Aging: policies and procedures

Policy and procedures for emergencies, reporting, investigating and the release of data. Listed you will find statutes and manuals.

The Alternative Care (AC) program provides home-and community-based services to people aged 65 and older who need nursing home level of care but choose to live in the community. The Alternative Care program provides many of the same services as the Elderly Waiver program. Alternative Care is for people with low income and assets who are not eligible for Medical Assistance.

See the Community Based Service Manual - Alternative Care page for more information.

More details are in the brochure Seniors can get help paying for services to stay in their homes (PDF)

The Elderly Waiver is a joint federal and state program that funds home and community based services for people aged 65 and older who require the level of care provided in a nursing home and choose to live in the community.

See the Community Based Service Manual - Elderly Waiver page for more program information.

Helpful consumer information is in the following brochures:

• Seniors can get help paying for services to stay in their homes (PDF)
• Elderly Waiver services in assisted living: What you need to know (PDF)

Customized Living, Foster Care, Residential Care Services and resources

Essential Community Supports is a program of community-based services for people who do not meet the nursing facility level of care (NF LOC) criteria.

Please see the Community Based Service Manual - Essential Community Supports page for more information.

Helpful consumer information is in the brochure Essential Community Supports (PDF) and in Seniors can get help paying for services to stay in their homes (PDF).

DHS created the person-centered, informed choice and transition protocol to guide counties, tribal organizations and managed care organizations to implement person-centered practices. The protocol explains legal and practical expectations for agencies that provide support planning for people who receive long-term supports and services.

With the implementation of Minnesota law, Chapter 245D in January of 2014, and the Positive supports rule Minnesota Rule 9544 in August 2015, all providers must use positive supports in place of restrictive interventions. The law prohibits the use of punitive practices and procedures, such as seclusion and restraint. Legislation allows for the 11-month transition period, if needed, to end prohibited practice.

• Adult Protection Manual DHS-6917 (PDF)
• Adult Protection Structured Decision Making and Standardized Tools Guidelines and Procedures Manual DHS-6762A (PDF)

• Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) Consumer Handbook DHS-4317 (PDF)
• Consumer Directed Community Services (CDCS) Lead Agency Operations Manual DHS-4270 (PDF)

• Community-Based Services Manual
• Moving Home Minnesota Program Manual
• Personal Care Assistance (PCS) Program Manual
• Rate Management System User Manual

• Long Term Care Consultation Services (LTCC): Instructions for Completing and Entering the LTCC Screening Document and Service Agreement into MMIS DHS-4625 (PDF)
• Long Term Care Consultation Services (LTCC): Instructions for Completing and Entering the LTCC Screening Document into MMIS for the MSHO, MSC and MSC+ Programs Manual DHS-4669 (PDF)

• Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) provider manual

Minnesota statute for the Alternative Care program 256B.0913

Minnesota statute on the Elderly Waiver, Ch. 256S

Minnesota statute on Essential Community Supports, 256B.0922

Minnesota statutes on Long Term Care Consultation Services, 256B.0911

Minnesota law on Home and Community-Based Services standards, Chapter 245D

• Technical assistance is available from your local Area Agency on Aging's ElderCare Development Partnership year round
• DHS has program staff that can provide general information about existing programs and funding streams

MnCHOICES integrates assessment and support planning for Minnesotans who need long-term services and supports.

A federal HCBS rule requires assurances that people have information and experiences with which to make informed decisions. Find out more about Minnesota’s transition plan for home and community-based settings