Consumer Directed Services (CDS)

What is CDS?

This document was developed under grant CFDA 93.791 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

Consumer Directed Services allows people who receive services from Texas Health and Human Services Commission to hire and manage the people who provide their services.

The program is the result of Senate Bill 1586, 76th Texas Legislature, which allows a voucher payment option that empowers people to make personal decisions related to the delivery of personal assistance and respite services within their current home and community-based program.

Provider Communications

Click here for news, information letters (ILs) & provider letters (PLs).

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Services That Can Be Self-Directed
Program NameType of Service
Community Living Assistance and Support ServicesTransportation-habilitation services, respite services, nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, cognitive rehabilitation therapy, Community First Choice personal assistance services/habilitation, employment assistance, supported employment and support consultation
Consumer Managed Personal Attendant ServicesPersonal assistance services
Deaf-Blind with Multiple DisabilitiesTransportation-residential habilitation (less than 24 hours), intervener, respite services, CFC personal assistance services/habilitation, supported employment, employment assistance and support consultation
Home and Community-based ServicesTransportation-supported home living, respite services, nursing services, cognitive rehabilitation therapy, CFC personal assistance services/habilitation, supported employment, employment assistance and support consultation
Primary Home Care, Family Care, Community Attendant ServicesPersonal assistance services
Texas Home LivingDay habilitation, respite services, adaptive aids, audiology services, behavioral support, transportation-community support, dental treatment, dietary services, minor home modifications, nursing services, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language therapy, CFC personal assistance services/habilitation, supported employment, employment assistance and support consultation
STAR Health MDCPRespite, flexible family support, employment assistance and supported employment, and adaptive aids and minor home modifications.
STAR KidsPersonal care services and CFC personal assistance services/habilitation
STAR Kids MDCPRespite services and flexible family support services delivered by an attendant or a nurse, employment assistance, supported employment and support consultation, and adaptive aids and minor home modifications.
STAR+PLUSPersonal care services and CFC personal assistance services/habilitation
STAR+PLUS HCBSPersonal assistance services, respite services, nursing services, physical therapy, occupational therapy, cognitive rehabilitation therapy, speech-language therapy, supported employment, employment assistance and support consultation

Communications

Information & Provider Letters

Case-sensitive. Use commas to separate multiple entries.
Note: These files are in PDF format unless otherwise noted.
Number Title/Notes Date Published
IL 2020-48 Cost/Accountability Report and 2021 Accountability Report Training Information
IL 2020-47 Clarification of Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Requirements

Note: Revised November 18, 2020

IL 2020-33 Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Guidance for FMSAs and Notice for Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Employers, Effective June 26, 2020
IL 2020-28 Consumer Directed Services Attendant Workforce Survey
IL 2020-24 Preparing for the Upcoming Fiscal year 2020 Fee-for-Service Claims Billing Closeout
IL 2020-22 Information for FMSAs and Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Employers on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
IL 2020-17 Requirement to Complete DIR-Certified Cybersecurity Training Program -- Due April 30, 2020
IL 2015-83 Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation (ANE) Investigation Procedures for the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) Option in the Primary Home Care (PHC) and Medically Dependent Children Programs (MDCP)
IL 2015-75 Reimbursement for Pre-Enrollment Assessment Activities in Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Program
IL 2015-52 Providing Transportation in the Home and Community-based Services and Texas Home Living Waiver Programs

Note: Updates IL 15-28 & IL 15-29