ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH CAROLINA

ENHANCING FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE AND SAFETY THROUGH CUSTOMIZED EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Adaptive Equipment Services in South Carolina involve the assessment, procurement, customization, and delivery of tools and devices that support individuals with disabilities in performing everyday tasks more independently. These services are funded through South Carolina Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, most notably through the Community Supports Waiver, ID/RD Waiver, and HASCI Waiver, and are coordinated by SCDHHS and DDSN.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid funding, service definitions, and billing under HCBS Waivers.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

Role: Coordinates authorizations and provider monitoring for waiver participants requiring adaptive equipment.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Ensures federal compliance under Medicaid's person-centered service standards.

2. ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Adaptive equipment refers to devices designed or modified to assist individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities in performing daily activities more independently and safely.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Individualized Equipment Assessments

• Procurement and Customization of adaptive tools

• Setup and Installation in the home or care setting

• Training for Participants and Caregivers on safe use

• Maintenance and Repairs as needed

• Documentation and Medicaid Billing for each service stage

Examples of Adaptive Equipment:

• Grab bars, raised toilet seats, and shower chairs

• Adaptive utensils, non-slip mats, and reaching tools

• Transfer boards, gait belts, and bed rails

• Specialized seating or positioning systems

• Adaptive switches for mobility or communication devices

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI

• Partner with qualified professionals (e.g., OT, PT, ATP) for assessments

• Enroll as an Adaptive Equipment provider through DDSN and/or SCDHHS

• Maintain product liability and business insurance

• Develop a Policy & Procedure Manual covering assessments, installations, safety, and Medicaid documentation

4. SOUTH CAROLINA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Form your business entity, obtain EIN and NPI

Step 2: Apply to DDSN and/or SCDHHS for provider approval in the Adaptive Equipment category

Step 3: Submit staff qualifications, sample service workflows, and policies

Step 4: Undergo provider readiness review and receive your provider number

Step 5: Begin receiving referrals and service authorizations

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Business registration, EIN, and NPI documentation

• Provider enrollment confirmation with SCDHHS and/or DDSN

• Insurance policies (liability, workers’ comp, etc.)

• Adaptive Equipment Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Assessment forms and procurement logs

  • Participant safety and training checklists

  • Delivery and installation documentation

  • Maintenance, warranty, and return protocols

  • HIPAA compliance and participant rights policies

  • Medicaid billing logs and service authorization forms

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Adaptive Equipment Specialist / Installer

Requirements: Training in safety, installation, and use of equipment; familiarity with participant mobility and home access needs.

Role: Occupational or Physical Therapist (as needed)

Requirements: SC licensure to perform assessments or justify equipment need for Medicaid approval.

Role: Program Manager (Recommended)

Requirements: Responsible for vendor sourcing, documentation review, and compliance oversight.

All staff must complete:

• HIPAA and participant rights training

• Infection control and equipment safety training

• Installation and demonstration competency

• Documentation and Medicaid billing compliance

• Annual skills updates and in-service training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Adaptive Equipment Services are covered under:

• ID/RD Waiver – For individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities

• HASCI Waiver – For individuals with head or spinal cord injuries

• Community Supports Waiver – For individuals needing support to prevent institutionalization

• CLTC (Community Long Term Care) – For elderly and disabled adults needing home modifications or devices

• EPSDT / TEFRA (Under Age 21) – For children with medical necessity for adaptive tools

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Setup & Manual Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & Credentialing

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Vendor Setup & Staff Training

Timeline: 1 month

Phase: Begin Receiving Referrals & Delivering Equipment

Timeline: Once authorization is issued

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

Website: https://ddsn.sc.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

South Carolina Assistive Technology Program (SCATP)

Website: https://scatp.med.sc.edu

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — SC ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT PROVIDER

WCG helps providers build Medicaid-compliant adaptive equipment programs with participant-centered service models.

Scope of Work:

• Medicaid provider enrollment and credentialing

• Adaptive Equipment Policy & Procedure Manual

• Assessment templates and delivery logs

• Device training documentation and consent forms

• Medicaid billing and service authorization tools

• Vendor sourcing, warranty tracking, and maintenance logs

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