State Policy/Initiative

Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs Home and Community Based Settings Final Rule

“On January 16, 2014, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule for Home and Community-Based Settings (HCBS). The CMS HCBS rule became effective on March 17, 2014, and applies to the settings in which ODP waiver services are provided. Per CMS guidelines, all states must be compliant with the regulations by March 2022.

The purpose of the CMS HCBS rule is to make sure individuals receive services in settings that are integrated into the community and individuals receiving services have access to community resources equal to that of those who do not receive services. Individuals receiving services should be able to:

  • Have opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive and integrated settings.
  • Engage in community life.
  • Control personal resources.
  • Obtain services in the community.”