Requirements for Qualified Professionals (QPs)

A QP must be one of the following:

1. An RN as defined in MN Stat. sec. 148.171
2. A mental health professional as defined in MN Stat. sec. 245.462, subd. 18 or MN Stat. sec. 245.4871, subd. 27
3. A licensed social worker as defined in MN Stat. sec. 148E.010, subd. 15
4. QDDS under MN Stat 245D.081 subd. 2

A QP must:

1. Provide supervision of PCA staff that includes the following:
   1. The development and review of a PCA care plan that corresponds with the county PHN assessment and service plan/update
   2. Observation of the PCA performing direct care services
   3. Evaluation of service outcomes with member/responsible party
   4. Evaluation of site and whether outcomes are being met
   5. Modification of PCA care plan and re-training PCA workers as needed
2. Be employed by a PrimeWest Health-enrolled agency
3. Be recruited and hired by a member of PCA Choice (with a written agreement)
4. Have completed Steps for Success training within six months of hire by a PCA provider agency
5. Undergo background study requirements specified in MN Stat. Chap. 245C

QP Documentation Requirements

The QP is responsible for documenting all details of supervision, including the following:

1. Date and time of supervisory visits
2. Number of hours spent on supervision
3. Changes in the member’s condition
4. What the individual PCA is doing to address the member’s condition change
5. Scheduling
6. Member comments
7. Document completion of supervision

QP On-Site Supervision Requirements

QPs must supervise the PCA face-to-face as follows:

1. Within 14 days after the placement of a PCA with the qualified member;
2. At least once every 30 days during the first 90 days after the qualified member first receives personal care services according to the plan of personal care service; and
3. Review, together with the member, and revise, as necessary, the plan of personal care services at least once every 120 days after a plan of personal care services is developed (MN Rules part 9505.0335, subp. 4).

Requirements for the PHN/County

1. Complete PCA assessment
2. Discuss PCA program options with member
3. Determine, with member, Flexible Use hours for six-month intervals, if requested and approved
4. Determine number of PCA units based on assessment and PCA Decision Tree (DHS-4201)
5. Recommend number of QP units
6. Fax completed assessment form and service plan to PrimeWest Health at 1-320-762-5967
7. Provide a copy of the PCA assessment/service plan to the PCA provider
8. Provide a copy of the PCA assessment and service plan to the member and the provider chosen by the member within 10 working days of the assessment
9. Ensure stated service plan goals relate to the member’s needs to remain in the community
10. Provide information on how to obtain a PCA Program Consumer Guidebook to member
11. Determine appropriate use of shared care and indicate on Service Agreement

Additional information for county PHNs can be found in the DHS Disability Services Program Manual (DSPM).

Service Plans

A service plan is a written description of the services needed by the member based on the assessment. The service plan must be developed by the county PHN or the PHN under contract with the county that conducts the PCA assessment together with the member/responsible party. The service plan must include a description of the home care services, the frequency and duration of services, and the expected outcomes and goals. Also included is information about the responsible party, choice of supervision, Flexible Use, and shared care. The member/responsible party and the home care provider must be given a copy of the completed service plan within 10 working days of the assessment.

PW_11-19_578
Updated_02/28/2025