ARC 9282C

ARC 9282C

Rulemaking related to disability services

Notice of Intended Action for this rulemaking was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin on March 19, 2025, as ARC 9018C. Public hearings were held on the following date(s):

●April 8, 2025

Multiple comments were received at the hearings, mostly related to the impacts of the underlying legislation.Public comments were also received via email.

This filing differs from the Notice as follows:

●Paragraph 223.1(3)“b” was revised to use language that reflects a functional needs-based approach rather than relying solely on diagnostic labels.

●Subrules 223.3(1) and 223.3(2) were revised to reflect that both children and adults have access to care.

●Language in rule 441—223.4(231) was updated to implement a more streamlined appeals process.

●Rule 441—224.7(231) was revised to reflect the streamlined appeals process.

ITEM 1.Adopt the following new Title XVII to precede 441—Chapter 221:

TITLE XVII

AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES

ITEM 2.Adopt the following new441—Chapter 221:

CHAPTER 221

DISABILITY SERVICES DEFINITIONS

441—221.1(225A) Definitions. For the purpose of this chapter and 441—Chapters 222 through 224 and 229, the following definitions apply:

“Adult” means a person or persons 18 years of age and over.

“Caregiver” means an adult family member or other individual who has a significant relationship with, and who provides a broad range of assistance to, an individual with a chronic or other health condition, disability, or functional limitation. “Caregiver” also means a family member, friend, or neighbor who provides unpaid assistance to a person with a chronic illness or disabling condition.

“Chairperson” means the chairperson of the disability services advisory council who has been appointed by the DAP.

“Child” or “children” means a person or persons under18 years of age.

“Disability” means the same as defined in Section 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. §12012 as amended to July 1, 2025).

“Disability access point” or “DAP” means a local organization designated by the department to serve as the primary access point for people with disabilities and their caregivers. DAPs serve as aging and disability resource center (ADRC) member organizations as defined in rule 441—224.1(231).

“Disability services advisory council” or “DSA council” means a council established by each DAP to identify opportunities, address challenges, and advise the DAP.

“Long-term services and supports” or “LTSS” means activities that support maintaining people with disabilities at the lowest level of care possible, including facility diversion or transition to community as determined through the DAP processes for eligibility and service determination. LTSS will be outlined in the individual’s service plan between the individual, care team, and DAP.

“Service coordination” means an active, transitional, and ongoing process that involves assisting an eligible individual in gaining access to and coordinating the provision of services, using person-centered practices in all contacts with individuals and their caregivers, and coordinating the services identified in the service plan.

“Short-term services and supports” or “STSS” means time-limited activities focused on supporting people with disabilities to live in the home and community of their choice in an integrated manner and offering support to their families and caregivers as needed toward this purpose. STSS will be outlined in the individual’s service plan between the individual, care team, and DAP.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 231.23.

ITEM 3.Adopt the following new441—Chapter 222:

CHAPTER 222

DISABILITY SERVICES ADVISORY COUNCILS

441—222.1(231) Appointment.

222.1(1) The members of a council will be recruited by the DAP.

222.1(2) The appointments will be for three-year staggered terms, which will expire on June 30.

222.1(3) Vacancies will be filled in the same manner in which the original appointments were made for the balance of the unexpired term.

222.1(4) Absences.

a.Three unexcused absences in a 12-month period constitutes grounds for the DAP to request nomination of an alternate representative to fill the position.

b.Absences may be excused by notification provided to the chairperson prior to the meeting.

c.The chairperson of a council is charged with providing notification of absences to the DAP.

441—222.2(231) Officers.

222.2(1) Officers of a council will consist of a chairperson and a vice chairperson.The chairperson will be appointed by the DAP. The vice chairperson will be elected at the first meeting of each fiscal year.

a.The vice chairperson may serve no more than three consecutive terms.

b.Vacancies in the office of chairperson will be filled by elevation of the vice chairperson for 60 days until a new appointment can be made by the DAP.

c.Vacancies in the office of vice chairperson will be filled by election at the next meeting after the vacancy occurs.

d.A vacancy must be filled by an individual meeting the same qualifications as the departing council member in accordance with Iowa Code chapter231.

222.2(2) Duties of officers.

a.The chairperson will:

(1)Preside at all meetings of the council;

(2)Appoint subcommittees as deemed necessary; and

(3)Designate the chairperson of each subcommittee.

b.The vice chairperson will:

(1)Perform the duties of the chairperson if the chairperson is absent or unable to act. When so acting, the vice chairperson will have all the powers of and be subject to all restrictions upon the chairperson.

(2)Perform other duties as may be assigned by the chairperson.

441—222.3(231) Meetings.

222.3(1) A council will establish a meeting schedule on an annual basis to conduct its business. There will be a minimum of four meetings per year.

222.3(2) A majority of appointed members constitutes a quorum.

222.3(3) When a quorum is present, a position is carried by an affirmative vote of the majority of those present. No official business that requires a vote of the membership will be conducted without a quorum present.

441—222.4(231) Subcommittees. A council may designate one or more subcommittees to perform such duties as may be deemed necessary.

441—222.5(231) Expenses of preparedness advisory committee voting members. The following may be considered necessary expenses for reimbursement of council members who are individuals with disabilities or caregiverswhen incurred on behalf of council business and are subject to established state reimbursement rates:

1.Reimbursement for travel in a private car.

2.Actual lodging and meal expenses, including sales tax on lodging and meals.

3.Actual expense of public transportation.

441—222.6(231) Council composition. A council’s composition must include nine members with at least 50 percentof members being individuals with disabilities or caregivers.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 231.

ITEM 4.Adopt the following new441—Chapter 223:

CHAPTER 223

DISABILITY SERVICES

441—223.1(231) Eligibility for LTSS disability services. To be eligible for disability services system funding, an individual will meet the following financial and needs-based eligibility criteria.

223.1(1) Financial eligibility.

a.An adult with disabilities willhave an income equal to or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

b.A family of a child with disabilities will have an income equal to or less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

c.A person who is eligible for federally funded services and other support will apply for such services and support.

d.Income will be verified using the best information available.

e.Financial eligibility will be reviewed on an annual basis and may be reviewed more often in response to increases or decreases in income.

f.An individual who is eligible for medical assistance must apply for and exhaust such funding for services and support prior to utilization of disability service system funding.

223.1(2) Resource requirements. There are no resource limits for the family of a child seeking children’s disability services. An adult seeking disability services must have resources that are equal to or less than $2,000 in countable value for a single-person household or $3,000 in countable value for a multiperson household or follow the most recent federal supplemental security income guidelines.

a.The countable value of all countable resources, both liquid and nonliquid, shall be included in the eligibility determination, except as exempted in this subrule.

b.A transfer of property or other assets within five years of the time of application with the result of qualifying, or with the intent to qualify, for assistance may result in denial or discontinuation of funding.

c.The following resources are exempt:

(1)A homestead, including equity in a family home or farm that is used as the individual household’s principal place of residence. The homestead shall include all land that is contiguous to the home and the buildings located on the land.

(2)One automobile used for transportation.

(3)Tools of an actively pursued trade.

(4)General household furnishings and personal items.

(5)Burial account or trust limited in value as to that allowed in the medical assistance program.

(6)Cash surrender value of life insurance with a face value of less than $1,500 on any one person.

(7)Any resource determined excludable by the Social Security Administration as a result of an approved Social Security Administration work incentive.

d.If an individual does not qualify for federally funded or state-funded services or other support but meets all income, resource, and functional eligibility requirements of this chapter, the following types of resources are also exempt from consideration in eligibility determination:

(1)A retirement account that is in the accumulation stage.

(2)A medical savings account.

(3)An assistive technology account.

(4)A burial account or trust limited in value as to that allowed in the medical assistance program.

223.1(3) Needs-based eligibility.

a.An individual must be a resident of Iowa, or, if the individual is a minor, the custodial parent must be a resident of Iowa.

b.An individual must have a disability and reside in or be at risk of residing in institutional settings due to the individual’s disability.

c.The results of a standardized functional assessment must support the type and frequency of disability services identified in the individual’s case plan. A functional assessment must be completed within 60 days of application for services. The standardized functional assessment methodology will be developed by the department.

441—223.2(231) Option forwaiting lists for disability services. The department will maintain a waiting list of individuals denied access to the program due to lack of available funds. Waiting list information will include the date on which the individual was placed on the waiting list. If additional funds become available, the department will contact individuals on the list.

441—223.3(231) Access standards. DAPs shall meet the following access standards.

223.3(1) Support for community living. The first appointment shall occur within 30 days of the completion of the functional assessment determining need for a home health aide, home and vehicle modification, respite, or supportive community living.

223.3(2) Support for employment. The initial referral shall take place within seven days of the completion of the functional assessment determining need for day habilitation, job development, supported employment, or prevocational services.

223.3(3) Service coordination. An individual shall receive service coordination within ten days of the initial request for such service.

223.3(4) Service limitations. The following limitations apply for an individual receiving disability services:

a.A service limit equal to that established for the home- and community-based services waiver for individuals with disabilities in the medical assistance program created in Iowa Code chapter 249A.

b.A provider reimbursement payment will not be less than that provided through the home- and community-based services waiver for individuals with disabilities in the medical assistance program created in Iowa Code chapter 249A.

223.3(5) Additional access standards. Additional minimum access standards for STSS and LTSS will be defined in the DAP’s district plan and approved by the department.

441—223.4(231) Appeal rights.

223.4(1) Definitions. For the purposes of this rule, the following definitions apply.

“Agency action” includes the whole or part of an agency rule or other statement of law or policy, order, decision, license, proceeding, investigation, sanction, relief, or the equivalent or a denial thereof, or a failure to act, or any other exercise of agency discretion or failure to do so, or the performance of any agency duty or the failure to do so.

“Appellant” means any person bringing an appeal under this chapter, including any person’s authorized representative as defined in subrule 223.4(14).

“Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, association, governmental subdivision, or public or private organization of any character other than an agency.

“Reviewer” means the individual assigned by the department to review an appeal record and issue a written decision on behalf of the department. The department’s reviewer will be screened from the underlying case and will not have prior knowledge of the facts that precipitated the appeal.

223.4(2) Appeal. A person that disagrees with the department’s agency action related to an eligibility determination or denial of disability services may request an appeal within 120 calendar days of the date of the determination or denial.

a.The following actions may be appealed:

(1)The determination that eligibility criteria have not been met.

(2)The denial or limited authorization of a requested service, including the type or level of service.

(3)The decision to reduce, suspend, or terminate previously authorized services.

(4)The denial, in whole or in part, of payment for a service that was provided.

(5)The failure of the department to act within the required time frames.

b.Appeal requests submitted by regular mail are considered filed on the date postmarked on the envelope sent to the department or, when a postmarked envelope is not available, on the date the appeal is stamped received by the department. Appeal requests sent electronically are considered filed on the date on which the electronic submission was completed.

c.In computing any time period specified in this rule, the period:

(1)Excludes the day of the event that triggers the period;

(2)Includes every day of the time period (including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays on which the department is closed); and

(3)Includes the last day of the period, but if the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the period continues until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.

223.4(3) Request. The person may request an appeal using a form prescribed by the department and in a manner prescribed by the department.

223.4(4) Acknowledgment of appeal. The department will send an acknowledgment of receipt of the appeal to the parties-in-interest to the appeal.

223.4(5) Acceptance or denial of appeal. The department will determine with reasonable promptness whether the person is entitled to an appeal. If a request for an appeal is denied, the department will provide written notice of and the reasons for the denial. On or before the thirtieth calendar day following the denial of appeal, the party requesting the appeal may provide additional information related to the appeal and request reconsideration of the denial of the appeal.

223.4(6) Documentation. If an appeal request is granted, the appellant may submit a written statement, supported by relevant documentation, to establish all pertinent facts and circumstances. Documents shall be submitted to the department within 14 calendar days of the date the appeal is acknowledged. The department’s reviewer may request additional documents or information from the appellant as needed to assist the department’s evaluation of the appeal.

223.4(7) Ex parte communication. The department’s reviewer, the director, and all parties to the appeal are bound by the rules against ex parte communication set forth in Iowa Code section 17A.17 and rule 441—7.9(17A).

223.4(8) Withdrawal. An appellant may withdraw a request for appeal at any time. Requests to withdraw an appeal will be granted.

223.4(9) Department review. The department’s reviewer will review the appeal record and issue a written proposed decision to all parties within 30 calendar days. The written proposed decision will include the reviewer’s findings of fact and rationale for the decision.

223.4(10) Director’s review.

a.Time. Parties may appeal the proposed decision to the director.A request for director’s review shall be in writing and postmarked or received within 14 calendar days of the date on which the proposed decision was issued. A request for director’s review may be accompanied by a brief written summary of the arguments in favor of granting a director’s review.

b.Granting or denial of review. The department has full discretion to grant or deny a request for director’s review. In addition, the director may initiate review of a proposed decision on the director’s own motion at any time on or before the thirtieth calendar day following the issuance of the proposed decision. When the department grants a request for director’s review, the parties will be notified of the decision, and a copy of the request will be included with the notification.

c.Limited record. A director’s review will be limited to the issues and information contained in the record reviewed by the reviewer who issued the proposed decision.

d.Oral arguments. Upon specific request, the director may, at the director’s discretion, permit parties to present oral arguments with the parties’ requests for director’s review.

e.Decision issued. The director will issue a final decision within the timelines prescribed by federal or state law.For all appeals for which there is no federal or state timeliness standard, the director will issue a final decision on or before the ninetieth day from the date the director grants review.

223.4(11) Final decisions.

a.No appeal or denial of director review. If there is no timely appeal from or review of the proposed decision, the proposed decision will be considered the final agency action and is subject to judicial review in accordance with Iowa Code section 17A.19.

b.Director decision issued. Any decision issued by the director after granting a director’s review will be considered the final agency action and is subject to judicial review in accordance with Iowa Code section 17A.19.

c.Written notice of final decision. The parties-in-interest will be provided written notice of the department’s final decision. The department will also notify the appellant of the right to seek judicial review, where applicable.

223.4(12) Interpreters. The department will provide translation and interpretation services to parties-in-interest, if requested. When a party-in-interest is illiterate or semiliterate, the reviewer will advise the party-in-interest of the party-in-interest’s rights.

223.4(13) Persons living with disabilities. Persons living with disabilities will be provided assistance through the use of auxiliary aids and services at no cost to the individual in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended, effective December 31, 2023) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (as amended, effective October 1, 2016).

223.4(14) Authorized representatives.

a.Regulations. The provisions of this subrule only apply to the extent the standards expressed in this rule are not in conflict with other state or federal law.

b.Designation of authority. Legally recognized delegations of authority, such as guardianships, applicable designations of power of attorney, or similar designations, will be sufficient for a delegate to serve as authorized representative under this rule. A person that is not designated as a legally recognized delegation of authority but that otherwise seeks to act as an authorized representative for an individual in an appeal under this rule shall provide a written, signed designation of authority to the department with the request for appeal. The designation must provide the scope of the representation, applicable waivers for the release of confidential information, and any temporal or other limitations on the scope of representation. An authorized representative of a party-in-interest only represents the party-in-interest and has no independent right to appeal by virtue of the authorized representative’s representation.

c.Appearance by attorney. Legal counsel appearing on behalf of any person in a proceeding under this rule shall enter an appropriate written appearance.

223.4(15) Not contested cases. Appeals brought under this chapter are not contested cases, appellants will not be granted a contested case hearing, and the provisions outlined in rule 441—7.3(17A) do not apply.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 231.23.

ITEM 5.Adopt the following new441—Chapter 224:

CHAPTER 224

AGING AND DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTERS

441—224.1(231) Definitions.

“Aging and disability resource center” or “ADRC” means a person-centered navigation and coordination system that blends and braids service delivery methods and funding to ensure supports and services contribute to a consumer’s ability to remain at home and in the consumer’s community. Supports and services are provided according to the individual’s wants and needs.

“Aging and disability resource center member organization” or “ADRC member organization” means a local ADRC organization that providesADRC information and assistance and person-centered functions at the local level.

“Information and assistance” means a service that provides an individual with current information on opportunities and services available within the individual’s communities; identifies the problems and capacities of the individual; links the individual to the opportunities and services that are available; and, to the maximum extent practicable, ensures that the individual receives the services needed and is aware of the opportunities available by establishing adequate follow-up procedures.

“Medicaid administrative claiming” or “MAC” means federal matching funds under Medicaid are available for costs incurred by the state for administrative activities that directly support efforts to identify and enroll potential eligibles into Medicaid; support the provision of medical services covered under the state Medicaid plan when those activities are performed either directly by Iowa Medicaid or through contract or interagency agreement with another entity, such as a designated ADRC; or both.

“Navigator” means a person who provides ADRC information and assistance services, options counseling services, or both.

“Options counseling” means an interactive process whereby individuals receive guidance to make an informed choice about long-term supports. The process is directed by the individual and may include others whom the individual chooses or those who are legally authorized to represent the individual.

“System navigation” means in-person, online, and telephonic support for problem solving and navigation of the services and supports available. System navigators ensure individuals and families who encounter barriers in accessing services and support are able to navigate health care, social services, and legal systems.

441—224.2(231) Departmentresponsibilities.

224.2(1) Pursuant to Iowa Code section 231.64, the departmentwill administer ADRCs.

224.2(2) The department’s responsibilities are as follows:

a.Perform all duties mandated by federal and state law.

b.Designate ADRC member organizations and withdraw designation. If the department terminates its contract with an ADRC member organizationfor any reason, the entity is no longer designated by the department as an ADRC member organization.

c.Provide oversight of the ADRC to ensure compliance with federal and state law and applicable rules and regulations.

d.Monitor the operations and performance of the ADRC.

e.Develop and use data and indicators to measure and assess the performance of the ADRC to ensure quality services, fair treatment, cost-effectiveness, and consumer satisfaction.

441—224.3(231) ADRC member organizations. The department designates entities as ADRC memberorganizations.

441—224.4(231) ADRC member organization responsibilities.

224.4(1) An ADRC member organizationwill provide servicesto eligible populations in its service areaviatelephone, in-person, or electronic communications.

224.4(2) An ADRC member organization will be physically accessible and provide services in a private and confidential manner.

224.4(3) An ADRCmember organization will ensure a system is available for answering and responding to messages received outside of the regular business hours.

224.4(4) An ADRCmember organization will provide services to a personby using clear language andproviding for reasonable accommodations.

224.4(5) An ADRC member organization will provide person-centered supports and navigation services according to the individual’s personal preferences, identified needs, and unique capabilitiesto remain living at home and in the individual’s community.

224.4(6) AnADRCmember organization will identify itself as an ADRC. The ADRC’s name may be the primary name or a subtitle to another name, but the designation of ADRC will be included in all advertising and outreach materials.

224.4(7) An ADRC member organization will adhere to the department’s Medicaid ADRC federal financial participation (FFP) process for MAC.Participation in MAC for activities that facilitate access to, or are in support of, Iowa’s Medicaid state plan are allowable. The ADRC will comply with the department-approved ADRC MAC methodologies.

441—224.5(231) ADRC member organizationstaff requirementsand background checks.

224.5(1) Staffing. The ADRC member organization will ensure adequate staffing levels to meet the needs of the service delivery area. Staff performing ADRC services will demonstrate competency and knowledge pertinent to the staff’s areas of responsibility. Additionally, the ADRC will establish and maintain background check policies and procedures.

224.5(2) Training and mandatory reporter status. ADRC navigators are mandatory reporters pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 235B and will adhere to federal and state law and applicable rules for mandatory reporters.

441—224.6(231) Services. The ADRCwill provide information and assistance and options counseling as defined within the contract issued by the department.

441—224.7(231) Grievances. The ADRC will implement a process for reviewing and resolvingindividual grievances.

441—224.8(231) Reporting and records authority. The director is the principal officer of the state to administer ADRC data reporting. On behalf of the department, the ADRC shall report individual-level client data, information, and performance as required by the department.The ADRC shall also cooperate with any external review of its activities by thedepartmentor the federal government. The ADRC shall submit data according to the frequency, file layouts, format, and naming conventions prescribed by the department.

441—224.9(231) Confidentiality. The ADRC shall not disclose records that contain personally identifiable information concerning an individual receiving services to entities outside the department without the individual’s informed consent or as authorized or required by law.

These rules are intended to implement Iowa Code section 231.64.

ITEM 6.Adopt the following new441—Chapter 229:

CHAPTER 229

DATA COLLECTION

441—229.1(231) Authority. The director is the principal officer of the state to administer DAP aging and disability services data reporting. The department will collect and maintain data on all clients served in accordance with Iowa Code section 231.56.

229.1(1) Submission of data. Each DAP shall submit to the department the data regarding each individual the DAP serves.

a.DAPs shall submit data according to the frequency, file layouts, format, and naming conventions prescribed by the department.

b.When aDAP is notified by the department that the data are incomplete or are not compliant with the prescribed file layouts, format, or naming conventions,theDAP must correct the issue within 30 days of the notification.

229.1(2) Data required. The data to be submitted are as follows:

a.Individual client-level information, including a unique identifier, name, address, demographic information, service delivery information, referral information, and any other information as prescribed by the department.

b.The state identification number, when applicable.

c.Demographic information, including but not limited to date of birth, sex, ethnicity, marital status, education, residential living arrangement, current employment status, monthly income, income sources, type of insurance, insurance carrier, veteran status, guardianship status, legal status in the system, source of referral, and diagnosis code in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) as amended to July 1, 2025.

d.Service information, including but not limited to the decision on services, date of decision, termination date and reason for termination, residence, approved service, service beginning dates, service ending dates, reason for terminating each service, approved units of services, unit rate for service, expenditure data, and provider data.

This rule is intended to implement Iowa Code section 231.56.

[Filed 4/25/25, effective 7/1/25]

[Published 5/14/25]

EDITOR’S NOTE: For replacement pages for IAC, see IAC Supplement 5/14/25.