HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH DAKOTA

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 17
4 min read

DELIVERING MEDICAL AND PERSONAL CARE AT HOME FOR INCREASED COMFORT AND INDEPENDENCE

Home Health Care Services in North Dakota provide essential medical and personal care within the comfort of an individual's home. These services support individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges, promoting independence while ensuring high-quality healthcare. Home Health Care Services are authorized under North Dakota Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Home Health Care Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: North Dakota Medical Services Division (MSD)

Role: Manages Medicaid waiver services and oversees Medicaid provider participation.

Agency: North Dakota Division of Aging Services

Role: Provides oversight for home health services targeting elderly individuals and adults with disabilities.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

2. HOME HEALTH CARE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Home Health Care Services encompass a variety of medical and personal care provided directly in the individual's home to support health maintenance and recovery.

Approved providers may deliver:

Skilled Nursing Care: Monitoring health, administering medications, wound care, and chronic disease management.
Physical Therapy: Assisting with mobility, strength, and rehabilitation exercises.
Occupational Therapy: Improving daily living skills and promoting independence.
Speech Therapy: Addressing communication and swallowing disorders.
Home Health Aide Support: Assisting with personal care, grooming, hygiene, and mobility.
Medical Social Services: Offering counseling, resource coordination, and support planning.
Medication Management: Ensuring proper administration and adherence to medication regimens.
Chronic Condition Monitoring: Tracking vital signs and reporting changes to healthcare providers.
Post-Surgical Care: Wound care, rehabilitation, and health monitoring after medical procedures.
Documentation: Maintaining records of care provided, health monitoring, and patient progress.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Home Health Care provider via the North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).
Obtain licensure as a Home Health Agency from the North Dakota Department of Health.
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for clinical care, safety protocols, and patient support.
Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and licensure verifications.

4. NORTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the North Dakota MMIS for Home Health Care Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

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

Program Readiness Review:

NDDHS and MSD evaluate provider readiness, including clinical protocols, safety measures, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Home Health Care Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (North Dakota Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Home Health Care Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Skilled nursing, therapy, and personal care protocols
- Medication administration and health monitoring procedures
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records
- Documentation standards for care tracking and Medicaid billing
- HIPAA compliance, patient rights, and grievance handling
- Infection control, safety, and hygiene practices
- Emergency response and crisis management protocols
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Home Health Program Director

Requirements: Registered Nurse (RN) license, Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nursing or Healthcare Administration; experience in clinical supervision and home health care management.

Role: Registered Nurses (RNs)

Requirements: Active RN license; experience in home healthcare; CPR and BLS certifications.

Role: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

Requirements: State licensure; experience in patient care and medication administration.

Role: Home Health Aides (HHAs)

Requirements: Completion of an approved HHA training program; experience in personal care and direct support.

Role: Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapists

Requirements: State licensure in the relevant therapy field (PT, OT, SLP); experience in rehabilitative care.

All staff must complete: