ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN MARYLAND

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 2
4 min read

ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE AND DAILY FUNCTION THROUGH INNOVATIVE TOOLS, DEVICES, AND TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Maryland are designed to help individuals with disabilities gain greater independence, communication, mobility, and access to their environment. These services are offered under Maryland Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs, especially through the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and Community First Choice (CFC) program. Assistive Technology may include both the provision of the device and the training needed to use it effectively.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maryland Department of Health (MDH)

Role: Oversees Medicaid-funded HCBS services and CFC program

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Role: Administers Assistive Technology services under DDA Waivers (Community Supports, Family Supports, and Community Pathways)

Agency: Office of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS Maryland)

Role: Manages billing systems and service documentation

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures that all AT services under waivers comply with federal HCBS regulations

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology (AT) includes both the equipment and support services needed to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities. This may involve:

Communication devices (AAC systems)
Mobility aids (walkers, standing frames, adapted strollers)
Smart home controls and environmental modifications (automated lights, door openers)
Vision or hearing supports (magnifiers, screen readers, alert systems)
Specialized software or computer access tools
Evaluation of AT needs and device recommendations
Training individuals, caregivers, and staff on AT use
Repairs, maintenance, and customization of devices

All services must be outlined in the Person-Centered Plan (PCP) or Individual Plan (IP) and approved by DDA or the relevant Medicaid waiver authority.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Enroll as a DDA-approved provider via the DDA Provider Application Portal or through the CFC Provider Enrollment process via ePREP
If providing clinical evaluations, must have qualified AT professionals (e.g., OT, PT, SLP with AT experience, RESNA-certified professionals)
Maintain HIPAA-compliant systems, liability insurance, and documentation protocols

4. DDA/CFC PROVIDER ENROLLMENT & SERVICE APPROVAL

Step 1: Business Formation and Staffing Setup

Develop business infrastructure, service models, and hire/train qualified staff

Step 2: Submit DDA or CFC Provider Application

Select “Assistive Technology” as a service category
Specify if your agency provides assessments, installations, repairs, or training

Step 3: Submit Supporting Documentation

Policy manual, staff credentials (licenses or certifications), evaluation tools, and service delivery forms

Step 4: Receive Approval and Begin Accepting Referrals

Work with Coordination of Community Services (CCS) agencies to begin authorized services
Submit service delivery logs and billing through LTSS Maryland or relevant portal

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC registration
IRS EIN confirmation and NPI documentation
DDA or Medicaid enrollment approval
Liability insurance, service contracts, and HIPAA/privacy policies
Policy & procedure manual including:
- AT referral intake forms
- AT assessment and evaluation templates
- Device training logs and care instructions
- Repair and maintenance tracking
- Emergency back-up plans for critical AT
- Confidentiality, consent, and incident reporting documentation
- Staff training records and equipment handling policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Specialist

Requirements: Background in rehab engineering, special education, therapy, or AT certification (e.g., RESNA ATP)

Role: Evaluator (OT, PT, SLP, or Educational Specialist)

Requirements: Valid Maryland license, experience conducting AT assessments, and familiarity with DDA/CFC programs

Role: Technician or Installer (optional)

Requirements: Training in safe installation, device programming, and client interaction

Training Requirements for All Staff:

HIPAA and client confidentiality
Person-Centered Planning and DDA waiver principles
Safe handling and storage of equipment
Client and caregiver communication
Documentation standards for Medicaid billing

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Assistive Technology is reimbursable under:

DDA Community Pathways Waiver – for comprehensive AT support and services
DDA Community Supports Waiver – limited AT for non-residential services
DDA Family Supports Waiver – for children under 21 with IDD
Community First Choice (CFC) – for Medicaid enrollees requiring AT to remain in their homes

Authorized services may include:

AT evaluations and assessments
Purchase or rental of devices and software
Customization, installation, and initial setup
Training for the person and support team
Repairs and maintenance of devices

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Team Onboarding

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Provider Application to DDA or CFC

Timeline: 4–8 weeks

Phase: Policy Manual Development and Staff Credentialing

Timeline: 2–3 weeks

Phase: Referral Networking and Service Activation

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Website: https://dda.health.maryland.gov

Email: dda.providerapps@maryland.gov

Maryland Medicaid Provider Enrollment (ePREP Portal)

Website: https://eprep.health.maryland.gov

RESNA – Assistive Technology Certification Board

Website: https://www.resna.org

LTSS Maryland (Billing and Documentation Portal)

Website: https://ltss.health.maryland.gov

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)

Website: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MARYLAND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER

We help rehabilitation professionals, educators, and tech innovators establish Medicaid-enrolled Assistive Technology services that transform accessibility for Maryland residents with disabilities.

Scope of Work: