Quickly access important documents:

• GoAnywhere
• Sourcewell contact info (DOC)
• Sourcewell Grievance Procedures (PDF)

Overview of licensing processes:

We encourage you to review each license type page for specific information about processes and forms. Relicensing and off-year visits are announced visits, with providers receiving information approximately 2 months in advance. 

• Relicensing is completed every two years based on license expiration date
• Off-year, non-licensing visits are required to collect annual paperwork, ensure compliance, provide technical assistance, and ensure providers have an additional face to face opportunity to ask questions and receive clarifications. 
• Compliant Investigations and other non-licensing visits are conducted as needed either in person, via phone, or via email depending on the nature of the complaint or information needed 
• We may ask you for information to help ensure that licensed programs are providing high quality services and in compliance with applicable rules and statutes. Please respond promptly to these inquiries.

County networks are an opportunity for licensed providers, county staff, and community stakeholders and partners to come together. 

We understand that schedules are very busy and want to take this dedicated time during network sessions to facilitate relationships and have a platform for those working with people receiving AFC services to come together. 

Registration can be completed online in just a few minutes. Learn more >

Adult Foster Care is governed by:

• MN Statute 245A – Human Services Licensing
• MN Statute 245C – Human Services Background Studies
• MN Statute 245D – Home and Community-Based Services Standards
• MN Rule 9555 – Social Services for Adults

Homes are subject to different requirements based on license type. 

County delegated licensors, including Sourcewell RLS’s primarily oversee 245A, 245C, and 9555 requirements. For CRS homes, some 245D requirements regarding physical plant and safety are also monitored by RLS’s. 

Family Adult Foster Care types:

Family AFC without HCBS/245D: A family home where the family lives in the home with the person(s) served and provides primary care. The program cares for people on the Elderly Waiver or private pay. The RLS/county is responsible for overseeing all applicable licensing rules and statutes and is the only licensing oversight for the home.

Family AFC with HCBS/245D: A family home where the family lives in the home with the person(s) served and provides primary care. The AFC license holder also holds a 245D license and waiver services are provided (family residential services).

Life Sharing: A family home where the family lives in the home with the person(s) served and provides primary care. The family AFC contracts with an agency that holds a 245D license to provide waiver services, in addition to other requirements with matching and person-centered practices. More guidance can be found on the CBSM.

Corporate AFC: A licensed AFC in which the license holder does not live on site and the program runs with a shift staff model. The program serves people on the Elderly Waiver or private pay and cannot accept waiver funding. 

Community Residential Service (CRS): A licensed corporate home in which the license holder also holds a 245D license. The license holder does not live on site. Waiver services are provided. 

• 6021 and 6021B
  • fcmoratorium@state.mn.us
• Licensing Moratorium Exception Form
  • licensemoratorium.dhs@state.mn.us

Individual Resident Placement Agreement (IRPA)

The IRPA is required for homes licensed under MN Rule 9555. It is the responsibility of the lead agency (case manager) to complete the document. It should be done in collaboration with the license holder, person served, and team. The IRPA is the document that county delegated licensors are able to view and enforce with regard to services license holders need to and have agreed to provide to people served. When IRPA’s are incomplete or missing, county delegated licensors have a difficult time enforcing concerns about supervision and services provided. 

9555.5105 Subp. 19. Individual resident placement agreement

9555.5705 Subp. 2. Development of individual resident placement agreement

Monitoring Technology

The CBSM outlines steps that should be in place for monitoring technology to be used. As a case manager, you play an important role in ensuring that rights and privacy are protected by reviewing and completing consents with individuals served. 

Placing Worker Evaluations

Placing Worker Evaluations are required to be sent out for family AFC homes at time of relicensing. We rely on this information to help with determining compliance with services, environment, and family inclusion. When you receive a request for a placing worker evaluation, please ensure you complete it honestly and promptly. 

What to Report to the RLS

RLS’s are in programs once per year generally. We rely on case managers and others to report suspected non-compliance and other concerns. If the concern is related to maltreatment, abuse, or neglect promptly complete a MAARC report. You can also notify the RLS. Below is a list of some things we hope you will notify us of:

• A family AFC that has separate living areas for family and residents or the family does not provide main cares to residents. In all licensed homes, family AFC in particular, the program may not restrict access to common areas of a home. Homes are inspected by the Fire Marshal as a single residence and licensed as one home.
• A family AFC is using cameras, audio monitors, or other monitoring devices when you and the person(s) served have not completed a Monitoring Technology Consent or you have concerns about how the technology is being used. 
• Any licensed program is not in good condition (structure, paint, lack of cleanliness, etc.)
• A Rights Restriction that seems unwarranted and there is no clear risk and no measure to remove the restriction. 
• Any concerns or questions about homes and programs and whether the program is operating in compliance with applicable regulations.