COMPANION CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN UTAH

Fatumata Kaba
1 day ago
3 min read

OFFERING SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT AND BASIC NON-MEDICAL SUPPORT TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE AND WELL-BEING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Companion Care Services in Utah provide non-medical supervision and social support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) or physical limitations. These services promote independence, reduce isolation, and ensure individuals’ safety and emotional well-being in home or community-based settings. Companion services are covered under various 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, administered by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) through the Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD).

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1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD)

Role: Authorizes Companion Care through HCBS waivers, monitors service quality, and ensures compliance with Medicaid rules.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Oversees federal Medicaid regulations and ensures waiver programs comply with HCBS standards.

2. COMPANION CARE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Companion Care involves supervision, social interaction, and support with light daily activities that do not require hands-on personal care. The goal is to support individuals in achieving their person-centered outcomes and promoting social inclusion.

Core components include:

Providing company and supervision at home or during outings
Assisting with tasks such as reading, games, and conversation
Accompanying individuals on community activities, events, or walks
Monitoring safety and general well-being
Supporting the individual’s routine without delivering medical or hands-on care

Companion Care is distinct from Personal Care: it does not include bathing, toileting, or mobility assistance.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Utah Division of Corporations
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Enroll as a Utah Medicaid provider
Apply for DSPD waiver contracts as a Companion Care provider
Maintain liability and worker’s compensation insurance
Create a Companion Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual

4. UTAH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business, obtain EIN and NPI

Step 2: Enroll with Utah Medicaid and complete MySupport training

Step 3: Apply to become an approved DSPD waiver provider

Step 4: Submit staffing plan, service outlines, and safety protocols

Step 5: Receive DSPD contract approval and begin offering authorized services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

EIN, NPI, Articles of Incorporation
Medicaid and DSPD provider contracts
Liability insurance certificates
Companion Care Policy Manual including:
- Participant intake and service plan alignment
- Daily activity logs and shift notes
- Emergency response and safety monitoring procedures
- Confidentiality and rights protection policies
- Abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention policies
- Staff training protocols and documentation tools

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Companion Care Provider

Requirements: Age 18+, background check, ability to communicate effectively and support participants in a non-medical capacity

Role: Supervisor / Scheduler (recommended)

Requirements: Oversight experience with DSPD services or in-home support

All staff must complete:

HIPAA and confidentiality training
DSPD Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Prevention (ANEP)
Participant rights and dignity protection
DSPD MySupport provider orientation
Basic safety and emergency response training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Companion Care Services are reimbursable through the following Utah waivers:

Community Supports Waiver (CSW) – for individuals with ID/DD
Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver – where social support is essential for stability
Physical Disabilities Waiver (PDW) – based on functional need
Medically Complex Children’s Waiver (MCCW) – on a case-by-case basis with medical team approval

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Manual Creation'

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & DSPD Contracting

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring & Readiness Training

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Service Delivery

Timeline: Begins after ISP and service authorizations are issued

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) – DSPD

Website: https://dspd.utah.gov