Purpose
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Commission advises the Governor on the development, implementation, and coordination of home and community-based services in American Samoa. It brings together the many agencies, funding streams, and families involved in long-term care under one coordinated body.
Establishing Authority
The Commission was established by Executive Order No. 009-25, signed by Governor Pulaali’i Nikolao Pula on December 4, 2025, and sits within the Office of the Governor. The full Executive Order is posted in the Documentation section.
Role of the Commissioner
The Commissioner is appointed by the Governor and leads the Commission’s day-to-day work — coordinating with federal and territorial partners, representing the Commission publicly, and ensuring it meets its responsibilities. The Commissioner serves as a non-voting ex officio member.
Commission Membership
The Commission is made up of voting members appointed by the Governor and ex officio members from territorial agencies.
-
A Health Information subject matter expert
-
Two representatives with lived experience from the target populations (older adults, individuals with physical disabilities, and other qualified populations as defined under the MFP program)
-
Two representatives from family members of people receiving care
Members serve staggered terms — not to exceed two years for most seats, and not to exceed three years for the consumer, lived-experience, and family-member seats — so that continuity is built into the Commission's work from the start. Members may be reappointed at the Governor's discretion. The full stagger schedule is set out in the Executive Order
Fully Federally Funded HCBS
The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program is funded by a grant award totalling $266,880 (100%) from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, with $0 (0%) financed from non-federal sources.
Nondiscrimination and DEI-aligned statement
American Samoa’s Home and Community‑Based Services (HCBS) program provides services without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, or any other status protected by applicable federal or territorial law.
The HCBS program complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as applicable, and all other nondiscrimination requirements attached to federal financial assistance.
Equity Access Statement
The HCBS program is committed to ensuring equitable access to long‑term services and supports for all eligible residents of American Samoa, including individuals who have historically faced barriers to care.
In pursuing this commitment, the program does not provide preferential treatment or restrict eligibility based on race or color, and it does not segregate individuals in services or activities based on protected characteristics; all policies and practices are designed to comply with federal antidiscrimination laws.