HCBS Training

Important Terms

Key Terms

Evidence-based practices

American Psychological Society

“Evidence-based practice in positive behavior support is defined as the integration of rigorous science-based knowledge with applied expertise driven by stakeholder preferences, values, and goals within natural communities of support.”

Fidelity of Implementation

Fidelity of Implementation refers to how well a practice is implemented in the way it was intended. This is important for Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 practices. At Tier 1, which is the focus of these modules, a team needs to implement person-centered and positive support practices in a consistent manner so that the team can decide if the changes that are made are working effectively enough to continue putting in time, energy and resources. Tools like the Minnesota Team Checklist are used by providers to guide implementation of person-centered and positive supports. Measuring and ensuring fidelity of implementation can help teams make sure the action plan created by a team to implement a practice results in positive outcomes and to make sure these changes are woven into HCBS.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

Federal, state, local, and tribal governments develop and finance Home and Community-Based (HCBS) services to help ensure people across the lifespan can get long-term supports and services in their homes and communities instead of within institutional settings if that is their choice. These services help people live their lives as independently as possible. Examples of services include: medication management support, assistance in preparing meals and shopping in the community, or receiving access to evidence-based practices that help people achieve the highest quality of life possible.

Level 2 Change

Requires a director, CEO, or other leader because the changes that are made address policies or procedures within an organization or require allocation of resources. Level 2 changes are used to change how responsive organizations are to supporting person-centered practices.

Level 3 Change

Is made by larger national, state, or federal systems to make it easier for organizations to be person-centered

Person-Centered Practice

Person-Centered Strategies that everyone can use to help people learn about what brings joy to someone and makes life worth living. These tools are also used to find out what is important to a person as well as understanding their needs for health, safety, and well-being. 
Person-Centered Planning is a process that is used to create a plan for a positive and meaningful life for someone by building on his or her interests and strengths.  There are different methods that can be used to help a person create their dreams for a better future. 
Person-Centered Organization Changes address how services and supports are planned and delivered. Changes that are made include fixing policies, adding ongoing opportunities for learning, and building community supports. Services for people across the lifespan are changed in ways that improve quality of life outcomes.

Positive Support Practices

The term Positive Support refers to practices that are: a) person-centered, family-centered, student-centered, and community-centered, b) evidence-based with research studies that show how effective an approach is and who benefits from the practice; c) sensitive and respectful to the unique culture of each person involved; d) adapted and improved over time using data to guide use; and e) often implemented with more other practices within complex everyday settings.