Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)
Helping individuals live independently with personalized support and guidance in their community.
CFSS Services
Empowering Minnesotans to Live Independently with Confidence
At BrightSide Care, our goal is simple: to help you live independently, safely, and confidently — with the care and support you need to thrive in your own home and community.
Our Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) program is designed to give you more control, choice, and flexibility in how your support is provided. CFSS is a Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) program that replaces and improves the traditional Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program by allowing participants greater independence and involvement in their care decisions.
We understand that no two people are the same. That’s why BrightSide Care provides CFSS services through the Agency Model, giving you reliable, compliant, and compassionate support — without the burden of managing staff, payroll, or paperwork.
About CFSS
What Is CFSS?
Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Medical Assistance (MA) program that provides help with daily living activities, health-related tasks, and skill development for individuals of all ages who have disabilities or chronic conditions.
The goal of CFSS is to help you stay independent and involved in your community while receiving the assistance you need to remain safe and comfortable at home.
CFSS allows participants to:
- Direct and customize their care plan.
- Choose the people who provide their services.
- Learn new skills to increase independence.
- Receive care in a flexible, person-centered way.
Who Is Eligible for CFSS?
You may be eligible for CFSS if you:
- Are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare under DHS rules.
- Have completed a MnCHOICES assessment that determines you need support with ADLs, IADLs, or health-related tasks.
- Can direct your own care or have an authorized representative who can manage care decisions.
- Live in your own home or community setting (not a licensed facility).
- Require ongoing support to safely complete daily activities.
- Are eligible for Medical Assistance (MA) or MinnesotaCare under DHS rules.
CFSS is available to children, adults, and families throughout Minnesota who meet DHS eligibility criteria.
Services Include
What CFSS Can Include
BrightSide Care provides CFSS services that may include:
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
- Dressing, grooming, bathing, and personal hygiene
- Eating and meal assistance
- Mobility and transfers
- Toileting and continence care
Health-Related Tasks
- Medication reminders or administration under nurse delegation
- Range of motion or exercise assistance
- Basic wound or skin care as directed by a nurse
- Other nurse-delegated tasks in your care plan
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
- Meal preparation and planning
- Light housekeeping, laundry, or organizing
- Assistance with scheduling or appointments
Observation, Redirection and Skills Training
- Supervision and behavioral support to maintain safety
- Cues, reminders, or redirection for memory or behavior needs
- Building daily living skills
- Learning routines for self-care, mobility, or communication
- Developing confidence to complete tasks independently
Service Models
CFSS Service Models
Under the CFSS program, Minnesota offers two service models: the Agency Model and the Budget Model. Each model offers a different level of responsibility and independence — allowing individuals to choose the option that best fits their preferences and abilities.
Agency Model (Provider-Managed)
BrightSide Care proudly provides CFSS services through the Agency Model, also known as the Provider-Managed Model.
In this model:
- BrightSide Care acts as the employer of your CFSS support workers.
- We handle all staff recruitment, background checks, training, payroll, taxes, and DHS compliance.
- You remain in control of your care plan, daily choices, and service schedule, while we manage the administrative and legal responsibilities.
- Our Qualified Professionals (QPs) oversee your services, provide ongoing supervision, and ensure that your care is consistent, compliant, and person-centered.
Benefits of the Agency Model:
- Less stress — we handle hiring, training, and payroll.
- Consistent, reliable care with trained and supervised staff.
- Full compliance with DHS and Minnesota Statute §256B.0659.
- QP oversight to ensure your services match your needs and plan.
- Immediate support and accountability through our management team.
In short: You focus on living independently — we handle the details.
Budget Model (Participant-Managed)
In the Budget Model, also called the Employer Model, participants have full responsibility for managing their own workers and service budget.
This means you or your authorized representative act as the employer, handling the hiring, training, scheduling, and management of your staff.
A Financial Management Service (FMS) handles payroll and taxes, while you control how your approved service funds are used.
Note: BrightSide Care currently provides CFSS under the Agency Model only.
If you are interested in the Budget Model, we can provide information and resources to help you explore that option through DHS.
PCA to CFSS
Transition from PCA to CFSS
Minnesota is in the process of transitioning from Personal Care Assistance (PCA) to CFSS statewide.
The CFSS program was developed to give people more choice and control over their care and to provide new options, such as skill-building and technology supports.
If you currently receive PCA services, BrightSide Care will guide you through the transition to CFSS — helping ensure a smooth process with no interruption in your care
Why Choose CFSS
Why Choose BrightSide Care for CFSS
At BrightSide Care, we combine compassion with compliance.
Our experienced team takes care of the details — staffing, scheduling, training, and documentation — so you can focus on what truly matters: living your life with confidence and comfort.
Here’s what sets us apart:
-
Licensed and DHS-Compliant
We strictly follow Minnesota Statutes §256B.0659 and CFSS policy guidelines. -
Qualified Professional Oversight
Our QPs ensure that every service is delivered safely, ethically, and effectively. -
Trained and Background-Checked Staff
Every worker meets DHS standards and receives ongoing training. -
Person-Centered Planning
Services are built around your unique goals, strengths, and routines. -
Reliable Communication
We maintain open communication with you, your family, and your care team. -
Commitment to Dignity and Respect
You are treated as a person, not a t
Process
How to Get Started with CFSS
Request a MnCHOICES Assessment
Contact your county, tribal agency, or health plan to request a MnCHOICES assessment.
01Eligibility Review
DHS reviews your needs and determines if you qualify for CFSS and the number of service hours authorized.
02Choose Your Provider
Select BrightSide Care as your Agency Model CFSS provider. We’ll help guide you through the setup and authorization process
03Create Your Service Plan
Together, we’ll develop a person-centered service plan focused on your goals, abilities, and preferences.
04Begin Services
We’ll match you with trained support workers and begin your services promptly and safely.
05Start Your CFSS Journey with BrightSide Care
We believe in empowering you to live a full and independent life — with the right support, guidance, and care.
Our friendly staff will walk you through every step, from assessment to service setup, making the process smooth and stress-free.
📞 Phone: 651-374-8751 | 📧 Email: info@brightsidecare.org