Description
Empower choice. Protect rights. Elevate quality.
This comprehensive Self-Determination and Person-Centered Planning Policy is designed for human services, HCBS, residential, and day service providers who want more than minimum compliance. It establishes a clear, defensible framework for honoring individual choice while balancing autonomy, safety, and accountability.
Built for real-world application, this policy goes beyond philosophy to define how self-determination shows up in daily practice—from informed decision-making and supported decision-making to dignity of risk, conflict resolution, documentation standards, and staff accountability.
What This Policy Delivers
- A person-led planning framework that centers the individual’s voice in all decisions
- Clear guidance on supported decision-making, including how to involve guardians without silencing the individual
- Strong protections for rights, autonomy, and freedom from coercion
- Practical direction for handling risk, disagreements, and safety concerns without defaulting to restriction
- Explicit expectations for documentation, training, oversight, and continuous improvement
- Language that is multi-state ready, HCBS-aligned, and audit-defensible
Why Agencies Choose This Policy
✔ Moves beyond checklists into meaningful, values-driven practice
✔ Stands up in audits, grievances, and appeals
✔ Supports accreditation and quality initiatives
✔ Reinforces ethical, person-centered culture across teams
✔ Fully customizable to your agency’s structure and services
Whether you’re strengthening compliance, preparing for accreditation, responding to audit findings, or intentionally raising the bar for person-centered care, this policy provides a clear, authoritative foundation you can confidently implement.
Download. Customize. Lead with purpose.
Build a system where individuals direct their lives—and your organization stands on solid ground.




