Texas Administrative Code
Title 26 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Part 1 - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
Chapter 263 - HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES (HCS) PROGRAM AND COMMUNITY FIRST CHOICE (CFC)
Subchapter A - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 263.3 - Definitions

Universal Citation: 26 TX Admin Code § 263.3

Current through Reg. 50, No. 13; March 28, 2025

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Abuse--

(A) physical abuse;

(B) sexual abuse; or

(C) verbal or emotional abuse.

(2) Actively involved--Significant, ongoing, and supportive involvement with an applicant or individual by a person, as determined by the applicant's or individual's service planning team or program provider, based on the person's:

(A) interactions with the applicant or individual;

(B) availability to the applicant or individual for assistance or support when needed; and

(C) knowledge of, sensitivity to, and advocacy for the applicant's or individual's needs, preferences, values, and beliefs.

(3) ADLs--Activities of daily living. Basic personal everyday activities, including tasks such as eating, toileting, grooming, dressing, bathing, and transferring.

(4) Agency foster home--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Human Resources Code § 42.002.

(5) ALF--Assisted living facility. A facility licensed in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 247, Assisted Living Facilities.

(6) Applicant--A Texas resident seeking services in the Home and Community-Based Services Program.

(7) Audio-only--An interactive, two-way audio communication platform that only uses sound.

(8) 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.

(9) Business day--Any day except a Saturday, Sunday, or national or state holiday listed in Texas Government Code § 662.003(a) or (b).

(10) Calendar day--Any day, including weekends and holidays.

(11) CDS option--Consumer directed services option. A service delivery option as defined in § 264.103 of this title (relating to Definitions).

(12) CFC--Community First Choice.

(13) CFC ERS--CFC emergency response services.

(14) CFC FMS--The term used for financial management services on the individual plan of care (IPC) of an applicant or individual if the applicant will receive or the individual receives only CFC personal assistance services (PAS)/habilitation (HAB) through the CDS option.

(15) CFC support consultation--The term used for support consultation on the IPC of an applicant or individual if the applicant will receive or the individual receives only CFC PAS/HAB through the CDS option.

(16) CMS--Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services that administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

(17) Competitive employment--Employment that pays an individual at least minimum wage if the individual is not self-employed.

(18) Comprehensive nursing assessment--A comprehensive physical and behavioral assessment of an individual, including the individual's health history, current health status, and current health needs, that is completed by a registered nurse (RN).

(19) Contract--A provisional contract or a standard contract.

(20) CRCG--Community resource coordination group. A local interagency group, composed of public and private agencies, that develops service plans for individuals whose needs can be met only through interagency coordination and cooperation. The group's role and responsibilities are described in the Memorandum of Understanding on Coordinated Services to Persons Needing Services from More Than One Agency, available on the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) website.

(21) Delegated nursing task--A nursing task delegated by an RN to an unlicensed person in accordance with:

(A) 22 TAC Chapter 224 (relating to Delegation of Nursing Tasks by Registered Professional Nurses to Unlicensed Personnel for Clients with Acute Conditions or in Acute Care Environments); and

(B) 22 TAC Chapter 225 (relating to RN Delegation to Unlicensed Personnel and Tasks Not Requiring Delegation in Independent Living Environments for Clients with Stable and Predictable Conditions).

(22) Designated Representative--This term has the meaning set forth in § 264.103 of this title.

(23) DFPS--The Department of Family and Protective Services.

(24) DID--Determination of intellectual disability. This term has the meaning set forth in § 304.102 of this title (relating to Definitions).

(25) DID report--Determination of intellectual disability report. This term has the meaning set forth in § 304.102 of this title.

(26) Emergency--An unexpected situation in which the absence of an immediate response could reasonably be expected to result in a risk to the health and safety of an individual or another person.

(27) Emergency situation--An unexpected situation involving an individual's health, safety, or welfare, of which a person of ordinary prudence would determine that the legally authorized representative (LAR) should be informed, such as an individual:

(A) needing emergency medical care;

(B) being removed from the individual's residence by law enforcement;

(C) leaving the individual's residence without notifying a staff member or service provider and not being located; and

(D) being moved from the individual's residence to protect the individual (for example, because of a hurricane, fire, or flood).

(28) EVV--Electronic visit verification. This term has the meaning set forth in 1 TAC § 354.4003(relating to Definitions).

(29) 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.

(30) Family-based alternative--A family setting in which the family provider or providers are specially trained to provide support and in-home care for children with disabilities or children who are medically fragile.

(31) FMS--Financial management services.

(32) FMSA--Financial management services agency. As defined in § 264.103 of this title, an entity that provides financial management services to an individual participating in the CDS option.

(33) Former military member--A person who served in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force:

(A) who declared and maintained Texas as the person's state of legal residence in the manner provided by the applicable military branch while on active duty; and

(B) who was killed in action or died while in service, or whose active duty otherwise ended.

(34) Four-person residence--A residence:

(A) that a program provider leases or owns;

(B) in which at least one person but no more than four persons receive:
(i) residential support;

(ii) supervised living;

(iii) a non-HCS Program service similar to residential support or supervised living (for example, services funded by DFPS or by a person's own resources); or

(iv) respite;

(C) that, if it is the residence of four persons, at least one of those persons receives residential support;

(D) that is not the residence of any persons other than a service provider, the service provider's spouse or person with whom the service provider has a spousal relationship, or a person described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph; and

(E) that is not a setting described in § 263.501(b) of this chapter (relating to Requirements for Home and Community-Based Service Settings).

(35) GRO--General residential operation. This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Human Resources Code § 42.002.

(36) Group setting--A setting, other than an individual's residence, in which more than one individual or other person receives employment readiness, employment assistance, supported employment, or a similar service.

(37) HCS--Home and Community-based Services. Services provided through the HCS Program operated by HHSC as authorized by CMS in accordance with §1915(c) of the Social Security Act.

(38) Health maintenance activities--This term has the meaning set forth in 22 TAC § 225.4(relating to Definitions).

(39) Health-related tasks--Specific tasks related to the needs of an individual, which 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. This includes tasks delegated by an RN; health maintenance activities, that may not require delegation; and activities assigned to a service provider of CFC PAS/HAB by a licensed physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist.

(40) HHSC--The Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

(41) Hospital--A public or private institution licensed or exempt from licensure in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC) Chapters 13, 241, 261, or 552.

(42) 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.

(43) ICAP--Inventory for Client and Agency Planning. An instrument designed to assess a person's needs, skills, and abilities.

(44) 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:

(A) licensed in accordance with THSC Chapter 252; or

(B) certified by HHSC, including a state supported living center.

(45) 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.

(46) ID/RC Assessment--Intellectual Disability/Related Conditions Assessment. A form used by HHSC for level of care determination and level of need assignment.

(47) Implementation plan--A written document developed by a program provider for an individual, for each HCS Program service, except supported home living, and for each CFC service, except CFC support management, on the individual's IPC to be provided by the program provider. An implementation plan includes:

(A) a list of outcomes identified in the person-directed plan that will be addressed using HCS Program services and CFC services;

(B) specific objectives to address the outcomes required by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph that are:
(i) observable, measurable, and outcome-oriented; and

(ii) derived from assessments of the individual's strengths, personal goals, and needs;

(C) a target date for completion of each objective;

(D) the number of units of HCS Program services and CFC services needed to complete each objective;

(E) the frequency and duration of HCS Program services and CFC services needed to complete each objective; and

(F) the signature and date of the individual, LAR, and the program provider.

(48) In person or in-person--Within the physical presence of another person who is awake. In person or in-person does not include using videoconferencing or a telephone.

(49) Individual--A person enrolled in the HCS Program.

(50) Initial IPC--The first IPC for an individual developed before the individual's enrollment into the HCS Program.

(51) Inpatient chemical dependency treatment facility--A facility licensed in accordance with THSC Chapter 464, Facilities Treating Persons with a Chemical Dependency.

(52) Intellectual disability--This term has the meaning set forth in § 304.102 of this title.

(53) IPC--Individual plan of care. A written plan that:

(A) states:
(i) the type and amount of each HCS Program service and each CFC service, except for CFC support management, to be provided to the individual during an IPC year;

(ii) the services and supports to be provided to the individual through resources other than HCS Program services or CFC services, including natural supports, medical services, and educational services; and

(iii) if an individual will receive CFC support management; and

(B) is authorized by HHSC.

(54) IPC cost--Estimated annual cost of HCS Program services included on an IPC.

(55) IPC year--The effective period of an initial IPC and renewal IPC as described in this paragraph.

(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, the IPC year for an initial and renewal IPC is a 365-calendar day period starting on the begin date of the initial or renewal IPC.

(B) If the begin date of an initial or renewal IPC is March 1 or later in a year before a leap year or January 1 - February 28 of a leap year, the IPC year for the initial or renewal IPC is a 366-calendar day period starting on the begin date of the initial or renewal IPC.

(C) A revised IPC does not change the begin or end date of an IPC year.

(56) Job-task oriented--Focused on developing a skill related to a specific type of employment.

(57) LAR--Legally authorized representative. A person authorized by law to act on behalf of another person 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.

(58) LIDDA--Local intellectual and developmental disability authority. An entity designated by the executive commissioner of HHSC, in accordance with THSC §533A.035.

(59) LOC--Level of care. A determination given to an applicant or individual as part of the eligibility determination process based on data submitted on the ID/RC Assessment.

(60) LON--Level of need. An assignment given by HHSC to an individual upon which reimbursement for host home/companion care, supervised living, residential support, in-home day habilitation, and day habilitation is based.

(61) Managed care organization--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Government Code § 543A.0001.

(62) MAO Medicaid--Medical Assistance Only Medicaid. A type of Medicaid by which an applicant or individual qualifies financially for Medicaid assistance but does not receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

(63) 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.

(64) Mental health facility--A facility licensed in accordance with THSC Chapter 577, Private Mental Hospitals and Other Mental Health Facilities.

(65) Military family member--A person who is the spouse or child (regardless of age) of:

(A) a military member; or

(B) a former military member.

(66) 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.

(67) Natural supports--Unpaid persons, including family members, volunteers, neighbors, and friends, who voluntarily assist an individual to achieve the individual's identified goals.

(68) 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.

(69) Nursing facility--A facility licensed in accordance with THSC Chapter 242.

(70) PDP--Person-directed plan. A plan developed with an applicant or individual and LAR using an HHSC form that:

(A) describes the supports and services necessary to achieve the desired outcomes identified by the applicant or individual and LAR and to ensure the applicant's or individual's health and safety; and

(B) includes the setting for each service, which must be selected by the individual or LAR from setting options.

(71) Performance contract--A written agreement between HHSC and a LIDDA for the performance of delegated functions, including those described in THSC §533A.035.

(72) Permanency planner--A person who:

(A) develops a permanency plan using the HHSC Permanency Planning Instrument for Children Under 22 Years of Age form; and

(B) performs other permanency planning activities for an applicant or individual under 22 years of age.

(73) Permanency planning--A philosophy and planning process that focuses on the outcome of family support for an applicant or individual under 22 years of age by facilitating a permanent living arrangement in which the primary feature is an enduring and nurturing parental relationship.

(74) Physical abuse--Any of the following:

(A) an act or failure to act performed knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally, including incitement to act, that caused physical injury or death to an individual or placed an individual at risk of physical injury or death;

(B) an act of inappropriate or excessive force or corporal punishment, regardless of whether the act results in a physical injury to an individual;

(C) the use of a restraint on an individual not in compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations; or

(D) seclusion.

(75) Platform--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Government Code § 521.0001.

(76) Post-move monitoring visit--A visit conducted by the service coordinator in accordance with the Intellectual and Developmental Disability Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (IDD-PASRR) Handbook.

(77) Pre-enrollment minor home modifications assessment--An assessment performed by a licensed professional as required by the HCS Program Billing Requirements to determine the need for pre-enrollment minor home modifications.

(78) Pre-move site review--A review conducted by the service coordinator in accordance with HHSC's IDD PASRR Handbook.

(79) Professional therapies--Services that consist of the following:

(A) audiology;

(B) occupational therapy;

(C) physical therapy;

(D) speech and language pathology;

(E) behavioral support;

(F) cognitive rehabilitation therapy;

(G) dietary services; and

(H) social work.

(80) Program provider--A person, as defined in § 52.3 of this title(relating to Definitions), that has a contract with HHSC to provide HCS Program services, excluding an FMSA.

(81) Provisional contract--A contract that HHSC enters into with a program provider in accordance with § 52.39 of this title (relating to Provisional Contract Application Approval) that has a term of no more than three years, not including any extension agreed to in accordance with § 52.39(e) of this title.

(82) Related condition--A severe and chronic disability that:

(A) is attributed to:
(i) cerebral palsy or epilepsy; or

(ii) any other condition, other than mental illness, found to be closely related to an intellectual disability because the condition results in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of individuals with an intellectual disability, and requires treatment or services similar to those required for individuals with an intellectual disability;

(B) is manifested before the individual reaches age 22;

(C) is likely to continue indefinitely; and

(D) results in substantial functional limitation in at least three of the following areas of major life activity:
(i) self-care;

(ii) understanding and use of language;

(iii) learning;

(iv) mobility;

(v) self-direction; and

(vi) capacity for independent living.

(83) 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 HCS Program Billing Requirements.

(84) Renewal IPC--An IPC developed for an individual in accordance with § 263.302(a) of this chapter (relating to Renewal and Revision of an IPC).

(85) Residential child care facility--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Human Resources Code § 42.002.

(86) Revised IPC--An initial IPC or a renewal IPC that is revised during an IPC year in accordance with § 263.302(b) or (d) of this chapter to add a new HCS Program service or CFC service or change the amount of an existing service.

(87) RN--Registered nurse. A person licensed to practice professional nursing in accordance with Texas Occupations Code Chapter 301.

(88) Service backup plan--A plan that ensures continuity of critical program services if service delivery is interrupted.

(89) Service coordination--A service as defined in § 331.5 of this title (relating to Definitions).

(90) Service coordinator--An employee of a LIDDA who provides service coordination to an individual.

(91) Service planning team--One of the following:

(A) for an applicant or individual other than one described in subparagraph (B) or (C) of this paragraph, a planning team consisting of:
(i) an applicant or individual and LAR;

(ii) service coordinator; and

(iii) other persons chosen by the applicant or individual or LAR, for example, a staff member of the program provider, a family member, a friend, a teacher, or if applicable, the permanency planner;

(B) for an applicant 21 years of age or older who is residing in a nursing facility and enrolling in the HCS Program, a planning team consisting of:
(i) the applicant and LAR;

(ii) the service coordinator;

(iii) if the applicant is at least 21 years of age but younger than 22 years of age, the permanency planner;

(iv) a staff member of the program provider;

(v) providers of specialized services;

(vi) a nursing facility staff person who is familiar with the applicant's needs;

(vii) other persons chosen by the applicant or LAR, for example, a family member, a friend, or a teacher; and

(viii) at the discretion of the LIDDA and with the approval of the individual or LAR, other persons who are directly involved in the delivery of services to persons with an intellectual or developmental disability; or

(C) for an individual 21 years of age or older who has enrolled in the HCS Program from a nursing facility or ICF/IID or has enrolled in the HCS Program as a diversion from admission to an institution, including a nursing facility or ICF/IID, for 365 calendar days after enrollment, a planning team consisting of:
(i) the individual and LAR;

(ii) the service coordinator;

(iii) if the individual is at least 21 years of age but younger than 22 years of age and resides in a three-person residence or four-person residence, the permanency planner;

(iv) a staff member of the program provider;

(v) other persons chosen by the individual or LAR, for example, a family member, a friend, or a teacher; and

(vi) at the discretion of the LIDDA and with the approval of the individual or LAR, other persons who are directly involved in the delivery of services to persons with an intellectual or developmental disability.

(92) Service provider--A person, who may be a staff member, who directly provides an HCS Program service or CFC service to an individual.

(93) Sexual abuse--Any of the following:

(A) sexual exploitation of an individual;

(B) non-consensual or unwelcomed sexual activity with an individual; or

(C) consensual sexual activity between an individual and a service provider, staff member, volunteer, or controlling person, unless a consensual sexual relationship with an adult individual existed before the service provider, staff member, volunteer, or controlling person became a service provider, staff member, volunteer, or controlling person.

(94) Sexual activity--An activity that is sexual in nature, including kissing, hugging, stroking, or fondling with sexual intent.

(95) 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:

(A) which may include sexual contact; and

(B) does not include obtaining information about an individual's sexual history within standard accepted clinical practice.

(96) Specialized services--This term has the meaning set forth in § 303.102 of this title (relating to Definitions).

(97) Staff member--An employee or contractor of an HCS program provider.

(98) Standard contract--A contract that HHSC enters into with a program provider in accordance with § 52.41 of this title (relating to Standard Contract) that has a term of no more than five years, not including any extension agreed to in accordance with § 52.41(d) of this title.

(99) 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.

(100) Store and forward technology--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Occupations Code § 111.001(2).

(101) Supported Decision-Making Agreement--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Estates Code §1357.002(4).

(102) Synchronous audio-visual--An interactive, two-way audio and video communication platform that:

(A) allows a service to be provided to an individual in real time; and

(B) conforms to the privacy requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

(103) TAC--Texas Administrative Code. A compilation of state agency rules published by the Texas Secretary of State in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 2002, Subchapter C.

(104) TANF--Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

(105) TAS--Transition assistance services.

(106) Telehealth service--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Occupations Code § 111.001.

(107) Temporary admission--A stay in a facility listed in § 263.705(a) of this chapter (relating to Suspension of HCS Program Services and CFC Services) for 270 calendar days or less or, if an extension is granted in accordance with § 263.705(h) of this chapter, a stay in such a facility for more than 270 calendar days.

(108) Three-person residence--A residence:

(A) that a program provider leases or owns;

(B) in which at least one person but no more than three persons receive:
(i) residential support;

(ii) supervised living;

(iii) a non-HCS Program service similar to residential support or supervised living (for example, services funded by DFPS or by a person's own resources); or

(iv) respite;

(C) that is not the residence of any person other than a service provider, the service provider's spouse or person with whom the service provider has a spousal relationship, or a person described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph; and

(D) that is not a setting described in § 263.501(b) of this chapter.

(109) THSC--Texas Health and Safety Code. Texas statutes relating to health and safety.

(110) Transfer IPC--An IPC that is developed in accordance with § 263.701 of this chapter (relating to Process for Individual to Transfer to a Different Program Provider or FMSA) and § 263.702 of this chapter (relating to Process for Individual to Receive a Service Through the CDS Option that the Individual is Receiving from a Program Provider) when an individual transfers to another program provider or chooses a different service delivery option.

(111) Transition plan--A written plan developed in accordance with § 303.701 of this title (relating to Transition Planning for a Designated Resident) for an applicant residing in a nursing facility who is enrolling in the HCS Program.

(112) Transportation plan--A written plan based on person-directed planning and developed with an applicant or individual using the HHSC Individual Transportation Plan form available on the HHSC website. A transportation plan is used to document how supported home living will be delivered to support an individual's desired outcomes and purposes for transportation as identified in the PDP.

(113) Vendor hold--A temporary suspension of payments that are due to a program provider under a contract.

(114) Verbal or emotional abuse--Any act or use of verbal or other communication, including gestures:

(A) to:
(i) harass, intimidate, humiliate, or degrade an individual; or

(ii) threaten an individual with physical or emotional harm; and

(B) that:
(i) results in observable distress or harm to the individual; or

(ii) is of such a serious nature that a reasonable person would consider it harmful or a cause of distress.

(115) Videoconferencing--An interactive, two-way audio and video communication:

(A) used to conduct a meeting between two or more persons who are in different locations; and

(B) that conforms to the privacy requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

(116) Volunteer--A person who works for a program provider without compensation, other than reimbursement for actual expenses.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Texas may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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