DAY HABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 15
3 min read

SUPPORTING SKILL-BUILDING, COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, AND PERSONAL GROWTH FOR ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES IN A STRUCTURED, NON-RESIDENTIAL SETTING

Day Habilitation Services in South Dakota are designed to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) build life skills, participate in their communities, and achieve personal goals in a safe and supportive group environment. These services are authorized under the CHOICES Waiver, administered by the South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS). Day habilitation typically takes place in a provider-operated setting, Monday through Friday, with a focus on independence, socialization, and community inclusion.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Role: Oversees the CHOICES Waiver, including day habilitation provider approval, monitoring, and compliance enforcement.

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

Role: Regulates federal HCBS waiver compliance and person-centered planning requirements for habilitation services.

2. DAY HABILITATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Day habilitation supports individuals in developing and maintaining self-help, socialization, and adaptive skills needed to live successfully in their communities. Services are offered outside of a residential setting and may include both on-site activities and community-based outings.

Approved providers may deliver:

Daily Living Skills Training: Cooking, cleaning, hygiene, money management
Communication and Social Skill Development
Community Inclusion Activities: Volunteerism, shopping, recreational events
Health and Wellness Education
Behavioral Support Integration (if part of plan)
Transportation to and from the habilitation site
Service Documentation, Progress Tracking, and Coordination with ISPs

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the South Dakota Secretary of State
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply to DHS-DDD for approval as a Day Habilitation provider under the CHOICES Waiver
Secure or lease a facility that meets ADA, safety, and accessibility standards
Develop a Day Habilitation Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Obtain required insurance (liability, workers’ comp, vehicle coverage if transporting participants)

4. SOUTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Form your legal business, obtain EIN/NPI

Step 2: Submit the provider application to DHS-DDD for Day Habilitation

Step 3: Provide facility details, safety protocols, and staff training documentation

Step 4: Undergo readiness review and site inspection by DHS

Step 5: Begin service delivery after receiving participant referrals and plan authorizations

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

EIN, NPI, and business registration
Facility use agreement or ownership documentation
Insurance certificates (general, workers’ comp, auto if applicable)
Day Habilitation Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Daily routine and staffing ratios
- Safety and emergency preparedness plans
- Participant health, rights, and behavior support procedures
- Service delivery forms and progress note templates
- Transportation policies and documentation protocols
- Staff training logs and supervision plans

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Day Habilitation Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements:

Background check, CPR/First Aid, and training in daily living skills, safety, and participant support
Familiarity with ISP goals and behavior plans

Role: Program Coordinator or Site Supervisor

Requirements:

Experience in IDD services, staff management, and program development

Optional Role: Community Integration Specialist

Requirements: Plans and supports community-based activities

All staff must complete:

Orientation on HIPAA and participant rights
Abuse prevention and documentation training
Emergency response and safety drills
Annual performance evaluations and competency checks

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Day Habilitation is reimbursable under:

CHOICES Waiver – For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Limited use under Family Support 360 Waiver – May support short-term skill-building activities
State or Local DD Funds – May supplement non-waiver services based on regional availability

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Facility Identification

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Provider Enrollment & Site Readiness

Timeline: 3–4 months

Phase: Staff Recruitment & Training

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Launch of Services

Timeline: Begins after provider approval and participant referrals

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Dakota Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities

Website: https://dhs.sd.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — SD DAY HABILITATION PROVIDER

WCG supports new day habilitation providers with regulatory readiness, policy development, and a focus on meaningful, individualized service delivery.

Scope of Work: