COMMUNITY SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES (CSLA) PROVIDER IN MARYLAND

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 2
4 min read

EMPOWERING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY THROUGH TAILORED IN-HOME AND COMMUNITY SUPPORTS

Community Supported Living Arrangements (CSLA), also known as Community Supported Living Services (CSLS) in Maryland, are designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities live in homes they choose, either alone or with housemates, while receiving individualized support. These services focus on promoting independence, community inclusion, and person-centered care, and are primarily funded under Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Waivers, including the Community Pathways Waiver and the Community Supports Waiver.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maryland Department of Health (MDH)

Role: Oversees health and community-based service regulations for Maryland Medicaid

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Role: Authorizes and monitors CSLA providers, administers service models under DDA Waivers

Agency: Office of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS Maryland)

Role: Supports data tracking and billing for some DDA-funded services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Approves Maryland’s DDA Waivers and ensures compliance with federal HCBS rules

2. COMMUNITY SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICE OVERVIEW

Community Supported Living Services (CSLS) offer structured, individualized supports in a person’s own home or community to help with:

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) like shopping, cooking, and budgeting
Medication administration and monitoring
Home management and safety awareness
Support with accessing community resources, transportation, and social participation
Health and wellness support, when coordinated with other service providers

Services are tailored through the person’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and implemented via the Individual Plan (IP).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Enroll as a DDA-approved provider through the Provider Application Portal
Meet Community Supported Living Services (CSLS) provider standards under DDA’s policy
Submit required policies, staffing plans, and emergency preparedness protocols
Pass DDA’s pre-approval site visit (if housing is agency-operated or supervised)

4. DDA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT & SERVICE APPROVAL

Step 1: Business Formation and Credential Setup

Step 2: Apply as DDA Provider

Complete the DDA Provider Application via the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Provider Portal
Select Community Supported Living Arrangement (CSLA) as a service type

Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

Organizational chart, program description, staff qualifications, P&P manual
Evidence of person-centered planning readiness and the community integration model

Step 4: Approval and Service Authorization

Once approved, begin accepting referrals through Coordination of Community Services (CCS) providers
Services must align with the person’s PCP and be delivered as scheduled and documented via LTSS Maryland or the provider system

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC confirmation (via SDAT)
EIN and NPI confirmation letters
DDA provider approval documentation
Commercial liability insurance and auto insurance (if transporting clients)
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Person-Centered Planning and ISP Implementation Guidelines
- ADL/IADL support plans and shift documentation logs
- Medication administration and health tracking protocols
- Emergency preparedness and client safety procedures
- Staff training and supervision documentation
- Confidentiality and rights protection policies
- Incident reporting and abuse prevention

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements: Minimum high school diploma or GED, background check, First Aid/CPR, training in DDA orientation and PCP implementation

Role: Program Manager / Supervisor

Requirements: Supervisory experience in disability services, ensures service integrity and staff oversight

Role: Medication Technician (optional)

Requirements: CMT certification if assisting with meds, under RN delegation (when required)

Training Requirements for All Staff:

DDA orientation and Core Competency training
Person-Centered Planning and ISP delivery
Health and safety, infection control, and emergency procedures
Medication administration (if applicable)
Client rights, abuse prevention, and Mandated Reporting
Annual continuing education and competency checks

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Community Supported Living Services are covered under:

Community Pathways Waiver – For individuals with more complex support needs
Community Supports Waiver – For individuals needing a lighter support model
Self-Directed Services (optional) – CSLS can also be provided by self-directed employees under budget authority

Authorized services include:

Ongoing daily support in the home and community
Skill-building and ADL/IADL assistance
Supervision and safety planning
Employment or day program transportation support
Medication administration and health tracking
Community participation and social inclusion activities

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Policy Development and Staffing Plan

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: DDA Provider Application and Approval

Timeline: 6–12 weeks

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Compliance Setup

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Referral Engagement and Service Delivery

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Website: https://dda.health.maryland.gov

Email: dda.providerapps@maryland.gov

Maryland Medicaid Provider Enrollment (ePREP)

Website: https://eprep.health.maryland.gov

Maryland Board of Nursing (for CMT/RN delegation info)

Website: https://mbon.maryland.gov

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)

Website: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MARYLAND COMMUNITY SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES PROVIDER

We support dedicated professionals and disability advocates in launching DDA-approved Community Supported Living programs rooted in choice, dignity, and independence.

Scope of Work: