Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released an online training course and a series of resources that offer strategies and information on self-direction of home and community-based services, strengthening the direct service workforce (DSW) in rural areas, and emerging strategies for states. Direct care workers, also referred to as direct service workers, provide essential supports to older adults and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, and behavioral health needs.

Recruiting, Selecting, and Retaining Direct Service Workers to Provide Self-directed Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Online training that provides information to people who self-direct or wish to self-direct their HCBS and others interested in finding, hiring, and retaining workers.

Strengthening the Direct Service Workforce in Rural Areas: This report summarizes the challenges of ensuring an adequate workforce in rural areas, as well as strategies that state Medicaid and partner agencies and rural stakeholders can use to deliver high-quality HCBS.

The Self-direction Briefing Paper Series: Resources designed for policymakers and stakeholders to inform conversation and policy on HCBS self-direction.

Emerging Strategies for States: DSW Learning Collaborative summary of themes, challenges, and strategies from state Medicaid and partner agencies participating in CMS’ 2021 DSW State Medicaid Learning Collaborative.