In October 2024, the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) started the transition from the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program to Community First Services and Supports (CFSS).
While PCA did not require a state license, all provider agencies must now be licensed as a CFSS provider and file a CFSS agency surety bond. This ensures that agencies meet state safety and quality standards.
This transition is not automatic and requires compliance with new DHS requirements to continue operating.
Continue reading to learn how these changes impact you as a provider agency and how to file a new surety bond.
Who Do These Changes Affect?
All existing PCA provider agencies must implement the new CFSS requirements and obtain a license. A provider agency is an organization that delivers personal care or support services directly to participants, such as home healthcare.
New agencies can apply to the CFSS program directly and begin immediately complying with the new standards.
Lead agencies, such as counties or tribal entities, do not need a CFSS license since they don’t provide direct care.
Why These Changes Were Introduced
The purpose of the new CFSS program is to give participants more control over how they use its services.
Under the Affordable Care Act, the state has more flexibility in delivering Medicaid-funded services. This allows DHS to create a more individualized program.
What Is the New Surety Bond Requirement?
Before October 2024, all PCA program participants needed a Minnesota Health Care Programs Agency Bond or PCA Agency Bond. Now, this bond requirement is called the Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) Agency Bond.
Existing personal and home healthcare agencies must file a new CFSS agency bond form at renewal to ensure a smooth transition to the new program.
You cannot meet this requirement by renewing your current PCA bond or requesting a bond rider.
The required bond coverage remains the same: $50,000, or $100,000 if you receive over $300,000 in annual Medicaid payments.
Where Can I Buy My Bond?
All agencies must purchase their bonds from an authorized surety company. SuretyBonds.com works with the top surety providers in Minnesota to offer the best bond rates and an easy application process.
Apply for your free CFSS bond quote online, with rates starting at just 1.5% of the bond amount. We offer overnight shipping if needed.
What Are the New Licensing Requirements?
If you’re an existing PCA provider agency, you must comply with both PCA and CFSS requirements as long as your participants still receive PCA services.
To start the transition process, follow these steps:
- Purchase a Bond: Purchase a new CFSS surety bond
- Apply: Complete the CFSS enrollment application, following the instructions in the MHCP Provider Manual
- Complete Training: Undergo an online training course that covers the differences between the PCA and CFSS programs (required for all owners, managers, and Qualified Professionals)
- Pass a Test: Pass a certification test to validate your knowledge of the CFSS program
- Certify Workers: Ensure all workers have a PCA/CFSS training certificate on file with DHS*
- Transfer Services: Administer a transfer of services for all participants who choose the CFSS budget model
- Update PTO: Comply with the new employee paid time off requirements (if applicable)
*Note: PCA workers who completed the test after April 15, 2020, don’t need to meet this requirement.
New agencies must complete the enrollment application and undergo CFSS training. Application processing time is typically 30 days.
Next Steps
Be sure to comply with the new bond requirement by the date of renewal to avoid penalties and delays.
For more information, refer to the DHS Transition Guide or call 1 (800) 308-4358 to speak with one of our surety experts.