Texas Administrative Code
Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
Chapter 259 - COMMUNITY LIVING ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES (CLASS) PROGRAM AND COMMUNITY FIRST CHOICE (CFC) SERVICES
Subchapter A - DEFINITIONS, DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES, AND EXCLUDED SERVICES
Section 259.5 - Definitions
Current through Reg. 49, No. 38; September 20, 2024
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) Abuse--
(2) Actively involved--Significant, ongoing, and supportive involvement with an individual by a person, as determined by the individual, based on the person's:
(3) Adaptive aids--A Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Program service that:
(4) Adaptive behavior--The effectiveness with or degree to which an individual meets the standards of personal independence and social responsibility expected of the individual's age and cultural group as assessed by an adaptive behavior screening assessment.
(5) Adaptive behavior level--The categorization of an individual's functioning level based on a standardized measure of adaptive behavior. There are four adaptive behavior levels ranging from mild limitations in adaptive skills (I) through profound limitations in adaptive skills (IV).
(6) Adaptive behavior screening assessment--A standardized assessment used to determine an individual's adaptive behavior level, and conducted using the current version of one of the following assessment instruments:
(7) ADLs--Activities of daily living. Basic personal everyday activities, including tasks such as eating, toileting, grooming, dressing, bathing, and transferring.
(8) Agency foster home--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Human Resources Code § 42.002.
(9) Alarm call--A signal transmitted from an individual's Community First Choice emergency response services (CFC ERS) equipment to the CFC ERS response center indicating that the individual needs immediate assistance.
(10) ALF--Assisted living facility. A facility licensed in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), Chapter 247, Assisted Living Facilities.
(11) Alleged perpetrator--A person alleged to have committed an act of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an individual.
(12) Aquatic therapy--A specialized therapy that involves a low-risk exercise method performed in water to improve an individual's range of motion, flexibility, muscular strengthening and toning, cardiovascular endurance, fitness, and mobility.
(13) Audio-only--An interactive, two-way audio communication platform that only uses sound.
(14) Auditory integration training/auditory enhancement training--A CLASS Program service that provides specialized training to assist an individual to cope with hearing dysfunction or over-sensitivity to certain frequency ranges of sound by facilitating auditory processing skills and exercising the middle ear and auditory nervous system.
(15) Auxiliary aid--A service or device that enables an individual with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills to participate in the person-centered planning process. An auxiliary aid includes interpreter services, transcription services, and a text telephone.
(16) Behavior support plan--A comprehensive, individualized written plan based on a current functional behavior assessment that includes specific outcomes and behavioral techniques designed to teach or increase adaptive skills and decrease or eliminate target behaviors.
(17) Behavioral support--A CLASS Program service that provides specialized interventions to assist an individual in increasing adaptive behaviors and replacing or modifying behaviors that prevent or interfere with the individual's inclusion in the community and which consist of the following activities:
(18) Business day--Any day except a Saturday, a Sunday, or a national or state holiday listed in Texas Government Code § 662.003(a) or (b).
(19) Calendar day--Any day, including weekends and holidays.
(20) Case management--A CLASS Program service that assists an individual in the following:
(21) Case manager--A service provider of case management.
(22) Catchment area--As determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), a geographic area composed of multiple Texas counties.
(23) CDS option--Consumer directed services option. A service delivery option defined in 40 TAC § 41.103(relating to Definitions).
(24) CFC--Community First Choice.
(25) CFC ERS--CFC emergency response services. A CFC service that provides backup systems and supports used to ensure continuity of services and supports. CFC ERS includes electronic devices and an array of available technology, personal emergency response systems, and other mobile communication devices.
(26) CFC ERS provider--The entity directly providing CFC ERS to an individual, which may be the DSA or a contractor of the DSA.
(27) CFC FMS--CFC financial management services. A CFC service provided to an individual who receives only CFC PAS/HAB through the CDS option.
(28) CFC PAS/HAB--CFC personal assistance services/habilitation. A CFC service:
(29) CFC support consultation--A CFC service that provides support consultation to an individual who receives only CFC PAS/HAB through the CDS option.
(30) CFC support management--A CFC service that provides training on how to select, manage, and dismiss an unlicensed service provider of CFC PAS/HAB.
(31) CFR--Code of Federal Regulations.
(32) CFS--Continued family services. A CLASS Program service described in Subchapter E of this chapter (relating to Support Family Services and Continued Family Services).
(33) CLASS Program--The Community Living Assistance and Support Services Program.
(34) CMA--Case management agency. A program provider that has a contract with HHSC to provide case management.
(35) CMS--The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS is the agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services that administers Medicare and Medicaid programs.
(36) Cognitive rehabilitation therapy--A CLASS Program service that:
(37) Competitive employment--Employment that pays an individual at least the minimum wage if the individual is not self-employed.
(38) Contract--A provisional contract that HHSC enters into in accordance with 40 TAC § 49.208(relating to Provisional Contract Application Approval) that has a term of no more than 3 years, not including any extension agreed to in accordance with 40 TAC § 49.208(e) or a standard contract that HHSC enters into in accordance with 40 TAC § 49.209(relating to Standard Contract) that has a term of no more than five years, not including any extension agreed to in accordance with 40 TAC § 49.209(d).
(39) Controlling person--A person who:
(40) Denial--An action taken by HHSC that:
(41) Dental treatment--A CLASS Program service that:
(42) DFPS--The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
(43) Dietary services--A CLASS Program service that provides nutrition services, as defined in Texas Occupations Code § 701.002.
(44) Direct services--Includes the following services:
(45) DSA--Direct services agency. A program provider that has a contract with HHSC to provide direct services.
(46) Employment assistance--A CLASS Program service that provides assistance to an individual to help the individual locate competitive employment in the community to the same degree of access as individuals not receiving CLASS Program services.
(47) Enrollment IPC--The first individual plan of care (IPC) for an individual developed before the individual's enrollment into the CLASS Program.
(48) Enrollment IPP--The first individual program plan (IPP) for an individual developed before the individual's enrollment into the CLASS Program in accordance with § 259.67 of this chapter (relating to Development of IPPs).
(49) Exploitation--The illegal or improper act or process of using, or attempting to use, an individual or the resources of an individual for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain.
(50) FMS--Financial management services. A CLASS Program service that is defined in 40 TAC § 41.103 and is provided to an individual participating in the CDS option.
(51) FMSA--Financial management services agency. An entity, as defined in 40 TAC § 41.103, that provides FMS.
(52) Former military member--A person who served in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force:
(53) Functional behavior assessment--An evaluation that is used to determine the underlying function or purpose of an individual's behavior, so an effective behavior support plan can be developed.
(54) Good cause--As determined by HHSC, a reason outside the control of a CFC ERS provider that is an acceptable reason for the CFC ERS provider's failure to comply.
(55) Group setting--A setting, other than an individual's residence, in which more than one individual or other person is receiving pre-vocational services or a similar service.
(56) Habilitation--A CLASS Program service that allows an individual to reside successfully in a community setting by training the individual to acquire, retain, and improve self-help, socialization, and daily living skills or assisting the individual with ADLs. Habilitation services consist of the following:
(57) Health-related tasks--Specific tasks related to the needs of an individual that can be delegated or assigned by a licensed health care professional under state law to be performed by a service provider of CFC PAS/HAB. These include:
(58) HHSC--The Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
(59) Hippotherapy--A specialized therapy that:
(60) Hospital--A public or private institution that is licensed or is exempt from licensure in accordance with THSC Chapters 13, 241, 261, or 552.
(61) IADLs--Instrumental activities of daily living. Activities related to living independently in the community, including meal planning and preparation; managing finances; shopping for food, clothing, and other essential items; performing essential household chores; communicating by phone or other media; and traveling around and participating in the community.
(62) ICF/IID--Intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or related conditions. An ICF/IID is a facility in which ICF/IID Program Services are provided and that is:
(63) ICF/IID Program--The Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions Program, which provides Medicaid-funded residential services to individuals with an intellectual disability or related conditions.
(64) ID/RC Assessment--Intellectual Disability/Related Conditions Assessment. An HHSC form used to determine the level of care (LOC) for an individual.
(65) Individual--A person seeking to enroll or who is enrolled in the CLASS Program.
(66) Individual transportation plan--A written plan developed by an individual's service planning team and documented on the HHSC individual transportation plan form. An individual transportation plan describes how transportation as a habilitation activity will be delivered to support an individual's desired goals and outcomes identified in the IPP.
(67) Inpatient chemical dependency treatment facility--A facility licensed in accordance with THSC Chapter 464, Facilities Treating Persons with a Chemical Dependency.
(68) In person or in-person--Within the physical presence of another person. In person or in-person does not include using videoconferencing or a telephone.
(69) Institution for mental diseases--Has the meaning set forth in 42 CFR § 435.1010.
(70) Institutional services--Medicaid-funded services provided in a nursing facility or in an ICF/IID.
(71) Intellectual disability--Consistent with THSC §591.003, significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning that is concurrent with deficits in adaptive behavior and originates during the developmental period.
(72) IPC--Individual plan of care. A written plan developed by an individual's service planning team and documented on the HHSC Individual Plan of Care form. An IPC:
(73) IPC cost--Estimated annual cost for CLASS Program services on an IPC.
(74) IPC period--The effective period of an enrollment IPC and a renewal IPC as follows:
(75) IPP--Individual program plan. A written plan developed in accordance with § 259.67 of this chapter (relating to Development of IPPs) and documented on an HHSC Individual Program Plan form.
(76) LAR--Legally authorized representative. A person authorized by law to act on behalf of an individual with regard to a matter described in this chapter, including a parent, guardian, or managing conservator of a minor; a guardian of an adult; an agent appointed under a power of attorney; or a representative payee appointed by the Social Security Administration. An LAR, such as an agent appointed under a power of attorney or representative payee appointed by the Social Security Administration, may have limited authority to act on behalf of a person.
(77) Licensed vocational nurse--A person licensed to provide vocational nursing in accordance with Texas Occupations Code Chapter 301.
(78) Licensed vocational nursing--A CLASS Program service that provides vocational nursing, as defined in Texas Occupations Code § 301.002.
(79) LIDDA--Local intellectual and developmental disability authority. An entity designated by the executive commissioner of HHSC, in accordance with THSC §533A.035.
(80) LOC--Level of care. A determination given to an individual as part of the eligibility determination process based on data on the ID/RC Assessment.
(81) Managed care organization--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Government Code § 536.001.
(82) MAO Medicaid--Medical Assistance Only Medicaid. A type of Medicaid by which an individual qualifies financially for Medicaid assistance but does not receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
(83) Massage therapy--A specialized therapy defined in Texas Occupations Code § 455.001.
(84) Medicaid--A program administered by CMS and funded jointly by the states and the federal government that pays for health care to eligible groups of low-income people.
(85) Medicaid HCBS--Medicaid home and community-based services. Medicaid services provided to an individual in an individual's home and community, rather than in a facility.
(86) Mental health facility--A facility licensed in accordance with THSC Chapter 577.
(87) MESAV--Medicaid Eligibility Service Authorization Verification. The automated system that contains information regarding an individual's Medicaid eligibility and service authorizations.
(88) Military family member--A person who is the spouse or child, regardless of age, of:
(89) Military member--A member of the United States military serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force on active duty who has declared and maintains Texas as the member's state of legal residence in the manner provided by the applicable military branch.
(90) Minor home modifications--A CLASS Program service that:
(91) Music therapy--A specialized therapy that uses musical or rhythmic interventions to restore, maintain, or improve an individual's social or emotional functioning, mental processing, or physical health.
(92) Natural supports--Unpaid persons, including family members, volunteers, neighbors, and friends, who assist and sustain an individual.
(93) Neglect--A negligent act or omission that caused physical or emotional injury or death to an individual or placed an individual at risk of physical or emotional injury or death.
(94) Nursing--One or more of the following CLASS Program services:
(95) Nursing facility--A facility that is licensed or is exempt from licensure in accordance with THSC Chapter 242.
(96) Occupational therapy--A CLASS Program service that provides occupational therapy, as described in Texas Occupations Code § 454.006.
(97) Own home or family home--A residence that is not:
(98) PAS/HAB plan--Personal Assistance Services/Habilitation Plan. A written plan developed by an individual's service planning team and documented on the HHSC Personal Assistance Services (PAS)/Habilitation Plan form that describes the type and frequency of CFC PAS/HAB activities to be performed by a service provider.
(99) Person--A corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, natural person, or any other legal entity that can function legally, sue or be sued, and make decisions through agents.
(100) Person-centered planning process--The process described in § 259.57 of this chapter (relating to Person-Centered Planning Process).
(101) Physical abuse--Any of the following:
(102) Physical therapy--A CLASS Program service that provides physical therapy, as defined in Texas Occupations Code § 453.001.
(103) Physician--Consistent with § 558.2 of this title (relating to Definitions), a person who is:
(104) Platform--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Government Code § 531.001 (4-d).
(105) Prevocational services--A CLASS Program service that provides services that are not job-task oriented and are provided to an individual whose service planning team does not expect to be employed, without receiving supported employment, within one year after the date prevocational services begin. Prevocational services prepare an individual for competitive employment and consist of:
(106) Program provider--A person that has a contract with HHSC to provide CLASS Program services, excluding an FMSA. In the CLASS Program, there are two types of program providers, a DSA and a CMA.
(107) Public emergency personnel--Personnel of a sheriff's department, police department, emergency medical service, or fire department.
(108) Recreational therapy--A specialized therapy that provides recreational or leisure activities that assist an individual to restore, remediate, or habilitate the individual's level of functioning and independence in life activities; promote health and wellness; and reduce or eliminate the activity limitations caused by an illness or disabling condition.
(109) Reduction--An action taken by HHSC as a result of a review of a revised IPC or renewal IPC that decreases the amount or level of a service authorized by HHSC on the prior IPC.
(110) Registered nursing--A CLASS Program service that provides professional nursing, as defined in Texas Occupations Code § 301.002.
(111) Related condition--As defined in 42 CFR § 435.1010, a severe and chronic disability that:
(112) Relative--A person related to another person within the fourth degree of consanguinity or within the second degree of affinity. A more detailed explanation of this term is included in the Community Living Assistance and Support Services Provider Manual.
(113) Renewal IPC--An IPC developed in accordance with § 259.79 of this chapter (relating to Renewal and Revision of an IPC).
(114) Residential child-care facility--The term has the meaning set forth in Texas Human Resources Code § 42.002.
(115) Respite--A CLASS Program service that provides temporary assistance and support with an individual's ADLs if the individual has the same residence as a person who routinely provides the assistance and support to the individual, and the person is temporarily unavailable to provide such assistance and support.
(116) Responder--A person designated to respond to an alarm call activated by an individual.
(117) Revised IPC--An enrollment IPC or a renewal IPC that is revised during an IPC period in accordance with § 259.79 of this chapter to add a new CLASS Program service or CFC service or change the amount of an existing service.
(118) RN--Registered nurse. A person licensed to provide professional nursing in accordance with Texas Occupations Code Chapter 301.
(119) Seclusion--The involuntary placement of an individual alone in an area from which the individual is prevented from leaving.
(120) Service backup plan--A written plan developed in accordance with § 259.89 of this chapter (relating to Service Backup Plans) to ensure continuity of critical program services if service delivery is interrupted.
(121) Service planning team--A team consisting of:
(122) Service provider--A person who is an employee or contractor of a DSA who provides a direct service.
(123) Sexual abuse--Any of the following:
(124) Sexual activity--An activity that is sexual in nature, including kissing, hugging, stroking, or fondling with sexual intent.
(125) Sexual exploitation--A pattern, practice, or scheme of conduct against an individual that can reasonably be construed as being for the purposes of sexual arousal or gratification of any person:
(126) Specialized licensed vocational nursing--A CLASS Program service that provides licensed vocational nursing to an individual who has a tracheostomy or is dependent on a ventilator.
(127) Specialized registered nursing--A CLASS Program service that provides registered nursing to an individual who has a tracheostomy or is dependent on a ventilator.
(128) Specialized therapies--A CLASS Program service that promotes skills development, maintains skills, decreases inappropriate behaviors, facilitates emotional well-being, creates opportunities for socialization, or improves physical and medical status and consists of:
(129) Speech and language pathology--A CLASS Program service that provides speech-language pathology, as defined in Texas Occupations Code § 401.001.
(130) Staff person--A full-time or part-time employee of a program provider.
(131) State supported living center--A state-supported and structured residential facility operated by HHSC to provide to persons with an intellectual disability a variety of services, including medical treatment, specialized therapy, and training in the acquisition of personal, social, and vocational skills, but does not include a community-based facility owned by HHSC.
(132) Store and forward technology--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Occupations Code § 111.001(2).
(133) Support consultation--A CLASS Program service that is defined in 40 TAC § 41.103 and may be provided to an individual who chooses to participate in the CDS option.
(134) SFS--Support family services. A CLASS Program service that is described in Subchapter E of this chapter.
(135) Supported employment--A CLASS Program service that provides assistance to sustain competitive employment to an individual who, because of a disability, requires intensive, ongoing support to be self-employed, work from home, or perform in a work setting at which individuals without disabilities are employed.
(136) Synchronous audio-visual--An interactive, two-way audio and video communication platform that:
(137) System check--A test of the CFC ERS equipment to determine if:
(138) TAC--Texas Administrative Code. A compilation of state agency rules published by the Texas State Secretary of State in accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2002, Subchapter C.
(139) Target behavior--A behavior identified in a behavior support plan for reduction or elimination.
(140) TAS--Transition assistance services. A CLASS Program service provided in accordance with Chapter 272 of this title (related to Transition Assistance Services) to an individual who is receiving institutional services and is eligible for and enrolling into the CLASS Program.
(141) Telehealth services--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Occupations Code § 111.001.
(142) Texas Workforce Commission--The state agency established under Texas Labor Code Chapter 301.
(143) Therapeutic horseback riding--A specialized therapy that:
(144) THSC--Texas Health and Safety Code. Texas statutes relating to health and safety.
(145) Verbal or emotional abuse--Any act or use of verbal or other communication, including gestures:
(146) Videoconferencing--An interactive, two-way audio and video communication:
(147) Volunteer--A person who works for a program provider without compensation, other than reimbursement for actual expenses.