MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER IN GEORGIA

SUPPORTING HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND INDEPENDENT LIVING THROUGH NUTRITIONAL MEAL DELIVERY AND COUNSELING

Meal and Nutrition Services in Georgia help individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, and aging-related needs maintain proper nutrition and health. These services are authorized under Georgia’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, promoting better health outcomes, supporting independent living, and preventing hospitalizations due to malnutrition or related issues.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Meal and Nutrition Services

Agency: Georgia Department of Human Services – Division of Aging Services (DHS/DAS)

Role: Administers some state-funded senior nutrition programs and coordinates community meal delivery

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring nutrition services meet Medicaid HCBS standards and person-centered service requirements

2. MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Meal and Nutrition Services provide access to prepared meals and nutrition education to participants who are unable to shop for, prepare, or safely handle meals themselves.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Home-delivered meals (hot, cold, frozen, or shelf-stable)

• Special diet meals (e.g., low sodium, diabetic-friendly, renal-friendly diets)

• Nutritional counseling and dietary education (when authorized)

• Meal planning assistance based on medical needs and cultural preferences

• Emergency meals in case of service interruptions

• Coordination with care managers for ongoing nutritional monitoring

Meals must meet USDA Dietary Guidelines and support participants’ individualized service plans (ISPs).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

• Secure a Food Service Establishment License through the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) or local health department

• Maintain general liability insurance and food handler certifications

• Develop policies for food safety, meal preparation, delivery operations, and emergency response

• Comply with all USDA and Georgia Department of Public Health food service and sanitation regulations

4. DCH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request Meal and Nutrition Services provider application materials from DCH

• Attend Medicaid provider orientation sessions (recommended)

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance documentation, and Food Service Establishment License

• Provide sample menus, meal preparation policies, dietary guidelines adherence plans, and delivery tracking systems

• Submit staff background screening and food safety training documentation

Program Readiness Review:

• DCH reviews meal service readiness, compliance with nutritional guidelines, delivery verification processes, and Medicaid documentation systems

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through the Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)

• Set up billing codes for Home-Delivered Meals and/or Nutrition Counseling Services (where applicable)

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Georgia Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Food Service Establishment License (DPH or local health authority)

• Proof of general liability insurance

• DCH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Participant intake, dietary needs assessment, and nutritional goal planning

  • Menu development based on USDA and medically necessary standards

  • Meal preparation, packaging, delivery, and emergency backup procedures

  • Client rights, HIPAA confidentiality, and grievance resolution policies

  • Staff credentialing, food handler certifications, and background screening records

  • Medicaid billing, service documentation, and authorization tracking

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Meal Services Program Manager / Nutrition Coordinator

Requirements: Degree or training in nutrition, public health, food service management, or a related field preferred; background screening clearance

Role: Cooks / Meal Preparers

Requirements: Food handler certification required; experience in safe meal preparation and sanitation practices; background screening clearance

Role: Delivery Drivers

Requirements: Valid driver’s license; food safety and delivery procedure training; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

• Food safety and sanitation training (ServSafe or equivalent recommended)

• HIPAA confidentiality and client rights training

• Emergency delivery procedures and infection control training

• Annual refresher training on food handling, health standards, and documentation compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Georgia Medicaid Waivers authorize Meal and Nutrition Services:

• Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)

• New Options Waiver Program (NOW)

• Independent Care Waiver Program (ICWP) (where authorized for nutritional supports)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Regular meal deliveries tailored to participant needs

• Special dietary meal plans to support health management

• Nutritional counseling (if specifically authorized and credentialed)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Food Service Licensing Setup

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DCH Provider Application and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Menu Development, and Food Safety Training

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing System Setup

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Website: https://dch.georgia.gov/

Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)

Website: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH)

Website: https://dph.georgia.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — GEORGIA MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports providers and entrepreneurs in launching Medicaid-compliant Meal and Nutrition Services under Georgia’s HCBS waiver programs.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup

• Food Service Establishment Licensing and Medicaid provider enrollment support

• Development of Meal and Nutrition Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Staff credentialing templates and participant dietary assessment forms

• Medicaid billing setup and claims management

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Participant intake, dietary planning, and service tracking templates

• Emergency meal delivery planning and incident reporting systems

• Quality assurance programs for meal service monitoring and participant satisfaction

• Community networking and healthcare referral partnerships

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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