ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN RHODE ISLAND

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 9
4 min read

ENHANCING INDEPENDENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH INNOVATIVE SUPPORTIVE DEVICES AND TECHNOLOGIES

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Rhode Island are Medicaid-funded supports designed to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. These services may include the evaluation, purchase, customization, and training for devices that support mobility, communication, daily living, or safety. AT services are available through Rhode Island’s Medicaid 1115 Waiver, Developmental Disability (DD) Waivers, and Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid policy, funding, and service authorizations for assistive technology.

Agency: Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)

Role: Manages AT approvals under DD Waivers, including equipment assessments and funding coordination.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Provides federal guidelines and oversight of Medicaid-funded AT under 1915(c) and 1115 waivers.

Agency: Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)**

Role: May regulate medical equipment distributors or clinical providers involved in AT assessments or customization.

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES OVERVIEW

Assistive technology includes any item or system used to improve the independence, communication, safety, or participation of individuals with functional impairments.

Approved providers may deliver:

AT Needs Assessment: Evaluation by a qualified clinician to determine appropriate technologies.
Device Selection & Procurement: Sourcing Medicaid-approved AT items, including mobility aids, adaptive switches, and communication devices.
Device Installation & Customization: Fitting or modifying AT devices to meet individual needs.
Training & Support: Teaching the individual, caregivers, or staff to use the AT safely and effectively.
Maintenance & Repair: Ensuring devices remain functional and safe for use.
Documentation: Evaluation reports, service delivery logs, and Medicaid billing templates.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Obtain a Federal EIN and Type 2 NPI.
Enroll in the Rhode Island Medicaid system as an AT provider.
If providing clinical services (e.g., OT/PT/speech evaluation), staff must hold valid RI licensure.
Maintain liability insurance and, if applicable, durable medical equipment (DME) vendor compliance.
Develop an Assistive Technology Services Policy & Procedure Manual covering assessment, delivery, training, and compliance standards.

4. RHODE ISLAND PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business entity, EIN, and obtain NPI.

Step 2: Apply for Medicaid provider enrollment through the RI EOHHS provider portal.

Step 3: Submit staff licensure (if applicable), service descriptions, and your policy manual.

Step 4: Contract with BHDDH or Medicaid MCOs for waiver authorizations.

Step 5: Begin receiving service requests and providing AT assessments and device installations.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation and business registration
EIN and NPI confirmation
Insurance certificates (liability, workers’ comp, and DME vendor policies if applicable)
Staff licenses (OTs, PTs, Speech Therapists, Assistive Tech Specialists)
AT Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Assessment tools and authorization workflows
- AT procurement and delivery protocols
- Participant training guides and follow-up visit notes
- Device customization and maintenance logs
- Medicaid billing formats and tracking
- HIPAA and participant safety compliance policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Specialist / Technician

Requirements: Training in AT devices and modifications; experience with disability-related technology.

Role: Licensed Therapist (OT, PT, SLP)

Requirements: State license required for device evaluations and therapeutic justification.

Role: Program Coordinator / Case Manager

Requirements: Oversees referrals, schedules evaluations, and manages equipment logistics.

All staff must complete:

HIPAA training and confidentiality assurance
Safety procedures and infection control for shared devices
Documentation and Medicaid billing protocol training
Cultural competence and client-centered communication

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

AT Services are funded through:

Global Consumer Choice Compact (1115 Waiver): Covers medically necessary assistive devices and training under HCBS.
BHDDH DD Waivers: Authorize AT assessments, customization, and training for individuals with developmental disabilities.
LTSS Medicaid Managed Care: AT is available as a support for adults receiving home and community-based services.
Early Intervention / Pediatric Waivers: Limited AT funding available through specialized child health programs.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Manual Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & MCO/BHDDH Contracting

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Credentialing & Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Service Authorization & Launch

Timeline: Begins once approvals and AT referrals are received

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)

Website: https://eohhs.ri.gov

Rhode Island Medicaid Provider Portal

Website: https://www.riproviderportal.org

Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)

Website: https://bhddh.ri.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

RI Department of Health – Licensure and DME Vendors

Website: https://health.ri.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — RHODE ISLAND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER

WCG helps AT providers navigate licensure, Medicaid enrollment, and service setup to meet Rhode Island’s growing demand for individualized technology solutions.

Scope of Work: