BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN GEORGIA

PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL CHANGE THROUGH PERSON-CENTERED STRATEGIES AND SUPPORT

Behavioral Support Services in Georgia help individuals with developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges achieve greater independence, emotional regulation, and community integration. These services are authorized under Georgia’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs and are designed to reduce challenging behaviors while building adaptive, functional skills that enhance quality of life.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

Role: Administers Behavioral Support Services for individuals under the NOW and COMP waivers

Agency: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Behavioral Support Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring Behavioral Support Services meet Medicaid HCBS standards and person-centered planning requirements

2. BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Behavioral Support Services involve the development and implementation of individualized strategies to reduce challenging behaviors and promote positive, socially appropriate alternatives.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) to identify causes and triggers of challenging behaviors

• Development of Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSPs)

• Direct behavioral interventions to implement PBSPs

• Training for caregivers, staff, and family members on behavior management strategies

• Monitoring, revising, and updating PBSPs based on participant progress

• Crisis prevention, de-escalation support, and emergency planning

Services must align with the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and focus on improving quality of life, increasing functional skills, and promoting autonomy.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the Georgia Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)

• Complete DBHDD Provider Enrollment specific to Behavioral Support Services

• Employ licensed and credentialed professionals (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), psychologists, or qualified behavioral specialists)

• Maintain professional liability and general liability insurance

• Develop comprehensive behavior support, safety, and crisis response policies

4. DBHDD/DCH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Submit a Letter of Intent to DBHDD to become a Behavioral Support Services provider

• Complete pre-qualification checklist including staffing plans, insurance coverage, and operational policies

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, professional licenses, staff training plans, and behavior support policy manuals

• Provide sample behavior support plans, incident reporting procedures, and progress monitoring templates

Program Readiness Review:

• DBHDD reviews provider readiness, including staff qualifications, behavior planning systems, participant rights protections, and Medicaid documentation compliance

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon DBHDD approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through GAMMIS

• Configure billing codes for Functional Behavioral Assessment, PBSP Development, and Behavioral Intervention Services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Georgia Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Licensure/certification proof for clinicians (e.g., BCBA, LPC, psychologist)

• Proof of professional and general liability insurance

• DBHDD-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Participant intake, functional assessment, and service planning protocols

  • PBSP development, revision, and crisis intervention procedures

  • Staff training systems for behavior support implementation

  • Client rights, HIPAA confidentiality, and grievance policies

  • Staff credentialing, background screening, and competency evaluation documentation

  • Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and audit readiness procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Behavioral Support Services Supervisor / Clinical Lead

Requirements: Active Georgia license or certification (BCBA, LPC, psychologist); experience in developmental disabilities behavioral support; background screening clearance

Role: Behavioral Specialists / Behavior Technicians

Requirements: High school diploma or GED minimum for direct support roles; specialized training in behavior support; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

• HIPAA confidentiality, client rights, and abuse prevention training

• Positive behavior support, de-escalation, and crisis prevention training

• Emergency preparedness and incident reporting training

• Annual continuing education specific to behavioral intervention best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Georgia Medicaid Waivers authorize Behavioral Support Services:

• Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)

• New Options Waiver Program (NOW)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA)

• Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP) development and implementation

• Direct intervention sessions with participants

• Caregiver and staff training on behavior management and crisis prevention

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Initial Setup

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DBHDD Behavioral Support Provider Application and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Clinical Program Setup

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing Configuration

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

Website: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Website: https://dch.georgia.gov/

Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)

Website: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/

Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

Website: https://www.bacb.com/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — GEORGIA BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports behavioral health providers and clinical agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Behavioral Support Services under Georgia’s HCBS waiver programs.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup

• DBHDD Behavioral Support Services provider enrollment and Medicaid setup

• Development of Behavioral Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Staff credentialing templates and participant intake systems

• Medicaid billing configuration and claims management

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Functional assessment templates, PBSP development systems, and data tracking forms

• Emergency crisis management protocols and incident reporting systems

• Quality assurance programs for clinical outcome tracking

• Community networking and referral partnerships with schools, clinics, and care coordinators

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