AUTISM SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALABAMA

Fatumata Kaba
Jun 27
3 min read

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER THROUGH EVIDENCE-BASED THERAPIES AND PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORTS

Autism Services in Alabama are designed to meet the unique developmental, behavioral, and communication needs of individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These services support skill development, reduce challenging behaviors, and improve quality of life through individualized interventions and supports. Autism Services are delivered under Alabama’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must comply with standards established by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)Role: Regulates autism-specific services, approves providers, and ensures delivery of evidence-based practices under HCBS waivers

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency

Role: Manages provider enrollment, billing, and reimbursement for Autism Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with Medicaid guidelines and service integrity for autism-related therapies

2. AUTISM SERVICE OVERVIEW

Autism Services support individuals across the autism spectrum with therapies and interventions that promote independence, skill acquisition, and social engagement. Services are individualized and must be based on functional assessments and person-centered planning. Approved providers may deliver:

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy
Behavioral assessments and intervention planning
Communication and social skills development
Functional living and adaptive skills training
Parent/caregiver education and coaching
Sensory integration and regulation strategies
Crisis planning and behavioral safety supports

All services must be outcome-focused, regularly evaluated, and delivered by qualified autism professionals.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alabama Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Employ or contract with credentialed professionals (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analysts [BCBAs], Licensed Behavior Analysts, or autism-trained clinicians)
Develop clinical and operational policies aligned with ADMH and Medicaid expectations
Maintain HIPAA-compliant data collection and therapy documentation systems

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Autism Services Provider Application Packet from ADMH
Submit a service plan including evidence-based intervention models, staffing structure, and therapy delivery methods
Include behavioral assessment tools, sample treatment plans, and data tracking formats

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks and drug screening for all staff
Verification of certification/licensure (e.g., BCBA, RBT, licensed psychologist, etc.)
Proof of relevant education, clinical experience, and liability insurance

Program Readiness Review:

Evaluation of treatment documentation templates, consent forms, and parent training procedures
Review of therapy supervision structure and outcome measurement processes
Emergency protocols and crisis response planning for behavioral escalation

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once approved by ADMH, enroll with Alabama Medicaid as a provider of Autism Services
Add applicable billing codes for ABA, behavioral therapy, and autism-related supports

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Staff licensure/certification (BCBA, RBT, LBA, etc.)
ADMH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Assessment, treatment planning, and service delivery models
- Data collection, progress monitoring, and supervision documentation
- Parent and caregiver involvement strategies
- Confidentiality, consent, and HIPAA compliance
- Emergency response and behavior crisis protocols
- Staff training logs and continuing education documentation
Signed treatment plans and consent for autism services

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Clinical Director / BCBA

Requirements: Board Certified Behavior Analyst; active Alabama license (if applicable); experience delivering autism therapies

Role: Behavior Technician / RBT

Requirements: Registered Behavior Technician certification; high school diploma or higher; supervised by BCBA

Role: Parent Trainer / Therapist (optional)Requirements: Background in psychology, education, or behavior support; training in evidence-based autism interventions

All staff must complete:

ADMH orientation and HCBS waiver training
Annual training in autism interventions, documentation, ethics, and abuse prevention
Crisis management and behavior de-escalation training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alabama Medicaid Waivers authorize Autism Services: