Governor Pulaalii Nikolao Pula has signed an executive order establishing the Home and Community Based Services Commission.
American Samoa received funding through the Money Follows the Person (MFP) Program, administrated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to help transition eligible individuals including the elderly and individuals with disabilities from institutions to home and community based settings.
The American Samoa MFP Workplan for 2025 requires establishing a Home and Community Based Services Commission by the fourth quarter of 2025 to expand qualified Home and Community Based Services use, reduce institutionalization and remove barriers for Medicaid-eligible individuals to live in their chosen settings.
The commission is established to develop and implement a territory wide plan that ensures federal compliance, removes systemic barriers, improves person centered services, and builds sustainable infrastructure for home and community based services.
The commission is set up under the Governor’s Office. The Governor shall appoint a commissioner to lead the Home and Community Based Services Commission and the appointee serves at the Governor’s pleasure.
The Pacific Center in Human Security at the American Samoa Community College is to provide administrative support and resources to the Commission.
