BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 15
3 min read

PROVIDING PERSON-CENTERED STRATEGIES TO REDUCE CHALLENGING BEHAVIORS AND PROMOTE SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN HOME AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS

Behavior Support Services in South Dakota are designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) develop positive behavioral skills and reduce challenging behaviors that interfere with daily life. These services are authorized under the CHOICES Waiver and Family Support 360 Waiver, administered by the South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS). Providers work with individuals, families, and staff to develop functional behavior assessments (FBAs), implement behavior support plans (BSPs), and deliver consistent training and monitoring.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

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

Role: Oversees waiver services, including behavior support provider enrollment, compliance, and training requirements.

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

Role: Enforces federal HCBS requirements including person-centered planning and behavior intervention oversight.

2. BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SERVICES OVERVIEW

These services include professional evaluation, planning, implementation, and monitoring of strategies to address behavioral concerns that may interfere with learning, relationships, or health and safety.

Approved providers may offer:

Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
Behavior Support Plan (BSP) Development
Direct Implementation of Interventions
Staff and Family Training on Behavior Strategies
Data Collection and Progress Monitoring
Crisis Intervention and De-escalation Planning
Collaboration with Case Managers and Therapists

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the South Dakota Secretary of State
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply to DHS-DDD for approval as a Behavior Support provider
Employ or contract qualified professionals with relevant credentials (e.g., BCBA, LP, LCSW, or MS-level behavior specialists)
Develop a Behavior Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Maintain appropriate insurance coverage

4. SOUTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and secure EIN/NPI

Step 2: Submit a provider application to DHS-DDD with credentials and sample plans

Step 3: Complete any required training modules or policy reviews

Step 4: Participate in provider readiness review

Step 5: Begin service delivery after approval and ISP authorization

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

EIN, NPI, business registration
DHS provider approval documentation
Proof of credentials and licensure for all behavior support professionals
Behavior Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Assessment and plan development protocols
- Behavior data tracking forms and documentation standards
- Staff training logs and coaching protocols
- Crisis response policies and reporting templates
- Participant rights, HIPAA compliance, and confidentiality safeguards
- Billing records and service verification forms

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Behavior Support Professional

Requirements:

Licensed or credentialed in behavioral health or psychology (e.g., BCBA, LPC, LP, LMSW, M.Ed., or related MS degree)
Background check, CPR/First Aid, abuse prevention training
FBA and BSP development experience

Role: Behavioral Technician or DSP (if used for plan implementation)

Requirements:

High school diploma, hands-on training in behavior support, and supervision by a qualified professional

All staff must complete:

HIPAA and participant dignity training
Crisis de-escalation and emergency protocols
Annual skills assessments and supervision reviews
Documentation and compliance protocols

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Behavior Support is an authorized service under:

CHOICES Waiver – For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Family Support 360 Waiver – For children and adults in family-based settings
School Transition Programs – May incorporate behavior support for adolescents with IDD
EPSDT (Medicaid under 21) – May fund behavioral services under medical necessity

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Setup & Manual Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment & Credential Review

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring or Contracting Professionals

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Begin Delivering Services

Timeline: Once ISP authorizations and participant referrals are received

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Website: https://dhs.sd.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

BEHAVIOR SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — SD BEHAVIOR SUPPORT PROVIDER

WCG helps professionals launch behavior support programs with clinically sound, Medicaid-compliant processes that prioritize participant progress and safety.

Scope of Work: