Skip to main content

COVID-19 Update to Temporary Change to HCS and TxHmL Policy for Respite, CFC PAS/HAB Service Providers

Last updated on

In March 2020, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) implemented a temporary policy change for respite and Community First Choice (CFC) Personal Assistance Services/Habilitation (PAS/HAB). This change allows service providers of respite and CFC PAS/HAB to live in the same home as the person receiving Home and Community-based Services (HCS) or Texas Home Living (TxHml) program services.

This change has given access to needed services for people living in their own or family’s home. A person’s spouse or a child or teenager’s parent still cannot be a paid service provider of these services due to guidelines in HCS, TxHmL and CFC handbooks located under Long-term Care Waiver Programs.

This temporary policy change is effective March 27, 2020, through June 30, 2022, unless the COVID-19 public health emergency ends sooner. HHSC will provide guidance if anything changes. Program providers must complete the required background checks for all service providers. They must follow: