GROUP HOME SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALASKA

Fatumata Kaba
5 days ago
4 min read

DELIVERING 24/7 SUPPORT IN A COMMUNITY-BASED SETTING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Group Home Services in Alaska provide structured, 24-hour residential care in a licensed setting for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who require ongoing support. Offered under Alaska’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs, group homes ensure safety, personal development, and community integration in a shared-living environment that promotes choice, independence, and person-centered care.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)Role: Licenses and monitors group homes, ensures service quality, and enforces compliance with HCBS and residential care regulations

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)Role: Administers Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Group Home Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure services meet HCBS person-centered, community-based care requirements

2. GROUP HOME SERVICE OVERVIEW

Group Home Services offer supervised residential care and support for individuals who need assistance with daily living tasks, behavior support, and health monitoring in a community-based, licensed group setting. Services focus on helping residents reach their highest level of independence while being part of a shared home.

Approved providers may deliver:

24/7 supervision and assistance with ADLs (bathing, dressing, grooming)
Medication administration and health-related services
Behavior management and individualized skill-building
Meal preparation and dietary accommodations
Household cleaning and laundry assistance
Social, recreational, and community engagement activities
Documentation of daily progress and incidents

Group Homes must comply with environmental, staffing, and health & safety standards set by SDS and state licensing authorities.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Apply for and obtain a Residential Assisted Living License through the Division of Health Care Services
Maintain adequate insurance (general liability, workers’ comp, vehicle if applicable)
Ensure group home meets local fire, health, and safety codes
Establish systems for scheduling, supervision, documentation, and staff training

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Contact SDS to request the Group Home Services Provider Application Packet
Attend SDS residential services orientation or training (recommended)

Application and Program Review:

Submit a complete business and program plan, including house operations, staffing, and individualized support models
Include floor plans, fire inspection approvals, and zoning verification
Provide staff job descriptions, emergency procedures, and behavior support policies

Readiness Inspection:

SDS and licensing authorities conduct a physical inspection of the group home
Staff credentialing, background checks, and first aid/CPR verification
Review of compliance with training standards and individualized support documentation

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once SDS and licensing approval is granted, enroll through Alaska MMIS as a Medicaid Group Home Services provider
Select appropriate billing codes under the relevant HCBS Waivers
Finalize Medicaid provider agreement and electronic claims access

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Residential Assisted Living Home License
Proof of home location (lease, deed) and fire safety inspection
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Admission, intake, and discharge procedures
- Staff-to-resident ratio policies and supervision schedules
- ADL support, health monitoring, and medication administration protocols
- Emergency and fire evacuation plans
- Participant rights, privacy, and personal choice protocols
- Behavior support planning and incident reporting systems
- Daily documentation, progress notes, and staff training logs
- Transportation, meal planning, and community engagement policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: House Manager / Program Supervisor

Requirements: Experience managing residential programs, knowledge of HCBS standards, supervisory experience

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements: High school diploma or GED, training in personal care, CPR/First Aid certification, background clearance

All staff must complete:

SDS orientation and waiver program training
Medication administration and ADL support protocols
Behavior support and crisis intervention training
Documentation and confidentiality standards
Ongoing annual training in ethics, safety, and quality assurance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alaska Medicaid Waivers authorize Group Home Services:

Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver
Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) Waiver
Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver (for licensed group homes serving minors)

Approved providers may deliver: