The SCAN Foundation Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Definition Project

Opportunity

The SCAN Foundation invited HSRI to submit a proposal for this national project focused on convening experts and people with lived experience to develop a consensus definition of Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). Recognizing HSRI’s expertise in cross-disability research, supports for older adults, and prior work defining intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for public health surveillance, The SCAN Foundation chose HSRI to address the challenge of how HCBS are defined across public policies, programs and populations.

Approach

This project seeks to develop a consensus definition of HCBS that can be applied consistently across public policies, populations, payers, and programs. HSRI’s approach includes:

• Conducting an environmental scan to identify commonalities and differences in existing HCBS definitions and frameworks.
• Convening an advisory group of experts to shape research questions and guide project activities.
• Gathering insights through surveys and key informant interviews representing diverse perspectives, including those with lived experience.
• Bringing together a consensus panel to establish a unified definition of HCBS.
• Disseminating findings broadly to inform policy, practice, and advocacy.

Impact

A consensus definition of HCBS will provide a shared foundation for policymakers, advocates, and service providers. This alignment will strengthen the effectiveness, equity, and coordination of services for individuals with long-term support needs, including older adults, people with physical disabilities, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and individuals with brain injuries. By clarifying what HCBS encompasses, with input from national experts in policy programs, payment structures, and people who access HCBS, the project will provide clarity about an often-used, but not well-defined, term. Clarity in the values and programmatic expectations of HCBS will help ensure that resources are effectively and appropriately designed and delivered and that services remain responsive, inclusive, and sustainable.