FAMILY MODEL RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN TENNESSEE

Fatumata Kaba
3 days ago
3 min read

CREATING STABLE, SUPPORTIVE HOME ENVIRONMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES THROUGH FAMILY-BASED CARE

Family Model Residential Services (also known as Host Home or Companion Care) provides adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) the opportunity to live in a private home setting with a trained caregiver or family, rather than in a group facility. These services are authorized under TennCare’s Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES program and select 1915(c) Waivers, ensuring individuals receive person-centered support in the least restrictive setting possible.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid)

Role: Manages waiver services and provider reimbursement for family model supports.

Agency: Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)

Role: Certifies Family Model providers, conducts home inspections, matches participants with host families, and ensures compliance with ISP requirements.

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

Role: Approves and oversees Medicaid waivers and federal HCBS setting requirements.

2. FAMILY MODEL RESIDENTIAL SERVICES OVERVIEW

These services allow an adult with I/DD to reside in the private home of a trained caregiver (host family) who provides supervision, personal care, skill-building, and community involvement. Unlike traditional group homes, family model care offers a more intimate, individualized support structure.

Core services provided by host families include:

24/7 supervision and companionship
Personal care (bathing, hygiene, dressing, medication reminders)
Meal preparation and nutrition support
Community access and recreational activities
Daily living skill development
Participation in ISP and coordination with the support team
Behavioral support and safety monitoring (when applicable)

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Tennessee Secretary of State (if operating as an agency)
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply for provider approval through DIDD as a Family Model Residential Services provider
Develop a screening, training, and monitoring system for host families
Maintain liability insurance
Develop a Family Model Services Policy & Procedure Manual

4. TENNESSEE PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register as a provider or business entity and acquire NPI/EIN

Step 2: Apply to DIDD for certification under Family Model Residential Services

Step 3: Submit home study procedures, host family screening criteria, training materials, and sample documentation

Step 4: Complete initial inspection of potential host homes and host training

Step 5: Upon ISP team approval, begin accepting referrals and providing services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business registration, EIN, NPI (if applicable)
Host family application, home inspection checklist, and training records
Participant-caregiver matching process
Family Model Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant safety and emergency response protocols
- ISP integration and daily activity documentation
- Behavior intervention protocols and de-escalation plans
- Transportation policies and supervision guidelines
- Incident reporting, grievance resolution, and quality assurance standards
- Host family support, monitoring, and respite coverage procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Host Family / Primary Caregiver

Requirements: Background check, home inspection, completion of DIDD training, CPR/First Aid, abuse prevention

Role: Program Coordinator (if agency-based)

Requirements: Experience in residential care, ISP coordination, and provider monitoring

Role: Behavioral Specialist or Nurse (optional)

Purpose: To support individuals with complex needs requiring behavioral or medical oversight

All host families must complete:

DIDD-approved training and certification
HIPAA, abuse prevention, and emergency preparedness training
Ongoing competency evaluations and ISP participation
Home inspections and health/safety compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Family Model Residential Services are approved under:

ECF CHOICES – For adults with I/DD needing supportive, non-institutional residential options
1915(c) Waivers (Comprehensive or SD Waiver) – Based on participant’s level of need and support model preferences
Katie Beckett (limited settings for youth) – Only when paired with extensive oversight and approved through the ISP team

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Initial Training

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: DIDD Enrollment & Home Study Setup

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Host Family Recruitment & Documentation

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Service Launch & Participant Matching

Timeline: Begins once ISP authorizations and compatibility are confirmed

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)

Website: https://www.tn.gov/didd

TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid Program)

Website: https://www.tn.gov/tenncare

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

FAMILY MODEL RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN TENNESSEE

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — TN FAMILY MODEL RESIDENTIAL PROVIDER

WCG helps new providers and established agencies design, license, and operate Family Model Residential programs that meet waiver standards and provide meaningful community-based living options.

Scope of Work: