Home and Community Based Services Settings Final Rule
In 2014, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published a rule requiring home- and community-based services (HCBS) to be provided in settings that meet certain criteria. The criteria ensure that HCBS participants have access to the benefits of community living and live and receive services in integrated, non-institutional settings. The Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) has fully implemented this rule.
CMS Guidance
- CMS HCBS Settings Final Rule
- CMS HCBS Settings Requirements Compliance Toolkit
- CMS HCBS Settings Training Series
HCPF Guidance, Forms, and Tools
HCBS Settings Final Rule - 10 CCR 2505-10 section 8.7001- subsections A and B
Operational Memo 25-041 - HCBS Settings Final Rule - Updated Informed Consent Template for Rights Modification - June 24, 2025
- Informed Consent for Rights Modification Template - June 2025
- Spanish Version - June 2025
- Spanish Version - June 2025
Operational Memo 24-062 - Protected Rights and Rights Modifications in the Home and Community-Based Services Program - December 17, 2024
Operational Memo 22-052 - HCBS Settings Final Rule — Rights Modification Reminders And Training For Case Managers - Nov. 8, 2022
Community Integration Tips - September 2, 2022
Informational Memo 22-028 - HCBS Settings Final Rule - Videos for Members - August 24, 2022
Operational Memo 21-066 - HCBS Settings Final Rule - Use of Updated Documents - September 24, 2021
Responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Part V: MythBusters - July 2022
- Part IV: Employment-Related Services - April 2019
- Part III: Leases and Residential Agreements - November 2018
- Part II: Follow-Up on General Questions - June 2018
- Part I: General Questions - January 2018
Training and Educational Resources
For Providers and Direct Care Workers (DCWs)
- HCBS Settings Rule Module 1 - July 2025
- This module introduces the HCBS Settings Rule, explains the rights protected by the rule, identifies where the rule applies, and details the role of providers and DCWs in upholding the rule.
- To get credit for this mandatory training: (HCPF will issue guidance when the trainings are available in each LMS)
- Providers must access this training through the COTrain Learning Management System (LMS)
- Direct Care Workers must access trainings through the Direct Care Careers LMS
- HCBS Settings Rule Module 2 - Rights Modification - July 2025
- This module defines rights modifications, identifies criteria that must be documented, explains the process and timelines, and discusses dignity of risk.
- To get credit for this mandatory training: (HCPF will issue guidance when the trainings are available in each LMS)
- Providers must access this training through the COTrain Learning Management System (LMS)
- Direct Care Workers must access trainings through the Direct Care Careers LMS
For Case Managers
- HCBS Settings Final Rule - Part 1 - September 2024
- This module introduces the HCBS Settings Rule, explains the rights protected by the rule, identifies where the rule applies, and details the role of case managers in upholding the rule.
- To get credit for this mandatory training case managers must access this training in the COLearn LMS
- HCBS Settings Final Rule - Part 2 Rights Modification - September 2024
- This module defines rights modifications, identifies criteria that must be documented, explains the process and timelines, and discusses dignity of risk.
- To get credit for this mandatory training case managers must access this training in the COLearn LMS
- Protected Rights, Rights Modifications, and the Ongoing Monitoring Guide - December 2024
For Members, Families, and Guardians
These trainings are optional
- Individual Rights & Rights Modification - Members - June 2021
- Individual Rights & Rights Modification - Families & Guardians - June 2021
Animated Videos and Resource Sheets for Members - August 2022
- Part I: My Rights video
- Part II: Rights Modifications video
- Part I: My Rights video (Spanish)
- Part II: Rights Modifications video (Spanish)
Ways To Engage With Us
- HCPF Memo Series - view HCPF memos regarding the HCBS Settings Final Rule and other topics
- Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Programs Page - connect to a variety of resources for all of our LTSS Programs and Projects
- Office of Community Living (OCL) LTSS Digest Newsletter sign-up
- Get timely updates about the HCBS Settings Final Rule and other topics, including notices of Memo Series issuances, upcoming trainings and meetings, and other information
- When signing up, select the Office of Community Living Stakeholders list
- OCL LTSS Digest Newsletter Archive
- OCL Stakeholder Engagement Page - view a calendar of upcoming events and meetings, and other resources
Correspondence Between HCPF and CMS
- Statewide Transition Plan Quarterly Update to CMS - Quarter ending June 30, 2025
- Statewide Transition Plan Quarterly Update to CMS - Quarter ending March 31, 2025
- Statewide Transition Plan Quarterly Update to CMS - Quarter ending December 31, 2024
- Colorado Responses to CMS Heightened Scrutiny Summary of Findings - December 2024
- Statewide Transition Plan Quarterly Update to CMS - Quarter ending September 30, 2024
- Statewide Transition Plan Quarterly Update to CMS - Quarter ending June 30, 2024
- Youth Day Settings Corrective Action Plan - July 1, 2024
- CMS Heightened Scrutiny Summary of Findings - April 2024
- Statewide Transition Plan Quarterly Update to CMS - Quarter ending March 31, 2024
- Approved Corrective Action Plan (CAP) - March 14, 2023
Contact Us
To ask a question about the HCBS Settings Final Rule or report a concern about possible noncompliance, you may:
- Email HCPF_HCBS_Questions@state.co.us; or
- Discuss the issue with your case manager; or
- File a complaint with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) if you think staff are violating your rights.
To request a copy of materials that are no longer available on this page, provide feedback, or pursue other matters, please email us at
HCPF_HCBS_Questions@state.co.us