ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 13
4 min read

ENABLING INDEPENDENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY THROUGH CUSTOMIZED TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in South Carolina provide Medicaid-funded tools, devices, and services that help individuals with disabilities perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. These supports are authorized under various Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) and the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN). AT services may also include training, customization, and ongoing maintenance to ensure effective use in daily life.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Role: Authorizes and reimburses Medicaid claims for approved assistive technology devices and related services.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

Role: Coordinates the delivery of AT services for individuals with intellectual, developmental, or related disabilities.

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

Role: Oversees federal Medicaid guidelines ensuring AT services under HCBS Waivers support independent, person-centered living.

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology Services include the evaluation, selection, delivery, training, and maintenance of equipment or tools that promote functional independence.

Approved providers may deliver:

AT Assessments: Evaluations to determine appropriate devices for an individual's needs and setting.
Device Procurement & Setup: Ordering, fitting, programming, and installation of approved equipment.
Training & Coaching: Instructing participants, caregivers, and staff on how to use the devices safely and effectively.
Maintenance & Repair: Troubleshooting and servicing equipment to ensure long-term usability.
Documentation & Compliance: Service logs, device usage notes, training records, and Medicaid billing documentation.

Common Devices Include:

Communication devices (e.g., speech-generating devices)
Adaptive switches and controls
Mobility aids (e.g., powered wheelchairs, gait trainers)
Hearing and vision support tools
Environmental control units (e.g., smart home systems)
Adaptive computer hardware and software

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI.
Employ qualified professionals (e.g., Assistive Technology Professionals, occupational or speech therapists).
Enroll with DDSN or SCDHHS as an approved Assistive Technology provider.
Maintain insurance for product liability, general business operations, and workers' compensation.
Develop a Assistive Technology Services Policy & Procedure Manual that outlines procurement, training, and safety practices.

4. SOUTH CAROLINA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain EIN/NPI.

Step 2: Apply for provider enrollment with DDSN and/or SCDHHS under the assistive technology service category.

Step 3: Submit professional credentials, policies, and a sample device request protocol.

Step 4: Undergo service readiness review and credentialing.

Step 5: Begin providing AT services upon referral and authorization through case managers or ISPs.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business registration, EIN, and NPI
Proof of professional credentials (ATP certification, licenses)
Product warranties, training documentation, and vendor agreements
Insurance certificates (product liability, general liability, workers’ comp)
Assistive Technology Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Assessment and recommendation procedures
- Equipment procurement and maintenance guidelines
- Training and documentation templates
- HIPAA, safety, and participant rights policies
- Medicaid billing documentation standards and authorization workflows

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Professional (ATP)

Requirements: Certification from RESNA or equivalent experience with AT evaluations and device fitting.

Role: Licensed Clinicians (OT, PT, SLP) – as applicable

Requirements: SC state licensure required for therapists recommending AT devices within their discipline.

Role: AT Technician / Trainer

Requirements: Experience with adaptive equipment setup, troubleshooting, and user training.

All staff must complete:

HIPAA and confidentiality training
Device-specific training (provided by manufacturers or ATPs)
Abuse prevention and participant safety education
Documentation and Medicaid billing training
Ongoing in-service training and competency assessments

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Assistive Technology Services are authorized through:

ID/RD Waiver – Devices that support daily functioning and reduce reliance on human assistance
HASCI Waiver – Technology to support individuals with brain and spinal cord injuries
Community Supports Waiver – For individuals needing limited AT without 24-hour care
CLTC (Community Long Term Care) – Devices that promote independence and reduce institutional risk
EPSDT / TEFRA / State Plan Services – Children under 21 may receive AT through doctor referrals and Medicaid

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration & Policy Manual Creation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Credentialing & Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Vendor Agreements & Staff Training

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Begin AT Assessments & Device Delivery

Timeline: Once provider approval and referral authorizations are received

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

Website: https://ddsn.sc.gov

Assistive Technology Program – SCATP (University of South Carolina)

Resource Site: https://www.scatp.med.sc.edu

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

SOUTH CAROLINA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER

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

WCG helps new providers launch AT services that comply with HCBS waiver requirements while ensuring participants receive safe, effective tools for independence.

Scope of Work: