7406.1 The Department will deploy an HSS enrollment process for individuals determined eligible for the PSH program through the CAHP system after the implementation of the HSS benefit.

7406.2 This HSS benefit enrollment process for individuals shall follow the process described at § 7406.3 through § 7406.15.

7406.3 The individual shall first undergo homeless services screening, which is the process to determine eligibility for the PSH program through the CAHP system. The process begins with a homeless services provider, as defined at § 2(30) of the Act, or the Department, engaging individuals who are either experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

7406.4 After the individual is determined eligible for PSH program, through the CAHP system, the Department shall complete a face-to-face assessment using a standardized screening tool to evaluate whether the individual meets the HSS eligibility criteria described at § 7401.

7406.5 The Department will conduct face-to-face assessments in a range of settings, including locations where people who are experiencing homelessness are staying or accessing services, or they may conduct assessments using telehealth (e.g., telephone or video meeting) to ensure this process can be completed as safely and quickly as possible, and to minimize disruption for the individual.

7406.6 The screening tool used to inform an HSS eligibility determination shall consider an individual's evidence of needs related to HCBS aimed to assist with achieving and maintaining housing, with questions in certain domains, including:

(a) Housing and homelessness, including duration of current or recent episodes of homelessness;

(b) Risks, including recent utilization of hospital emergency department or inpatient care, crisis services, self-harm or exposure to violence, or risks of exploitation;

(c) Socialization and daily functioning, including the need for money management or assistance with self-care, lack of meaningful daily activities, and unhealthy or abusive relationships that are a factor resulting in homelessness; and

1. (d) Health and wellness, including chronic health conditions, physical disabilities that limit access to housing or ability to live independently, problematic drinking or drug use, mental health disorders or cognitive impairments, and co-occurring health, mental health and substance use disorders.7406.7 In addition to conducting the assessment, the Department may also meet with the individual's current service provider(s), or other persons who have been identified by the individual and may review existing records or information records to draw valid conclusions about their support needs.7406.8 The Department and the individual, in consultation with others chosen by the individual, will develop a person-centered service plan that reflects their needs, preferences, and strengths. This plan may be updated or revised by the individual and their HSS provider, as needed.7406.9 At least annually, the Department will meet with the HSS individual to conduct an assessment and update their person-centered service plan.7406.10 After a person-centered service plan has been developed for the individual, the Department will provide a list of available Department-certified HSS providers to the individual and assist the individual in selecting an HSS provider.7406.11 Information offered for each HSS provider shall include:- (a) Name, location, and contact information for the HSS provider;
2. (b) Length of time that the entity has been certified as an HSS provider; and
3. (c) Information regarding the HHS provider's capacity to address client support needs, including services available in other languages, accommodations, or expertise in addressing specific types of disabilities or needs, and information about other relevant services and supports that may be offered by the HSS provider or its community partners.7406.12 An individual may request to change their HSS provider during their annual re-evaluation, verbally or in writing, to Department staff completing the annual re-evaluation.7406.13 When an individual asks to change their HSS provider mid-year, the Department will review the request and documentation regarding the individual's needs and preferences and attempt to mediate.7406.14 If the individual would still like to change their HSS provider after consultation

with the Department, the Department will assist the individual with selecting a new HSS provider, notify the individual's current and newly selected HSS providers of the individual's request, and notate who the new HSS provider will be and when the re-assignment to the new HSS provider will be effective in the Department's case note system. The Department will also host a case conference between the existing and new HSS providers to review the individual's transition plan.

7406.15 After the individual selects their HSS provider, the Department will formally assign the selected HSS provider to the individual by updating the individual's profile in the Department's case note system. This pairing shall prompt the HSS provider to begin efforts to engage the individual and begin the provision of HSS.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 71 DCR 006868 (June 7, 2024).