ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES PROVIDER IN CONNECTICUT

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 8
4 min read

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE, SAFETY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN HOME-LIKE RESIDENTIAL SETTINGS FOR OLDER ADULTS AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Assisted Living Services in Connecticut offer personal care, health monitoring, and supportive services to residents in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs). These services are authorized under Connecticut Medicaid Waiver Programs, especially the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE) and the Assisted Living Demonstration Project, and are regulated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Department of Social Services (DSS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH)

Role: Licenses Assisted Living Services Agencies (ALSAs) that deliver care in ALFs or managed residential communities

Agency: Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

Role: Administers the CHCPE waiver and Medicaid payments for eligible Assisted Living Services

Agency: Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)

Role: Oversees the Assisted Living Demonstration Project in select affordable housing developments

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures waiver-based Assisted Living Services meet HCBS standards and protect resident rights

2. ASSISTED LIVING SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assisted Living Services are provided to individuals in managed residential communities, allowing them to age in place while receiving help with personal care and daily tasks in a non-institutional setting.

Approved providers may deliver:

Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and eating
Nursing services: health monitoring, medication administration, and coordination with physicians
Housekeeping, laundry, and meal support (in collaboration with the residential facility)
Emergency response and wellness checks
Documentation of care and participation in interdisciplinary planning

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Connecticut Secretary of the State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Apply to DPH for licensure as an Assisted Living Services Agency (ALSA)
Partner with a Managed Residential Community (MRC) or affordable housing program
Enroll as a provider with DSS under the CHCPE or Medicaid demonstration project
Hire a Supervising Registered Nurse (RN) and certified aides
Maintain liability and professional insurance and implement HIPAA-compliant documentation systems

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: DPH Licensing as an ALSA

Submit application with care policies, nursing protocols, staffing structure, and emergency procedures
Undergo site review and meet compliance with Sections 19-13-D105 of the Public Health Code

Step 2: Medicaid Enrollment through DSS

Apply through the Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Submit your ALSA license, NPI, tax documents, and service agreement with MRC
Specify waiver program participation (e.g., CHCPE, Assisted Living Demonstration)

Step 3: Referral Coordination

Work with DSS case managers and housing authorities to accept Medicaid-eligible residents for services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
DPH ALSA license
DSS Medicaid enrollment confirmation
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Service plans and nurse delegation forms
- ADL support logs and medication administration records
- Emergency response and fall prevention protocols
- HIPAA, privacy, and grievance procedures
- Client rights, consent forms, and incident reporting
- Staff orientation, training logs, and annual competency reviews
- Collaboration policies with MRC operators and healthcare providers

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Supervising Registered Nurse (RN)

Requirements: Valid Connecticut RN license, experience in home care or geriatric nursing

Role: Aides / Personal Care Assistants

Requirements:

Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) or Home Health Aide (HHA) credential
Background check, TB test, CPR/First Aid certification
Ongoing supervision by RN and documented competency checks

Training Requirements for All Staff:

Infection control and universal precautions
Elder abuse prevention and mandatory reporting
Emergency response and incident documentation
Medication assistance (as delegated)
Annual in-service training and continuing education

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Assisted Living Services are reimbursed under:

Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)
Assisted Living Demonstration Project (select CHFA-approved housing locations)
Money Follows the Person (MFP) – transitional coverage into ALFs
State-funded Alzheimer’s Respite and Pilot Programs (in limited settings)

Approved providers may deliver:

Personal care and nurse-delegated services within residential communities
Ongoing monitoring, care plan implementation, and coordination
Documentation of services per Medicaid guidelines

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DPH Licensing as ALSA

Timeline: 90–120 days

Phase: DSS Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: MRC Partnership and Staff Onboarding

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Connecticut Department of Public Health – Facility Licensing and Investigations

Phone: (860) 509-7400

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

Email: dss.ctmedical@ct.gov

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS

Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.ctdssmap.com

Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)

Website: https://www.chfa.org

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CONNECTICUT ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES PROVIDER

We help nursing professionals and agencies launch Medicaid-compliant Assisted Living Services in partnership with Managed Residential Communities and affordable housing programs across Connecticut.

Scope of Work: