HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 15
3 min read

CREATING SAFE, ACCESSIBLE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND COMPLEX MEDICAL NEEDS

Home Modification Services in South Dakota support individuals with disabilities or medically complex conditions by making physical changes to their homes that promote safety, accessibility, and independence. These services are available under the CHOICES Waiver, Family Support 360 Waiver, and Medically Fragile Waiver, and are authorized by the South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS). Modifications must be necessary to support the participant’s health, daily functioning, or care plan goals.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Role: Authorizes Home Modification services and ensures compliance under applicable HCBS waivers.

Agency: South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) – Medical Services Division

Role: Oversees Medicaid funding and waiver rules impacting home modifications.

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

Role: Sets federal guidelines for allowable modifications under Medicaid waiver programs.

2. HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Home modifications are permanent or semi-permanent physical changes to a residence that improve accessibility, ensure safety, and reduce dependence on caregivers.

Covered services may include:

Wheelchair ramps, handrails, and widened doorways
Accessible showers, grab bars, and roll-under sinks
Ceiling lifts or stair lifts
Lowered cabinets, switches, and thermostats
Non-slip flooring and barrier removal
Exterior lighting or motion-sensor safety features
Pre-modification assessments and post-installation inspections
Documentation of medical necessity and homeowner consent

Modifications must relate directly to the participant’s needs as documented in their Individual Service Plan (ISP).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your contracting or construction business with the South Dakota Secretary of State
Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply through DHS-DDD to become a Home Modification services provider under an HCBS waiver
Maintain general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
Employ or subcontract licensed builders or specialists (e.g., electricians, plumbers, if needed)
Develop a Home Modification Services Policy & Procedure Manual

4. SOUTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Form your business and obtain EIN/NPI

Step 2: Apply through DHS-DDD for enrollment under CHOICES, FS360, or Medically Fragile Waiver

Step 3: Submit samples of consent forms, modification plans, and documentation tools

Step 4: Complete provider orientation and compliance verification

Step 5: Begin offering modifications upon ISP authorization and funding approval

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business license, EIN, NPI
Proof of insurance and bonding
Licenses for subcontractors (if applicable)
Home Modification Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Intake process and medical justification procedures
- Homeowner permission and contractor agreement forms
- Pre- and post-modification inspection reports
- Cost estimate and Medicaid billing templates
- Participant satisfaction surveys and safety verification forms
- HIPAA compliance protocols and confidentiality agreements

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Home Modification Project Coordinator

Requirements: Experience with residential modifications, disability-related construction, or occupational therapy preferred

Role: Licensed Contractor/Subcontractor (e.g., electrician, plumber, installer)

Requirements: Active South Dakota licensure, background check, proof of insurance

All staff/subcontractors must complete:

HIPAA and safety training
Disability sensitivity and accessibility standards orientation
Documentation and billing training (for coordinators)

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Home Modification Services are available under:

CHOICES Waiver – For adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities
Family Support 360 Waiver – For children and adults with disabilities in family homes
Medically Fragile Waiver – For individuals with complex medical needs
EPSDT (under 21) – Some medically necessary home modifications may be accessed under EPSDT with physician order

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Licensing

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Provider Application & Documentation Submission

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff and Contractor Setup

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Begin Modifications

Timeline: Upon approval of specific participant plans and funding

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Dakota Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Website: https://dhs.sd.gov

South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS)

Website: https://dss.sd.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — SD HOME MODIFICATION PROVIDER

WCG helps builders, handymen, and occupational therapy consultants launch Medicaid-compliant home modification services to support accessibility and safe aging-in-place.

Scope of Work: