The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the release of an online training course and a series of resources that offer strategies and information on self-direction, strengthening the direct service workforce (DSW) in rural areas, and strategies emerging from CMS’s 2021 DSW State Medicaid Learning Collaborative.

Each resource is described below:

• The online training, Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Direct Service Workers to Provide Self-Directed HCBS, provides guidance and information for people who self-direct, or wish to self-direct, their home and community-based services (HCBS), as well as others interested in information on finding, hiring, and retaining direct service workers. The interactive training is free to access.
• Strengthening the Direct Service Workforce in Rural Areas summarizes the challenges of ensuring an adequate DSW in rural areas and strategies that state Medicaid and partner agencies and rural stakeholders can use to deliver high-quality HCBS. 
• The Self-Direction Briefing Paper Series is designed for policymakers and stakeholders to inform conversation and policy regarding HCBS self-direction and the DSW.
• The Emerging Strategies for States: Direct Service Workforce Learning Collaborative Summary Report summarizes themes, challenges, and strategies from state Medicaid and partner agencies participating in CMS’s 2021 DSW State Medicaid Learning Collaborative.

Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871