Policy and Program Development Unit

Who we are

The Senior and Disabilities Services Policy and Program Development Unit creates and shares policies to provide quality, affordable long-term services for eligible seniors and people with disabilities. These policies help ensure SDS follows the laws and rules for accessing and delivering services.

What we do

Policy and procedure development for effective delivery of long-term services, including Medicaid waivers and state-funded programs, involves input from providers and stakeholders. Key activities include:

• Collaborate with agencies, providers, stakeholders, and the community to address systemic challenges and ensure quality services
• Administer five Medicaid 1915-c home and community based services waivers per state and federal regulations
• Analyze business practices to improve service integration, such as universal applications and coordinated eligibility systems
• Research and reporting on best practices to enhance program quality
• Establish provider standards for performance measurement
• Track and analyze legislation, regulations, and budget issues
• Create and update regulations and policies for programs administered by the Division of Senior and Disabilities Services
• Create standardized forms for service delivery

SDS is committed to stakeholder involvement in the policy making process. When a policy is complex or changes provider business practice, the Policy Unit may convene “policy workgroups” made up of SDS staff and community service providers. In addition, SDS releases draft policy affecting the way providers do business for review and comment. The comments often result in policy changes that improve service delivery to the people we serve.

Resources