COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN RHODE ISLAND

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 9
3 min read

SUPPORTING MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION IN DAILY LIFE, SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OR LONG-TERM SUPPORT NEEDS

Community Integration Services in Rhode Island empower individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral health needs, or chronic conditions to participate fully in everyday community life. These Medicaid-funded supports are authorized under the 1115 Global Waiver, BHDDH IDD Waivers, and other Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs. The goal is to reduce isolation and promote independence through community engagement and skill-building.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid and authorizes HCBS funding for integration services.

Agency: Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)

Role: Authorizes Community-Based Supports and oversees provider standards under DD Waivers.

Agency: Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)**

Role: May regulate health-related aspects of service environments (as needed).

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Ensures HCBS programs comply with federal settings rules and person-centered planning.

2. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

These services focus on supporting individuals in building social skills, accessing public spaces, volunteering, working, and participating in inclusive settings outside their homes.

Approved providers may deliver:

Community Mapping & Planning: Identifying individual goals for integration (e.g., employment, recreation, worship).
Skill-Building Activities: Travel training, communication support, financial literacy, and safety in the community.
Peer Interaction & Social Coaching: Facilitating friendships, group outings, and positive behavior reinforcement.
Access Support: Navigating transportation, community resources, and public programs.
Civic Participation: Assistance with voting, advocacy events, and volunteering.
Documentation: Individual Service Plans (ISPs), activity logs, and community participation reports.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your organization with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI.
Apply to BHDDH for approval as a provider of Community-Based Supports (for IDD population).
Enroll in Medicaid through the EOHHS provider portal.
Submit service delivery model, staffing plan, and integration activity procedures.
Develop a Community Integration Services Policy & Procedure Manual aligned with the HCBS Settings Rule and participant choice.

4. RHODE ISLAND PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business, obtain EIN, NPI, and insurance.

Step 2: Apply to BHDDH as a provider of community-based waiver services.

Step 3: Submit staffing qualifications and community participation procedures.

Step 4: Enroll with Medicaid and receive service authorization through ISPs.

Step 5: Begin service delivery with ongoing documentation and review.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business registration, EIN/NPI confirmations
BHDDH provider approval letter
Insurance certificates (liability, workers’ comp)
Medicaid enrollment documentation
Community Integration Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- ISP-driven goal development and support plans
- Community access and safety protocols
- Supervision and group activity procedures
- Progress tracking, outcome measurement, and satisfaction surveys
- Transportation coordination and public safety planning
- HIPAA, participant rights, and incident reporting standards

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Community Integration Specialist / Support Worker

Requirements: Experience with disability supports, background check, CPR/First Aid, and training in person-centered planning.

Role: Program Supervisor / Coordinator

Requirements: Oversight of staff, ISP implementation, and documentation reviews.

Role (optional): Behavioral Consultant

Requirements: For clients with behavior plans, typically licensed or experienced in behavior support.

All staff must complete:

HCBS Settings Rule and dignity in care training
Abuse prevention and incident response
Community navigation and risk reduction strategies
Documentation and Medicaid billing compliance
Cultural competence and trauma-informed care education

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Community Integration Services are covered under:

BHDDH DD Waivers (Community-Based Supports): For individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
1115 Global Waiver (HCBS): Authorizes non-clinical supports for adult community living
Katie Beckett/TEFRA (Limited): For children in specific home and community support arrangements
Self-Directed Supports Waivers: Participants choose community providers for integration services

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Policy Manual Creation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: BHDDH and Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring & Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Participant ISP Alignment & Service Initiation

Timeline: Begins after service authorizations are received

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)

Website: https://eohhs.ri.gov