PCA services

Who can be my PCA worker?

A direct support worker may be chosen by your PCA provider agency.

It can also be a family member, friend or neighbor, including your spouse or the parent of a minor child (as of October 1, 2024).

For specific questions on PCA requirements and responsibilities, review the CFSS Policy Manual.

How can my spouse, parent, stepparent or legal guardian be my PCA?

The person must meet the worker criteria to be a direct support worker and be hired by a PCA provider agency.

A PCA may not provide services to a person if they are the person's:

• Paid legal guardian

• Responsible party (an individual who makes decisions on behalf of a person who cannot, such as a minor child)

• Qualified professional (an employee of the PCA agency who helps ensure the PCA worker is trained and qualified)

For specific questions on PCA requirements and responsibilities, review the CFSS Policy Manual.

How do I become a PCA?

To become a direct support worker, you must complete a PCA training course and pass an online test.

Follow these steps:

1. Review the required PCA/CFSS training.

2. After completing the online training, register to take the PCA/CFSS certification test. Remember to check your email for confirmation of your certification test registration.

3. Complete the PCA/CFSS certification test.

4. When you pass the test, your PCA/CFSS certificate will be emailed to you.

Once you are hired by a PCA/CFSS agency, you can provide PCA/CFSS services and be paid.

If you're interested in additional training, you can take online classes through the College of Direct Support.

For specific questions on PCA requirements and responsibilities, review the CFSS Policy Manual.

How do I find a PCA/CFSS agency to work with?

If you haven't been hired by an agency, you can find PCA/CFSS agencies in Minnesota by:

1. Going to the Minnesota HealthCare Provider Directory.

2. Select provider type 'Community First Services and Supports' from the drop-down list.

3. Click 'Next" to continue.

4. Select subtype 'Community First Services and Supports' from the drop-down list.

5. Complete the selection options to narrow your search: You can search by county, city, or provider name. Sometimes adding less specific information will improve search results.

6. Click 'search' to see a list of providers based on your search criteria.

What is CFSS and how does it impact PCA services?

Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Minnesota health care program that offers flexible options to meet the unique needs of people. It allows for greater independence in their homes and communities. 

CFSS will replace personal care assistance (PCA) and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG).

CFSS will cover the same main services as PCA:

• Activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, grooming and transferring

• Health-related tasks

• Instrumental activities of daily living, such as shopping, cooking and laundry

• Observation and redirection of behavior

For additional information about CFSS, visit the Community First Services and Supports Top Topic.