I have been waiting for these new rules on non-residential settings emphasizing
community integration since the initial CMS Rules on Home and Community
Based Residential Settings were issued last January.

These new federal rules will have a significant impact on the way we deliver
services and supports here in Illinois.

The purpose of these final regulations is to maximize the opportunities for
participants receiving Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) to
receive services in integrated settings and realize the benefits of community living,
including opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive integrated
settings. The HCB settings requirements apply to both residential and
non-residential settings for individuals who are receiving Medicaid funding for
HCBS.

We have invited Marty Ford, The Arc’s Public Policy Director, to lead a panel
discussion on these new CMS Rules at The Arc’s Leadership Conference at the
Lisle Hilton, Feb. 5-6, 2015.

The state will also be holding hearings in January and February on the state’s
transition plan to come into compliance with these new rules that promote
person-centered planning, consumer directed supports and integrated community
services.

Materials below.

Tony

Final Elements of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Toolkit for
Non-residential Settings Regulation Requirements

Monday, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is released the
final elements of the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) toolkit to
assist states in complying with the home and community-based non-residential
settings regulation requirements.

The two elements of the toolkit released today include “Exploratory Questions to
Assist States in Assessment of Non-Residential Home and Community-Based
Service (HCBS)/Settings” and the ”HCBS Final Regulations 42 CRF Part 441:
Questions and Answers Regarding Home and Community-Based Settings”.

For more information or to access the entire toolkit, please visit:
http://www.medicaid.gov/Medicaid-CHIP-Program-Information/By-Topics/Long-
Term-Services-and-Supports/Home-and-Community-Based-Services/Home-and-
Community-Based-Services.html


Tony Paulauski
Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org