HOME HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER IN DELAWARE

DELIVERING SKILLED NURSING AND CLINICAL CARE TO INDIVIDUALS IN THEIR HOMES TO PROMOTE STABILITY, RECOVERY, AND INDEPENDENCE

Home Health Services in Delaware offers medically necessary, skilled care to individuals in their own homes. These services are authorized under Delaware Medicaid, including the Lifespan Waiver, and are regulated by the Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA) in partnership with the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). Home Health Services are intended to prevent institutionalization and help individuals maintain their health and independence in the least restrictive environment

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)

Role: Administers Medicaid reimbursement and eligibility for skilled home health services

Agency: Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) – Office of Health Facilities Licensing and Certification

Role: Licenses and inspects Home Health Agencies (HHAs) in Delaware

Agency: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)

Role: Authorizes home health services for individuals enrolled in the Lifespan Waiver

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure services meet HCBS and Medicare/Medicaid standards

2. HOME HEALTH SERVICE OVERVIEW

Home Health Services include skilled medical care provided by licensed healthcare professionals in a person’s home. Services must be prescribed by a physician, included in the individual’s plan of care, and medically necessary.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Skilled nursing (RNs and LPNs)

• Physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech-language therapy (SLP)

• Medical social work services

• Certified nursing assistant (CNA) support under nurse supervision

• Chronic disease monitoring and medication administration

• Wound care, catheter care, and injections

• Care coordination with physicians and waiver teams

• Documentation of visits, vitals, and patient progress

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Delaware Division of Corporations

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

• Apply for a Delaware Home Health Agency (HHA) License from the Division of Public Health (DPH)

• Employ qualified, licensed nurses and therapists

• Enroll as a Medicaid Home Health Services Provider via Delaware Medicaid (DMAP)

• Maintain malpractice, general liability, and workers’ compensation insurance

• Develop HIPAA-compliant clinical and administrative documentation systems

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Form your business and obtain your NPI

Step 2: Apply for HHA Licensure through the Delaware Office of Health Facilities Licensing

• Submit policies, staffing plans, clinical protocols, and undergo inspection

Step 3: Enroll with Delaware Medicaid (DMAP) for reimbursement as a Home Health Services provider

Step 4: Coordinate with DDDS (if serving waiver participants) for referral alignment and service plan integration

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or business registration

• IRS EIN Letter

• NPI confirmation

• Delaware Home Health Agency license

• Medicaid provider enrollment approval

• Policy & procedure manual including:

  • Clinical care planning and physician order protocols

  • Nursing documentation templates and treatment logs

  • Infection control and safety standards

  • Medication administration policies

  • Emergency response procedures and on-call coverage

  • HIPAA and patient privacy procedures

  • Incident reporting and audit tracking forms

  • Staff credentialing and supervision documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Registered Nurse (RN) / Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Requirements:

• Active Delaware nursing license

• CPR certification and background check

• Experience in home care and Medicaid documentation preferred

Role: Therapist (PT, OT, SLP)

Requirements:

• Delaware licensure in respective discipline

• Experience providing community-based rehab services

Role: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Requirements:

• Delaware CNA certification

• Supervised by RN; trained in ADL support and documentation

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• HIPAA and patient confidentiality

• Emergency procedures and infection control

• Documentation and electronic health record (EHR) use

• Abuse prevention and mandatory reporting

• Annual CEUs and compliance refreshers

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Home Health Services are reimbursed under:

• Delaware Medicaid State Plan

• Delaware Lifespan Waiver (for participants with developmental disabilities)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Physician-ordered in-home medical care

• Skilled nursing, therapy, and health education

• Coordination with families, primary care providers, and DDDS teams

• Documentation that aligns with person-centered plans and treatment goals

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Home Health Agency Licensing (DPH)

Timeline: 45–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Client Referral Setup

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) – Facility Licensing

Phone: (302) 744-4700

Website: https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsp/ohflcfaq.html

Delaware Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance (DMMA)

Phone: (302) 255-9500

Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dmma

Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)

Phone: (302) 744-9600

Website: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/ddds

Delaware Medicaid Provider Enrollment (DMAP)

Website: https://www.demap.dhss.delaware.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — DELAWARE HOME HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER

We help nurses, clinicians, and care agencies launch fully licensed and Medicaid-enrolled Home Health Services programs throughout Delaware.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• Home Health Agency licensure support through DPH

• Delaware Medicaid provider enrollment and billing setup

• Policy & procedure manual for clinical care, safety, and compliance

• Templates for physician orders, daily notes, and treatment plans

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Staff credentialing trackers and licensure renewal logs

• Client intake packet, consent forms, and emergency procedures

• Incident reporting systems and audit readiness tools

• Referral networking with DDDS, hospitals, and primary care teams

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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