COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN MAINE

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 12
3 min read

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO THRIVE THROUGH MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND DAILY SUPPORT

Community Support Services in Maine are designed to help individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism live more independently, develop essential life skills, and participate in their communities. These services are funded under MaineCare’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers—particularly Sections 21 and 29—and are often delivered in homes, day programs, and community settings.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Role: Oversees disability services and community-based programs

Agency: Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)

Role: Administers Section 21 and 29 Waivers and defines service standards

Agency: Office of MaineCare Services (OMS)

Role: Manages Medicaid billing and provider enrollment systems

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures services meet federal HCBS regulations and person-centered care standards

2. COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICE OVERVIEW

Community Support Services help individuals:

Develop and maintain daily living skills
Engage in social and recreational activities
Access community resources and employment readiness programs
Receive support with transportation, communication, and self-advocacy
Build personal relationships and meaningful routines

These services must be aligned with the person’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and are typically provided one-on-one or in small groups by Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Maine Secretary of State
Obtain an EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply to become a MaineCare provider under Section 21 and/or Section 29
Submit program descriptions, staff credentials, and required documentation to OADS
Adhere to regulations on documentation, billing, and individual rights

No separate facility license is required unless services are delivered in a licensed site-based setting.

4. MAINECARE ENROLLMENT & SERVICE APPROVAL

Step 1: Prepare Program Materials

Description of services, mission, and community engagement goals
Staff roles, training plans, and supervision structure

Step 2: Enroll as a MaineCare Provider

Apply through the Health PAS Online portal
Select the Community Support services under Section 21 or 29

Step 3: Approval by OADS

Submit service design, staff resumes, and policy materials
Meet any additional requirements based on the population you plan to serve

Step 4: Begin Accepting Referrals

Connect with case managers and service coordinators for client referrals
Deliver support based on the approved Person-Centered Plan

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC documents
IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
Provider approval under Section 21 or 29
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Person-centered service delivery and ISP documentation
- Client rights and grievance procedures
- Daily service notes and progress logs
- Risk assessment protocols and incident reporting
- Transportation safety policies (if applicable)
- Staff supervision, evaluations, and training records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements: Minimum age 18, high school diploma or GED, background check, DSP certification or training within 6 months of hire

Role: Community Support Coordinator or Supervisor

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree (preferred) or equivalent experience, oversight of DSPs and complianceTraining Requirements for All Staff:

Person-Centered Thinking (PCT) and Planning
Medication administration (if applicable)
First Aid/CPR
Client rights, abuse prevention, and Mandated Reporting
Confidentiality and HIPAA
Annual continuing education

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Community Support Services are primarily offered under:

Section 21 – Comprehensive Waiver for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism
Section 29 – Support Waiver for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism
Self-directed service options may also be available under both sections

Authorized services include:

Skill-building and life skills development
Transportation and community access
Recreation and leisure support
Support for communication and relationship development
Documentation of goals and progress within ISP

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Policy Development & Staff Hiring

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: MaineCare Enrollment and OADS Approval

Timeline: 4–8 weeks

Phase: Staff Training and Onboarding

Timeline: 1–3 weeks

Phase: Begin Services and Documentation

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Office of Aging and Disability Services (OADS)

Website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads

MaineCare Provider Enrollment – Health PAS Online

Website: https://mainecare.maine.gov Maine Direct Support Professional (DSP) Training

Website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/oads/provider/training

Background Check & Employment Eligibility Verification

Website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MAINE COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER

We support aspiring and existing providers in launching and scaling community support services that transform lives through inclusion, skill-building, and consistent support.

Scope of Work: