ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY (ALF) PROVIDER IN ARIZONA

Fatumata Kaba
6 days ago
4 min read

DELIVERING PERSONALIZED RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, CHRONIC CONDITIONS, OR AGE-RELATED NEEDS

Assisted Living Facility (ALF) Services in Arizona offer residential care and support to individuals who require help with daily living activities but do not need the intensive medical care provided in nursing homes. These services are authorized under Arizona’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs and are designed to promote independence, person-centered living, and community integration.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) – Division of Licensing Services

Role: Licenses and regulates Assisted Living Facilities, ensuring compliance with state rules

Agency: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment and manages HCBS Waiver services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring that HCBS waiver programs meet Medicaid and participant-centered care standards

2. ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assisted Living Facility Services provide residential support designed to meet the social, physical, and personal care needs of individuals in a community setting.

Approved providers may deliver:

Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and mobility
Medication administration or assistance
Health monitoring and coordination with external healthcare providers
Housekeeping, laundry, and personal errands assistance
Daily meals and nutritional support
Organized recreational and social activities
24-hour supervision and emergency response services

All services must be delivered according to the resident’s person-centered plan and must comply with Arizona's Assisted Living Facility licensing standards.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Arizona Corporation Commission
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Obtain Assisted Living Facility License from ADHS
Secure liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage
Establish policies and procedures aligned with Arizona Administrative Code Title 9, Chapter 10
Ensure facility meets physical plant standards (fire safety, accessibility, occupancy permits)
Complete background checks and required staff training

4. AHCCCS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request application packet from AHCCCS or from an AHCCCS Managed Care Organization (MCO)
Attend provider orientation sessions (highly recommended)

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Assisted Living Facility license, business organizational documents, and staffing plan
Provide sample resident agreements, service plans, and emergency protocols
Submit staff credential documentation and background check policies

Program Readiness Review:

AHCCCS or contracted health plans evaluate facility readiness, staff qualifications, and service delivery models
Facility inspections may occur to confirm compliance with environmental and safety requirements
Participant intake and person-centered planning processes are reviewed

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

After approval, register with AHCCCS as a Medicaid provider
Contract with appropriate Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) that serve ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) populations
Complete Medicaid agreements and configure billing systems

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Assisted Living Facility License
Proof of facility compliance with zoning and occupancy laws
Policy & Procedure Manual aligned with Arizona licensing standards, including:
- Resident admission and discharge procedures
- Individualized service planning and documentation
- Medication management policies
- Emergency evacuation and disaster preparedness plans
- Client rights, privacy practices, and grievance procedures
- Staff background checks, training records, and supervision policies
- Incident reporting, infection control, and quality assurance tracking
- Medicaid billing, scheduling, and service authorization tracking systems

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Administrator / Manager

Requirements: Completion of Arizona Assisted Living Facility Manager Training Program, active Manager Certificate issued by ADHS, background check clearance

Role: Direct Care Worker / Personal Care Assistant

Requirements: Arizona-approved caregiver training program completion, CPR/First Aid certification, background check clearance

Role: Medication Technician (optional if providing medication administration)

Requirements: Medication Assistant Training Program completion and competency evaluation

All staff must complete:

Orientation on resident rights, elder abuse prevention, and HCBS person-centered principles
Emergency procedures, safety, and infection control training
Ongoing annual in-service education and competency reviews

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Arizona Medicaid programs authorize Assisted Living Facility Services:

Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) – Elderly and Physically Disabled (EPD) Program
ALTCS – Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program
Arizona HCBS Waivers under AHCCCS MCO contracts

Approved providers may deliver:

Residential supportive services under HCBS-authorized person-centered plans
Medication oversight, nutrition, ADL support, and recreational activities
Daily service documentation and communication with care coordinators and case managers

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Facility Licensing Preparation

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Facility Inspection and Licensing by ADHS

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Service Setup

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: AHCCCS Enrollment and MCO Contracting

Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Arizona Department of Health Services – Division of Licensing Services

Website: https://www.azdhs.gov/licensing/