ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW YORK

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 4
4 min read

ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT IN HOME AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS

Assistive Technology Services in New York help individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions improve their independence and quality of life by providing technology-based solutions. These services support daily living, communication, mobility, and environmental control. Assistive Technology Services are authorized under New York Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Assistive Technology Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Role: Provides oversight for assistive technology services targeting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Agency: New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)

Role: Ensures compliance for assistive technology programs serving individuals with mental and behavioral health needs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Assistive Technology Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology Services involve the assessment, acquisition, customization, and training related to devices that enhance functional capabilities and accessibility.

Approved providers may deliver:

Technology Assessment: Evaluating individual needs to identify suitable assistive devices.
Device Acquisition: Procuring and delivering the technology required to support independence.
Customization and Setup: Adapting devices to the individual’s needs and environment.
Training and Education: Teaching individuals and caregivers how to effectively use the technology.
Maintenance and Repairs: Ensuring devices remain functional and up-to-date.
Environmental Modifications: Integrating technology into the home for accessibility (e.g., automated lighting and adaptive controls).
Communication Devices: Providing tools for speech generation and alternative communication methods.
Mobility Aids: Supplying powered wheelchairs, adaptive driving equipment, and more.
Sensory Aids: Delivering devices for visual or hearing impairments, including screen readers and hearing amplifiers.
Documentation: Keeping accurate records of assessments, device setups, and training sessions.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the New York Department of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Assistive Technology provider via the New York Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal (eMedNY).
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for technology assessment, device management, and user training.
Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and technology training.

4. NEW YORK PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the eMedNY Portal for Assistive Technology Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, technology policies, and staff training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

NYSDOH, OPWDD, and OMH evaluate provider readiness, including technology protocols, training plans, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Assistive Technology Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New York Department of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Assistive Technology Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Technology assessment and device customization procedures
- Device maintenance, repair, and user training protocols
- Safety and usability evaluation guidelines
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records
- Documentation standards for device setup, training, and Medicaid billing
- HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
- Emergency response and device safety protocols
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in rehabilitation technology, biomedical engineering, or healthcare administration; experience in assistive technology and program management.

Role: Assistive Technology Specialists

Requirements: Certification in assistive technology or related field; experience in device customization and training; background clearance.

Role: Technicians/Support Staff

Requirements: Experience with device installation, maintenance, and technical support; background clearance.

All staff must complete:

Training in assistive technology application, device management, and client interaction
HIPAA compliance and participant rights education
Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development
Safety, emergency response, and technical troubleshooting training
Documentation and record-keeping best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Assistive Technology Services are available under the following New York Medicaid Waivers:

OPWDD Comprehensive Waiver
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver
Nursing Home Transition and Diversion (NHTD) Waiver
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
Children’s Waiver

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 York Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Assistive Technology Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH)

Website: https://www.health.ny.gov/

Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)

Website: https://opwdd.ny.gov/

New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH)

Website: https://omh.ny.gov/

eMedNY Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.emedny.org/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

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

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Assistive Technology Services in New York, offering:

Scope of Work:

Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance
Policy manual development for device management and user training
Staff credentialing, training program templates, and compliance documentation
Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management
Branding, website development, and community outreach strategies
Quality assurance systems for assistive technology and compliance monitoring
Collaboration with healthcare providers, device manufacturers, and community organizations