Contracted Research and Studies
Utah LTSS research study
From 2023 to 2025, HSRI conducted a research study to learn about what is working well in Utah’s aging and disability service system and where improvements are needed. HSRI gathered feedback from people with disabilities and older adults who receive long-term services and supports, people waiting for services, family members, service providers, case managers, advocates, and other community members. HSRI, in partnership with Burns & Associates and the Utah State University Institute for Disability Research, Policy, and Practice used feedback from the community and developed recommendations for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services to strengthen and improve the service system.
If you have questions, please reach out to HSRI's project coordinator Jasmine Hepburn at [email protected].
DSPD provider rate study
The Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) has contracted with Health Management Associates (HMA) to complete a study on the rates that we pay our service providers. As part of the rate study, the HMA project team has gathered data through both primary and secondary sources. In addition to reviewing program regulations, policies, and other materials, they also consulted with internal and external partners.
- Provider survey: About 15% of our providers representing over 50% of annual expenses participated in the provider survey, representing almost all of DSPD’s major service codes. That survey took a detailed look at provider cost data, as well as information to put those costs in proper context.
- Stakeholder meetings Support coordinator and provider representatives have participated in stakeholder meetings throughout the process to offer input and suggestions and review project materials.
For more information on the rate study, you can visit the HMA website here: DSPD Rate Study
Internal research and evaluations
National core indicators
National Core Indicators (NCI) is a collaborative effort between the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities (NASDDDS) and the Human Services Research Institute (HSRI). NCI supports state agencies in gathering a standard performance and outcome measures that help track performance and compare results to other states. NCI provides the Division a uniquely valuable source of information, allowing the Division to collaborate with and compare findings and performance with a large group of other states. The Division participates in four individual NCI surveys and one provider survey: