COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARIZONA

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 1
3 min read

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES THROUGH PERSON-CENTERED ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

Community Integration Services in Arizona help individuals with developmental and physical disabilities build meaningful connections, gain independence, and participate actively in their communities. These services are delivered under the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, and coordinated through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) or Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid reimbursement and provider compliance for community-based services

Agency: Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Role: Authorizes and monitors providers of community integration services for individuals with developmental disabilities

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Enforces HCBS Final Rule standards for community integration, inclusion, and person-centered practices

2. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Community Integration Services promote inclusion and participation in everyday community life. Services are individualized, goal-oriented, and provided in non-institutional settings. They support individuals in building skills, confidence, and social networks.

Approved providers may deliver:

Support to attend recreational, cultural, and educational events
Volunteer or community engagement coordination
Social skill-building in real-world settings
Assistance navigating public spaces, transportation, and community resources
One-on-one or group-based community support
Documentation of progress aligned with the individual’s person-centered service plan

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Arizona Corporation Commission
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Apply through the Qualified Vendor Application and Directory System (QVADS) (if serving DDD members)
Carry general liability and auto insurance (if transporting clients)
Hire staff with community support experience
Develop clear documentation and person-centered planning procedures

4. DDD QUALIFIED VENDOR ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Orientation and Application Prep

Attend a required DDD Qualified Vendor orientation
Prepare documents outlining your approach to community inclusion and individualized supports

Step 2: Submit QVADS Application

Include:
- Service delivery plans and documentation templates
- Staffing plan and training protocols
- Sample activity calendars and community outing plans
- Safety protocols and emergency response procedures

Step 3: Review and Contract Finalization

Upon approval, sign the Qualified Vendor Agreement
Services are listed in the public directory for case manager referrals

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
QVADS registration confirmation
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Intake procedures and service planning
- Community activity guidelines and tracking logs
- Staff training and supervision structure
- Transportation policies and risk management
- Emergency preparedness and incident reporting
- Documentation of participation, goals, and outcomes
- Participant rights, informed consent, and grievance procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Community Integration Coordinator

Requirements: Experience in disability support services, case management, or community outreach

Role: Community Support Specialist / Direct Support Staff

Requirements:

High school diploma or GED
CPR/First Aid and Article 9 training (required for DDD)
Background check clearance
Knowledge of community resources and social coaching

Training Requirements for All Staff:

Person-centered planning and activity support
Community safety and transportation supervision
Documentation and progress tracking
Ethics, confidentiality, and participant rights

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Community Integration Services are authorized under:

ALTCS – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Waiver
ALTCS – Elderly and Physically Disabled (EPD) Waiver (in limited cases)

Approved providers may deliver:

One-on-one or small-group support in community settings
Life enrichment and socialization activities
Goal-based coaching and confidence-building
Documentation of services and progress toward ISP outcomes

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: QVADS Application and Policy Submission

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Training

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: AHCCCS Medicaid Enrollment and Billing Setup

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Email: DDDProviderRegistration@azdes.gov

Phone: (602) 542-6874

Website: https://des.az.gov/services/disabilities/developmental-disabilities

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Email: ProviderRegistration@azahcccs.gov

Website: https://www.azahcccs.gov

Qualified Vendor Application Portal (QVADS): https://vendorhub.azdes.gov

Community Integration Services in Arizona

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ARIZONA COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES PROVIDER

We help providers launch high-impact, Medicaid-compliant Community Integration Services that promote inclusion, independence, and social engagement across Arizona.

Scope of Work: