HOME MODIFICATIONS PROVIDER IN ARKANSAS

Fatumata Kaba
2 days ago
3 min read

MAKING HOMES SAFER AND MORE ACCESSIBLE TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Home Modifications in Arkansas are designed to help individuals with developmental disabilities remain in their own homes by making necessary structural changes that improve accessibility, safety, and functionality. These services are authorized under the Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver and must be linked to goals in the participant’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Role: Authorizes and monitors home modification projects and certifies CES Waiver providers

Agency: Arkansas Medicaid / Division of Medical Services (DMS)

Role: Processes provider enrollment and Medicaid reimbursement for approved modifications

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid waiver compliance for home and community-based accessibility supports

2. HOME MODIFICATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Home Modifications include structural adaptations to a participant’s residence that are necessary to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the individual or that enable greater independence. Modifications must be pre-approved, necessary, and not purely for aesthetic or convenience purposes.

Approved providers may deliver:

Wheelchair ramps and widened doorways
Roll-in showers, grab bars, and bathroom alterations
Lowered countertops or accessible cabinetry
Stair lifts, handrails, or platform lifts
Non-slip flooring or doorway threshold adjustments
Adaptations to lighting, alarm systems, or HVAC controls
Coordination with contractors, inspectors, and DDS
Documentation of all expenses and before/after photos

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Apply through the DDS CES Waiver Provider Application
Enroll as a provider through the Arkansas Medicaid Portal
Maintain general liability and property insurance
Have appropriate contractor licenses and bonding, if performing construction
Hire or subcontract qualified professionals (e.g., builders, electricians, plumbers)

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Register with Arkansas Medicaid via the Provider Portal
Submit license, tax documents, EFT, and W-9 information

Step 2: CES Waiver Provider Application (DDS)

Submit a detailed service description, budget procedures, and staff credentials
Provide sample documentation such as job cost estimates and approval tracking forms

Step 3: Final Approval and Referrals

Once approved, receive referrals through DDS case managers for ISP-authorized modifications

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Contractor license (if applicable)
Medicaid and CES Waiver provider approval
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Pre-approval and scope of work forms
- Client intake, consent, and service authorization procedures
- Warranty and repair documentation
- Before/after photo protocols
- Financial tracking logs and vendor invoices
- Project timelines, safety compliance, and inspection checklists
- Staff/subcontractor background check and insurance documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Project Coordinator / Home Modification Supervisor

Requirements: Experience in residential construction, project management, or accessibility adaptations

Role: Licensed Contractor / Technician (if performing physical work)

Requirements:

Current Arkansas contractor license (as applicable)
Proof of bonding and liability insurance
ADA compliance knowledge preferred

Training Requirements for All Staff:

Home safety and accessibility standards
Documentation and approval workflows
HIPAA and confidentiality when entering client homes
Emergency procedures and risk mitigation

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Home Modifications are authorized under:

Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver
ARChoices in Homecare Waiver (as applicable and pre-authorized)

Approved providers may deliver:

One-time or episodic home accessibility adaptations
Consultation and project management services
Coordination with families, case managers, and inspectors
Full documentation of completed work, including cost breakdown

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid and CES Waiver Enrollment

Timeline: 45–90 days

Phase: Licensing and Bonding (if applicable)Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Staff Onboarding and Service Readiness

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Arkansas Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Email: ddsproviderinfo@dhs.arkansas.gov

Phone: (501) 683-5687

Website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/dms/dds

Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board

Website: https://aclb.arkansas.gov

Arkansas Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://portal.mmis.arkansas.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ARKANSAS HOME MODIFICATION SERVICES PROVIDER

We help builders, community-based agencies, and accessibility experts launch compliant Home Modification Services under Arkansas’s CES Waiver program.

Scope of Work: