HABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH DAKOTA

SUPPORTING SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PERSON-CENTERED INTERVENTIONS

Habilitation Services in North Dakota assist individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions in acquiring, maintaining, and improving the skills necessary for daily living and community involvement. These services focus on developing self-care abilities, communication, and social skills, promoting independence and enhancing quality of life. Habilitation Services are authorized under North Dakota Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Habilitation Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: North Dakota Medical Services Division (MSD)

Role: Manages Medicaid waiver services and oversees Medicaid provider participation.

Agency: North Dakota Division of Aging Services

Role: Provides oversight for habilitation services targeting elderly individuals and adults with disabilities.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Habilitation Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.

2. HABILITATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Habilitation Services focus on skill development and maintenance to promote autonomy and community participation. These services are tailored to the individual’s unique needs and goals.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Personal Skill Development: Training in hygiene, grooming, and daily self-care routines.

• Social Interaction Skills: Teaching communication, relationship-building, and conflict resolution.

• Community Living Skills: Budgeting, meal planning, and using public transportation.

• Vocational Training: Preparing for employment through skills workshops and on-the-job support.

• Educational Support: Assisting with literacy, numeracy, and lifelong learning activities.

• Behavioral Interventions: Addressing behavioral challenges and promoting positive interactions.

• Adaptive Skills Training: Developing coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills.

• Recreational and Leisure Activities: Encouraging participation in hobbies and group events.

• Peer Mentoring: Promoting support through interaction with peers who have successfully integrated.

• Documentation: Keeping records of goals, progress, and individualized habilitation plans.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State.

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Habilitation Services provider via the North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for skill training, behavior management, and community integration.

• Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and training in habilitation practices.

4. NORTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the North Dakota MMIS for Habilitation Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, habilitation policies, and staff training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

• NDDHS and MSD evaluate provider readiness, including training protocols, safety standards, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Habilitation Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (North Dakota Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Habilitation Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Skill development and daily living training protocols

  • Social integration and vocational support guidelines

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Documentation standards for care tracking and Medicaid billing

  • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

  • Safety, hygiene, and emergency response protocols

  • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Habilitation Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work, human services, or healthcare administration; experience in habilitation program management.

Role: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

Requirements: Experience in personal care, community engagement, and skill development; background clearance.

Role: Behavioral Specialists

Requirements: Certification in applied behavior analysis (ABA) or similar qualifications; experience with behavioral interventions.

Role: Skill Development Coordinators

Requirements: Experience in vocational training, community integration, and personal care education.

All staff must complete:

• Training in person-centered planning, skill development, and community inclusion

• HIPAA compliance and participant rights education

• Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development

• Safety, emergency response, and behavior management training

• Documentation and record-keeping best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Habilitation Services are available under the following North Dakota Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver

• Technology Dependent Waiver

• Developmental Disabilities Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: North Dakota Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/

North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NORTH DAKOTA HABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Habilitation Services in North Dakota, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

• Policy manual development for habilitation training and client safety

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and compliance documentation

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and community outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for skill development and compliance monitoring

• Collaboration with healthcare providers, community organizations, and vocational trainers

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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