ADULT DAY SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE, SOCIALIZATION, AND HEALTH MONITORING FOR ADULTS IN COMMUNITY SETTINGS

Adult Day Services (ADS) in South Dakota offer structured programming and care for adults with physical, cognitive, or behavioral health conditions who require supervision or assistance during the day. These services provide a safe, supportive, and stimulating environment while allowing caregivers respite and helping participants avoid institutional care.

Adult day services are available through South Dakota Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), primarily under the HOPE Waiver for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Services must be tied to a participant’s assessed needs and incorporated into their Individualized Care Plan (ICP).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Dakota Department of Human Services – Division of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS)

Role: Oversees adult day service standards, program administration, and participant assessments.

Agency: South Dakota Department of Social Services – Medical Services Division

Role: Administers Medicaid, handles provider enrollment, claims processing, and payment.

Agency: Department of Health – Office of Health Protection

Role: Licenses adult day care centers and ensures compliance with health and safety standards.

Agency: Local Case Management Agencies

Role: Coordinate care plans, conduct needs assessments, and authorize services.

2. ADULT DAY SERVICES OVERVIEW

Adult day services offer non-residential, community-based care and supervision during daytime hours for adults who need support.

Core services may include:

• Supervision and safety monitoring

• Structured activities (recreational, educational, social)

• Personal care assistance (e.g., toileting, grooming)

• Medication reminders or administration (by licensed staff)

• Meals and nutritional support (including special diets)

• Health monitoring and wellness checks

• Transportation to/from the center (if included in the plan)

• Cognitive stimulation activities for memory care participants

• Caregiver updates and participant progress reports

Services must be person-centered, tailored to individual needs, and conducted in a group setting that fosters interaction and skill-building.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the South Dakota Secretary of State

• Obtain a Federal EIN and Type 2 NPI

• Secure Adult Day Services licensure from the Department of Health

• Enroll with South Dakota Medicaid as a provider under the HOPE Waiver

• Develop a comprehensive Adult Day Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Hire qualified staff to meet participant-to-staff ratios and care needs

• Ensure the facility meets ADA compliance, safety, and sanitation standards

• Maintain liability, workers’ compensation, and general insurance coverage

4. SOUTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business and obtain EIN/NPI

Step 2: Apply for Adult Day Services license with the Department of Health

Step 3: Submit application for Medicaid provider enrollment under the HOPE Waiver

Step 4: Provide required documentation (staff credentials, P&P Manual, safety procedures)

Step 5: Undergo site visit and compliance inspection (if applicable)

Step 6: Begin service delivery once participant plans are approved

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Licensure and Medicaid provider number

• Adult Day Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Daily schedule of activities and structured programming

  • Medication administration and safety monitoring policies

  • Participant intake, assessment, and care plan forms

  • Incident reporting and emergency preparedness protocols

  • Infection control and sanitation procedures

  • Staffing ratio policy and supervision procedures

  • Participant rights, HIPAA compliance, and confidentiality documentation

  • Nutrition and special diet guidelines

• Staff qualifications, CPR/First Aid certification, and background checks

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Program Director

Requirements:

• Experience in gerontology, social services, nursing, or related fields

• Responsible for program oversight, compliance, and staff training

Role: Direct Care Staff / Activity Assistants

Requirements:

• Age 18+, high school diploma or GED

• Background check and abuse registry clearance

• CPR/First Aid certification

• Experience working with older adults or individuals with disabilities

Role: Nurse (if providing skilled tasks or medication)

Requirements:

• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN) in South Dakota

• Responsible for medication administration and health monitoring

All staff must complete:

• HIPAA and confidentiality training

• Abuse and neglect prevention

• Activity planning and personal care techniques

• Annual emergency drills and infection control review

7. MEDICAID PROGRAMS THAT COVER ADULT DAY SERVICES

• HOPE Waiver (Home and Community-Based Options and Person Centered Excellence): Covers adult day services for Medicaid-eligible adults age 65+ and individuals with physical disabilities

• State Plan Services (limited): Some personal care elements may be included under other programs

• Veterans Affairs (VA) / Non-Medicaid Options: May reimburse similar services via alternate payer sources for eligible veterans

Note: Adult day services must be authorized by the care manager and included in the participant’s ICP. Services must demonstrate a direct benefit to health, safety, or caregiver support.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration & Facility Preparation

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Licensure & Manual Development

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & Staff Hiring

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Service Launch

Timeline: Upon ICP approval and participant assignment

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Dakota Department of Health – Adult Day Services Licensing

Website: https://doh.sd.gov

South Dakota Department of Human Services – LTSS

Website: https://dhs.sd.gov/ltss/

Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Website: https://dss.sd.gov/medicaid/providers/

South Dakota Secretary of State – Business Services

Website: https://sdsos.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — SOUTH DAKOTA ADULT DAY SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG provides full support for launching and managing adult day programs that meet South Dakota Medicaid standards while creating engaging, meaningful day services for aging and disabled participants.

Scope of Work:

• Medicaid and licensing enrollment

• Adult Day Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Activity schedule and care documentation templates

• Staffing and supervision logs

• Medication and incident reporting procedures

• Compliance checklists and billing guidance

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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