COGNITIVE REHABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEW JERSEY

ENHANCING COGNITIVE FUNCTION THROUGH TARGETED THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS

Cognitive Rehabilitation Services in New Jersey provide therapeutic interventions to help individuals with cognitive impairments regain or improve their thinking skills, memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities. These services are essential for individuals recovering from brain injuries, strokes, or those living with neurological conditions. Cognitive Rehabilitation Services are authorized under New Jersey Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)

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

Agency: Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

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

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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

2. COGNITIVE REHABILITATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Cognitive Rehabilitation Services are designed to support individuals with cognitive challenges by using structured activities and therapeutic exercises to enhance cognitive functioning.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Cognitive Skills Training: Exercises to improve memory, attention, problem-solving, and reasoning.

• Compensatory Strategy Training: Teaching techniques to manage cognitive deficits in daily life.

• Executive Function Coaching: Enhancing planning, organization, and task management skills.

• Memory Rehabilitation: Techniques to improve short-term and long-term memory retention.

• Attention Training: Improving focus and concentration through structured activities.

• Social Cognition Therapy: Developing communication and social interaction skills.

• Community Reintegration: Assisting individuals in applying cognitive skills in real-world settings.

• Support for Caregivers: Training and guidance to help families understand and manage cognitive challenges.

All services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the participant’s cognitive and functional needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services.

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

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Cognitive Rehabilitation provider via the New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.

• Obtain licensure from DHS if applicable.

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for therapeutic interventions, safety protocols, and caregiver support.

• Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and professional certification requirements.

4. NEW JERSEY PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Cognitive Rehabilitation 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:

• DHS and DDD evaluate provider readiness, including therapy protocols, safety measures, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Cognitive Rehabilitation Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (New Jersey Division of Revenue)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Professional Licenses (e.g., Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Occupational Therapist)

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Cognitive Rehabilitation Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Cognitive assessment, therapy planning, and intervention protocols

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Documentation standards for progress tracking and Medicaid billing

  • HIPAA compliance, client rights, and grievance handling

  • Safety protocols for therapeutic settings and patient interactions

  • Emergency response, crisis management, and safety measures

  • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Cognitive Rehabilitation Program Director

Requirements: Master’s degree in psychology, occupational therapy, or related field; certification in brain injury rehabilitation; experience in program management.

Role: Cognitive Rehabilitation Therapists

Requirements: Licensed Occupational Therapists (OTs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), or Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS); experience in cognitive rehabilitation; background clearance.

Role: Cognitive Rehabilitation Assistants

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, neuroscience, or related field; supervised by a licensed therapist; background clearance.

All staff must complete:

• Training in cognitive therapy techniques and rehabilitation planning

• HIPAA compliance and client rights education

• Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development

• Safety and emergency preparedness training

• Ongoing training in brain injury management and cognitive support

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Cognitive Rehabilitation Services are available under the following New Jersey Medicaid Waivers:

• Community Care Program for the Elderly and Disabled (CCPED)

• Supports Program Waiver

• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver

• Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

Services may include:

• Cognitive skill training and memory enhancement

• Problem-solving and executive function support

• Attention and focus improvement exercises

• Social cognition and communication skills training

• Community reintegration and practical skill application

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Cognitive Rehabilitation Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS)

Website: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/

Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Website: https://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/ddd/

New Jersey Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.njmmis.com/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NEW JERSEY COGNITIVE REHABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Cognitive Rehabilitation Services in New Jersey, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

• Policy manual development for cognitive therapy planning and safety management

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and cognitive rehabilitation documentation guidance

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and community outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for therapeutic efficacy and compliance

• Collaboration with healthcare providers for integrated care planning

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.