC or has a care coordinator through an MCO for seniors, the consultation services provider is responsible to get the person’s CFSS individual service delivery plan in order for the case manager or care coordinator to review. The case manager or care coordinator is responsible to review the plan to ensure: Page 3 of 10 Distributed January 2021 o There is no duplication of services o The person’s health and safety needs are addressed Any required coordination with the person’s other services are addressed.
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Will the MnCHOICES assessor be responsible to write the person’s support plan for CFSS?The current duties of an assessor will not change as we transition to CFSS, depending on the person’s situation: If the person receives only state plan CFSS services, the assessor will write both the community support plan (CSP) and coordinated services and supports plan (CSSP). If the person is on a waiver or AC, the assessor will write the CSP and the case manager will write the CSSP.
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Will lead agencies be paid for support time, similar to the 5% administrative fee that is billable in CSG?There will not be a 5% administrative fee for CFSS. Page 4 of 10 Distributed January 2021 As is the case for PCA now, the lead agency will be paid for work related to assessment and authorization/service agreement entry through the time study process.
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Will the addition of consultation services slow down the assessment process?We recognize the addition of consultation services could potentially extend the time it takes for the person to get started with CFSS services. As we transition to CFSS, a person’s PCA services will continue while they wait to start CFSS services to ensure continuity of care. We will continue to have internal discussions about this topic as lead agencies provide us with feedback.
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Will the MnCHOICES assessor have approval responsibilities for the CFSS individual service delivery plan (e.g., reviewing to ensure the services/goods in the plan meet the person’s assessed needs)? Will these responsibilities be similar to a waiver case manager’s responsibilities with consumer directed community supports (CDCS)?No, the assessor is not responsible to review or approve a person’s CFSS individual service delivery plan. The role of the assessor will not change as we transition to CFSS. If the person receives only state plan CFSS services, the consultation services provider is responsible to review and approve the plan within the scope and rules of CFSS. Then, the lead agency will enter the CFSS service authorization into MMIS following the approval of the plan.
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Will the lead agency or the consultation services provider issue the notice of action for denial of CFSS individual service delivery plan content, goods, etc.? Who is responsible for the appeal?It depends on the person’s situation: If the person receives only state plan CFSS services, the consultation services provider is responsible to approve or deny parts of the plan or the entire plan, issue the notice of action and participate in the appeal. If the person is on a waiver, AC or in an MCO for seniors, the case manager or care coordinator is responsible to approve or deny parts of the plan or the entire plan, issue the notice of action and participate in the appeal.
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After the assessment is completed and the person has started CFSS, should the lead agency refer all questions to the person’s consultation services provider?It depends on the person’s situation: If the person receives only state plan CFSS services, the lead agency has no responsibility to answer questions after the assessment is complete and the service authorization is entered, just like in PCA. Page 5 of 10 Distributed January 2021. If the person is on a waiver or AC: o The case manager is still responsible for case management type issues and questions o The case manager should refer the person to the consultation services provider for questions specifically about CFSS (e.g., model difference, process to hire a worker, etc.) o The consultation services provider should refer waiver/AC questions to the person’s waiver/AC case manager.
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Does the lead agency enter the lines for CFSS and training/supervision, FMS and budget for goods? How is the information reported back to lead agency (e.g., whether the person chooses agency or budget, the goods rate, the FMS provider)? Who is responsible to authorize CFSS?The lead agency is responsible to authorize CFSS in MMIS. The lead agency will enter the authorization/lines based on the information in the CFSS individual service delivery plan. The lines include: Consultation services. CFSS services (CFSS agency or FMS provider). Worker training and development. Goods, if applicable. The consultation services provider will send the CFSS individual service delivery plan to the lead agency to enter the details of the plan into MMIS.
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Will assessors become “CFSS case managers,” authorizing goods and updating CSSPs throughout the year like a waiver/AC case manager? If a person does not have a case manager, what is the assessor’s role?The duties of an assessor will not change as we transition to CFSS. Assessors will still be required to fulfill their duties in either MnCHOICES or the legacy assessment, as they do in PCA (e.g., CSP and CSSP responsibilities). CFSS will follow the same requirements as PCA. Our goal is to follow a similar process to what happens now in PCA (i.e., faxing a request to the Resource Center to update the service agreement) if a person makes a change. We will provide more finalized and detailed information in future trainings.
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Will lead agencies still enter CFSS service agreements as type B service agreement, or will they change them to a waiver service agreement type model that doesn’t require DHS approval?We assume this question is about the lead agency’s ability to make changes to a type B service agreement after the service agreement has been entered and approved. Page 6 of 10 Distributed January 2021 If a person receives only state plan CFSS services, the person’s service agreement will still be a type B service agreement. The lead agency will enter the service agreement, just like in PCA. However, DHS is making a change to the process for CFSS to allow the lead agency to edit the service agreement for a longer period of time after consultation services have been approved. DHS plans for type B service agreement changes to work very similarly to what happens now in PCA. If a person changes something in PCA or CFSS, a fax is sent to the Resource Center and the Resource Center will update the service agreement.
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Will DHS staff continue to make changes to type B CFSS service agreements throughout the year? Will the consultation services provider submit a technical change form to DHS (e.g., a change in the CFSS budget/agency provider, FMS provider or consultation provider during the middle of the assessment year)?For type B service agreements, DHS plans changes in CFSS throughout the year to work very similar to what happens now in PCA (i.e., faxes come to the Resource Center to update the service agreement) if a person or provider changes something. We are still working on the details of who submits the change request form to the resource center either the consultation service provider, FMS or CFSS agency.
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Are consultation services providers added to the service agreement? If not, how are they paid?Yes, the lead agency will add consultation services to the person’s service agreement.
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Will the Lead Agency Review Team use the same person-centered plan audit criteria for people’s CSPs/CSSPsfor a waiver lead agency review?At this time, like PCA, state-plan-only CFSS is not included as part of the lead agency review process.
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Will the MnCHOICES assessor have to complete the LTSS Improvement Tool?At this time, like PCA, assessors are not expected to complete the LTSS improvement tool for state-plan-only CFSS.
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How does CFSS work for people who also receive home care nursing (HCN)?CFSS will work the same as it does now when a person receives a combination of PCA services and HCN services. The HCN monthly budget limit and unit limit will still apply.
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Will CFSS budgets be higher than current CSG budgets?CSG is a state-funded program and only uses state funds or 50% of what PCA is funded at. CFSS is a federally funded program. When CFSS is operational, people who transition to CFSS will get the full benefit of the federal and state financial participation(i.e., 50% federal dollars and 50% state dollars).
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Currently, lead agencies review the person’s CSG plan and have the ability to request changes or deny the plan if goods/services are not related to assessed needs. With CFSS and the involvement of the consultation services, is the lead agency now required to accept and authorize the plan from the consultation services provider, or will there still be the review by the lead agency?If a person receives only state plan CFSS services, the assessor will determine the person’s CFSS eligibility, and the consultation services provider will approve the CFSS individual service delivery plan. The assessor will enter the service authorization based on the plan approved by the consultation services provider. The assessor has no added responsibilities for reviewing the plan. The assessor should treat the CFSS individual service delivery plan like a PCA plan and enterit into MMIS based on what the consultation service provider approved.
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For people on a waiver, what will be the lines between items covered by Medicaid, items covered by CFSS and items covered by the waiver?In CFSS, goods must meet an assessed need, increase independence, decrease human assistance and be approved in the person’s CFSS individual service delivery plan. Equipment and supply items covered by Medicaid, Medicare or private insurance will not be covered by a waiver or AC as specialized equipment and supplies, nor will they be covered by CFSS. The specialized equipment and supplies option through the waivers and AC has a broader definition. We realize there could be some overlap between CFSS goods and specialized equipment and supplies option. We are having internal policy discussions with waiver policy staff to develop additional guidance.
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When a person is not fulfilling their employer duties, will there be criteria for switching them from the budget model to the agency model?We are in the process of developing guidelines and policy that provide direction to the lead agency (if applicable), FMS provider and consultation services provider when a person on the budget model is not fulfilling their employer duties.
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What is Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)?Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a program that helps people with disabilities or health issues live independently at home. It offers services like help with bathing, cooking, shopping, or managing medications.
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How will the CFSS assessment reflect service level for both agency and budget model? Does the assessment determine hours per day, like in PCA? If someone chooses the budget model, are they limited to that number of hours per day?The eligibility process will not change. The assessment will determine the person’s home care/CFSS rating and the units or hours per day for which they are eligible. In the CFSS agency model, the service authorization will be issued in units according to the person’s assessment. The service will be authorized in one annual line. There will be exceptions to authorizing services in one line such as, but not limited to, changing providers. In the CFSS budget model, the service authorization will be issued in dollars, which is the unit rate multiplied by the number of units for which the person is eligible. In both models, as in PCA now, the person can use units or the budget flexibly for services, and they are not limited to a specific number of hours per day.
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How are budgets calculated?The budget is calculated by multiplying the unit rate by the number of units for which the person is eligible. DHS intends to have a document that shows the budget amount associated with the home care ratings.
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Do workers need background checks if they provide services to a person using the budget model? Will there be a separate line item for those costs?Yes, all CFSS workers will need a background study. This includes workers for both the budget model and the agency model. DHS will provide more specific information about service agreement entry closer to the CFSS implementation date.
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Do people on the agency model only choose an FMS provider when a good is in their approved plan?If a person chooses the agency model and they have a good listed in their plan, they will use both a CFSS agency provider and an FMS provider. The agency will provide the direct care components, and the FMS provider will only support the purchase of the good.
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What if a person on a waiver needs extended CFSS?How is this need communicated to the consultation services provider?After a person on a waiver meets with their consultation services provider to develop their CFSS individual service delivery plan, the consultation services provider sends the plan to the case manager. At that time, the case manager and the person discuss what other support options the person needs. The case manager enters the service authorization with all CFSS information and all other waiver services, including extended CFSS. Page 9 of 10 Distributed January 2021 DHS does not expect the waiver case manager to communicate information about waiver services, including extended CFSS, to the consultation services provider. Like PCA, extended CFSS is not available in alternative care.
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Will nurse supervision (i.e., qualified professional supervision) still happen in CFSS, or does consultation servicestake its place?In PCA, a qualified professional (QP) supervises PCA workers. The qualifications for a QP are set in PCA statutes. It is only necessary for the QP to be a registered nurse (RN)when a person needs a worker to do health-related tasks that require RN supervision. In CFSS, the employer completes worker training and development tasks. The agency is the employer in the agency model, and the person is the employer in the budget model. In the agency model, the agency is required to have an appropriate, qualified employee to complete the required training and development tasks. This employee could be an RN. In the budget model, the person is responsible for the supervision and training of their workers related to all tasks including health-related tasks. The consultation services provider will ask the person to report what tasks they completed, and they will provide technical assistance when needed.
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When a person is enrolled in an MCO for seniors and using the agency model, will they have to work with a CFSS agency provider enrolled in that MCO?Yes, a person enrolled in an MCO for seniors will have to choose a CFSS agency that is contracted with their MCO.
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How will DHS notify families about these changes?When will the notification happen?Currently, there are two videos on the DHS CFSS page for people we serve that explain CFSS. We encourage lead agencies to share this information with people who currently receive PCA. We will create a communication plan with specific information about when families will get more information from DHS.
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Will staff preparation and training change,or will it remain similar to the current one?We are not sure what staff training this question references. Page 10 of 10 Distributed January 2021 For direct care workers, the PCA/CFSS training that we released in April 2020 fulfills training requirements for both PCA and CFSS. If this question is referring to lead agency training, CFSS policy staff will provide additional information about what lead agencies need to know for CFSS closer to the CFSS implementation date.
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Comparison of PCA and CFSSDHS is in the process of replacing PCA with CFSS. For more information about this transition, refer to CFSS Manual – Transition from PCA and CSG to CFSS. Similarities: In both PCA and CFSS: Workers must meet the same basic criteria and perform the same basic covered services. DHS cannot reimburse provider agencies or financial management services (FMS) providers for hours worked by an individual worker beyond 310 hours per month. This limit applies regardless of the number of people the individual worker supports and the number of agencies and/or FMS providers that bill for the worker’s time. During the transition year from PCA to CFSS, the limit applies to the sum of all hours worked in both PCA and CFSS. Providers must comply with all applicable labor laws. For more information, refer to DOLI – PCA/CFSS workers and employers. A person can serve as the worker for their spouse or minor child (effective Oct. 1, 2024). Differences In PCA: A person who receives PCA cannot serve as a worker for other people who receive PCA. A PCA worker cannot be younger than age 16. In CFSS: A person who receives CFSS can serve as a worker for other people who receive CFSS. A person who receives CFSS has a budget for worker training and development. There are restrictions on the number of hours a spouse or parent of a minor can provide. For more information, refer to CFSS Manual – Paying a spouse or parent of a minor for PCA/CFSS services. Additionally, there are different limitations in PCA and CFSS for workers who are younger than age 18.
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What is a a 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.
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What are the requirements for a PCA/CFSS workerA PCA/CFSS worker must meet the following requirements. Initial requirements: A person who wants to become a PCA/CFSS worker must: Pass the standardized certification test (refer to the certification training and test section on this page). Pass a background study initiated by the provider agency/FMS provider (refer to DHS – Background studies). Begin the enrollment process to become a PCA/CFSS worker. Ongoing requirements A person employed as a PCA/CFSS worker must: Complete training and orientation on the needs of the person receiving services. Communicate effectively with the person and the provider agency/FMS provider. Provide covered services according to the person’s individual service delivery plan and as directed by the person and/or their RP/representative. Respond appropriately to the person’s needs. Receive feedback from the person, RP/representative and provider agency, if applicable. Document the services they provide and the times they provide those services. Be supervised by the qualified professional (QP) (PCA) or provider agency staff with the appropriate background (CFSS agency model). Report changes in the person’s condition to the QP (PCA) or the provider agency (CFSS agency model). Additional requirements for PCA workers age 16-17 A PCA worker who is age 16-17 must meet the following additional requirements: Be employed by only one PCA provider agency responsible for compliance with current labor laws. Be monitored by a QP every 60 days. Additional requirements for CFSS workers younger than age 18 A CFSS worker who is younger than age 18 must meet the following additional requirements: Have an employer who is responsible for compliance with current labor laws. Have all worker evaluations conducted in person and at the location the person receives CFSS services.
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What are the Certification Training and Test requirementsThe PCA/CFSS worker standardized training is available to anyone who wants to become a PCA/CFSS worker. The training is free and available any time. After taking the online training, the potential worker must pass a certification test with a score of 80% or higher. They can review the training materials as often as necessary to prepare for the test. To take the training and test, refer to DHS – Individual PCA and CFSS training overview. The course is available in English, Hmong and Somali. If a worker took the test after April 15, 2020, their certificate meets the training requirement for both PCA and CFSS workers. New certificates clearly state that they apply to both PCA and CFSS. Current PCA workers with a certificate dated before April 15, 2020, must obtain a new certificate before they provide CFSS services. Documentation After the worker successfully completes the test, the system will send a copy of the certificate to the email address the worker used to register for the test. The worker must keep a copy of the certificate. They can use it as many times as needed for employment with one or more PCA/CFSS provider agencies. If the worker cannot locate a copy of their certificate, they should: 1.Search their email for a message from dhs.dsd.learn@state.mn.us with a link to their certificate. 2. Use the certificate lookup option at the bottom of the PCA/CFSS training registration page. 3. Request a copy of their PCA/CFSS certificate at by submitting PCA/CFSS Certificate Form – Request a Copy.
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What relationships disqualify a worker from providing PCA or CFSS services, and are there any exceptions?A worker cannot provide PCA (Personal Care Assistance) or CFSS (Consumer-Directed Community Supports) services to a person if they have any of the following relationships to that person: RP (PCA). Representative (CFSS). Paid legal guardian. Licensed foster care provider, unless the person and the worker live in the same home. Additionally, a person cannot be a PCA worker if they themselves receive PCA services. However, a person can be a CFSS worker even if they receive either PCA or CFSS services.
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How many hours worked by a PCA/CFSS worker are eligible for Medical Assistance payments, and does this depend on the number of people supported or provider agencies the worker is affiliated with?Only the first 310 hours worked by a PCA/CFSS worker are eligible for Medical Assistance payments to a provider agency or FMS provider. This limit applies regardless of the number of people the worker supports or the number of provider agencies/FMS providers with which the worker is affiliated.
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