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ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW MEXICO 

  • Writer: Fatumata Kaba
    Fatumata Kaba
  • Sep 5
  • 4 min read

ENHANCING SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH HOME MODIFICATIONS 

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Environmental Modification Services in New Mexico provide essential home adaptations for individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. These services help ensure that living environments are safe, accessible, and conducive to independent living. Environmental Modification Services are authorized under New Mexico Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs. 

 

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES 

Agency: New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) 

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Environmental Modification Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement. 

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) 

Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Environmental Modification Services under HCBS waiver programs. 

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Environmental Modification Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards. 

 

2. ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICES OVERVIEW 

Environmental Modification Services are designed to enhance home accessibility and safety for individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities. 

Approved providers may deliver: 

  • Accessibility Improvements: Installation of ramps, widened doorways, and handrails. 

  • Bathroom Modifications: Roll-in showers, grab bars, accessible sinks, and raised toilet seats. 

  • Kitchen Adaptations: Lowered countertops, accessible cabinets, and adapted appliances. 

  • Safety Enhancements: Installation of safety alarms, improved lighting, and slip-resistant flooring. 

  • Mobility Aids Installation: Stairlifts, vertical platform lifts, and grab bars. 

  • Home Automation Integration: Smart home technologies for lighting, temperature, and security management. 

  • Structural Modifications: Door widening, hallway adjustments, and entryway improvements. 

  • Sensory Modifications: Visual and auditory signals for those with sensory impairments. 

All modifications are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and are based on a professional assessment of the participant’s needs. 

 

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS 

Prerequisites: 

  • Register the business entity with the New Mexico Secretary of State. 

  • Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2). 

  • Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Environmental Modification provider via the New Mexico Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal. 

  • Obtain necessary contractor licenses from the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD). 

  • Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance. 

  • Develop policies for safety assessments, modification planning, and quality assurance. 

  • Ensure contractors and subcontractors meet background checks and licensing requirements. 

 

4. NEW MEXICO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS 

Initial Interest and Application: 

  • Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the New Mexico Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Environmental Modification Services under HCBS waivers. 

Application and Documentation Submission: 

  • Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, contractor licenses, insurance certificates, and policy manuals. 

Program Readiness Review: 

  • HSD and DDSD evaluate provider readiness, including safety procedures, modification protocols, and contractor qualifications. 

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment: 

  • Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Environmental Modification Services using designated billing codes. 

 

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION 

  • Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New Mexico Secretary of State) 

  • IRS EIN confirmation 

  • NPI confirmation 

  • Contractor Licenses (if applicable) 

  • Proof of general and professional liability insurance 

  • Environmental Modification Services Policy & Procedure Manual including: 

  • Safety and risk assessment protocols 

  • Project planning and modification guidelines 

  • Contractor vetting, background checks, and credential verification 

  • Compliance with building codes, ADA standards, and safety regulations 

  • Documentation standards for project tracking and Medicaid billing 

  • Risk management and emergency preparedness procedures 

  • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring 

 

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS 

Role: Environmental Modification Program Director 

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in construction management, rehabilitation technology, or related field; experience managing home accessibility projects. 

Role: Licensed Contractors 

Requirements: State contractor license; experience in home modifications for accessibility; background clearance. 

Role: Accessibility Specialists 

Requirements: Certification in home accessibility modifications (e.g., CAPS - Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist); background clearance. 

All staff must complete: 

  • Safety training and risk management education 

  • HIPAA compliance and client rights training 

  • Ongoing professional development and continuing education 

  • Annual competency evaluations and safety protocol updates 

 

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS 

Environmental Modification Services are available under the following New Mexico Medicaid Waivers: 

  • Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver 

  • Mi Via Waiver 

  • Medically Fragile Waiver 

  • Supports Waiver 

  • Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver 

Services may include: 

  • Installation of wheelchair ramps and accessible doorways 

  • Bathroom accessibility improvements (e.g., roll-in showers, grab bars) 

  • Kitchen modifications to accommodate mobility aids 

  • Safety enhancements and adaptive equipment installations 

  • Smart home integration for individuals with mobility impairments 

 

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH 

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation 

Timeline: 1–2 months 

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development 

Timeline: 2–3 months 

Phase: New Mexico Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review 

Timeline: 60–90 days 

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Environmental Modification Service Launch 

Timeline: 30–45 days 

 

9. CONTACT INFORMATION 

New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) 

Developmental Disabilities Supports Division (DDSD) 

New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) 

New Mexico Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 

 

NEW MEXICO ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER 

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NEW MEXICO ENVIRONMENTAL MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER 

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Environmental Modification Services in New Mexico, offering: 

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Scope of Work: 

  • Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance 

  • Policy manual development for accessibility planning and safety compliance 

  • Staff credentialing, training program templates, and project documentation guidance 

  • Medicaid billing setup and project management support 

  • Branding, website development, and client engagement strategies 

  • Quality assurance systems for safety monitoring and compliance 

  • Collaboration with healthcare providers and community organizations for referrals 



Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements. 

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