When a Medicaid waiver recipient chooses the Consumer Directed Services (CDS) option, they become an employer and must select a Consumer Directed Services Agency (CDSA) (such as Imagine Enterprises) to assist with billing, financial matters and help work through all of the employer issues from background checks to payroll. These services are known as Financial Management Services (FMS).

Responsibilities of the CDSA:
- Provides initial orientation.
- Provides ongoing training and support.
- Assists, approve, and validates budgets for funds.
- Assists with DPS criminal conviction Hx checks.
- Verifies credentials of potential service providers.
- Employer agent – handles payroll withholdings, deposits, and reporting, timesheets, receipts, invoices, and pays service providers. 
- Provides budget status report.
- Contacts case manager to report noncompliance with employer responsibilities.
- Initiates interventions and corrective action plans.
- Can recommend termination of CDS for continued non-compliance.
- Provides support consultation if available in program and requested by employer.