This document, titled “Dissent from Consensus”, offers a thoughtful critique of the National Quality Forum’s (NQF) Interim Report on Person-Centered Planning & Practice. Authored by a group of experienced advocates and practitioners, it challenges the report’s approach to defining and implementing person-centered planning within health systems. The authors express concern that the report’s focus on administrative processes, universal definitions, and facilitator competencies risks reducing person-centered planning to a rigid, compliance-driven tool. Instead, they advocate for a more organic, community-driven approach that prioritizes individual growth, social justice, and meaningful inclusion.
Drawing on decades of experience, the authors highlight the messy, dynamic nature of true person-centered planning, emphasizing its role in fostering valued community roles and individualized supports. They critique the systemic barriers—such as risk management policies, underinvestment in workforce development, and rigid service structures—that often limit the potential for transformative change. The document underscores the importance of cultivating human connection, creativity, and citizenship-focused practices over top-down administrative mandates.
Ultimately, the authors dissent from the NQF’s consensus, offering a vision of person-centered planning as a disruptive force for social innovation and organizational change. They invite readers to reflect on their own experiences and consider alternative ways to co-create inclusive communities. This paper is a must-read for anyone passionate about disability advocacy, social justice, and reimagining systems to better support people’s pursuit of a good life.