ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARKANSAS

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 6
3 min read

ENABLING GREATER INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PERSONALIZED DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Arkansas help individuals with disabilities acquire, use, and maintain equipment and devices that enhance their ability to perform daily tasks, communicate, and participate in the community. These services are authorized under the Arkansas Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver and other Medicaid programs and are essential in promoting functional independence and accessibility.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Role: Approves providers, authorizes services, and oversees implementation under the CES Waiver

Agency: Arkansas Medicaid / Division of Medical Services (DMS)

Role: Administers Medicaid reimbursement and provider enrollment for AT services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight of Medicaid and HCBS waiver compliance

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology Services involve the evaluation, selection, acquisition, customization, and maintenance of devices that assist individuals in achieving greater independence. Devices may be low-tech or high-tech and must be medically necessary and included in the person’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

Approved providers may deliver:

AT assessments and evaluations
Procurement and setup of approved devices and equipment
Device customization and configuration
Training for individuals, caregivers, and staff
Maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of AT devices
Documentation of service delivery and impact on ISP goals

Examples of covered equipment may include:

Communication devices (AAC)
Mobility aids (e.g., walkers, electronic lifts)
Environmental controls (e.g., smart switches, alarms)
Sensory integration tools
Modified utensils or adaptive computer accessories

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Apply through the DDS CES Waiver Provider Application
Complete Medicaid provider enrollment via the Arkansas Medicaid Portal
Maintain liability insurance and device tracking systems
Hire staff or consultants with experience in occupational therapy, rehab technology, or AT delivery

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Enrollment

Apply through the Arkansas Medicaid Provider Portal
Select AT under CES Waiver services
Submit organizational documents, staff credentials, and EFT setup

Step 2: DDS CES Waiver Provider Application

Submit service delivery model, staff qualifications, and equipment procurement policies
Include documentation templates for device installation and consumer training

Step 3: Approval and ISP Coordination

Once approved, begin receiving referrals from support coordinators for ISP-authorized services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Medicaid provider enrollment confirmation
DDS CES Waiver provider approval
Policy & procedure manual including:
- AT assessment and procurement workflows
- Inventory and delivery tracking logs
- Device training protocols for clients and caregivers
- Warranty and repair management procedures
- Documentation and billing templates
- Consent, rights, and HIPAA compliance policies
- Incident reporting and quality assurance measures