DAY PROGRAM SERVICES PROVIDER IN MARYLAND

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 2
4 min read

ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, SKILL DEVELOPMENT, AND SOCIALIZATION FOR ADULTS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Day Program Services in Maryland offer structured, person-centered activities during daytime hours to promote independence, build life skills, and foster community involvement for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These services are funded through the Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) under the Community Pathways Waiver, Community Supports Waiver, and, in some cases, the Family Supports Waiver for transition-aged youth.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maryland Department of Health (MDH)

Role: Regulates waiver-funded day programs under Medicaid rules

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Role: Authorizes and oversees Day Habilitation, Employment, and Meaningful Day services

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

Role: Provides billing, service tracking, and documentation tools for DDA providers

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures compliance with federal HCBS regulations, including community integration requirements

2. DAY PROGRAM SERVICE OVERVIEW

Day Program Services may include any combination of the following “Meaningful Day” categories:

Day Habilitation: Skill-building in communication, daily living, and adaptive functioning
Community Development Services (CDS): Small group or individual community-based activities to foster engagement and independence
Employment Services: Job exploration, discovery, job coaching, and supported employment
Career Exploration: Helping participants discover vocational interests
Volunteer or pre-vocational opportunities: With community presence and staff guidance
Personal development activities: Such as cooking, budgeting, or fitness

All services are based on the participant’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and documented through an Individual Plan (IP).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your organization with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply to become a DDA-approved provider through the DDA Provider Application Portal
If operating a physical program site, ensure ADA compliance, health & safety measures, and appropriate zoning
Submit organizational policies, staffing plans, supervision procedures, and community integration models
Maintain commercial general liability, workers' comp, and auto insurance (if transporting clients)

4. DDA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT & SERVICE APPROVAL

Step 1: Business Registration and Program Design

Define program philosophy, services offered, and outcomes tied to PCPs
Prepare staffing model, safety protocols, and daily schedules

Step 2: Apply via DDA Provider Portal

Select applicable services: Day Habilitation, CDS, Employment Services, or Career Exploration
Submit facility information, staff credentials, and service delivery model

Step 3: Facility Site Visit (if applicable)

Ensure compliance with DDA safety and accessibility standards
Be prepared to submit emergency procedures and floor plans

Step 4: Approval and Participant Enrollment

Connect with Coordination of Community Services (CCS) to receive referrals
Begin delivering authorized services with daily attendance tracking and progress documentation

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC paperwork
IRS EIN confirmation and Type 2 NPI record
DDA provider approval
Facility lease or deed and insurance documentation
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Daily schedule and activity curriculum
- Staffing ratios, supervision, and emergency response protocols
- Attendance logs and shift documentation
- PCP-driven goal tracking forms
- Client rights, grievance policies, and HIPAA protocols
- Transportation policies (if providing community-based services)
- Staff background checks, certifications, and ongoing training records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements: High school diploma or GED, background check, CPR/First Aid certification, DDA Core Competency training

Role: Program Supervisor or Manager

Requirements: Experience in disability services, oversees compliance, supervision, and documentation

Role: Job Coach or CDS Specialist (if offering employment/CDS)

Requirements: Knowledge of job development or community engagement; may require specialized training

Training Requirements for All Staff:

DDA Orientation and Core Competencies
Person-Centered Planning and ISP Implementation
Emergency preparedness and safety
Behavioral support and de-escalation
Transportation safety (if applicable)
Documentation and Medicaid billing protocols

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Day Program Services are reimbursed under:

Community Pathways Waiver – Full range of Meaningful Day services
Community Supports Waiver – Limited scope of Day Habilitation and CDS
Family Supports Waiver – For youth under 21 (e.g., during summer programs or school breaks)

Authorized services include: