Consumer Directed Services grew from a simple but important idea: people receiving support should have a meaningful voice in who provides it, when it is provided and how it fits their daily life.
Texas began offering the CDS option in 2001, and additional long-term services and supports programs added it over time. State law later expanded the option so more Texans could direct eligible services. Today, CDS is available through multiple Texas Medicaid programs, although the specific services that can be self-directed depend on the individual’s program and authorized plan.
Under the traditional agency model, a provider agency employs and manages attendants. Under Consumer Directed Services in Texas, the individual, legally authorized representative or designated representative takes on the employer role. They can recruit, hire, train, schedule and manage qualified employees. The CDS employer also selects a Financial Management Services Agency (FMSA) to handle payroll, tax filings, required checks and ongoing guidance.
More than two decades later, CDS continues to give Texas families flexibility while keeping essential administrative safeguards in place. EAK Consumer Directed Services is proud to help families understand the process and use that choice with confidence.
