The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) initiated the Lead Agency Review of Home and Community Based Service (HCBS) programs in 2006 and has, to date, completed three full rounds of reviews for each lead agency that administers HCBS waiver programs. The six HCBS programs examined during the review are:
This evaluation process uses a comprehensive, mixed-method approach to review data, much of which is gathered during a multiday site visit. These methods are intended to provide a full picture of compliance, context and practices within each lead agency, and further explain how individuals benefit from the HCBS programs. Once the final analysis is complete, a customized report is prepared for each lead agency. The data collection methods are intended to glean supporting information, so that when strengths, recommendations or corrective actions are issued, they are supported by multiple sources.
The fourth round of reviews will take place from 2019 to 2023. Many aspects of this review process will remain the same, including: a review of participant case files, interviews and meetings with agency leadership, focus groups with lead agency case managers and assessors, and a survey taken by lead agency staff working with HCBS programs.
Enhancements to the review process for round four include an increased focus on each lead agency’s:
The overarching goal of the HCBS Lead Agency Review is to determine how HCBS programs are operating and meeting the needs of the people they serve. This evaluation process helps DHS assure compliance by counties and tribes in the administration of HCBS programs, share performance on key measures and outcomes, identify best practices to promote collaboration between lead agencies, and obtain feedback about DHS resources to prompt state improvements.
The HCBS Lead Agency Review supports the missions of the DHS administrations of Continuing Care for Older Adults (CCOA) and Community Supports (CSA). It also helps to ensure that long term care services and supports continue to improve the quality of life of Minnesotans and are sustainable over time.
The Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Lead Agency Review uses several methods and sources to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of Home and Community Based Service programs in each lead agency. This mixed method approach helps to provide a full picture of compliance, context and practices within each lead agency, and further explain how individuals benefit from the HCBS programs. Although each data source provides unique information, when fully complied, the data collection methods provide supporting information. When strengths, recommendations or corrective actions are issued, they are supported by multiple sources of data.