APD > Questionnaire for Situational Information (QSI) > FAQs

QSI Frequently Asked Questions

How are the services I receive determined?

• Your support plan is developed by gathering information about your preferences from several sources including the QSI and Personal Outcome Measures. Other factors used to determine the services you need are your age and where and with whom you live. The services identified in your plan may be provided through the Medicaid Waiver, Medicaid State Plan, agencies other than APD, as well as family and community sources. The level of need determined by the QSI is only one factor in determining the amount of waiver services that are medically necessary.

How does the residential habilitation service descriptions relate to the QSI assessment level of need?

• The overall score on the QSI does not automatically translate into a Residential Habitation support and rate level. How an individual scores on specific questions contained within the sections of the QSI does help to more objectively describe an individual's support needs and assists in determining the Residential Habitation rate. The information in specific QSI questions are compared to the descriptions for the residential habilitation levels of support, and along with other support planning information presented, a determination of the residential habilitation level that best reflects the person's needs is made. Other information considered part of the support planning process includes, but is not limited to, the individual's support plan, provider documentation, specialty assessments performed by licensed or certified professionals (such as an RN or Certified Behavior Analyst), information from an individual's family or guardian, and the progress of an individual in their current setting. In order to move from one residential habilitation level of support to another, an individual must have experienced a significant change in condition or circumstance. The individual’s waiver support coordinator can assist in compiling the required documentation to support the significant change.

What if I do not want to participate in the QSI assessment?

• The assessment process was mandated by the Florida Legislature and is one of the responsibilities of receiving waiver funded services. Every person enrolled on the waiver must have an assessment, support plan, and cost plan according to the waiver and the DD/HCBS Medicaid Coverage and Limitations Handbook. Without these required documents, an individual's participation on the waiver cannot be continued.

Will I get a copy of my QSI assessment after it is complete?

• A copy of the completed QSI will be provided to the individual, family member, or guardian.

Who will give me a copy?

• A copy of the QSI assessment will be given to the individual by the APD employee completing the assessment on your behalf.

Who else can get a copy?

• Your support coordinator will have access to the web-based QSI system and can view your assessment online. No other providers are given access or will get copies of the assessment from the agency or support coordinator. If you decide you want to have other individuals get a copy of your assessment, you can choose to provide them with a copy.

Will the QSI be done for people only receiving services paid for with state general revenue dollars?

• Plans are to complete a QSI for all individuals on waiver programs over the next two years. Individuals on the waiting list will receive a QSI during the third year. At this time, there is no requirement for individuals receiving only general revenue funds, who are not on the waitlist, to have a QSI completed.

Will I be involved in the interviews and the assessment process?

• A QSI cannot be completed without a face-to-face meeting with the individual and the family or guardian. You will be contacted by an APD employee to set up a time to discuss the assessment.

Can I invite anyone I want to help me during the interview?

• You are encouraged to invite anyone you wish to participate in the assessment process. The APD assessor will ask you who you would like them to contact about your support needs. The agency wants to be sure we are getting the most current and accurate information about your level of support needs so we don't want to leave out people who may have good information.

Does my waiver support coordinator have to be present during the interview?

• No, your support coordinator does not have to be present during the interview or the assessment process, but you can certainly ask for them to participate if you choose. During the information gathering process for the assessment, APD employees may need to contact your support coordinator to get information from your record or may need to discuss information related to your situation with your support coordinator.

I am a guardian for my adult son. How am I involved in the assessment process?

• Because you are the guardian, it is required that the agency involve you in the assessment process. You will be contacted by APD to schedule a convenient interview time for you and your son. If you live out of state and your physical presence will be difficult to arrange, the agency may contact you by phone to discuss your son's needed level of support.