Self-direction support broker

What the manual describes

What this service can help with

• Recruiting, hiring, training, managing, and ending employment of Personal Assistant workers
• Creating worker schedules based on the person-centered service plan
• Managing the service budget, employee rates, and timesheets
• Finding supports and resources identified in the plan
• Creating an emergency backup plan
• Problem-solving, conflict resolution, independent advocacy, grievances, and complaints

Source-backed working pathway

To establish you'll probably need:

These steps translate the cited manual section into a practical review sequence. Confirm the current local process before acting.

1. 1

   Confirm the self-directed support arrangement.

   Work with the support coordinator and planning team to identify which supports will be self-directed and where Support Broker information, assistance, or skills training is needed.

   Evidence: manual 6.32 service description
2. 2

   Write the broker's responsibilities into the person-centered service plan.

   Specify the help needed with hiring, scheduling, budgeting, rates, timesheets, worker training, backup planning, advocacy, or other self-direction tasks.

   Evidence: manual 6.32 service description
3. 3

   Identify a qualified Support Broker provider.

   Confirm the agency's Department contract and required certification or accreditation, and confirm that the broker meets the background, age, education, knowledge, experience, and training requirements.

   Evidence: manual 6.32 provider requirements
4. 4

   Check for prohibited relationships and role conflicts.

   Confirm that the proposed broker is not a parent, guardian, or other family member and will not also serve as the person's self-directed Personal Assistant.

   Evidence: manual 6.32 service limitations
5. 5

   Confirm authorization and a practical working plan.

   Confirm the authorized scope and units, whether meetings will be in person or virtual, how urgent problems will be handled, what remains the support coordinator's responsibility, and how the broker will document progress.

   Evidence: manual 6.32 service description, limitations, billing information, and documentation

Important boundaries

Limits that may affect fit or authorization

• A Support Broker does not replace or duplicate support coordination.
• A parent, guardian, or other family member cannot serve as the person's Support Broker.
• The Support Broker cannot also serve as that person's self-directed Personal Assistant.
• The exact information, assistance, and training must be specified in the person-centered service plan.
• Virtual delivery must follow the additional requirements in Section 7 of the waiver manual.
• The manual lists fifteen-minute units and a maximum of 32 units per day. Current authorization must still be confirmed.
• Provider enrollment does not prove that a broker is currently available or accepting new work.
• Comprehensive and Community Support waivers remain under a temporary renewal extension through December 27, 2026, or until CMS grants final approval. Confirm the currently approved rules with the support coordinator; proposed renewal changes are not automatically active.
• Individual Directed Goods and Services authorizations ended for dates of service on or after July 1, 2026. Support Broker assistance does not restore that discontinued funding category.

Do not assume this part

Questions to confirm locally