HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN RHODE ISLAND

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 9
3 min read

MAKING HOMES SAFER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, AGING NEEDS, AND MOBILITY LIMITATIONS

Home Modification Services in Rhode Island provide physical adaptations to a person’s primary residence to ensure accessibility, safety, and independence. These services are authorized through Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) under the 1115 Global Waiver, BHDDH IDD Waivers, and certain pediatric and aging-related supports. Modifications are typically non-routine and must be related to the individual’s disability or functional limitations.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)

Role: Manages Medicaid funding and authorizes home modifications under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)

Role: Coordinates waiver-based home modifications for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Agency: Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)**

Role: May oversee compliance for contractors providing work involving structural or health-related features.

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

Role: Regulates HCBS waiver spending and defines allowable home modifications under federal guidelines.

2. HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

These services adapt a participant’s living environment to support their health, functional needs, and ability to remain in the community.

Approved providers may deliver:

Mobility Enhancements: Ramps, widened doorways, stair glides, platform lifts.
Bathroom Modifications: Roll-in showers, grab bars, accessible toilets, sink adjustments.
Environmental Controls: Voice-activated lighting, door openers, and smart-home safety devices.
Kitchen Accessibility: Lowered counters, accessible appliances, turn-knob adaptations.
Entry and Exit Safety Features: Non-slip flooring, handrails, levered door handles.
Structural Changes: Based on ISP and authorized by a clinician or waiver case manager.
Maintenance (Limited): Repairs to existing authorized modifications.
Documentation: Pre-approval request packets, scope of work, and proof of completion.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the RI Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI (if billing Medicaid directly).
Enroll with EOHHS as a Home Modification or Environmental Adaptation provider.
For waiver-funded clients (IDD or aging), coordinate with BHDDH or waiver case managers.
Contract with licensed contractors, plumbers, and electricians (as needed).
Develop a Home Modification Services Policy & Procedure Manual covering installation standards, safety, and compliance.

4. RHODE ISLAND PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Establish your business entity, secure EIN/NPI, and insurance.

Step 2: Apply to become a Medicaid provider under home modification or assistive service categories.

Step 3: Submit proof of contractor licensing (if applicable) and sample project scopes.

Step 4: Partner with case managers to receive service requests and site assessments.

Step 5: Complete installations upon authorization and submit documentation for reimbursement.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business registration and EIN/NPI confirmations
Proof of contractor licenses and subcontractor agreements
Medicaid enrollment confirmation
Insurance certificates (general liability, workers’ comp, product liability)
Home Modification Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Authorization procedures and scope of work templates
- Safety and compliance checklists
- Participant consent and satisfaction forms
- Warranty policies and follow-up protocols
- Progress reporting and invoicing templates
- HIPAA, privacy, and incident tracking procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Home Modification Specialist / Coordinator

Requirements: Project planning, site assessments, Medicaid documentation experience.

Role: Licensed Contractor / Installer

Requirements: Valid RI contractor license, ADA compliance training preferred.

Role: Occupational Therapist (as consultant, optional)

Requirements: Licensed OT to assess adaptive needs and recommend modifications.

All staff or subcontractors must adhere to:

OSHA safety regulations
HCBS and ADA accessibility guidelines
Background checks for workers entering participants’ homes
HIPAA confidentiality and abuse prevention training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Home Modification Services are authorized under:

1115 Global Waiver (HCBS) – For adults needing physical home adaptations to remain independent
BHDDH DD Waivers – For individuals with developmental disabilities needing accessibility supports
Katie Beckett/TEFRA Program – Pediatric modifications (e.g., roll-in showers, lifts)
Self-Directed Waivers – Participants may select their own home modification providers from an approved list
State Plan (Limited) – For specific medical necessity-based items coordinated with DME