CMS Announces Release of Online Training and Resources to Strengthen Direct Care Workforce

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have announced the release of an online training course and resources offering strategies and information on self-direction, strengthening the direct service workforce (DSW) in rural areas, and CMS’ 2021 DSW State Medicaid Learning Collaborative.

Below is a description of each resource:

• Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Direct Service Workers to Provide Self-directed Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provides free, virtual guidance and information for people who self-direct their HCBS and information on finding, hiring, and retaining direct service workers.
• 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.
• Emerging Strategies for States: DSW Learning Collaborative Summary summarizes themes, challenges, and strategies from state Medicaid and partner agencies participating in CMS’ 2021 DSW State Medicaid Learning Collaborative.

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