Inside The HCBS-ACT Project
The HCBS-ACT Project has helped equip thousands of people throughout the state of Illinois, and countless others around the United States, with relevant guidance and accessible tools to demonstrate the real-life impact of the Home and Community-Based Services Final Rule.
The HCBS Settings Rule
In January 2014, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a new rule that would impact Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings, with direct and significant implications for people receiving supports, human service providers, families, state agencies, and other stakeholders.
Benefits For People Receiving Services
The HCBS Settings Rule provides guidance and requirements for human service providers that people receiving supports have full access to the benefits of community living, be integrated in their communities, exercise rights, make choices, select the services they use, and direct who provides those services.
An Extended Deadline
This rule went into effect on March 17, 2014 with an original deadline of March 17, 2019 for entities to carry out the requirements and for states to demonstrate compliance. In May 2017, the compliance deadline was extended to March 17, 2022. Then in July 2020 the deadline was extended again to March 17, 2023.
HCBS Advocacy Coalition: 3-Part Toolkit
- The HCBS Settings Rules: What You Should Know!
- The HCBS Settings Rules: Settings Presumed to be Institutional
- The HCBS Settings Rules: How to Advocate
The Project
Through nearly twenty on-site workshops, a number of virtual trainings, a series of video clips, various accessible resources, additional presentations, an advocacy mentorship program, and more, The HCBS-ACT Project provided clear, understandable, and applicable information and resources to raise awareness.
A Collaborative Partnership
The HCBS-ACT Project is the result of a partnership between CQL, the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities, the Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD), as well as the Elizabeth M. Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities.
Empowerment Through Advocacy
The HCBS-ACT stands for ‘Home and Community Based Services – Advocates Creating Transformation,’ as the project involves not just education, but empowerment. It included a ‘Leadership Fellows Program,’ where self-advocates and families received leadership training to become “change agents” in their community.
Additional Resources About The HCBS Settings Rule
The HCBS-ACT Project Partners
The project involves a collaboration among leaders in the human services field, bringing diverse perspectives and extensive expertise in both policy and practice.
Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
ICDD works to promote the independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of those with disabilities into the community.
LEARN MOREIllinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities
The Institute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities is a membership organization in the Illinois service delivery system.
LEARN MOREInstitute on Public Policy for People with Disabilities
Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD)
IDHD is dedicated to promoting the independence, productivity, and inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of society.
LEARN MOREInstitute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD)
Elizabeth M. Boggs Center
The Boggs Center provides community and student training and technical assistance, conducts research, and disseminates information.
LEARN MOREElizabeth M. Boggs Center
Featured Webinar
Beyond Compliance: Embracing The Values of the HCBS Settings Rule
In this webinar we’re looking at the tenets of the rule and how providers can use those to transform their supports. You’ll be reminded why the rule is so important, how it will impact people receiving HCBS, and be reinvigorated to put these values into practice.
View The WebinarAdditional HCBS Settings Rule Resources
HCBS Videos
These videos share information about the HCBS Settings Regulations and how they impact people supported and provider organizations.