COMMUNITY LIVING SUPPORT (CLS) SERVICES PROVIDER IN MICHIGAN

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PERSONALIZED ASSISTANCE IN DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Community Living Support (CLS) Services in Michigan are designed to help individuals with disabilities and chronic conditions maintain independence and participate in community life. These services are primarily funded through Michigan Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, and MI Choice Waiver Programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid-funded CLS services under HCBS waivers and ensures compliance

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and funding through 1915(c) waivers

Agency: Community Mental Health (CMH) Authorities

Role: Administer and coordinate CLS services for individuals with mental health or developmental disabilities

Agency: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

Role: Issues licenses to community-based service providers and ensures compliance with safety standards

2. COMMUNITY LIVING SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Community Living Supports (CLS) help individuals live independently within their homes and participate actively in their communities. These services are person-centered and based on the individual’s Individual Service Plan (ISP).

Core Services Include:

• Personal Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

  • Bathing, grooming, dressing, and hygiene

  • Mobility and transfer support

  • Medication reminders and health monitoring

• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs):

  • Meal planning and preparation

  • Housekeeping and laundry

  • Budgeting and financial management

  • Transportation to community activities or medical appointments

• Community Integration Activities:

  • Social skills training and peer interaction

  • Support for community participation (e.g., classes, events)

  • Assistance with navigating public transportation

• Skill Development and Maintenance:

  • Personal safety and self-advocacy

  • Self-care routines and healthy living practices

  • Employment readiness and job coaching (if applicable)

Services must be documented in a Person-Centered Plan (PCP) or Individual Service Plan (ISP), and tailored to the individual’s unique needs and preferences.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

• Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI

• Apply for CLS Provider Enrollment via the CHAMPS system

• Obtain relevant licensure if operating a facility-based CLS program

• Maintain general liability and workers’ compensation insurance

• Hire qualified direct support professionals (DSPs) and care coordinators

• Develop a CLS Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Implement HIPAA-compliant data management practices

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register and Obtain Necessary Licenses

• Apply through LARA Licensing Portal: LARA Licensing

Step 2: Enroll with Michigan Medicaid

• Complete the process via CHAMPS: CHAMPS Login

Step 3: Contract with Community Mental Health (CMH)

• Collaborate with local CMH authorities to receive referrals and authorizations

Step 4: Finalize Credentialing and Begin Service Delivery

• Complete staff onboarding and compliance checks

• Begin receiving referrals from waiver coordinators and CMH programs

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or business registration

• IRS EIN and NPI confirmation

• Proof of insurance coverage

• Licensure (if providing facility-based support)

• CLS Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

  • Client intake and assessment templates

  • Daily activity logs and shift documentation forms

  • Medication administration and monitoring protocols

  • Emergency and incident response procedures

  • Participant rights and consent forms

  • Abuse prevention, training logs, and supervision checklists

  • Billing logs and audit-ready documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent; experience with caregiving or disability support; CPR/First Aid certification; background check clearance

Role: Program Supervisor / Care Coordinator

Requirements: Experience in community living programs, service coordination, and care quality monitoring

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Person-centered planning and positive behavior support

• HIPAA and confidentiality practices

• Abuse and neglect prevention (mandatory reporter training)

• ADL/IADL assistance techniques

• Safety protocols for in-home and community settings

• Cultural competence and communication skills

7. MEDICAID & HCBS WAIVER PROGRAMS COVERING CLS SERVICES

CLS services are reimbursed under:

• MI Choice Waiver Program (for elderly and adults with physical disabilities)

• Habilitation Supports Waiver (HSW) (for individuals with developmental disabilities)

• Children’s Waiver Program (CWP) (for minors with severe disabilities)

• Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) Waiver (for youth with mental health challenges)

• Community Mental Health (CMH) Programs (for individuals with mental health needs)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Flexible care hours based on individual needs

• In-home and community-based support

• Group or one-on-one services as specified in the ISP

• Coordination with support coordinators and service teams

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration and Staff Hiring

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Policy Manual Development

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Credentialing and Licensing (if facility-based)Timeline: 1 month

Phase: Referral Coordination and Service Delivery

Timeline: Ongoing, based on CMH caseloads and individual service plans

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Medicaid Provider Enrollment (CHAMPS)

https://milogintp.michigan.gov/

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

https://www.michigan.gov/lara

Community Mental Health (CMH) Services Locatorhttps://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MICHIGAN COMMUNITY LIVING SUPPORT PROVIDER

WCG supports community care agencies, healthcare entrepreneurs, and service providers in launching licensed, Medicaid-approved CLS programs across Michigan.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and Medicaid enrollment

• CMH credentialing and licensing support

• CLS Policy & Procedure Manual development

• Staff training resources and documentation templates

• Daily log templates and service delivery forms

• Referral coordination with CMH programs and waiver administrators

• Audit readiness checklists and Medicaid billing systems

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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