News and events

• Public comment period on proposed CFSS 1915(b)(4) Waiver

  DHS announces a public comment period on the proposed Community First Services and Supports, 1915(b)(4) Waiver. If federally approved, the 1915 (b)(4) waiver would allow DHS  to selectively contract for two types of service providers to support individuals in the new Community First Services and Supports program (CFSS).

  DHS is accepting comments from 8 a.m. Monday, July 7 through 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug.  13, 2014.  Email comments in response to this waiver to DSD.PublicComments@state.mn.us no later than 4 p.m., CT, Wednesday Aug. 13, 2014. 

  View the official announcement in the Minnesota State Register, Monday July 7, 2014, page 7 (PDF). View the draft of the proposed CFSS waiver language (PDF).

  There was an issue with the link to the draft language not posting in the Register. DHS is republishing the notice in the July 14 issue of the State Register and extending the date that comments are due to Aug. 13, 2014.
  

• Public comment period on draft Employment First Policy

  Minnesota's Olmstead Plan directs the state to adopt an Employment First Policy and use the policy and principles in the future design and delivery of services. This is the responsibility of the MN Olmstead sub-cabinet.

  As a first step, the Minnesota Employment Learning Community is asked to discuss strategies that adopt Employment First principles, informed choice and support of job seekers who choose work.

  The Minnesota Learning Community, sponsored by the Minnesota departments of Human Services; Employment and Economic Development and Education, is seeking public comment on a DRAFT Employment First Policy (PDF) for the sub-cabinet to consider. This policy is:

  • Based on feedback from the Minnesota Olmstead listening sessions, the Minnesota Employment Policy Initiative and the Minnesota Employment First Summits and
  • Designed to include people with all types of disabilities.

  Please note DHS has extended the timeline to submit comments. DHS is receiving comments from 8 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2014, through 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2014. Submit comments on the draft to DSD.PublicComments@state.mn.us no later than 4 p.m. CDT, Thursday, July 31, 2014. View a copy of the draft on the ELC Web page.

• RFP available for CFSS implementation assistance for consultation services

  The Minnesota Department of Human Services is seeking proposals to help implement consultation services to support people in a new self-directed service option called Community First Services and Supports. CFSS will replace the personal care assistance service and the Consumer Support Grant program. Information on specific objectives, tasks and deliverables is available in the RFP. Work is proposed to begin Oct. 1, 2014.

  DHS must receive proposals submitted in response to this request no later than 4 p.m. Central Time on Monday, Aug. 4, 2014. DHS will not consider late proposals or proposals submitted through fax or email.

  To view the announcement, vendors should go the Dept. of Administration’s Professional /Technical Service Contracting Opportunities Web page. The reference number is PT1933. This solicitation posted on 6/19/2014 8:20:01 AM.

  This RFP is being conducted in the SWIFT system. You need to register as a vendor with the State of Minnesota to see the RFP and respond. Your official response must be in SWIFT.

  Please email any questions specific to this proposal to Jennifer.M.Strei@state.mn.us.

   

• Public comment period available for new direct and indirect support policy

  DHS seeks a 30-day public comment period on the new direct and indirect support policy section for home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs. Review the new language on the DRAFT of the BI, CAC, CADI and DD waiver general process and procedures page.

  Submit comments to DSD.PublicComments@state.mn.us no later than 4 p.m. Central Time, Friday Aug. 1, 2014. After the public comment period, DHS will make appropriate changes to policy and post in the Community Based Services Manual (CBSM).