Personal Care Attendant Management (PCA)

Personal Care Attendant Services

A certified MnCHOICES assessor conducts individual assessments to determine an individual's eligibility for Personal Care Attendant Services (PCA). Disabled adults and children who are covered by Medical Assistance (MA) or MN Care Expanded (only for pregnant women and children under age 21), may qualify for Personal Care Attendants (PCA Services).

Woman with a walker

Individuals must meet certain criteria to qualify for the PCA program. PCAs can provide help for:

  • Activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, bathing, transfers, mobility, positioning and toileting
  • Complex health related tasks such as tube feeding or interventions for seizures
  • Observation and redirection of some behaviors to help a person remain safe in their environment
  • Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) such as accompany to medical appointments or out into the community, assist paying bills, complete household tasks related to the ADL needs, plan and prepare meals and shop for food and clothing and other essential items.

Activity Level

The individual(s) must need help with at least 2 activities of daily living (ADLs) to qualify for the other areas of the PCA Program.

Individual(s) who need help with only 1 ADL or has a behavior issue, such as hurting themselves or others, may qualify for 30 minutes of PCA services a day, but will not qualify for any additional time.

Licensing

A PCA is an individual employed by a personal care assistance agency licensed thru the Department of Human Services (DHS). They must be age 18 or older, passed a criminal background study, be enrolled as a PCA with DHS, completed training and orientation requirements and be under the supervision of a qualified professional.