BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN OREGON

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 6
4 min read

PROMOTING SAFETY, STABILITY, AND SKILL-BUILDING FOR INDIVIDUALS THROUGH STRUCTURED BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS

Behavioral Support Services in Oregon are Medicaid-authorized interventions that help individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health conditions, or challenging behaviors achieve greater independence and stability in their homes and communities. These services include functional assessments, behavior support planning, staff training, and ongoing monitoring. Behavioral supports are critical components of Oregon’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers and the K Plan (Community First Choice Option), coordinated through the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) – Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Role: Authorizes Behavioral Support Services via local Community Developmental Disabilities Programs (CDDPs).

Agency: Oregon Health Authority (OHA) – Health Systems Division

Role: Oversees Medicaid compliance and provider enrollment for mental/behavioral health professionals.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures federal compliance for all Medicaid-funded behavioral support under HCBS and 1915(k) authorities.

Agency: Oregon Secretary of State (SOS) – Corporation Division

Role: Handles business registration for new provider organizations.

2. BEHAVIORAL SUPPORT SERVICES OVERVIEW

These services are designed to reduce challenging behaviors and increase adaptive skills using person-centered, evidence-based practices. Services are individualized based on each person’s behavioral needs and support environment.

Approved providers may deliver:

Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA): Evaluations of behavior triggers, patterns, and environmental influences.
Behavior Support Plan (BSP) Development: Creating structured plans with proactive strategies, reinforcement systems, and crisis interventions.
Staff & Caregiver Training: Equipping support teams to implement BSPs consistently and safely.
Plan Monitoring & Modification: Ongoing adjustments based on data and client progress.
Direct Behavior Consultation: One-on-one coaching, modeling, or skill-building with individuals and staff.
Crisis Planning: Development of individualized protocols to prevent and respond to behavioral emergencies.
Documentation & Reporting: Daily service logs, progress updates, and Medicaid billing forms.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Oregon Secretary of State.
Obtain an EIN from the IRS and a Type 2 NPI.
Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the OHA Provider Portal.
If providing DD Behavioral Services, become certified through ODHS/DD.
For mental/behavioral health professionals, licensing is required through the appropriate Oregon board (e.g., LPC, LCSW, BCBA).
Carry professional liability and workers’ comp insurance.
Develop a Behavioral Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual aligned with Oregon Medicaid and DDS guidelines.

4. OREGON PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Establish your business entity and acquire EIN, NPI, and insurance.

Step 2: Apply for Medicaid enrollment through the OHA Provider Portal.

Step 3: If serving DD clients, apply for approval through ODHS/DD and connect with local CDDPs.

Step 4: Submit professional credentials and provider background materials.

Step 5: Once authorized, begin receiving referrals and authorizations from support coordinators.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation and business license
EIN and NPI confirmations
Professional licenses (e.g., BCBA, LCSW, LPC, psychologist)
Liability and workers’ compensation insurance
Behavioral Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- FBA protocols and plan development standards
- Crisis and de-escalation procedures
- Documentation tools and shift notes
- Client rights, confidentiality, and consent policies
- Staff training requirements and monitoring systems
- Data collection forms and outcome measurement
- HIPAA compliance and quality assurance protocols
- Medicaid billing formats and compliance checks

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Behavior Consultant / Behavior Support Professional

Requirements: Advanced degree (master’s or doctoral level); licensed/certified (e.g., BCBA, LCSW, LPC); background check required.

Role: Direct Support Professional (optional)

Requirements: Trained in BSP implementation, crisis prevention, and documentation.

Role: Clinical Supervisor / Program Coordinator

Requirements: Oversees behavior plans, supervises staff, ensures compliance with Medicaid and DDS rules.

All staff must complete:

Person-centered planning training
Functional behavior support principles
HIPAA and client rights education
Abuse prevention and incident reporting
Data collection and documentation protocols
Annual recertification and skills reviews

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Behavioral Support Services are authorized under:

Comprehensive & Support Services Waivers (for IDD) – includes BSP development, training, and ongoing consultation.
K Plan (1915(k)) – behavioral services for individuals with high support needs.
Children’s DD Waiver – for families managing behavioral needs at home or school.
Mental Health Wraparound Services – for youth involved in child welfare or juvenile systems.
State Plan Mental Health Services – via coordinated care organizations (CCOs), if licensed professionals are enrolled.