ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALABAMA

Fatumata Kaba
Jun 30
4 min read

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES THROUGH ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGICAL AIDS FOR INDEPENDENCE

Assistive Technology Services in Alabama are designed to enhance the independence, communication, mobility, and daily functioning of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through the provision and support of specialized devices and technology. These services are authorized under Alabama’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must meet the regulatory standards set by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)

Role: Approves providers, sets service standards, and monitors Assistive Technology service delivery under HCBS waivers

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency

Role: Oversees provider enrollment, reimbursement, and service billing for Assistive Technology

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure compliance with Medicaid HCBS regulations

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology Services involve the evaluation, customization, acquisition, and training in the use of devices that assist individuals with IDD in performing functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. These services must be included in the individual’s person-centered plan and directly support greater independence. Providers may deliver:

Assessment of individual needs and technology suitability
Purchase or lease of assistive devices and equipment
Setup, installation, and customization of technology
Training for individuals, family members, and caregivers on device use
Maintenance and minor repairs of devices
Ongoing support to ensure effective and safe use

All equipment and services must be pre-approved and must demonstrate medical necessity and relevance to the individual’s functional goals.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Alabama Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Maintain a physical office or service center in Alabama
Demonstrate technical knowledge in assistive technology and adaptive equipment
Maintain vendor relationships with suppliers and manufacturers of approved devices
Implement procedures for equipment tracking, billing, and maintenance

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Assistive Technology Services Provider Application Packet from ADMH
Submit a service plan describing assessment, delivery, and follow-up procedures
Include a technology inventory list and examples of client use cases
Provide policies for training, equipment warranties, and consumer safety

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks for staff handling client interactions or financial transactions
Verification of training or certification in assistive technology or related services
Documentation of professional experience in technology, therapy, or rehabilitation

Program Readiness Review:

Review of procedures for device procurement, setup, and tracking
Evaluation of service documentation forms, consent processes, and maintenance logs
Demonstration of staff readiness and knowledge of ADA-compliant technologies

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval by ADMH, enroll with Alabama Medicaid as a provider of Assistive Technology Services
Add the correct billing codes to your Medicaid service profile

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Proof of physical location and technology storage or work area
ADMH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Assessment and referral procedures
- Equipment selection, installation, and training protocols
- Service documentation and billing procedures
- Consumer rights, complaint resolution, and confidentiality policies
- Warranty tracking and repair logs
- Fraud prevention and emergency response plans
Signed individual service plans and training completion forms
Staff training records and equipment usage logs