ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN TENNESSEE

Fatumata Kaba
3 days ago
3 min read

ENABLING FUNCTIONAL INDEPENDENCE THROUGH CUSTOMIZED DEVICES, TRAINING, AND SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Assistive Technology (AT) Services in Tennessee help individuals with disabilities gain or maintain functional independence through specialized devices, environmental modifications, and hands-on training. These services are available through TennCare’s State Plan, Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES, 1915(c) Waivers, and the Katie Beckett Program, and are often tied to functional goals in a participant’s Individual Support Plan (ISP).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid)

Role: Oversees the authorization and reimbursement of AT services through State Plan Medicaid and waiver programs.

Agency: Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)

Role: Certifies AT service providers under ECF CHOICES and other Medicaid waivers.

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

Role: Approves state waivers and sets federal standards for Medicaid-covered AT services.

2. ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES OVERVIEW

AT services include assessment, acquisition, customization, delivery, setup, maintenance, and participant training for a wide range of supportive technologies. Services must be medically necessary, functionally appropriate, and tied to the participant’s ISP or plan of care.

Covered devices and supports may include:

Communication Devices (AACs)
Screen Readers, Voice-Activated Tech, or Switches
Smart Home Automation (lights, doors, alarms)
Adaptive Keyboards, Mice, and Computer Access Tools
Environmental Control Units (ECUs)
Mounting Systems and Device Holders
Mobility or Positioning Aids with Tech Components
Training in Use, Safety, and Troubleshooting of Devices

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Tennessee Secretary of State
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply to TennCare or DIDD for AT service provider enrollment
If providing physical devices, obtain appropriate vendor certification or partner with a DME supplier
Maintain liability and general insurance
Develop an Assistive Technology Policy & Procedure Manual

4. TENNESSEE PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Form a business and acquire EIN/NPI

Step 2: Apply to TennCare (for State Plan AT) or DIDD (for waiver-based AT)

Step 3: Submit AT assessment protocols, training tools, and inventory list (if applicable)

Step 4: Participate in ISP meetings and submit documentation of medical necessity

Step 5: Begin referrals, device procurement, delivery, and training services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation, EIN, NPI
Liability insurance certificate
Proof of AT training or vendor authorization
AT Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Assessment and recommendation protocols
- Coordination with the participant's care team
- Delivery, installation, and maintenance procedures
- Participant instruction and caregiver training plans
- Safety, risk management, and HIPAA compliance
- Billing and warranty documentation templates

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Assistive Technology Specialist

Requirements: Background in rehab, therapy, or special education; ATP certification preferred

Role: AT Trainer / Device Technician

Requirements: Hands-on experience with device setup and user training

Optional Role: Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist

Purpose: To recommend and configure communication or sensory-based devices

All staff must complete:

HIPAA and person-centered planning training
ISP participation procedures
Documentation and progress tracking
Troubleshooting and safe use protocols
Equipment maintenance procedures

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

AT services are available through:

ECF CHOICES – As part of a participant’s ISP to support communication, safety, and independence
1915(c) Waivers – When needed to achieve developmental or daily living goals
Katie Beckett Program – For children with medical complexity needing customized devices
EPSDT (under 21) – Covers medically necessary assistive tech when ordered by a doctor
State Plan DME – May include basic AT if deemed medically necessary and durable

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration & Credentialing

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: TennCare or DIDD Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Training & Tool Development

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Begin Service Delivery

Timeline: Once referrals and device authorizations are approved

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid Program)

Website: https://www.tn.gov/tenncare

Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)

Website: https://www.tn.gov/didd

Tennessee Department of Health – Health Licensure

Website: https://www.tn.gov/health

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PROVIDER IN TENNESSEE

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

WCG supports entrepreneurs, disability-focused providers, and technology specialists in building AT service models aligned with Medicaid and waiver guidelines.

Scope of Work: