June 5th, 2023
IL 2023-22
Employment First Assessment Tool: Proposed Rules
The employment first assessment tool should be utilized to ensure individuals receiving services through HCS, CLASS, DBMD & TxHmL, who want to work receive employment services from TWC.
The Information Letter and proposed rules (informal comment period) presented below are the result of SB 50 (Zaffirini), 87th Texas Legislature.
IL 2023-22, Employment First Uniform Assessment Tool: As indicated in the Information Letter, upon adoption of the rules, Service Coordinators and Case Managers will be required to use the assessment tool to assess an individual’s desire to work. Though not required now, until the rules are adopted, which will supposedly be by this fall.
**HHSC is encouraging Service Coordinators (HCS/TxHmL) and Case Managers to begin using the tool.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCS) and Texas Home Living (TxHmL) – During the completion of the Service Coordination Assessment (Form 8647), the service coordinator asks the person about their desire to work. Document the person’s response on Form 8647.
If the individual indicates a desire to work, the service coordinator must complete the Employment First Uniform Assessment and make a referral to Texas Workforce Commission or refer the person for employment services through the waiver program where the person is enrolled.
Employment First Uniform Assessment Form 8401
The draft rules and instructions for submitting comments can be found at the following link under Draft Rules (see Project #22R102): https://www.hhs.texas.gov/regulations/policies-rules/health-human-services-rulemaking/comment-proposed-draft-rules
