HOMEMAKER SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALABAMA

Fatumata Kaba
Jun 28
3 min read

Updated: Jun 30

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN MAINTAINING A CLEAN, SAFE, AND HEALTHY HOME ENVIRONMENT

Homemaker Services in Alabama are designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by providing assistance with routine household tasks necessary to maintain a safe and sanitary living environment. These non-medical services are intended to promote independence and prevent institutionalization. Homemaker Services are authorized under Alabama’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must comply with standards set by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)

Role: Regulates provider qualifications, service delivery standards, and monitors compliance under HCBS waivers

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency

Role: Oversees provider enrollment, billing procedures, and Medicaid reimbursement for Homemaker Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures federal compliance and alignment with HCBS waiver requirements for in-home support services

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services assist individuals with IDD in performing household tasks they cannot manage independently. These services are person-centered and included in the individual’s service plan. Approved providers may deliver:

Cleaning of living areas, including kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms
Laundry and linen changes
Dishwashing and kitchen sanitization
Meal preparation and planning (excluding feeding assistance)
Trash removal and light household organization
Grocery shopping and household supply errands (as part of the service plan)

Homemaker Services are strictly non-medical and do not include personal care, supervision, or hands-on physical assistance with ADLs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alabama Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Maintain an office location or mobile service capacity in Alabama
Hire trained staff capable of providing homemaker tasks with attention to safety and sanitation
Implement policies for documentation, scheduling, and quality assurance
Establish systems for staff supervision, time tracking, and service verification

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Homemaker Services Provider Application Packet from ADMH
Submit a service model outlining task schedules, quality control, staff roles, and emergency response protocols
Include documentation templates for homemaker logs, consent forms, and task checklists

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks for all direct support staff
Verification of staff eligibility and training in safe housekeeping practices
Drug screening and documentation of non-medical service qualifications

Program Readiness Review:

Review of cleaning supply usage, safety protocols, and client interaction standards
Evaluation of internal documentation systems and time log accuracy
Policies for emergency procedures, consumer feedback, and complaint resolution

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once approved by ADMH, complete enrollment with Alabama Medicaid as a Homemaker Services provider
Add applicable billing codes and service units to Medicaid provider profile

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Office lease or proof of mobile/home-based service capability
ADMH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Task documentation procedures and daily service logs
- Staff qualifications and scheduling practices
- Confidentiality and consumer rights policies
- Emergency response, fraud prevention, and infection control guidelines
- Complaint resolution, grievance procedures, and safety standards
Staff job descriptions and training records
Signed consumer service agreements and consent forms