BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEBRASKA

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 8
4 min read

PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIORS AND COMMUNITY INTEGRATION THROUGH PERSONALIZED SUPPORT

Behavioral Support Services in Nebraska offer therapeutic interventions and support for individuals with disabilities or behavioral health conditions. These services help participants develop coping strategies, manage challenging behaviors, and enhance social skills, ultimately promoting independence and community inclusion. Behavioral Support Services are authorized under the Nebraska Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Behavioral Support Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Nebraska Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) Division

Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Behavioral Support Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Behavioral Support Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Behavioral Support Services aim to reduce challenging behaviors, build positive coping mechanisms, and enhance quality of life through structured interventions and support.

Approved providers may deliver:

Behavioral Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of behaviors, triggers, and environmental factors.
Behavioral Intervention Planning: Developing strategies to manage and reduce challenging behaviors.
Positive Behavior Support (PBS): Teaching alternative behaviors through reinforcement and skill-building.
Therapeutic Counseling: Individual or group therapy focusing on emotional regulation and social skills.
Crisis Intervention: Immediate support during behavioral emergencies to ensure safety.
Skill Development: Enhancing communication, social interaction, and self-regulation.
Family and Caregiver Training: Educating families on behavior management techniques and coping strategies.

All services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and tailored to the participant’s specific behavioral needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the Nebraska Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Behavioral Support provider via the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
Obtain necessary professional licenses (e.g., Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (LMHP)).
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for behavioral assessment, intervention planning, and crisis management.
Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and specialized behavioral training requirements.

4. NEBRASKA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Behavioral Support Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, professional licenses, insurance certificates, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

DHHS evaluates provider readiness, including behavioral protocols, staff qualifications, and safety procedures.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Behavioral Support Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nebraska Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Professional licenses (e.g., BCBA, LMHP)
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Behavioral Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Behavioral assessment, intervention planning, and crisis response protocols
- Positive Behavior Support (PBS) guidelines
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and training requirements
- Documentation standards for progress tracking and Medicaid billing
- HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
- Emergency preparedness and crisis intervention policies
- Incident reporting and behavior data collection methods

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Behavioral Support Program Director

Requirements: Master’s degree in psychology, social work, or behavioral sciences; BCBA or LMHP certification; experience in behavioral program supervision.

Role: Behavioral Therapists / BCBA / LMHP

Requirements: State licensure or certification; experience with behavioral assessment and intervention; background clearance.

Role: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

Requirements: High school diploma or GED; training in behavioral support techniques; CPR/First Aid certification; background screening.

All staff must complete: