1915(c) Home and Community-Based Waiver Amendments

The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) gives notice that it intends to file waiver amendments with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the following 1915 (c) waivers operated through the Office of Waiver and Facility Services: HIV-AIDS (SC.0186), Community Choices (SC.0405), Mechanical Ventilator Dependent (SC.40181), and Medically Complex Children (SC.0675). The Intellectual Disability/Related Disabilities (ID/RD) (SC.0237) and Community Supports (SC.0676) waivers operated by the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN) will also be amended. The proposed effective date of these amendments is July 1, 2023.

Changes included in the HIV-AIDS (SC.0186), Community Choices (SC.0405), Mechanical Ventilator Dependent (SC.40181), ID/RD (SC.0237), and Community Supports (SC.0676) waiver amendments are provided below:

1. Appendix C: Collapse registered nurse (RN) and licensed practical nurse (LPN) nursing services into one nursing service; revise provider qualifications and service definition
2. Appendix C: Collapse Personal Care I and Personal Care II services into one personal care service; revise provider qualifications and service definition
3. Appendix C: Update policy for reimbursement to family members
4. Appendix E: Update participant direction opportunities
5. Appendix J: Incorporate Jan. 1, 2023, rate increases
6. Community Supports (SC.0676) ONLY - SCDHHS is evaluating modification to the cost cap in Appendix B

SCDHHS proposes the following change to the Medically Complex Children (SC.0675) waiver:

1. Appendix C: Revise Care Coordination service definition and provider qualifications
2. Appendix J: Incorporate Jan. 1, 2023, rate increases

Current waiver participants will not be adversely impacted.

Communication

The intent to amend the identified waivers with proposed changes was discussed on Jan. 25, 2023, during the monthly Indian Health Services conference call. Proposed changes will also be presented to SCDHHS’ Medical Care Advisory Committee (MCAC) meeting on Feb. 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. at 1801 Main Street, Columbia, S.C.

Information regarding the waiver amendments and proposed changes will be shared with the public during the following webinars:

Webinars: HCBS Waiver Amendments

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2 p.m.

Registration Link: https://scdhhs.webex.com/scdhhs/onstage/g.php?MTID=ef5cea95cc9b9c0252e68f896a9f50cf5

HCBS Waiver Amendments

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2 p.m.

Registration Link: https://scdhhs.webex.com/scdhhs/onstage/g.php?MTID=ef389a2210e5cd286d8e57169e0d73472

Copies of this notice and the proposed waiver amendments are available for public review at the following locations:

1. Electronic Access
   1. SCDHHS-operated waivers
      • SCDHHS website: www.scdhhs.gov (under “Public Notices” and “Waivers” sections)
   2. DDSN-operated waivers
      • DDSN website: ddsn.sc.gov
      • Family Connection of South Carolina website: www.familyconnectionsc.org
      • South Carolina Developmental Disabilities Council website: www.scddc.state.sc.us
2. Hard Copies
   1. SCDHHS front lobby - 1801 Main Street, Columbia, SC
   2. SCDHHS community long term care (CLTC) regional offices: