ADULT DAY SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH DAKOTA
- Fatumata Kaba
- Sep 18
- 4 min read
SUPPORTING SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND PERSONAL WELL-BEING IN A SAFE, STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT
Adult Day Services in North Dakota provide daytime care and social engagement for adults with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related challenges. These services offer a safe, structured environment where individuals can participate in recreational, social, and therapeutic activities while receiving personal care and supervision. Adult Day Services are authorized under North Dakota Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)
Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Adult Day Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.
Agency: North Dakota Medical Services Division (MSD)
Role: Manages Medicaid waiver services and oversees Medicaid provider participation.
Agency: North Dakota Division of Aging Services
Role: Provides oversight for adult day services targeting elderly individuals and adults with disabilities.
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Adult Day Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.
2. ADULT DAY SERVICES OVERVIEW
Adult Day Services provide social, therapeutic, and health-related support in a community-based setting, offering a break for caregivers while ensuring participants' safety and well-being.
Approved providers may deliver:
Social and Recreational Activities: Group outings, games, crafts, and music therapy.
Health Monitoring: Tracking vital signs, medication administration, and wellness checks.
Personal Care Assistance: Bathing, grooming, toileting, and mobility support.
Therapeutic Activities: Physical and occupational therapy sessions.
Nutritional Support: Meal preparation and feeding assistance tailored to dietary needs.
Memory Care Programs: Cognitive exercises and activities for individuals with dementia.
Behavioral Support: Techniques to manage challenging behaviors and promote positive interactions.
Transportation Coordination: Assisting with transport to and from the adult day center.
Caregiver Support: Providing updates on client well-being and progress.
Documentation: Maintaining detailed records of daily attendance, activities, and care provided.
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
Register the business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Adult Day Services provider via the North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for activity planning, personal care, and health monitoring.
Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and training in adult day care.
4. NORTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Initial Interest and Application:
Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the North Dakota MMIS for Adult Day Services under HCBS waivers.
Application and Documentation Submission:
Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, adult day care policies, and staff training documentation.
Program Readiness Review:
NDDHS and MSD evaluate provider readiness, including care protocols, safety standards, and staff qualifications.
Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:
Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Adult Day Services using designated billing codes.
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Articles of Incorporation or Business License (North Dakota Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Adult Day Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
Social and therapeutic activity planning protocols
Personal care and health monitoring guidelines
Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records
Documentation standards for activity tracking and Medicaid billing
HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
Safety, infection control, and hygiene practices
Emergency response and crisis management plans
Quality assurance and compliance monitoring
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Adult Day Program Director
Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work, healthcare administration, or gerontology; experience in adult day care management.
Role: Activity Coordinators
Requirements: Experience in recreational therapy, group facilitation, and social engagement activities.
Role: Personal Care Aides (PCAs)
Requirements: Certification in direct care or personal assistance; experience with adults or seniors with disabilities.
Role: Registered Nurses (RNs)
Requirements: State licensure; experience in health monitoring and chronic disease management.
All staff must complete:
Training in activity planning, safety protocols, and client interaction
HIPAA compliance and participant rights education
Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development
Safety, emergency response, and infection control training
Documentation and record-keeping best practices
7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS
Adult Day Services are available under the following North Dakota Medicaid Waivers:
Aged and Disabled Waiver
Technology Dependent Waiver
Developmental Disabilities Waiver
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
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: North Dakota Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days
Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Service Launch
Timeline: 30–45 days
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)
Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/
North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)
North Dakota Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Website: https://www.cms.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NORTH DAKOTA ADULT DAY SERVICES PROVIDER
WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Adult Day Services in North Dakota, offering:
Scope of Work:
Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance
Policy manual development for activity planning and client safety
Staff credentialing, training program templates, and compliance documentation
Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management
Branding, website development, and client outreach strategies
Quality assurance systems for adult day care and compliance monitoring
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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