2026 Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(c) Waiver Service Definitions

What this rule requires your agency to do

• 1A home care agency providing Personal Assistance Services must be licensed by the PA Department of Health under 28 Pa. Code Chapter 611 (Home Care Agencies and Home Care Registries) under Act 69.(2026 Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(c) Waiver Service Definitions)
• 2Individuals working for PAS agencies must be at least 18 years old, possess basic math/reading/writing skills, possess a valid Social Security number, and complete training or demonstrate competency by passing a competency test as outlined in Section 611.55.(2026 Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(c) Waiver Service Definitions)
• 3A PAS provider agency must comply with 55 Pa. Code 1101 and hold a signed Medicaid waiver provider agreement, and must comply with Department standards including 55 Pa. Code Chapter 52 provider-qualification requirements.(2026 Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(c) Waiver Service Definitions)
• 4PAS workers must have the required skills to perform PAS as specified in the participant's service plan, complete any necessary pre/in-service training related to the service plan, and be able to demonstrate capability to perform health maintenance activities specified in the plan or receive necessary training.(2026 Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(c) Waiver Service Definitions)
• 5Overnight PAS requires awake staff, is limited to up to eight hours, and the participant's person-centered service plan must document an assessed need for the overnight assistance beyond what PERS or TeleCare can provide.(2026 Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(c) Waiver Service Definitions)
• 6PAS workers must pass a criminal records check as required in 55 Pa. Code Chapter 52 § 52.19 and have a child abuse clearance as required in Appendix C-2-b.(2026 Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(c) Waiver Service Definitions)
• 7PAS workers who operate a vehicle to provide the service must have a valid driver's license from Pennsylvania or a contiguous state, and (for independent personal assistance workers) carry automobile insurance and Workers' Compensation insurance.(2026 Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(c) Waiver Service Definitions)
• 8A PAS provider agency must carry Commercial General Liability insurance, Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions) insurance, and Workers' Compensation insurance in accordance with state statute and Department policies.(2026 Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(c) Waiver Service Definitions)
• 9A PAS provider agency must have a waiver service location in Pennsylvania or a contiguous state and must provide staff training pursuant to 55 Pa. Code Chapter 52 § 52.21.(2026 Community HealthChoices (CHC) 1915(c) Waiver Service Definitions)