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ADULT DAY CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW JERSEY

  • Writer: Fatumata Kaba
    Fatumata Kaba
  • Sep 5
  • 4 min read

SUPPORTING WELL-BEING AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT THROUGH STRUCTURED DAY PROGRAMS

 

Adul Day Care Services in New Jersey provide structured, supervised care during daytime hours for individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges. These services focus on promoting social engagement, personal development, and maintaining functional abilities in a safe, supportive environment. Daycare services are authorized under New Jersey Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

 

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Adult Day Care Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Division of Aging Services (DoAS)

Role: Oversees quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Adult Day Care Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Adult Day Care Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

 

2. ADULT DAY CARE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Day Care Services provide supervised activities, personal care, and social engagement to enhance quality of life and relieve family caregivers.

Approved providers may deliver:

  • Social and Recreational Activities: Group games, arts and crafts, music, and social events.

  • Personal Care Assistance: Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as toileting, grooming, and mobility.

  • Health Monitoring: Basic wellness checks, medication reminders, and support for chronic conditions.

  • Cognitive Stimulation: Activities that promote memory, attention, and cognitive skills.

  • Nutritional Support: Meal and snack preparation tailored to dietary needs.

  • Exercise and Mobility Programs: Light physical activities to maintain strength and balance.

  • Caregiver Respite: Providing temporary relief for primary caregivers while ensuring participant safety.

  • Transportation: Rides to and from the day care center as needed.

All services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the participant’s specific care needs and preferences.

 

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

  • Register the business entity with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

  • Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).

  • Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Day Care provider via the New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.

  • Obtain a Day Care License from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) if applicable.

  • Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

  • Develop policies for health monitoring, participant safety, and daily activity planning.

  • Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and training requirements.

 

4. NEW JERSEY PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

  • Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Day Care Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

  • Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, day care license, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

  • DHS and DoAS evaluate provider readiness, including activity planning, safety measures, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

  • Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Day Care Services using designated billing codes.

 

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New Jersey Division of Revenue)

  • IRS EIN confirmation

  • NPI confirmation

  • Day Care License (if applicable)

  • Proof of general and professional liability insurance

  • Day Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

    • Participant intake, assessment, and individualized care planning procedures

    • Daily activity programming and social engagement protocols

    • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

    • Documentation standards for care tracking and Medicaid billing

    • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

    • Safety protocols, emergency response, and infection control measures

    • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

 

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Adult Day Care Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human services, healthcare administration, or related field; experience managing day programs.

Role: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

Requirements: High school diploma or GED; CPR/First Aid certification; experience in personal care and group activities; background clearance.

Role: Activity Coordinators

Requirements: Experience in planning and leading group activities; background clearance.

All staff must complete:

  • Training in activity planning and group management

  • HIPAA compliance and client rights education

  • Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development

  • Training in personal care assistance and wellness monitoring

  • Safety training, including emergency preparedness and infection control

 

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Adult day Care Services are available under the following New Jersey Medicaid Waivers:

  • Community Care Program for the Elderly and Disabled (CCPED)

  • Supports Program Waiver

  • Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver

  • Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Waiver

  • Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

  • Social engagement and cognitive stimulation

  • Personal care and hygiene assistance

  • Recreational and therapeutic activities

  • Health monitoring and wellness support

  • Nutritional meals and dietary management

  • Transportation to and from the day care center

 

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Day Care Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

 

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)

Division of Aging Services (DoAS)

New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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NEW JERSEY ADULT DAY CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NEW JERSEY ADULT DAY CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Day Care Services in New Jersey, offering:

 

Scope of Work:

  • Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

  • Policy manual development for day program planning and participant safety

  • Staff credentialing, training program templates, and activity documentation guidance

  • Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

  • Branding, website development, and client engagement strategies

  • Quality assurance systems for activity safety and compliance

  • Collaboration with healthcare providers and community organizations




Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements. 

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