HCBS Access Act

To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to require coverage of, and expand access to, home and community-based services under the Medicaid program, to award grants for the creation, recruitment, training and education, retention, and advancement of the direct care workforce and to award grants to support family caregivers, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the HCBS Access Act (b) Table of contents The table of contents of this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Definitions. TITLE I—Requiring and expanding access to HCBS coverage under Medicaid Sec. 101. Purpose. Sec. 102. Requiring coverage of home and community-based services under the Medicaid program. Sec. 103. Medicaid eligibility modifications. Sec. 104. Home and community-based services implementation plan grant program. Sec. 105. Quality of services. Sec. 106. Reports; technical assistance; other administrative requirements. Sec. 107. Quality measurement and improvement. Sec. 108. Making permanent the State option to extend protection under Medicaid for recipients of home and community-based services against spousal impoverishment. Sec. 109. Permanent extension of Money Follows the Person Rebalancing demonstration. TITLE II—Recognizing the role of direct support professionals Sec. 201. Findings. Sec. 202. Definition of direct support professional. Sec. 203. Revision of Standard Occupational Classification System. TITLE III—Support for the direct care workforce Sec. 301. Definitions. Sec. 302. Authority to establish a technical assistance center for building the direct care workforce. Sec. 303. Authority to award grants. Sec. 304. Project plans. Sec. 305. Evaluations and reports; technical assistance. Sec. 306. Authorization of appropriations. TITLE IV—Evaluation Sec. 401. Evaluation of impact on access to HCBS. 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) Demographics The term demographics (2) Private duty nursing The term private duty nursing (3) Secretary Except as otherwise provided, the term Secretary I Requiring and expanding access to HCBS coverage under Medicaid 101. Purpose It is the purpose of this title to require coverage of home and community-based services (in this section referred to as HCBS 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. (1) To eliminate waiting lists for HCBS, which delay access to necessary services and civil rights for people with disabilities and older adults. (2) To build on decades of progress in serving people with disabilities and older adults via HCBS. (3) To fulfill the purposes of the Medicaid program to provide medical assistance for those whose income and resources are insufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical services, and to provide rehabilitation, long-term services and supports, and other services to help such families and individuals attain or retain capability for independence or self-care. (4) To ensure that people with all kinds of disabilities and with multiple disabilities, including intellectual disability, cognitive disabilities, developmental disabilities, behavioral health disabilities, physical disabilities, and substance use disorders, and older adults, receive the services they need to live in their communities. (5) To streamline access to HCBS by eliminating the need for States to repeatedly apply for waivers. (6) To continue to increase the capacity of community services to ensure people with disabilities and older adults have safe and meaningful options in the community are not at risk of unnecessary institutionalization. (7) To act on the decades of research and practice showing that everyone, including people with the most severe disabilities, can live in the community with the right services and supports. (8) To support over 53,000,000 unpaid family caregivers who are often providing complex services and supports to older adults and people with disabilities because of a lack of affordable services, workforce shortages, and other inefficiencies. (9) To improve direct care quality and address the decades long workforce barriers, which have been exacerbated by the COVID–19 pandemic, for nearly 2,600,000 direct care professionals providing support to people with disabilities and older adults in their homes and communities. (10) To eliminate the race, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity disparities that exist in accessing information and HCBS and to prevent the unnecessary impoverishment and institutionalization of black and brown individuals with disabilities and older adults. 102. Requiring coverage of home and community-based services under the Medicaid program (a) Definition of home and community-Based services (1) In general Section 1905 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d (jj) Home and community-Based services (1) In general For purposes of this title, the term home and community-based services (A) meets the qualities specified in paragraph (1) of section 441.710(a) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation); (B) is not described in paragraph (2) of such section (or successor regulation); and (C) meets such other qualities as the Secretary determines appropriate. (2) Services specified (A) In general For purposes of paragraph (1), the services specified in this paragraph are services described in any of paragraphs (7), (8), (13)(C), (19), (20), (24), and (29) (as applied without regard to the reference to September 30, 2025 (i) Supported employment and integrated day services. (ii) Personal assistance, including personal care attendants, direct support professionals, home health aides, private duty nursing, homemakers and chore assistance, and companionship services. (iii) Services that enhance independence, inclusion, and full participation in the broader community. (iv) Non-emergency, non-medical transportation services to facilitate community integration. (v) Respite services provided in the individual’s home or broader community. (vi) Caregiver and family support services. (vii) Case management, including intensive case management, fiscal intermediary, and support brokerage services. (viii) Services which support person-centered planning and self-direction. (ix) Direct support services during acute hospitalizations. (x) Necessary medical and nursing services not otherwise covered which are necessary in order for the individual to remain in their home and community, including hospice services. (xi) Home and community-based intensive behavioral health and crisis intervention services. (xii) Peer support services. (xiii) Housing support, including transitional housing or transitional support services for individuals who are unhoused, and wrap-around services. (xiv) Necessary home modifications and assistive technology, including those which substitute for human assistance. (xv) Transition services to support an individual who is transitioning from an institutional setting to the community, including appropriate services for individuals who are unhoused or at risk of becoming unhoused, and including such transition services provided while the individual resides in an institution. (xvi) Any other service recommended by the panel convened pursuant to subparagraph (B). (B) Specification of recommended services (i) In general Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, and not less frequently than once every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall convene an advisory panel (in this subparagraph referred to as the panel (ii) Composition (I) Selection The panel shall be composed of at least one representative (to be selected by the Secretary) from each of the following: (aa) Individuals with disabilities receiving home and community-based services under this title and individuals with disabilities in need of such services, including those with physical disabilities, behavioral health disabilities, or intellectual or developmental disabilities, and including older adults. (bb) Beneficiary-led disability rights organizations. (cc) Disability-led organizations. (dd) Disabled veterans organizations. (ee) Disability organizations representing families. (ff) Community-based provider organizations. (gg) Organizations serving older adults. (hh) The Protection and Advocacy system, the Centers for Independent Living. (ii) Health care providers. (jj) The National Association of Medicaid Directors. (kk) The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services. (ll) The National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. (mm) ADvancing States. (nn) The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (oo) The Administration for Community Living of the Department of Health and Human Services. (pp) Other relevant local, State, and Federal home and community-based service systems, as determined by the Secretary. (II) Requirement for equal representation The Secretary shall select an equal number of representatives from each category described in items (aa) through (oo) subclause (I) in convening the panel. (iii) Duties Not later than 6 months after a panel is convened under clause (i), the panel shall submit to the Secretary and to Congress a report recommending additional services which shall be included as home and community-based services under this paragraph. Such recommended services shall be so specified with the goal of increasing community integration and self-determination for individuals with disabilities receiving such services. (iv) Implementation of recommended services (I) In general Services recommended by the panel in a report submitted under clause (iii) shall be treated as services described in subparagraph (A)(xvi) for calendar quarters beginning on or after the date that is 1 year after the date of such submission. (II) Notification Not later than 1 year after the first report is submitted under clause (iii), and not later than 1 year after the submission of each subsequent such report, the Secretary shall notify States of any additions or removals of home and community-based services based on services recommended under such report through State Medicaid Director letters. (3) Eligible individual (A) In general For purposes of paragraph (1), the term eligible individual (i) an individual who is determined, on an annual basis or on a longer basis specified by the State, by a health care provider approved by the State under a process described in subparagraph (C) to have a functional impairment (as defined in subparagraph (B)) (not taking into account any items or services, or any other ameliorative measures, furnished to such individual to mitigate such impairment) that is expected to last at least 90 days; (ii) during the period that ends on the day before the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning on or after the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this subsection, an individual who, as of such date of enactment, is receiving or has been determined to be eligible for, home and community-based services under this title under a waiver or State plan option in effect under section 1915 or 1115, provided that the individual continues to meet any level of care requirement applicable under such waiver or plan option; or (iii) an individual who is eligible under the State plan or waiver and is under the age of 21. (B) Functional impairment For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term functional impairment (i) 2 or more activities of daily living (as described in section 7702B(c)(2)(B) (ii) 2 or more instrumental activities of daily living (as defined for purposes of section 1915(k)(1)(A)); or (iii) 1 activity of daily living (as so described) and 1 instrumental activity of daily living (as so defined). (C) Health care provider State approval For purposes of subparagraph (A)(i), a process described in this subparagraph is a process established by the State to approve health care providers to make determinations described in such subparagraph that meets such standards as the Secretary may prescribe. (4) Individualized assessment (A) In general For purposes of paragraph (1), an individualized assessment described in this paragraph is an independent assessment, with respect to an eligible individual— (i) to determine a necessary level of services and supports to be provided, consistent with an individual’s functional impairments, to facilitate an individual’s community integration, self-determination, and well-being; (ii) to prevent the provision of unnecessary or inappropriate care; (iii) to establish a person-centered care plan (as described in subparagraph (C)) for the individual; (iv) that includes each of the elements described in clauses (ii) through (v) of section 1915(i)(1)(F); and (v) that occurs not later than 30 days after such individual is determined to be an eligible individual. (B) Presumption The assessment described in subparagraph (A) shall be conducted with the presumption— (i) that each eligible individual, regardless of type or level of disability or service need, can be served in the individual’s own home and community; and (ii) at the option of the individual, that services may be self-directed (as defined in section 1915(i)(1)(G)(iii)(II)). (C) Person-centered care plan For purposes of subparagraph (A)(iii), a person-centered care plan described in this subparagraph is a written plan with respect to an individual that meets the requirements of section 1915(i)(1)(G)(ii). (D) Standards An individualized assessment described in subparagraph (A) shall be conducted in accordance with standards specified by the Secretary, in consultation with the Administration for Community Living, that— (i) safeguard against conflicts of interest; (ii) specify qualifications for who may perform such assessments; (iii) ensure transparency in the furnishing of such assessments, including ensuring the provision of the results of such assessments that includes information in plain language necessary to interpret the methodology and results of such assessments; (iv) ensure that the methodologies used in such assessments are sound and evidence-based; and (v) require such methodologies to be made available on the public website of the State and tested for reliability and validity by an independent evaluator. . (2) Inclusion as medical assistance Section 1905(a) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d(a) (A) in paragraph (30), by striking ; and (B) by redesignating paragraph (31) as paragraph (32); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (30) the following new paragraph: (31) home and community-based services (as defined in subsection (jj)); and . (b) Mandatory benefit (1) In general Section 1902(a)(10)(A) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(A) and (30) (30), and (31) (2) Effective date The amendment made by this subsection shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar quarter that begins on or after the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Ensuring coverage of HCBS for all Medicaid-Eligible individuals Section 1902(a)(10)(D) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10)(A) (1) by inserting (i) (D) (2) by adding and (3) by adding at the end the following new clause: (ii) beginning on the first day of the first calendar quarter that begins on or after the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this clause (or at such earlier date as the State may elect) for the inclusion of home and community-based services (as defined in section 1905(jj)) for any individual who— (I) is eligible for medical assistance under the State plan (or waiver of such plan); (II) is an eligible individual (as defined in such section); and (III) elects to receive such services. . (d) Federal medical assistance percentage for home and community-Based services Section 1905 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396d (1) in subsection (b), by striking and (ii) (ii), and (kk) (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection: (kk) Specified FMAP for home and community-Based services (1) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in paragraph (3), the Federal medical assistance percentage for amounts expended for medical assistance for home and community-based services (as defined in subsection (jj)), including any such services furnished under a waiver in effect under section 1915, on or after the date of the enactment of this subsection shall be equal to 100 percent. (2) Access to essential HCBS As a condition of receiving the Federal medical assistance percentage described in paragraph (1), a State shall enhance, expand, or strengthen the level of home and community-based services offered under the State plan under this title (or a waiver of such a plan) as of the date of enactment of this subsection by doing all of the following: (A) Addressing access barriers and disparities in access or utilization identified in the State HCBS implementation plan. (B) Using no wrong door (C) Providing supports to family caregivers, which shall include providing respite care, and may include providing such services as caregiver assessments, peer supports, access to assistive technology, or paid family caregiving. (D) Adopting processes to ensure that payments for home and community-based services are sufficient to ensure that such services are available to eligible beneficiaries. (3) Exception The Federal medical assistance percentage applicable to medical assistance for home and community-based services furnished to an individual who is only eligible for medical assistance under a State plan or waiver on the basis of section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(XXIV) shall be determined without regard to this subsection. . (e) Sunset of HCBS waivers Section 1915 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396n (m) Sunset of provisions relating to home and community-Based services (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the preceding provisions of this section, insofar as such provisions relate to a waiver for home and community-based services, shall not apply beginning with the first calendar quarter beginning on or after the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this subsection. (2) Exception The Secretary may waive the application of paragraph (1) for a calendar quarter and a State if the State requests such a waiver and the Secretary determines that such a waiver is appropriate. . (f) Conforming amendments (1) In general Title XIX of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. (A) in section 1905(a), in the matter preceding the first numbered paragraph— (i) in clause (xv), by striking the comma at the end and inserting , or (ii) in clause (xvi)— (I) by moving the left margin 2 ems to the left; and (II) by striking , or (iii) by striking clause (xvii); and (B) in section 1943(b)(5), by striking the State a determination be conducted on an annual basis (or on such longer basis as specified by the State) in accordance with section 1905(jj) for purposes of providing home and community-based services under the State plan (or waiver of such plan). (2) Effective date (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amendments made by this subsection shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar quarter that begins on or after the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act. (B) Exception for States authorized to continue operating HCBS waivers In the case of a State for which the Secretary has waived the application of paragraph (1) of subsection (m) of section 1915 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396n 103. Medicaid eligibility modifications Section 1902(a)(10) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a)(10) (1) in subparagraph (A)(i)— (A) in subclause (VIII), by striking ; or (B) in subclause (IX)(dd), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting ; or (C) by inserting after subclause (IX) the following new subclause: (X) beginning with the first calendar quarter that begins on or after the date that is 5 years after the date of enactment of this subclause (or such earlier date as the State may elect), who are eligible individuals described in subsection (jj)(3)(A) and are not described in a previous subclause of this clause and whose income does not exceed the greater of— (aa) 150 percent of the poverty line (as defined in section 2110(c)(5)) applicable to a family of the size involved; and (bb) 300 percent of the supplemental security income benefit rate established by section 1611(b)(1); ; and (2) in subparagraph (A)(ii)— (A) in subclause (XXII), by striking ; or (B) in subclause (XXIII), by striking the semicolon at the end and inserting ; or (C) by adding at the end the following new subclause: (XXIV) who are eligible individuals who would be described in clause (i)(X) but for the fact that their income exceeds the income levels established under such clause but is less than such income level as the State may establish for purposes of this subclause; . 104. Home and community-based services implementation plan grant program (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall award to each State a grant for purposes of enabling such State to implement the requirement to provide home and community-based services under title XIX of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. (b) Use of funds A grant awarded under subsection (a) shall be used by a State to develop an implementation plan described in subsection (c) to be submitted to the Secretary for approval. (c) Implementation plan An implementation plan described in this subsection is a plan developed by a State that includes the following: (1) An explanation of how the State will operationalize the definition of an eligible individual under section 1905(jj) of the Social Security Act, including the process for determinations specified in paragraph (3)(A)(i) of such section. (2) A description of the State’s plan to ensure a stable and high quality workforce and how the State plans to ensure a living wage for individuals furnishing home and community-based services and identify and address any additional workforce issues. (3) A list of any home and community-based services provided under the State Medicaid plan (including any waiver of such plan) as of the date of enactment of this Act, including a breakdown of use of such services by demographics (as defined in section 2), compared to such services that are required under the amendments made by section 102, and a description of numerical goals to increase access to such services that have barriers to access for populations in need of such services. (4) A description of how the State will incorporate existing State disability agencies into the new unified provision of home and community-based services and how such State will ensure that such services address all functional impairments. (5) An explanation of how the State will ensure access to such services. (6) A plan for carrying out outreach and education activities with respect to the availability of such services through Aging and Disability Resource Centers and other similar entities (such as entities receiving funds from the Administration for Community Living or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), including a program that ensures that an individual is not denied such services based on the fact that the individual contacts the wrong entity (commonly referred to as a No Wrong Door Program (7) A plan for how such services will be coordinated with other relevant State agencies, such as housing, transportation, child welfare, food and income security, and employment agencies. (8) A description of how the State will build capacity prior to the implementation of the requirement described in subsection (a) to ensure that such services are available to every eligible individual under the Medicaid program and how the State will ensure that such services are provided in a setting that meets the requirements specified in paragraph (1) of section 1905(jj) of the Social Security Act, as added by section 102. (9) In the case of a State that utilizes an alternative benefit plan, a description of how the State will ensure that all individuals who are eligible individuals (as defined in such section) are appropriately identified as medically frail and exempted from such plan. (10) How the State will coordinate eligibility for such services with other disability eligibility programs, such as disability buy-in programs. (11) Data and milestone requirements to ensure community integration, including such requirements with respect to utilization of such services by demographics (as defined in section 2). (d) State plan requirement Section 1902(a) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396a(a) (1) in paragraph (86), by striking and (2) in paragraph (87), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (88) provide for the submission to the Secretary of an implementation plan described in section 104(c) of the HCBS Access Act . (e) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out this section. (f) Definitions In subsections (a) through (c): (1) Home and community-based services The term home and community-based services 42 U.S.C. 1396d (2) State The term State 42 U.S.C. 1301(1) 42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq. 105. Quality of services (a) In general (1) Development of metrics Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in consultation with State Medicaid Directors, shall develop standardized, State-level metrics of access to, and satisfaction with, providers, including primary care and specialist providers, with respect to individuals who are enrolled in State Medicaid plans under title XIX of the Social Security Act, broken down by demographics (as defined in section 2) and any other category determined by the Secretary. Such metrics shall include metrics on the total number of individuals enrolled in the State plan or under a waiver of the plan during a fiscal year that required the level of care provided in a nursing facility, intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disability, institution for mental disease, or other similarly restrictive or institutional setting. (2) Process The Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality shall develop the metrics described in paragraph (1) through a public process, which shall provide opportunities for stakeholders to participate. (b) Updating metrics The Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in consultation with the Deputy Administrator for the Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services and State Medicaid Directors, shall update the metrics developed under subsection (a) not less than once every 3 years. (c) State implementation funding The Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality may award funds, from the amount appropriated under subsection (d), to States for the purpose of implementing the metrics developed under this section. (d) Appropriation There is appropriated to the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, to remain available until expended, for the purpose of carrying out this section. 106. Reports; technical assistance; other administrative requirements (a) Reports The Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Finance of the Senate, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions of the Senate, and the Special Committee on Aging of the Senate the following reports relating to the HCBS implementation plan grant program established under section 104: (1) Interim report Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, a report that describes— (A) State efforts to develop their HCBS implementation plans; and (B) the funds awarded to States. (2) First implementation report Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, a report that includes the following: (A) A description of the HCBS implementation plans approved by the Secretary under section 104. (B) A description of the national landscape with respect to gaps in coverage of home and community-based services, disparities in access to, and utilization of, such services, and barriers to accessing such services. (C) A description of the national landscape with respect to the direct care workforce that provides home and community-based services, including with respect to compensation, benefits, and challenges to the availability of such workers. (3) Subsequent reports Not later than 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 3 years thereafter, a report that includes the following: (A) The number of HCBS program improvement States and the funds awarded to States to develop their plans. (B) A summary of the progress being made by such States with respect to strengthening and expanding access to home and community-based services and the direct care workforce that provides such services and meeting the benchmarks for demonstrating improvements required under section 1905(jj)(5) of the Social Security Act (as added by section 102). (C) A summary of outcomes related to home and community-based services core quality measures and beneficiary and family caregiver surveys. (D) A summary of the challenges and best practices reported by States in expanding access to home and community-based services and supporting and expanding the direct care workforce that provides such services. (b) Technical assistance; guidance; regulations The Secretary shall provide HCBS program improvement States with technical assistance related to carrying out the HCBS implementation plans approved by the Secretary under section 104 and meeting the requirements and benchmarks for demonstrating improvements required under section 1905(jj) of the Social Security Act (as added by section 102) and shall issue such guidance or regulations as necessary to carry out this title and the amendments made by this title, including guidance specifying how States shall assess and track the availability of home and community-based services over time. (c) Recommendations To guide HCBS implementation (1) In general Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary of Labor and the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for purposes of issuing recommendations for the Federal Government and for States to strengthen the direct care workforce that provides home and community-based services, including with respect to how the Federal Government should classify the direct care workforce, how such Administrator and State Medicaid programs can enforce and support the provision of competitive wages and benefits across the direct care workforce, including for workers with particular skills or expertise, and how State Medicaid programs can support training opportunities and other related efforts that support the provision of quality home and community-based services care. (2) Stakeholder consultation (A) In general In developing the recommendations required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall ensure that such recommendations are informed by consultation with recipients of home and community-based services, family caregivers of such recipients, providers, health plans, direct care workers, chosen representatives of direct care workers, and aging, disability, and workforce advocates. (B) Consultation with current and potential HCBS beneficiaries and family caregivers As part of the process of developing recommendations under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall— (i) hold at least 1 meeting for the purpose of developing such recommendations that is solely with current and potential recipients of home and community-based services and family caregivers of such recipients; and (ii) seek to achieve parity in terms of the level of participation in the development of such recommendations between— (I) current and potential recipients of home and community-based services and family caregivers of such recipients; and (II) other categories of stakeholder described in subparagraph (A). (d) Funding Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there is appropriated to the Secretary for purposes of carrying out this section, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, to remain available until expended. 107. Quality measurement and improvement (a) Development and publication of core and supplemental sets of HCBS quality measures (1) In general The Secretary shall identify and publish a core set and supplemental set of home and community-based services quality measures for use by State Medicaid programs, health plans and managed care entities that enter into contracts with such programs, and providers of items and services under such programs. (2) Regular reviews and updates The Secretary shall review and update the core set and supplemental set of home and community-based services quality measures published under paragraph (1) not less frequently than once every year. (3) Requirements (A) Interagency collaboration; stakeholder input In developing the core set and supplemental set of home and community-based services quality measures under paragraph (1), and subsequently reviewing and updating such core and supplemental sets, the Secretary shall— (i) collaborate with the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Administrator of the Administration for Community Living, the Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; and (ii) ensure that such core and supplemental sets are informed by input from stakeholders, including recipients of home and community-based services, family caregivers of such recipients, providers, health plans, direct care workers, chosen representatives of direct care workers, and aging, disability, and workforce advocates, with the goal that at least half of such input is from current and potential recipients of home and community-based services and family caregivers. (B) Reflective of full array of services Such core set and supplemental set of home and community-based services quality measures shall— (i) reflect the full array of home and community-based services and recipients of such services, including adults and children; and (ii) include— (I) outcomes-based measures; (II) measures of availability of services; (III) measures of provider capacity and availability; (IV) measures related to person-centered care; (V) measures specific to self-directed care; (VI) measures related to transitions to and from institutional care; and (VII) beneficiary and family caregiver surveys. (C) Demographics Such core set and supplemental set of home and community-based services quality measures shall allow for the collection of data that is disaggregated by demographics (as defined in section 2 but including any additional category determined by the Secretary). (4) Funding Out of any funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, there is appropriated to the Secretary for purposes of carrying out this subsection, $10,000,000 for fiscal year 2024, to remain available until expended. (b) State adoption and reports (1) In general Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Secretary publishes the core set and supplemental set of home and community-based services quality measures under subsection (a)(1), and annually thereafter, each State Medicaid program shall use such core and supplemental sets (or an alternative set of quality measures approved by the Secretary) to report information to the Secretary regarding the quality of home and community-based services provided under such program. (2) Process The information required under paragraph (1) shall be reported using a standardized format and procedures established by the Secretary. Such procedures shall allow a State Medicaid program to report such information separately or as part of the annual reports required under sections 1139A(c) and 1139B(d) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b–9a, 1320b–9b). (3) Publication of quality measures Each State Medicaid program shall annually make the information reported to the Secretary under paragraph (1) available to the public. (4) Increased Federal matching rate for adoption and reporting Section 1903(a)(3) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396b(a)(3) (A) in subparagraph (F)(ii), by striking plus and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (F), the following: (G) 80 percent of so much of the sums expended during such quarter as are attributable to the reporting of information regarding the quality of home and community-based services in accordance with section 107(b) of the HCBS Access Act . 108. Making permanent the State option to extend protection under Medicaid for recipients of home and community-based services against spousal impoverishment (a) In general Section 1924(h)(1)(A) of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396r–5(h)(1)(A) is described in section 1902(a)(10)(A)(ii)(VI) is an eligible individual (as defined in section 1905(jj)(3)) (b) Conforming amendment Section 2404 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1396r–5 September 30, 2027 the date of enactment of the HCBS Access Act 109. Permanent extension of Money Follows the Person Rebalancing demonstration Subparagraph (L) of section 6071(h)(1) of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 1396a each of fiscal years 2024 through 2027 each fiscal year after 2023 II Recognizing the role of direct support professionals 201. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) Direct support professionals play a critical role in the care provided to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (2) Providers of home and community-based services are experiencing difficulty hiring and retaining direct support professionals, with a national turnover rate of 45 percent as identified in a 2016 study by the National Core Indicators. (3) High turnover rates can lead to instability for individuals receiving services, and this may result in individuals not receiving enough personalized care to help them reach their goals for independent living. (4) A discrete occupational category for direct support professionals will help States and the Federal Government— (A) better interpret the shortage in the labor market of direct support professionals; and (B) collect data on the high turnover rate of direct support professionals. (5) The Standard Occupational Classification system is designed and maintained solely for statistical purposes, and is used by Federal statistical agencies to classify workers and jobs into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting, calculating, analyzing, or disseminating data. (6) Occupations in the Standard Occupational Classification system are classified based on work performed and, in some cases, on the skills, education, or training needed to perform the work. (7) Establishing a discrete occupational category for direct support professionals will— (A) correct an inaccurate representation in the Standard Occupational Classification system; (B) recognize these professionals for the critical and often times overlooked work that they perform for the disabled community, which work is different than the work of a home health aide or a personal care aide; and (C) better align the Standard Occupational Classification system with related classification systems. 202. Definition of direct support professional In this title, the term direct support professional 42 U.S.C. 12102 (1) services that enhance independence and community inclusion for such individual, including traveling with such individual, attending and assisting such individual while visiting friends and family, shopping, or socializing; (2) services such as coaching and supporting such individual in communicating needs, achieving self-expression, pursuing personal goals, living independently, and participating actively in employment or voluntary roles in the community; (3) services such as providing assistance with activities of daily living (such as feeding, bathing, toileting, and ambulation) and with tasks such as meal preparation, shopping, light housekeeping, and laundry; or (4) services that support such individual at home, work, school, or any other community setting. 203. Revision of Standard Occupational Classification System The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, revise the Standard Occupational Classification system to establish a separate code (31–1123) for direct support professionals as a healthcare support occupation. Such code shall be a subset of 31–1120, which includes home health aides and personal care aides. III Support for the direct care workforce 301. Definitions In this title: (1) Apprenticeship program The term apprenticeship program National Apprenticeship Act 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq. (2) Community college The term community college 20 U.S.C. 1059c (3) Direct care professional The term direct care professional (A) means an individual who, in exchange for compensation, provides services to a person with a disability or an older adult that promotes the independence of such person or individual, including— (i) services that enhance the independence and community inclusion for such person or individual, including traveling with such person or individual or attending and assisting such person or individual while visiting friends and family, shopping, or socializing; (ii) services such as coaching and supporting such person or individual in communicating needs, achieving self-expression, pursuing personal goals, living independently, and participating actively in employment or voluntary roles in the community; (iii) services such as providing assistance with activities of daily living (such as feeding, bathing, toileting, and ambulation) and with tasks such as meal preparation, shopping, light housekeeping, and laundry; (iv) services that support such person or individual at home, work, school, or in any other community setting; or (v) services that promote health and wellness, including scheduling and taking such person or individual to health care appointments, communicating with health and allied health professionals administering medications, implementing health and behavioral health interventions and treatment plans, monitoring and recording health status and progress; and (B) may include— (i) a service provider supporting people with intellectual disability and developmental disabilities, and other disabilities; (ii) a home and community-based services manager or direct support professional manager; (iii) a self-directed care worker; (iv) a personal care service worker; (v) a direct care worker, as defined in section 799B of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 295p (vi) any other position or job related to the home care or direct care workforce, such as positions or jobs in respite care, palliative care, community support, or peer support, as determined by the Secretary, in consultation with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Secretary of Labor. (4) Direct care workforce The term direct care workforce (5) Family caregiver The term family caregiver 42 U.S.C. 3030s Public Law 115–119 (6) Eligible entity The term eligible entity (A) that is— (i) a State; (ii) a labor organization, joint labor-management organization, or employer of direct care professionals; (iii) a nonprofit entity with experience in aging, disability, or supporting the rights and interests of, training of, or educating direct care professionals or family caregivers; (iv) an Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or Urban Indian organization; (v) a community college or other institution of higher education; or (vi) a consortium of entities listed in any of clauses (i) through (v); (B) that agrees to include, as applicable with respect to the type of grant the entity is seeking under this title and the activities supported through such grant, older adults, people with disabilities, direct care professionals, and family caregivers, as advisors and trainers in such activities; and (C) that agrees to consult with the State Medicaid agency of the State (or each State) served by the grant on the grant activities, to the extent that such agency (or each such agency) is not the eligible entity. (7) Employer The terms employ employer 29 U.S.C. 203 (8) Indian Tribe; Tribal organization The terms Indian Tribe Tribal organization 25 U.S.C. 5304 (9) Institution of higher education The term institution of higher education (A) an institution of higher education defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 (B) an institution of higher education defined in section 102(a)(1)(B) of such Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1002(a)(1)(B) (10) Older adult The term older adult (11) Person with a disability The term person with a disability 42 U.S.C. 12102 (12) Project participant The term project participant (13) Secretary The term Secretary (14) Self-directed care professional The term self-directed care professional (15) Supportive services The term supportive services (16) Urban indian organization The term urban Indian organization 25 U.S.C. 1603 (17) Workforce innovation and opportunity act terms The terms career pathway career planning in-demand industry sector or occupation individual with a barrier to employment local board on-the-job training recognized postsecondary credential region State board 29 U.S.C. 3102 (18) Work-based learning The term work-based learning 20 U.S.C. 2302 302. Authority to establish a technical assistance center for building the direct care workforce (a) Program authorized The Secretary shall establish a national technical assistance center (referred to in this section as the Center (1) supporting direct care workforce creation, training and education, recruitment, retention, and advancement; and (2) supporting family caregivers and activities of family caregivers as a critical part of the support team for older adults or people with disabilities. (b) Advisory council The Secretary shall convene an advisory council to provide recommendations to the Center with respect to the duties of the Center under this section and may engage individuals and entities described in paragraphs (3)(B), and (12), of section 304(b) (without regard to a specific project described in such paragraphs) for service on the advisory council. (c) Activities The Center may— (1) develop recommendations for training and education curricula for direct care professionals, which such recommendations may include recommendations for curricula for higher education, postsecondary credentials, and programs with community colleges; (2) develop learning and dissemination strategies to— (A) engage States and other entities in activities supported under this title and best practices; and (B) distribute findings from activities supported by grants under this title; (3) develop recommendations for training and education curricula and other strategies for supporting family caregivers; (4) explore the national data gaps, workforce shortage areas, and data collection strategies for direct care professionals and make recommendations to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget for an occupation category in the Standard Occupational Classification system for direct support professionals as a healthcare support occupation; (5) recommend career development and advancement opportunities for direct care professionals, which may include occupational frameworks, national standards, recruitment campaigns, pre-apprenticeship and on-the-job training opportunities, apprenticeship programs, career ladders or pathways, specializations or certifications, or other activities; and (6) develop strategies for assisting with reporting and evaluation of grant activities under section 305. 303. Authority to award grants (a) Grants (1) In general Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary, in consultation with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Education, shall award grants described in paragraph (2) to eligible entities. A grant awarded under this section may be in more than 1 category described in such paragraph. (2) Categories of grants The categories of grants described in this paragraph are each of the following: (A) Direct care professional grants Grants to eligible entities to create and carry out projects for the purposes of recruiting, retaining, or providing advancement opportunities for direct care professionals who are not described in subparagraph (B) or (C), including through education or training programs for such professionals or individuals seeking to become such professionals. (B) Direct care professional managers grants Grants to eligible entities to create and carry out projects for the purposes of recruiting, retaining, or providing advancement opportunities for direct care professionals who are managers or supervisory staff that have coaching, training, managerial, supervisory, or other oversight responsibilities, including through education or training programs for such professionals or individuals seeking to become such professionals. (C) Self-directed care professionals grants Grants to eligible entities to create and carry out projects for the purposes of recruiting, retaining, or providing advancement opportunities for self-directed care professionals, including through education or training programs for such professionals or individuals seeking to become such professionals. (D) Family caregiver grants Grants to eligible entities to create and carry out projects for providing support to paid or unpaid family caregivers through educational, training, or other resources, including resources for caregiver self-care or educational or training resources for individuals newly in a caregiving role or seeking additional support in the role of a family caregiver. (3) Projects for advancement opportunities Not less than 30 percent of projects assisted with grants under this title shall be projects to provide career pathways that offer opportunities for professional development and advancement opportunities to direct care professionals. (b) Treatment of continuation activities An eligible entity that carries out activities described in subsection (a)(2) prior to receipt of a grant under this title may use such grant to continue carrying out such activities, and, in using such grant to continue such activities, shall be treated as an eligible entity carrying out a project through a grant under this title. 304. Project plans (a) In general An eligible entity seeking a grant under this title shall submit to the Secretary a project plan for each project to be developed and carried out (or for activities to be continued as described in section 303(b)) with the grant at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (b) Contents A project plan submitted by an eligible entity under subsection (a) shall include a description of information determined relevant by the Secretary for purposes of the category of the grant and the activities to be carried out through the grant. Such information may include (as applicable) the following: (1) The demographics (as defined in section 2) of the population in the State or relevant geographic area, including a description of the populations likely to need long-term care services, such as people with disabilities and older adults. (2) Projections of unmet need for services provided by direct care professionals based on enrollment waiting lists under home and community-based waivers under section 1115 of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1315 42 U.S.C. 1396n (3) An advisory committee to advise the eligible entity on activities to be carried out through the grant. Such advisory committee— (A) may be comprised of entities listed in paragraph (12); and (B) shall include— (i) older adults or persons with a disability; (ii) organizations representing the rights and interests of people receiving services by the direct care professionals or family caregivers targeted by the project; (iii) individuals who are direct care professionals or family caregivers targeted by the project and organizations representing the rights and interests of direct care professionals or family caregivers; (iv) as applicable, employers of individuals described in clause (iii) and labor organizations representing such individuals; (v) representatives of the State Medicaid agency, the State agency defined in section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3002 (vi) representatives reflecting diverse racial, cultural, ethnic, geographic, socioeconomic, and gender identity and sexual orientation perspectives. (4) Current or projected job openings for, or relevant labor market information related to, the direct care professionals targeted by the project in the State or region to be served by the project, and the geographic scope of the workforce to be served by the project. (5) Specific efforts and strategies that the project will undertake to reduce barriers to recruitment, retention, or advancement of the direct care professionals targeted by the project, including an assurance that such efforts will include— (A) an assessment of the wages or other compensation or benefits necessary to recruit and retain the direct care professionals targeted by the project; (B) a description of the project’s projected compensation or benefits for the direct care professionals targeted by the project at the State or local level, including a comparison of such projected compensation or benefits to regional and national compensation or benefits and a description of how wages and benefits received by project participants will be impacted by the participation in and completion of the project; and (C) a description of the projected impact of workplace safety issues on the recruitment and retention of direct care professionals targeted by the project, including the availability of personal protective equipment. (6) In the case of a project offering an education or training program for direct care professionals, a description of such program (including how the core competencies identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be incorporated, curricula, models, and standards used under the program, and any associated recognized postsecondary credentials for which the program provides preparation, as applicable), which shall include an assurance that such program will provide to each project participant in such program— (A) relevant training regarding the rights of recipients of home and community based services, including their rights to— (i) receive services in integrated settings that provide access to the broader community; (ii) exercise self-determination; (iii) be free from all forms of abuse, neglect, or exploitation; and (iv) person-centered planning and practices, including participation in planning activities; (B) relevant training to ensure that each project participant has the necessary skills to recognize abuse and understand their obligations with regard to reporting and responding to abuse appropriately in accordance with relevant Federal and State law; (C) relevant training regarding the provision of culturally competent and disability competent supports to recipients of services provided by the direct care professionals targeted by the project; (D) an apprenticeship program, work-based learning, or on-the-job training opportunities; (E) supervision or mentoring; and (F) for any on-the-job training portion of the program, a progressively increasing, clearly defined schedule of wages to be paid to each such participant that— (i) is consistent with skill gains or attainment of a recognized postsecondary credential received as a result of participation in or completion of such program; and (ii) ensures the entry wage is not less than the greater of— (I) the minimum wage required under section 6(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ( 29 U.S.C. 206(a) (II) the applicable wage required by other applicable Federal or State law, or a collective bargaining agreement. (7) Any other innovative models or processes the eligible entity will implement to support the retention and career advancement of the direct care professionals targeted by the project. (8) The supportive services and benefits to be provided to the project participants in order to support the employment, retention, or career advancement of the direct care professionals targeted by the project. (9) How the eligible entity will make use of career planning to support the identification of advancement opportunities and career pathways for the direct care professionals in the State or region to be served by the project. (10) How the eligible entity will collect and submit to the Secretary workforce data and outcomes of the project. (11) How the project— (A) will— (i) provide adequate and safe equipment and facilities for training and supervision, including a safe work environment free from discrimination, which may include the provision of personal protective equipment and other necessary equipment to prevent the spread of infectious disease among the direct care professionals targeted by the project and recipients of services provided by such professionals; (ii) incorporate remote training and education opportunities or technology-supported opportunities; (iii) for training and education curricula, incorporate evidenced-supported practices for adult learners and universal design for learning and ensure recipients of services provided by the direct care professionals or family caregivers targeted by the project participate in the development and implementation of such training and education curricula; (iv) use outreach, recruitment, and retention strategies designed to reach and retain a diverse workforce; (v) incorporate methods to monitor satisfaction with project activities for project participants and individuals receiving services from such participants; (vi) incorporate evidence-supported practices for family caregiver engagement; and (vii) incorporate core competencies identified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; and (B) may incorporate continuing education programs and specialty training, with a specific focus on— (i) trauma-informed care; (ii) behavioral health, including co-occurring behavioral health conditions and intellectual or developmental disabilities; (iii) Alzheimer’s and dementia care; (iv) chronic disease management; and (v) the use of supportive or assistive technology. (12) How the eligible entity will consult on the implementation of the project, or coordinate the project with, each of the following entities, to the extent that each such entity is not the eligible entity: (A) The State Medicaid agency, State agency defined in section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3002 (B) The local board and State board for each region, or State, to be served by the project. (C) In the case of a project that carries out an education or training program, a nonprofit organization with demonstrated experience in the development or delivery of curricula or coursework. (D) A nonprofit organization, including a labor organization, that fosters the professional development and collective engagement of the direct care professionals targeted by the project. (E) Area agencies on aging, as defined in section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3002 (F) Centers for independent living, as described in part C of title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ( 29 U.S.C. 796f et seq. (G) The State Council on Developmental Disabilities (as such term is used in subtitle B of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 15021 et seq. (H) Aging and Disability Resource Centers (as defined in section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 ( 42 U.S.C. 3002 (I) A nonprofit State provider association that represents providers who employ the direct care professionals targeted by the project, where such associations exist. (J) An entity that employs the direct care professionals targeted by the project. (K) University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Education, Research, and Services supported under subtitle D of title I of the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 ( 42 U.S.C. 15061 et seq. (L) The State protection and advocacy system described in section 143 of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 15043 (M) Direct care professionals or direct care workforce organizations representing underserved communities, including communities of color. (13) How the eligible entity will consult throughout the project with— (A) individuals employed or working as the direct care professionals or family caregivers targeted by the project; (B) representatives of such professionals or caregivers; (C) individuals assisted by such professionals or caregivers; (D) the families of such professionals or caregivers; and (E) individuals receiving education or training to become such professionals or caregivers. (14) Outreach efforts to individuals for participation in such project, including targeted outreach efforts to— (A) individuals who are recipients of assistance under a State program funded under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 601 et seq. (B) individuals with barriers to employment. (c) Considerations In selecting eligible entities to receive a grant under this title, the Secretary shall ensure— (1) equitable geographic diversity, including by selecting recipients serving rural areas and selecting recipients serving urban areas; and (2) that selected eligible entities will serve areas where the occupation of direct care professional, or a related occupation, is an in-demand industry sector or occupation. (d) Uses of funds; supplement, not supplant (1) Uses of funds (A) In general Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this title shall use the funds of such grant to carry out at least 1 project described in section 303(a)(2). (B) Administrative costs Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this title shall not use more than 5 percent of the funds of such grant for costs associated with the administration of activities under this title. (C) Direct support Each eligible entity receiving a grant under this title shall use not less than 5 percent of the funds of such grant to provide direct financial benefits or supportive services to direct care professionals and paid or unpaid family caregivers to support the financial needs of such participants during the duration of the project activities. (2) Supplement, not supplant An eligible entity receiving a grant under this title shall use such grant only to supplement, and not supplant, the amount of funds that, in the absence of such grant, would be available to address the recruitment, training and education, retention, and advancement of direct care professionals or provide support for family caregivers, in the State or region served by the eligible entity. (3) Prohibition No amounts made available under this title may be used for any activity that is subject to the reporting requirements set forth in section 203(a) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 ( 29 U.S.C. 433(a) 305. Evaluations and reports; technical assistance (a) Reporting requirements by grant recipients (1) In general An eligible entity receiving a grant under this title shall cooperate with the Secretary and annually provide a report to the Secretary that includes any relevant data requested by the Secretary in a manner specified by the Secretary. (2) Contents The data requested by the Secretary for an annual report may include any of the following (as determined relevant by the Secretary with respect to the category of the grant and each project supported through the grant): (A) The number of individuals and the demographic categories (as defined in section 2) served by each project supported by the grant, including— (i) the number of individuals recruited through each such project to be employed as a direct care professional; (ii) the number of individuals who through each such project attained employment as a direct care professional; and (iii) the number of individuals who enrolled in each such project and withdrew or were terminated from each such project without completing training or attaining employment as a direct care professional. (B) The number of family caregivers participating in an education or training program through each project supported by the grant. (C) The number of project participants who through each such project participated in and completed— (i) work-based learning; (ii) on-the-job training; (iii) an apprenticeship program; or (iv) a professional development or mentoring program. (D) (i) Other services, benefits, or supports (other than the services, benefits, or supports described in subparagraph (C)) provided through each such project to assist in the recruitment, retention, or advancement of direct care professionals (including through education or training for such professionals or individuals seeking to become such professionals); (ii) the number of individuals who accessed such services, benefits, or supports; and (iii) the impact of such services, benefits, or supports. (E) The crude separation and vacancy rates of direct care professionals, and such rates for those professionals who are managers or supervisors, in the geographic region for a number of years before the grant was awarded, as determined by the Secretary, and annually thereafter for the duration of the grant period. (F) How each project supported by the grant assessed satisfaction with respect to— (i) project participants assisted by the project; (ii) individuals receiving services delivered by project participants, including— (I) any impact on the health or health outcomes of such individuals; and (II) any impact on the ability of individuals to transition to or remain in the community in an environment that meets the criteria established in the section 441.301(c)(4) of title 42, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations); and (iii) employers of such project participants. (G) The performance of the eligible entity with respect to the indicators of performance on unsubsidized employment, median earnings, credential attainment, measurable skill gains, and employer satisfaction. (H) Any other information with respect to outcomes of the project as determined by the Secretary. (b) Annual report to Congress by Secretary Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this title, and each year thereafter until all projects supported through a grant under this title are completed, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to Congress an annual report on the progress of each project supported through a grant under this title and the activities of the technical assistance center established under section 302. (c) GAO report Not later than 1 year after the date on which all projects supported through a grant under this title are completed, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study and submit to Congress a report including— (1) an assessment of how the technical assistance center established under section 302 and the projects supported through a grant under this title assisted in the creation, recruitment, training and education, retention, and advancement of the direct care workforce or in providing support for family caregivers; and (2) recommendations for such legislative or administrative actions needed for improving the assistance described in paragraph (1), as the Comptroller General determines appropriate. (d) Independent evaluations Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this title, the Secretary shall enter into a contract with an independent entity to provide independent evaluations of activities supported by grants under this title and activities of the technical assistance center established under section 302. 306. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated— (1) for the establishment and activities of the technical assistance center under section 302, $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028; and (2) for grants under section 303, $1,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2024. (b) Availability Amounts made available under this title shall remain available until September 30, 2033. IV Evaluation 401. Evaluation of impact on access to HCBS (a) National survey on expanded HCBS access The Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in coordination with the National Academy of Medicine, shall, not later than 7 years after the date of enactment of this Act, conduct or contract for a national survey of States, direct care professionals, family caregivers, and providers and recipients of home and community-based services, to determine the effects of the implementation of this Act and the amendments made by this Act on— (1) the availability and access to home and community-based services under the Medicaid program nationally and in each State; (2) the capacity of the direct service workforce to provide home and community-based services and information on the demographics (as defined in section 2) of such workforce; (3) the compensation and working conditions, including scheduling and benefits, of direct care workers; (4) the economic effects on beneficiaries and on families with a member receiving home and community-based services through Medicaid; (5) the availability of direct care workers and services for people needing long-term services and supports who are not Medicaid eligible; (6) family caregivers; and (7) recommendations for measures to further expand and enhance access home and community-based services. (b) Report Not later than 9 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shall publish a report containing the results of the survey conducted under subsection (a). (c) American Community Survey addition The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Bureau of the Census, shall add to the American Community Survey a question designed to identify the need for long-term services and supports by residents of the United States. (d) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out this section.

Summary: HCBS Access Act This bill expands coverage of home- and community-based services (HCBS) under Medicaid. It also establishes programs and requirements to support providers who furnish HCBS. Specifically, the bill requires state Medicaid programs to cover HCBS for individuals who (1) are determined to have a functional impairment that affects daily living and that is expected to last at least 90 days, (2) during the five-year period after the bill is enacted, are already receiving HCBS through Medicaid under a demonstration waiver or other state option, or (3) are under the age of 21 and are otherwise eligible. Covered services include home health care services, private nursing services, homemaking assistance, non-emergency and non-medical transportation, and caregiver support. The bill also requires the Office of Management and Budget to revise the Standard Occupational Classification system so that the occupation of direct support professional (i.e., a professional who provides services for individuals with disabilities) is classified under a separate code as a healthcare support occupation. Additionally, the Administration for Community Living must establish a technical assistance center and award grants to government, nonprofit, educational entities, and relevant employers to support training, recruitment, and retention of direct support professionals. The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services must study the effects of the bill's implementation on HCBS beneficiaries and the direct care workforce.