ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH DAKOTA

ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Assistive Technology Services in North Dakota provides individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges access to devices and technology that promote independence, communication, and daily living. These services include assessment, training, and ongoing support to ensure that assistive devices are effectively integrated into the individual's life. Assistive Technology 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 Assistive Technology 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 Assistive (ND Assistive)

Role: Provides consultation, device demonstration, and training for assistive technology.

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 focus on providing tools and training to enhance independence and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Device Assessment: Evaluating the individual's needs to recommend suitable devices.

• Customization and Setup: Modifying devices to suit specific functional requirements.

• Device Procurement: Assisting with obtaining and funding assistive devices.

• Training and Education: Teaching individuals and caregivers to use devices effectively.

• Adaptive Communication Aids: Providing speech-generating devices or communication boards.

• Mobility Devices: Offering powered wheelchairs, scooters, and transfer aids.

• Environmental Control Units (ECUs): Allowing remote control of home features like lighting and doors.

• Sensory Aids: Devices for visual, auditory, or tactile enhancements.

• Smart Home Integration: Connecting assistive devices with home automation systems.

• Maintenance and Support: Ensuring devices remain functional and accessible.

• Documentation: Keeping records of assessments, device provision, training, and maintenance.

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 Assistive Technology provider via the North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for device selection, user training, and safety management.

• Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and training in assistive technology usage.

4. NORTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the North Dakota MMIS for Assistive Technology Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

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

Program Readiness Review:

• NDDHS and ND Assistive evaluate provider readiness, including technology assessment protocols, safety standards, 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 (North Dakota Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Assistive Technology Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Device assessment and customization protocols

  • User training and follow-up support guidelines

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Documentation standards for device tracking and Medicaid billing

  • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

  • Safety, maintenance, and troubleshooting practices

  • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Program Director

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

Role: Assistive Technology Specialists

Requirements: Certification in assistive technology or rehabilitation technology; experience with device assessment and customization.

Role: Technology Trainers

Requirements: Experience in device training, client education, and technical support.

Role: Maintenance Technicians

Requirements: Experience in repair, calibration, and maintenance of assistive devices.

All staff must complete:

• Training in device operation, user training, and technology integration

• HIPAA compliance and participant rights education

• Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development

• Safety, emergency response, and maintenance protocols

• Documentation and record-keeping best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Assistive Technology Services are available under the following North Dakota Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver

• Technology Dependent Waiver

• Developmental Disabilities Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) 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: North Dakota Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/

North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

North Dakota Assistive (ND Assistive)

Website: https://ndassistive.org/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

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

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Assistive Technology Services in North Dakota, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

• Policy manual development for device assessment, training, and maintenance

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and compliance documentation

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and client outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for assistive technology and compliance monitoring

• Collaboration with healthcare providers, technology specialists, and community organizations

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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