INTERDISCIPLINARY GROUP (IDG) SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALABAMA

Fatumata Kaba
Jun 30
4 min read

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES THROUGH TEAM-BASED SERVICE PLANNING AND CARE COORDINATION

Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) Services in Alabama are designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by coordinating a team of professionals who work collaboratively to assess needs, develop individualized service plans, and monitor outcomes. The IDG model ensures that all aspects of an individual’s life—medical, behavioral, social, and developmental—are considered in service planning. IDG Services are authorized under Alabama’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and follow protocols established by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)

Role: Approves providers, defines IDG structure and service expectations, and ensures ongoing quality assurance

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency

Role: Manages Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement for IDG-related services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with team-based care planning within HCBS waiver programs

2. INTERDISCIPLINARY GROUP (IDG) SERVICE OVERVIEW

IDG Services involves a collaborative team that meets regularly to evaluate an individual’s progress and update their person-centered plan. Each team includes professionals from multiple disciplines, family members, and the individual receiving services. The purpose of the IDG is to:

Conduct comprehensive assessments
Develop, review, and revise person-centered service plans
Coordinate supports across all service domains (health, behavioral, habilitative, vocational, etc.)
Monitor individual outcomes and quality of services
Ensure ongoing communication among providers, families, and caregivers

The IDG must include the individual, a qualified case manager, and relevant service providers, including clinical and behavioral specialists when applicable.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Alabama Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Maintain an office location or provide documentation of virtual coordination capacity
Employ or contract with qualified professionals representing multiple service disciplines
Demonstrate the ability to maintain documentation of team meetings, plan reviews, and service coordination
Establish systems for data collection, progress tracking, and team communication

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Interdisciplinary Group Services Provider Application Packet from ADMH
Submit an operational plan detailing team composition, coordination tools, and meeting schedules
Include confidentiality practices, decision-making protocols, and family involvement strategies

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks for all professionals involved in direct coordination or planning
Licensure and certification verification for clinical, behavioral, and support team members
Staff training documentation for person-centered planning and HCBS waiver requirements

Program Readiness Review:

Review of team coordination tools (agendas, templates, consent forms)
Evaluation of internal communication and documentation systems
Policies for team member roles, plan updates, conflict resolution, and plan review schedules

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon ADMH approval, enroll with Alabama Medicaid as a provider of IDG Services
Add appropriate billing codes for team coordination and person-centered planning services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Office lease or virtual service infrastructure documentation
Professional licensure and insurance documentation for team members
ADMH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- IDG structure, member roles, and participation guidelines
- Person-centered planning and reassessment procedures
- Documentation protocols for meetings and decisions
- Conflict resolution and grievance policies
- Confidentiality, emergency, and fraud prevention procedures
- Progress tracking forms, service review logs, and consumer satisfaction tools
Signed service plans, meeting attendance logs, and consent forms

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: IDG Coordinator

Requirements: Background in social services, case management, or program coordination; experience with interdisciplinary planning

Role: Licensed Clinical or Behavioral Professional (e.g., RN, BCBA, LPC)Requirements: State license or national certification; knowledge of HCBS waiver services

Role: Support Staff or Note-Taker

Requirements: Organizational and documentation skills; training in confidentiality and recordkeeping

All staff must complete: