For Providers

DDS summarizes the federal HCBS requirements into 10 core standards. The first five apply to all HCBS settings. Additional requirements apply to provider-owned or controlled residential settings.

All HCBS settings must:

  1. Support full access to the community
    Individuals must have opportunities to work, participate in community life, control personal resources, and access services in the community to the same degree as people who do not receive HCBS services.
  2. Offer choice of setting
    Individuals must be able to choose where they receive services from available options, including non-disability-specific settings when appropriate.
  3. Protect privacy, dignity, and respect
    Services must protect each person’s rights and be free from coercion, restraint, or unnecessary restrictions.
  4. Support independence and autonomy
    Individuals must be supported to make decisions about daily activities, personal routines, relationships, and their physical environment.
  5. Allow choice of services and providers
    Individuals must have choice regarding the services and supports they receive, and who provides them.

Provider-owned or controlled residential settings must also:

  1. Provide tenant-like rights and protections
    Individuals must have a legally enforceable agreement or similar protection that supports housing stability and due process.
  2. Protect privacy in sleeping and living areas
    Individuals must have privacy in their rooms, lockable doors when appropriate, choice of roommates when sharing a room, and the ability to decorate their personal space.
  3. Support control of schedules, activities, and food access
    Individuals must have freedom and support to control their daily schedules and activities, including access to food at any time.
  4. Allow visitors of choice at any time
    Individuals must be able to have visitors of their choosing.
  5. Ensure physical accessibility
    The setting must be physically accessible to the individual.

Modifications:

Any modification to certain residential requirements must be based on a specific assessed need and documented in the person-centered service plan, including informed consent, less restrictive alternatives attempted, data review, time limits, and assurance that the modification will not cause harm.