ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN GEORGIA

Fatumata Kaba
3 days ago
4 min read

ENABLING GREATER INDEPENDENCE THROUGH ACCESS TO ADAPTIVE DEVICES, EQUIPMENT, AND TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Georgia provide individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions the devices and support they need to perform daily activities more independently. These services are authorized under Georgia’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, enhancing participants' functional capabilities at home, work, and in the community.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Assistive Technology Services

Agency: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)Role: Administers service delivery for individuals enrolled in HCBS waiver programs (such as NOW and COMP)

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring Assistive Technology Services meet Medicaid HCBS requirements

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology Services include the evaluation, acquisition, customization, and maintenance of devices and equipment that enable individuals to increase, maintain, or improve their functional capabilities.

Approved providers may deliver:

Assessments to determine appropriate assistive technology needs
Purchase, leasing, or customization of assistive devices
Training participants and caregivers on device usage
Repairs, maintenance, and modifications of AT equipment
Support for integrating AT into daily activities, work, education, or community settings

Examples of covered devices may include:

Communication devices (e.g., speech-generating devices)
Environmental control units (e.g., remote control lighting or doors)
Adaptive switches and software
Specialized seating and positioning systems
Mobility aids are not covered under standard durable medical equipment
Home automation and smart home technologies tailored for disability needs

All services must be authorized in the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and directly relate to improving independence, safety, or community participation.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)
Complete DBHDD Provider Enrollment for Assistive Technology Services
Maintain general liability and product liability insurance
Employ qualified Assistive Technology Professionals (ATPs) where required for complex device assessments
Develop policies for assessment, equipment delivery, participant training, and maintenance services

4. DBHDD/DCH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Submit a Letter of Intent to DBHDD Provider Enrollment
Complete pre-qualification checklist, including business registration, staffing plans, and insurance verification

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, AT assessment tools, sample service logs, and participant intake forms
Submit staff credentialing documentation for ATPs and support personnel

Program Readiness Review:

DBHDD reviews provider readiness, staffing, documentation systems, and Medicaid billing compliance

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

After DBHDD approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through GAMMIS
Configure billing codes for Assistive Technology Services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Georgia Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general and product liability insurance
DBHDD-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant intake, assistive technology assessment, and equipment recommendation protocols
- Device procurement, setup, training, and troubleshooting procedures
- Equipment repair, maintenance, and replacement policies
- Emergency procedures for device failures
- Client rights, HIPAA confidentiality, and grievance procedures
- Staff credentialing, background screening, and continuing education records
- Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and audit readiness documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Services Manager / Lead Clinician

Requirements: Certification as an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) preferred; background screening clearance

Role: Assistive Technology Technicians / Trainers

Requirements: Experience in device setup, troubleshooting, and participant training preferred; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

HIPAA confidentiality, client rights, and abuse prevention training
Training on device safety, maintenance, and participant support
Emergency preparedness and incident response training
Annual continuing education on emerging assistive technologies and Medicaid compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Georgia Medicaid Waivers authorize Assistive Technology Services:

Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)
New Options Waiver Program (NOW)
Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP) (where AT supports are medically necessary)

Approved providers may deliver:

Device evaluations and assessments
Procurement and customization of adaptive equipment
Participant and caregiver training on device use
Repair and maintenance services for Medicaid-approved devices

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Initial Setup

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DBHDD Provider Application and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Training Setup

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing System Setup

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Website: https://dch.georgia.gov/

Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)

Website: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

Website: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN GEORGIA

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — GEORGIA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports providers, clinicians, and adaptive technology companies in launching Medicaid-compliant Assistive Technology Services under Georgia’s HCBS waiver programs.

Scope of Work:

Business registration and EIN/NPI setup
Medicaid provider enrollment and DBHDD service approval
Development of Assistive Technology Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Staff credentialing templates and participant intake documentation
Medicaid billing system setup and claims configuration
Website, domain, and email setup
Participant intake, device assessment, and service tracking templates
Emergency repair procedures and incident management systems
Quality assurance systems for service delivery and device effectiveness tracking
Community networking and referral partnership strategies