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ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

  • Writer: Fatumata Kaba
    Fatumata Kaba
  • Oct 15
  • 3 min read

ENHANCING FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PERSONALIZED DEVICES, TOOLS, AND SUPPORTIVE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

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Assistive Technology (AT) Services in South Dakota include the assessment, customization, acquisition, and training of devices that help individuals with disabilities perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do. These services are authorized under the CHOICES Waiver, Family Support 360 Waiver, Medically Fragile Waiver, and may also be accessed through State Plan Medicaid or school-based supports. The goal is to increase independence, access to communication, and participation in daily life.

 

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Role: Oversees waiver-funded AT services and monitors provider compliance.

Agency: South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) – Medical Services Division

Role: Manages Medicaid billing for AT devices and services under State Plan or waiver benefits.

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

Role: Establishes federal standards for coverage, documentation, and utilization of AT under HCBS and Medicaid State Plan.

 

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES OVERVIEW

Assistive Technology includes both low-tech and high-tech tools that help individuals improve functional capabilities at home, school, work, or in the community.

Covered services may include:

  • Assistive Technology Assessments

  • Device Selection, Acquisition, and Customization

  • Equipment Setup and Installation

  • Participant and Caregiver Training

  • Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and Repair Support

  • Coordination with Therapists and Case Managers

  • Documentation for Medical Necessity and Medicaid Billing

Common AT devices:

  • Speech-generating devices

  • Adaptive switches, keyboards, and input devices

  • Environmental control units (ECUs)

  • Smart home integrations for safety and independence

  • Apps and tablets with specialized accessibility features

 

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

  • Register your business with the South Dakota Secretary of State

  • Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI

  • Apply through DHS-DDD or DSS to become a Medicaid AT provider under the appropriate waiver

  • Partner with or employ AT professionals (e.g., OT, SLP, ATP) to perform assessments and training

  • Maintain liability insurance and documentation systems

  • Develop an Assistive Technology Services Policy & Procedure Manual

 

4. SOUTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business, obtain EIN and NPI

Step 2: Submit waiver provider application (CHOICES, FS360, Medically Fragile) to DHS or enroll as DME provider via DSS

Step 3: Provide service descriptions, assessment protocols, and sample documentation

Step 4: Complete readiness review and staff credentialing

Step 5: Begin delivering services as authorized in participant service plans

 

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Business registration, EIN, and NPI

  • Provider approval letter from DHS or DSS

  • Insurance certificates

  • Assistive Technology Policy & Procedure Manual including:

    • Device evaluation and justification templates

    • Training logs and instructional checklists

    • Participant rights and safety policies

    • Equipment tracking and maintenance logs

    • HIPAA and confidentiality protocols

    • Medicaid billing forms and session verification tools

 

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) / Consultant

Requirements: Certification (RESNA preferred), or background in OT, PT, SLP, or engineering with AT experience

Role: Installation/Support Technician (optional)

Requirements: Trained in AT systems setup and troubleshooting; background check

All staff must complete:

  • HIPAA and participant safety training

  • Documentation and Medicaid billing orientation

  • Annual competency and device update training

 

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Assistive Technology Services are available through:

  • CHOICES Waiver – For adults with IDD

  • Family Support 360 Waiver – For children and adults with developmental disabilities in family homes

  • Medically Fragile Waiver – For individuals with high medical needs

  • State Plan Medicaid – May cover devices when ordered by a physician

  • Early Intervention (Birth–3) – Through local school-based or early childhood programs

 

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration & Team Setup

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & Documentation Prep

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Device Cataloging & Assessment Tools Setup

Timeline: 1 month

Phase: Begin Participant Services

Timeline: Once approved, referrals are received

 

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Dakota Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS)

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

RESNA – Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America

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SOUTH DAKOTA ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER

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

WCG helps AT providers, therapists, and tech entrepreneurs launch compliant and scalable AT service programs for Medicaid-eligible individuals across South Dakota.

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Scope of Work:

  • Medicaid enrollment for waiver-based or DME services

  • Assistive Technology Policy & Procedure Manual development

  • AT assessment forms, caregiver training checklists, and service logs

  • Inventory, repair, and equipment tracking systems

  • Medicaid documentation and billing templates

  • Partnerships with therapists and referral sources



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

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