Technical Assistance for Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR)

CMS contracts with New Editions to provide technical assistance and program management support to three programs: Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) technical assistance (TA), HCB Settings rule implementation, and Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR). For HCBS TA, New Editions provides technical assistance to state agencies on HCBS mechanisms, program design, service delivery systems, and self-direction services. New Editions specifically provides assistance to states seeking to develop or improve HCBS under a variety of channels: Sections 1915(c) and 1115 waivers and Sections 1915(i), 1915(j), or 1915(k) State Plan Amendments. For the HCB Settings rule, New Editions assists CMS in the national implementation of regulations, particularly in regards to ensuring that beneficiaries receiving HCBS live and work in settings that are home and community-based and are integrated into the community. In March 2014, CMS published regulations to improve Medicaid HCBS by providing increased guidance on person-centered planning and by clarifying what protections must be in place when restrictions are imposed on individual rights. Under this contract, New Editions develops and implements tools, protocols, and guidance materials to assist CMS and the states in the consistent and accurate implementation of these requirements. For PASRR, New Editions provides technical assistance, training, and program management support to aid states in meeting the PASRR requirements. Specifically, New Editions:

• Coordinates and conducts education and training activities. This includes developing education and training materials, tools and processes; hosting webinars; and conducting on-site and remote trainings.
• Assesses state compliance with HCBS statutes and regulations. New Editions performs document reviews using approved protocols to ensure that states' transition plans and activities comport with these regulations.
• Maintains the tracking tools, an online database used by New Editions, CMS, and state staff to maintain current information on states’ progress toward compliance.
• Compiles and analyzes data and makes recommendations for future policy. This involves distinguishing trends; tracking national status; and identifying potential long-term solutions to assist states in maintaining compliance with regulations.
• Provides technical assistance to help states determining which HCBS authority is most appropriate and to design integrated HCBS programs that include:
  • Community supports for people with disabilities;
  • Supported employment;
  • Individual budgeting;
  • Person-centered systems;
  • Establishment of a fair and equitable level of need assessment;
  • Positive behavioral supports;
  • Development of structures to create community integration;
    Self-directed services; and
  • Individual budget development strategies and fiscal management services.
• Conducting small group discussions to aid states in understanding guidance and implementing compliant policies, processes, and services.
• Providing one-on-one TA coaching to states as needed.