26 Tex. Admin. Code § 259.5 - Definitions

The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

(1) Abuse--

(A) physical abuse;

(B) sexual abuse; or

(C) verbal or emotional abuse.

(2) Actively involved--Significant, ongoing, and supportive involvement with an individual by a person, as determined by the individual, based on the person's:

(A) interactions with the individual;

(B) availability to the individual for assistance or support when needed; and

(C) knowledge of, sensitivity to, and advocacy for the individual's needs, preferences, values, and beliefs.

(3) Adaptive aids--A Community Living Assistance and Support Services (CLASS) Program service that:

(A) enables an individual to retain or increase the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) or perceive, control, or communicate with the environment in which the individual lives; and

(B) meets one of the following criteria:

(i) is an item included in the list of adaptive aids in the Community Living Assistance and Support Services Provider Manual; or

(ii) is the repair or maintenance of an item on the list of adaptive aids in the Community Living Assistance and Support Services Provider Manual that is not covered by a warranty.

(4) Adaptive behavior--The effectiveness with or degree to which an individual meets the standards of personal independence and social responsibility expected of the individual's age and cultural group as assessed by an adaptive behavior screening assessment.

(5) Adaptive behavior level--The categorization of an individual's functioning level based on a standardized measure of adaptive behavior. There are four adaptive behavior levels ranging from mild limitations in adaptive skills (I) through profound limitations in adaptive skills (IV).

(6) Adaptive behavior screening assessment--A standardized assessment used to determine an individual's adaptive behavior level, and conducted using the current version of one of the following assessment instruments:

(A) American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) Adaptive Behavior Scales (ABS);

(B) Inventory for Client and Agency Planning (ICAP);

(C) Scales of Independent Behavior; or

(D) Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales.

(7) ADLs--Activities of daily living. Basic personal everyday activities, including tasks such as eating, toileting, grooming, dressing, bathing, and transferring.

(8) Agency foster home--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Human Resources Code § 42.002.

(9) Alarm call--A signal transmitted from an individual's Community First Choice emergency response services (CFC ERS) equipment to the CFC ERS response center indicating that the individual needs immediate assistance.

(10) ALF--Assisted living facility. A facility licensed in accordance with Texas Health and Safety Code (THSC), Chapter 247, Assisted Living Facilities.

(11) Alleged perpetrator--A person alleged to have committed an act of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an individual.

(12) Aquatic therapy--A specialized therapy that involves a low-risk exercise method performed in water to improve an individual's range of motion, flexibility, muscular strengthening and toning, cardiovascular endurance, fitness, and mobility.

(13) Audio-only--An interactive, two-way audio communication platform that only uses sound.

(14) Auditory integration training/auditory enhancement training--A CLASS Program service that provides specialized training to assist an individual to cope with hearing dysfunction or over-sensitivity to certain frequency ranges of sound by facilitating auditory processing skills and exercising the middle ear and auditory nervous system.

(15) Auxiliary aid--A service or device that enables an individual with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills to participate in the person-centered planning process. An auxiliary aid includes interpreter services, transcription services, and a text telephone.

(16) Behavior support plan--A comprehensive, individualized written plan based on a current functional behavior assessment that includes specific outcomes and behavioral techniques designed to teach or increase adaptive skills and decrease or eliminate target behaviors.

(17) Behavioral support--A CLASS Program service that provides specialized interventions to assist an individual in increasing adaptive behaviors and replacing or modifying behaviors that prevent or interfere with the individual's inclusion in the community and which consist of the following activities:

(A) conducting a functional behavior assessment;

(B) developing an individualized behavior support plan;

(C) training and consulting with an individual, family member, or other persons involved in the individual's care regarding the implementation of the behavior support plan;

(D) monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the behavior support plan;

(E) modifying, as necessary, the behavior support plan based on monitoring and evaluating the plan's effectiveness; and

(F) counseling and educating an individual, family members, or other persons involved in the individual's care about the techniques to use in assisting the individual to control challenging or socially unacceptable behaviors.

(18) Business day--Any day except a Saturday, a Sunday, or a national or state holiday listed in Texas Government Code § 662.003(a) or (b).

(19) Calendar day--Any day, including weekends and holidays.

(20) Case management--A CLASS Program service that assists an individual in the following:

(A) assessing the individual's needs;

(B) enrolling into the CLASS Program;

(C) developing the individual's individual plan of care (IPC);

(D) coordinating the provision of CLASS Program services and CFC services;

(E) monitoring the effectiveness of the CLASS Program services and CFC services and the individual's progress toward achieving the outcomes identified for the individual;

(F) revising the individual's IPC, as appropriate;

(G) accessing non-CLASS Program services and non-CFC services;

(H) resolving a crisis that occurs regarding the individual; and

(I) advocating for the individual's needs.

(21) Case manager--A service provider of case management.

(22) Catchment area--As determined by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), a geographic area composed of multiple Texas counties.

(23) CDS option--Consumer directed services option. A service delivery option defined in 40 TAC § 41.103 (relating to Definitions).

(24) CFC--Community First Choice.

(25) CFC ERS--CFC emergency response services. A CFC service that provides backup systems and supports used to ensure continuity of services and supports. CFC ERS includes electronic devices and an array of available technology, personal emergency response systems, and other mobile communication devices.

(26) CFC ERS provider--The entity directly providing CFC ERS to an individual, which may be the DSA or a contractor of the DSA.

(27) CFC FMS--CFC financial management services. A CFC service provided to an individual who receives only CFC PAS/HAB through the CDS option.

(28) CFC PAS/HAB--CFC personal assistance services/habilitation. A CFC service:

(A) that consists of:

(i) personal assistance services, which provides assistance to an individual in performing ADLs and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) based on the individual's person-centered service plan, including:

(I) non-skilled assistance with the performance of the ADLs and IADLs;

(II) household chores necessary to maintain the home in a clean, sanitary, and safe environment;

(III) escort services, which consist of accompanying and assisting an individual to access services or activities in the community, but do not include transporting an individual; and

(IV) assistance with health-related tasks; and

(ii) habilitation, which provides assistance to an individual in acquiring, retaining, and improving self-help, socialization, and daily living skills and training the individual on ADLs, IADLs, and health-related tasks, including:

(I) self-care;

(II) personal hygiene;

(III) household tasks;

(IV) mobility;

(V) money management;

(VI) community integration, including how to get around in the community;

(VII) use of adaptive equipment;

(VIII) personal decision making;

(IX) reduction of challenging behaviors to allow individuals to accomplish ADLs, IADLs, and health-related tasks; and

(X) self-administration of medication; and

(B) does not include transporting the individual, which means driving the individual from one location to another.

(29) CFC support consultation--A CFC service that provides support consultation to an individual who receives only CFC PAS/HAB through the CDS option.

(30) CFC support management--A CFC service that provides training on how to select, manage, and dismiss an unlicensed service provider of CFC PAS/HAB.

(31) CFR--Code of Federal Regulations.

(32) CFS--Continued family services. A CLASS Program service described in Subchapter E of this chapter (relating to Support Family Services and Continued Family Services).

(33) CLASS Program--The Community Living Assistance and Support Services Program.

(34) CMA--Case management agency. A program provider that has a contract with HHSC to provide case management.

(35) CMS--The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. CMS is the agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services that administers Medicare and Medicaid programs.

(36) Cognitive rehabilitation therapy--A CLASS Program service that:

(A) assists an individual in learning or relearning cognitive skills that have been lost or altered as a result of damage to brain cells or brain chemistry in order to enable the individual to compensate for lost cognitive functions; and

(B) includes reinforcing, strengthening, or reestablishing previously learned patterns of behavior, or establishing new patterns of cognitive activity or compensatory mechanisms for impaired neurological systems.

(37) Competitive employment--Employment that pays an individual at least the minimum wage if the individual is not self-employed.

(38) Contract--A provisional contract that HHSC enters into in accordance with 40 TAC § 49.208 (relating to Provisional Contract Application Approval) that has a term of no more than 3 years, not including any extension agreed to in accordance with 40 TAC § 49.208(e) or a standard contract that HHSC enters into in accordance with 40 TAC § 49.209 (relating to Standard Contract) that has a term of no more than five years, not including any extension agreed to in accordance with 40 TAC § 49.209(d).

(39) Controlling person--A person who:

(A) has an ownership interest in a program provider;

(B) is an officer or director of a corporation that is a program provider;

(C) is a partner in a partnership that is a program provider;

(D) is a member or manager in a limited liability company that is a program provider;

(E) is a trustee or trust manager of a trust that is a program provider; or

(F) because of a personal, familial, or other relationship with a program provider, is in a position of actual control or authority with respect to the program provider, regardless of the person's title.

(40) Denial--An action taken by HHSC that:

(A) rejects an individual's request for enrollment into the CLASS Program;

(B) disallows a CLASS Program service or a CFC service requested on an IPC that was not authorized on the prior IPC; or

(C) disallows a portion of the amount or level of a CLASS Program service or a CFC service requested on an IPC that was not authorized on the prior IPC.

(41) Dental treatment--A CLASS Program service that:

(A) consists of the following:

(i) emergency dental treatments, which are procedures necessary to control bleeding, relieve pain, and eliminate acute infection; operative procedures that are required to prevent the imminent loss of teeth; and treatment of injuries to the teeth or supporting structures;

(ii) routine preventative dental treatments, which are examinations, x-rays, cleanings, sealants, oral prophylaxes, and topical fluoride applications;

(iii) therapeutic dental treatments, which include fillings, scaling, extractions, crowns, pulp therapy for permanent and primary teeth; restoration of carious permanent and primary teeth; maintenance of space; and limited provision of removable prostheses when masticatory function is impaired, when an existing prosthesis is unserviceable, or when aesthetic considerations interfere with employment or social development;

(iv) orthodontic dental treatments, which are procedures that include treatment of retained deciduous teeth; cross-bite therapy; facial accidents involving severe traumatic deviations; cleft palates with gross malocclusion that will benefit from early treatment; and severe, handicapping malocclusions affecting permanent dentition with a minimum score of 26 as measured on the Handicapping Labio-lingual Deviation Index; and

(v) dental sedation, which is sedation necessary to perform dental treatment including non-routine anesthesia, (for example, intravenous sedation, general anesthesia, or sedative therapy prior to routine procedures) but not including administration of routine local anesthesia only; and

(B) does not include cosmetic orthodontia.

(42) DFPS--The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.

(43) Dietary services--A CLASS Program service that provides nutrition services, as defined in Texas Occupations Code § 701.002.

(44) Direct services--Includes the following services:

(A) CLASS Program services other than case management, FMS, support consultation, support family services, CFS, and TAS;

(B) CFC PAS/HAB;

(C) CFC ERS; and

(D) CFC support management.

(45) DSA--Direct services agency. A program provider that has a contract with HHSC to provide direct services.

(46) Employment assistance--A CLASS Program service that provides assistance to an individual to help the individual locate competitive employment in the community to the same degree of access as individuals not receiving CLASS Program services.

(47) Enrollment IPC--The first individual plan of care (IPC) for an individual developed before the individual's enrollment into the CLASS Program.

(48) Enrollment IPP--The first individual program plan (IPP) for an individual developed before the individual's enrollment into the CLASS Program in accordance with § 259.67 of this chapter (relating to Development of IPPs).

(49) Exploitation--The illegal or improper act or process of using, or attempting to use, an individual or the resources of an individual for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain.

(50) FMS--Financial management services. A CLASS Program service that is defined in 40 TAC § 41.103 and is provided to an individual participating in the CDS option.

(51) FMSA--Financial management services agency. An entity, as defined in 40 TAC § 41.103, that provides FMS.

(52) Former military member--A person who served in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force:

(A) who declared and maintained Texas as the person's state of legal residence in the manner provided by the applicable military branch while on active duty; and

(B) who was killed in action or died while in service, or whose active duty otherwise ended.

(53) Functional behavior assessment--An evaluation that is used to determine the underlying function or purpose of an individual's behavior, so an effective behavior support plan can be developed.

(54) Good cause--As determined by HHSC, a reason outside the control of a CFC ERS provider that is an acceptable reason for the CFC ERS provider's failure to comply.

(55) Group setting--A setting, other than an individual's residence, in which more than one individual or other person is receiving pre-vocational services or a similar service.

(56) Habilitation--A CLASS Program service that allows an individual to reside successfully in a community setting by training the individual to acquire, retain, and improve self-help, socialization, and daily living skills or assisting the individual with ADLs. Habilitation services consist of the following:

(A) habilitation training, which is interacting in person with an individual who is awake to train the individual in the following activities:

(i) self-care;

(ii) personal hygiene;

(iii) household tasks;

(iv) mobility;

(v) money management;

(vi) community integration;

(vii) use of adaptive equipment;

(viii) management of caregivers;

(ix) personal decision making;

(x) interpersonal communication;

(xi) reduction of challenging behaviors;

(xii) socialization and the development of relationships;

(xiii) participating in leisure and recreational activities;

(xiv) use of natural supports and typical community services available to the public;

(xv) self-administration of medication; and

(xvi) strategies to restore or compensate for reduced cognitive skills;

(B) habilitation ADLs, which are:

(i) interacting in person with an individual who is awake to assist the individual in the following activities:

(I) self-care;

(II) personal hygiene;

(III) ambulation and mobility;

(IV) money management;

(V) community integration;

(VI) use of adaptive equipment;

(VII) self-administration of medication;

(VIII) reinforce any therapeutic goal of the individual;

(IX) provide transportation to the individual; and

(X) protect the individual's health, safety and security;

(ii) interacting in person or by telephone with an individual or an involved person regarding an incident that directly affects the individual's health or safety; and

(iii) performing one of the following activities that does not involve interacting in person with an individual:

(I) shopping for the individual;

(II) planning or preparing meals for the individual;

(III) housekeeping for the individual;

(IV) procuring or preparing the individual's medication; or

(V) arranging transportation for the individual; and

(C) habilitation delegated, which is tasks delegated by a registered nurse (RN) to a service provider of habilitation in accordance with 22 TAC Chapter 224 (relating to Delegation of Nursing Tasks By Registered Professional Nurses to Unlicensed Personnel For Clients With Acute Conditions Or In Acute Care Environments) or Chapter 225 (relating to RN Delegation to Unlicensed Personnel and Tasks Not Requiring Delegations In Independent Living Environments For Clients With Stable and Predictable Conditions).

(57) Health-related tasks--Specific tasks related to the needs of an individual that can be delegated or assigned by a licensed health care professional under state law to be performed by a service provider of CFC PAS/HAB. These include:

(A) tasks delegated by a registered nurse (RN);

(B) health maintenance activities, as defined in 22 TAC § 225.4 (relating to Definitions), that may not require delegation; and

(C) activities assigned to a service provider of CFC PAS/HAB by a licensed physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech-language pathologist.

(58) HHSC--The Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

(59) Hippotherapy--A specialized therapy that:

(A) involves an individual interacting with and riding on horses;

(B) is designed to improve the balance, coordination, focus, independence, confidence, and motor and social skills of the individual; and

(C) is provided by two service providers at the same time, as described in § 259.355(d)(11) of this chapter (relating to Qualifications of DSA Staff Persons).

(60) Hospital--A public or private institution that is licensed or is exempt from licensure in accordance with THSC Chapters 13, 241, 261, or 552.

(61) IADLs--Instrumental activities of daily living. Activities related to living independently in the community, including meal planning and preparation; managing finances; shopping for food, clothing, and other essential items; performing essential household chores; communicating by phone or other media; and traveling around and participating in the community.

(62) ICF/IID--Intermediate care facility for individuals with an intellectual disability or related conditions. An ICF/IID is a facility in which ICF/IID Program Services are provided and that is:

(A) licensed in accordance with THSC Chapter 252; or

(B) certified by HHSC, including a state supported living center.

(63) ICF/IID Program--The Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability or Related Conditions Program, which provides Medicaid-funded residential services to individuals with an intellectual disability or related conditions.

(64) ID/RC Assessment--Intellectual Disability/Related Conditions Assessment. An HHSC form used to determine the level of care (LOC) for an individual.

(65) Individual--A person seeking to enroll or who is enrolled in the CLASS Program.

(66) Individual transportation plan--A written plan developed by an individual's service planning team and documented on the HHSC individual transportation plan form. An individual transportation plan describes how transportation as a habilitation activity will be delivered to support an individual's desired goals and outcomes identified in the IPP.

(67) Inpatient chemical dependency treatment facility--A facility licensed in accordance with THSC Chapter 464, Facilities Treating Persons with a Chemical Dependency.

(68) In person or in-person--Within the physical presence of another person. In person or in-person does not include using videoconferencing or a telephone.

(69) Institution for mental diseases--Has the meaning set forth in 42 CFR § 435.1010.

(70) Institutional services--Medicaid-funded services provided in a nursing facility or in an ICF/IID.

(71) Intellectual disability--Consistent with THSC §591.003, significantly sub-average general intellectual functioning that is concurrent with deficits in adaptive behavior and originates during the developmental period.

(72) IPC--Individual plan of care. A written plan developed by an individual's service planning team and documented on the HHSC Individual Plan of Care form. An IPC:

(A) documents:

(i) the type and amount of each CLASS Program service and each CFC service, except for CFC support management, to be provided to the individual during an IPC year; and

(ii) if an individual will receive CFC support management; and

(B) is authorized by HHSC.

(73) IPC cost--Estimated annual cost for CLASS Program services on an IPC.

(74) IPC period--The effective period of an enrollment IPC and a renewal IPC as follows:

(A) for an enrollment IPC, the period of time from the effective date of the enrollment IPC, as described in § 259.65(g) of this chapter (relating to Development of an Enrollment IPC), through the last calendar day of the 11th month after the month in which enrollment occurred; and

(B) for a renewal IPC, a 12-month period of time starting on the effective date of the renewal IPC, as described in § 259.77(b) of this chapter (relating to Renewal IPC and Requirement for Authorization to Continue Services).

(75) IPP--Individual program plan. A written plan developed in accordance with § 259.67 of this chapter (relating to Development of IPPs) and documented on an HHSC Individual Program Plan form.

(76) LAR--Legally authorized representative. A person authorized by law to act on behalf of an individual with regard to a matter described in this chapter, including a parent, guardian, or managing conservator of a minor; a guardian of an adult; an agent appointed under a power of attorney; or a representative payee appointed by the Social Security Administration. An LAR, such as an agent appointed under a power of attorney or representative payee appointed by the Social Security Administration, may have limited authority to act on behalf of a person.

(77) Licensed vocational nurse--A person licensed to provide vocational nursing in accordance with Texas Occupations Code Chapter 301.

(78) Licensed vocational nursing--A CLASS Program service that provides vocational nursing, as defined in Texas Occupations Code § 301.002.

(79) LIDDA--Local intellectual and developmental disability authority. An entity designated by the executive commissioner of HHSC, in accordance with THSC §533A.035.

(80) LOC--Level of care. A determination given to an individual as part of the eligibility determination process based on data on the ID/RC Assessment.

(81) Managed care organization--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Government Code § 543A.0001(11).

(82) MAO Medicaid--Medical Assistance Only Medicaid. A type of Medicaid by which an individual qualifies financially for Medicaid assistance but does not receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

(83) Massage therapy--A specialized therapy defined in Texas Occupations Code § 455.001.

(84) Medicaid--A program administered by CMS and funded jointly by the states and the federal government that pays for health care to eligible groups of low-income people.

(85) Medicaid HCBS--Medicaid home and community-based services. Medicaid services provided to an individual in an individual's home and community, rather than in a facility.

(86) Mental health facility--A facility licensed in accordance with THSC Chapter 577.

(87) MESAV--Medicaid Eligibility Service Authorization Verification. The automated system that contains information regarding an individual's Medicaid eligibility and service authorizations.

(88) Military family member--A person who is the spouse or child, regardless of age, of:

(A) a military member; or

(B) a former military member.

(89) Military member--A member of the United States military serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force on active duty who has declared and maintains Texas as the member's state of legal residence in the manner provided by the applicable military branch.

(90) Minor home modifications--A CLASS Program service that:

(A) makes a physical adaptation to an individual's residence that:

(i) is necessary to address the individual's specific needs; and

(ii) enables the individual to function with greater independence in the individual's residence or to control his or her environment; and

(B) meets one of the following criteria:

(i) is included on the list of minor home modifications in the Community Living Assistance and Support Services Provider Manual; or

(ii) is the repair or maintenance of a minor home modification purchased through the CLASS Program that:

(I) is needed after one year has elapsed from the date the minor home modification is complete;

(II) is needed for a reason other than the minor home modification was intentionally damaged, as described in § 259.285(c) of this chapter (relating to Repair or Replacement of Minor Home Modification); and

(III) is not covered by a warranty.

(91) Music therapy--A specialized therapy that uses musical or rhythmic interventions to restore, maintain, or improve an individual's social or emotional functioning, mental processing, or physical health.

(92) Natural supports--Unpaid persons, including family members, volunteers, neighbors, and friends, who assist and sustain an individual.

(93) Neglect--A negligent act or omission that caused physical or emotional injury or death to an individual or placed an individual at risk of physical or emotional injury or death.

(94) Nursing--One or more of the following CLASS Program services:

(A) licensed vocational nursing;

(B) registered nursing;

(C) specialized licensed vocational nursing; and

(D) specialized registered nursing.

(95) Nursing facility--A facility that is licensed or is exempt from licensure in accordance with THSC Chapter 242.

(96) Occupational therapy--A CLASS Program service that provides occupational therapy, as described in Texas Occupations Code § 454.006.

(97) Own home or family home--A residence that is not:

(A) an ICF/IID;

(B) a nursing facility;

(C) an ALF;

(D) a residential child-care facility unless it is an agency foster home;

(E) a hospital;

(F) a mental health facility;

(G) an inpatient chemical dependency treatment facility;

(H) a residential facility operated by the Texas Workforce Commission;

(I) a residential facility operated by the Texas Juvenile Justice Department;

(J) a jail; or

(K) a prison.

(98) PAS/HAB plan--Personal Assistance Services/Habilitation Plan. A written plan developed by an individual's service planning team and documented on the HHSC Personal Assistance Services (PAS)/Habilitation Plan form that describes the type and frequency of CFC PAS/HAB activities to be performed by a service provider.

(99) Person--A corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, natural person, or any other legal entity that can function legally, sue or be sued, and make decisions through agents.

(100) Person-centered planning process--The process described in § 259.57 of this chapter (relating to Person-Centered Planning Process).

(101) Physical abuse--Any of the following:

(A) an act or failure to act performed knowingly, recklessly, or intentionally, including incitement to act, that caused physical injury or death to an individual or placed an individual at risk of physical injury or death;

(B) an act of inappropriate or excessive force or corporal punishment, regardless of whether the act results in a physical injury to an individual;

(C) the use of a restraint on an individual not in compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations; or

(D) seclusion.

(102) Physical therapy--A CLASS Program service that provides physical therapy, as defined in Texas Occupations Code § 453.001.

(103) Physician--Consistent with § 558.2 of this title (relating to Definitions), a person who is:

(A) licensed in Texas to practice medicine or osteopathy in accordance with Texas Occupations Code Chapter 155;

(B) licensed in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, or Oklahoma to practice medicine, who is the treating physician of an individual, and orders home health or hospice services for the individual in accordance with Texas Occupations Code § 151.056(b)(4); or

(C) a commissioned or contract physician or surgeon who serves in the United States uniformed services or Public Health Service, if the person is not engaged in private practice, in accordance with the Texas Occupations Code § 151.052(a)(8).

(104) Platform--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Government Code § 521.0001(10).

(105) Prevocational services--A CLASS Program service that provides services that are not job-task oriented and are provided to an individual whose service planning team does not expect to be employed, without receiving supported employment, within one year after the date prevocational services begin. Prevocational services prepare an individual for competitive employment and consist of:

(A) assessment of vocational skills an individual needs to develop or improve upon;

(B) individual and group instruction regarding barriers to employment;

(C) training in skills:

(i) that are not job-task oriented;

(ii) that are related to goals identified in the individual's IPP for prevocational services;

(iii) that are essential to obtaining and retaining competitive employment, such as the effective use of community resources, transportation, and mobility training; and

(iv) for which an individual is not compensated more than 50 percent of the federal minimum wage or industry standard, whichever is greater;

(D) training in the use of adaptive equipment necessary to obtain and retain competitive employment; and

(E) transportation between the individual's place of residence and a group setting in which prevocational services are provided when other forms of transportation are unavailable or inaccessible.

(106) Program provider--A person that has a contract with HHSC to provide CLASS Program services, excluding an FMSA. In the CLASS Program, there are two types of program providers, a DSA and a CMA.

(107) Public emergency personnel--Personnel of a sheriff's department, police department, emergency medical service, or fire department.

(108) Recreational therapy--A specialized therapy that provides recreational or leisure activities that assist an individual to restore, remediate, or habilitate the individual's level of functioning and independence in life activities; promote health and wellness; and reduce or eliminate the activity limitations caused by an illness or disabling condition.

(109) Reduction--An action taken by HHSC as a result of a review of a revised IPC or renewal IPC that decreases the amount or level of a service authorized by HHSC on the prior IPC.

(110) Registered nursing--A CLASS Program service that provides professional nursing, as defined in Texas Occupations Code § 301.002.

(111) Related condition--As defined in 42 CFR § 435.1010, a severe and chronic disability that:

(A) is attributed to:

(i) cerebral palsy or epilepsy; or

(ii) any other condition, other than mental illness, found to be closely related to an intellectual disability because the condition results in impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of individuals with an intellectual disability, and requires treatment or services similar to those required for individuals with an intellectual disability;

(B) is manifested before the individual reaches 22 years of age;

(C) is likely to continue indefinitely; and

(D) results in substantial functional limitation in at least three of the following areas of major life activity:

(i) self-care;

(ii) understanding and use of language;

(iii) learning;

(iv) mobility;

(v) self-direction; and

(vi) capacity for independent living.

(112) Relative--A person related to another person within the fourth degree of consanguinity or within the second degree of affinity. A more detailed explanation of this term is included in the Community Living Assistance and Support Services Provider Manual.

(113) Renewal IPC--An IPC developed in accordance with § 259.79 of this chapter (relating to Renewal and Revision of an IPC).

(114) Residential child-care facility--The term has the meaning set forth in Texas Human Resources Code § 42.002.

(115) Respite--A CLASS Program service that provides temporary assistance and support with an individual's ADLs if the individual has the same residence as a person who routinely provides the assistance and support to the individual, and the person is temporarily unavailable to provide such assistance and support.

(A) If the person who routinely provides assistance and support, resides with the individual, and is temporarily unavailable to provide assistance and support, is a service provider of transportation as a habilitation activity or CFC PAS/HAB or an employee in the CDS option of transportation as a habilitation activity or CFC PAS/HAB, HHSC does not approve respite unless:

(i) the service provider or employee routinely provides unpaid assistance and support with ADLs to the individual;

(ii) the amount of respite does not exceed the amount of unpaid assistance and support routinely provided; and

(iii) the service provider of respite or employee in the CDS option of respite does not have the same residence as the individual.

(B) If the person who routinely provides assistance and support, resides with the individual, and is temporarily unavailable to provide assistance and support, is a service provider of support family services or CFS, HHSC does not approve respite unless:

(i) for an individual receiving support family services, the individual does not receive respite on the same day the individual receives support family services;

(ii) for an individual receiving CFS, the individual does not receive respite on the same day the individual receives CFS; and

(iii) the service provider of respite or employee in the CDS option of respite does not have the same residence as the individual.

(C) Respite consists of the following:

(i) interacting in person with an individual who is awake to assist the individual in the following activities:

(I) self-care;

(II) personal hygiene;

(III) ambulation and mobility;

(IV) money management;

(V) community integration;

(VI) use of adaptive equipment;

(VII) self-administration of medication;

(VIII) reinforce any therapeutic goal of the individual;

(IX) provide transportation to the individual; and

(X) protect the individual's health, safety, and security;

(ii) interacting in person or by telephone with an individual or an involved person regarding an incident that directly affects the individual's health or safety; and

(iii) performing one of the following activities, which may not involve interacting in person with an individual:

(I) shopping for the individual;

(II) planning or preparing meals for the individual;

(III) housekeeping for the individual;

(IV) procuring or preparing the individual's medication;

(V) arranging transportation for the individual; or

(VI) protecting the individual's health, safety, and security while the individual is asleep.

(116) Responder--A person designated to respond to an alarm call activated by an individual.

(117) Revised IPC--An enrollment IPC or a renewal IPC that is revised during an IPC period in accordance with § 259.79 of this chapter to add a new CLASS Program service or CFC service or change the amount of an existing service.

(118) RN--Registered nurse. A person licensed to provide professional nursing in accordance with Texas Occupations Code Chapter 301.

(119) Seclusion--The involuntary placement of an individual alone in an area from which the individual is prevented from leaving.

(120) Service backup plan--A written plan developed in accordance with § 259.89 of this chapter (relating to Service Backup Plans) to ensure continuity of critical program services if service delivery is interrupted.

(121) Service planning team--A team consisting of:

(A) the individual;

(B) if applicable, the individual's LAR or actively involved person;

(C) the individual's case manager;

(D) a representative of the DSA;

(E) other persons whose inclusion is requested by the individual, LAR, or actively involved person, including an managed care organization service coordinator, a family member, a friend, and a teacher; and

(F) a person selected by the DSA, with the approval of the individual and LAR, who is:

(i) professionally qualified by certification or licensure and has special training and experience in the diagnosis and habilitation of persons with the individual's related condition; or

(ii) directly involved in the delivery of services and supports to the individual.

(122) Service provider--A person who is an employee or contractor of a DSA who provides a direct service.

(123) Sexual abuse--Any of the following:

(A) sexual exploitation of an individual;

(B) non-consensual or unwelcomed sexual activity with an individual; or

(C) consensual sexual activity between an individual and a service provider, staff person, volunteer, or controlling person, unless a consensual sexual relationship with an adult individual existed before the service provider, staff person, volunteer, or controlling person became a service provider, staff person, volunteer, or controlling person.

(124) Sexual activity--An activity that is sexual in nature, including kissing, hugging, stroking, or fondling with sexual intent.

(125) Sexual exploitation--A pattern, practice, or scheme of conduct against an individual that can reasonably be construed as being for the purposes of sexual arousal or gratification of any person:

(A) which may include sexual contact; and

(B) does not include obtaining information about an individual's sexual history within standard accepted clinical practice.

(126) Specialized licensed vocational nursing--A CLASS Program service that provides licensed vocational nursing to an individual who has a tracheostomy or is dependent on a ventilator.

(127) Specialized registered nursing--A CLASS Program service that provides registered nursing to an individual who has a tracheostomy or is dependent on a ventilator.

(128) Specialized therapies--A CLASS Program service that promotes skills development, maintains skills, decreases inappropriate behaviors, facilitates emotional well-being, creates opportunities for socialization, or improves physical and medical status and consists of:

(A) aquatic therapy;

(B) hippotherapy;

(C) massage therapy;

(D) music therapy;

(E) recreational therapy; and

(F) therapeutic horseback riding.

(129) Speech and language pathology--A CLASS Program service that provides speech-language pathology, as defined in Texas Occupations Code § 401.001.

(130) Staff person--A full-time or part-time employee of a program provider.

(131) State supported living center--A state-supported and structured residential facility operated by HHSC to provide to persons with an intellectual disability a variety of services, including medical treatment, specialized therapy, and training in the acquisition of personal, social, and vocational skills, but does not include a community-based facility owned by HHSC.

(132) Store and forward technology--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Occupations Code § 111.001(2).

(133) Support consultation--A CLASS Program service that is defined in 40 TAC § 41.103 and may be provided to an individual who chooses to participate in the CDS option.

(134) SFS--Support family services. A CLASS Program service that is described in Subchapter E of this chapter.

(135) Supported employment--A CLASS Program service that provides assistance to sustain competitive employment to an individual who, because of a disability, requires intensive, ongoing support to be self-employed, work from home, or perform in a work setting at which individuals without disabilities are employed.

(136) Synchronous audio-visual--An interactive, two-way audio and video communication platform that:

(A) allows a service to be provided to an individual in real time; and

(B) conforms to the privacy requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

(137) System check--A test of the CFC ERS equipment to determine if:

(A) the individual can successfully activate an alarm call; and

(B) the equipment is working properly.

(138) TAC--Texas Administrative Code. A compilation of state agency rules published by the Texas State Secretary of State in accordance with Texas Government Code, Chapter 2002, Subchapter C.

(139) Target behavior--A behavior identified in a behavior support plan for reduction or elimination.

(140) TAS--Transition assistance services. A CLASS Program service provided in accordance with Chapter 272 of this title (related to Transition Assistance Services) to an individual who is receiving institutional services and is eligible for and enrolling into the CLASS Program.

(141) Telehealth services--This term has the meaning set forth in Texas Occupations Code § 111.001.

(142) Texas Workforce Commission--The state agency established under Texas Labor Code Chapter 301.

(143) Therapeutic horseback riding--A specialized therapy that:

(A) involves an individual interacting with and riding on horses; and

(B) is designed to improve the balance, coordination, focus, independence, confidence, and motor and social skills of the individual.

(144) THSC--Texas Health and Safety Code. Texas statutes relating to health and safety.

(145) Verbal or emotional abuse--Any act or use of verbal or other communication, including gestures:

(A) to:

(i) harass, intimidate, humiliate, or degrade an individual; or

(ii) threaten an individual with physical or emotional harm; and

(B) that:

(i) results in observable distress or harm to the individual; or

(ii) is of such a serious nature that a reasonable person would consider it harmful or a cause of distress.

(146) Videoconferencing--An interactive, two-way audio and video communication:

(A) used to conduct a meeting between two or more persons who are in different locations; and

(B) that conforms to the privacy requirements under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

(147) Volunteer--A person who works for a program provider without compensation, other than reimbursement for actual expenses.

Notes

26 Tex. Admin. Code § 259.5

Adopted by Texas Register, Volume 48, Number 04, January 27, 2023, TexReg 0366, eff. 1/30/2023; Amended by Texas Register, Volume 50, Number 13, March 28, 2025, TexReg 2206, eff. 4/1/2025