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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

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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

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 22-020 - Implementation of the HCBS Settings Final Rule within the Children’s Habilitation Residential Program (CHRP) - May 9, 2022

Operational Memo 21-066 -  HCBS Settings Final Rule - Use of Updated Documents - September 24, 2021
 

Responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


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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

For Members, Families, and Guardians

These trainings are optional


Animated Videos and Resource Sheets for Members - August 2022

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Ways To Engage With Us

 

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Correspondence Between HCPF and CMS

 

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Contact Us

To ask a question about the HCBS Settings Final Rule or report a concern about possible noncompliance, you may:

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 

 

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