A formal notice was published in the
Federal Register this week, and comments will be accepted for 30 days, with a deadline of May 28, 2026. CMS also released a supplemental
PDF notification outlining additional context for stakeholders.
What’s Being Proposed
CMS is proposing a total of 26 quality measures, including:
- 23 mandatory measures, such as:
- Choosing the Services That Matter to You Composite
- Personal Safety & Respect Composite
- Transportation to Medical Appointments Composite
- LTSS comprehensive assessment and update
- Measures addressing community inclusion, personal safety, person-centered planning, and freedom from abuse and neglect
- Three voluntary measures, including:
- Reassessment following inpatient discharge
- Screening and planning to prevent falls
- Optional HCBS CAHPS, NCI, or POM measures not otherwise included
Data collection would be limited to HCBS waiver participants and gathered through HCBS case managers or participant surveys (see Table 4 of the provisions of the
notice with comment period). Per the HCBS Access Rule, implementation of the mandatory measures is targeted for 2028.
Why It Matters
The Federal Register is now live, and CMS is actively accepting comments. This is a critical opportunity for providers, advocates, and other stakeholders to weigh in on feasibility, burden, and alignment with person-centered care goals.
Stakeholder input during this short comment period will shape how HCBS quality is measured nationwide. Now is the time to review the proposal and submit feedback.
NCAL would love to hear from you on how the proposed 2028 HCBS Quality Measure Set may impact you.
Please direct your comments to ncal@ncal.org by May 15, 2026.