MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER IN LOUISIANA

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 12, 2025
4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

SUPPORTING HEALTH, WELLNESS, AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH MEDICALLY TAILORED MEALS AND DIETARY EDUCATION

Meal and Nutrition Services in Louisiana provide eligible Medicaid waiver participants with access to nutritionally balanced meals, specialized dietary supports, and food-related education. These services are designed to help individuals maintain their health, manage chronic conditions, and remain safely in their homes or community settings, reducing the risk of hospitalization or institutional care.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) — Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS) & Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)

Role: Administers HCBS waivers and defines eligibility and service coverage criteria for nutrition services

Agency: Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) / Molina Medicaid Solutions

Role: Manages provider enrollment, claims submission, and reimbursement processes

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure nutrition-related services meet HCBS waiver requirements

Agency: Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)** (under Bayou Health for applicable enrollees)

Role: Authorize meals and nutritional support services through the participant’s Plan of Care (POC)

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Meal and Nutrition Services offer in-home meal delivery, nutritional counseling, and education to participants who are at nutritional risk or unable to prepare balanced meals due to disability, aging, or medical conditions.

Approved services may include:

Home-delivered meals (daily, weekly, or as prescribed)
Medically tailored meals (e.g., for diabetes, renal disease, or swallowing difficulties)
Meal planning and menu customization based on the participant’s dietary restrictions
Nutrition education for participants and caregivers
Consultation with Registered Dietitians (RDs) or Nutritionists
Monitoring of nutritional status and support for weight management or malnutrition prevention

All services must be medically necessary and reflected in the participant’s Plan of Care, with physician referral or dietitian assessment as applicable.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Louisiana Secretary of State
Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Enroll as a provider via the Louisiana Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Maintain food service operation certification through the Louisiana Department of Health – Sanitarian Services
Maintain general liability and food handling insurance
Employ or contract with a Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Develop a Meal and Nutrition Services Policy & Procedure Manual
Ensure HIPAA-compliant data tracking and delivery documentation systems

4. LOUISIANA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Enrollment

Apply under service categories for Home-Delivered Meals, Nutrition Counseling, or Specialized Medical Supports as applicable by waiver

Step 2: Submit Documentation

Provide food safety certificates, business license, insurance, sample menus, and staffing credentials

Step 3: Credentialing with MCOs or Waiver Teams

Complete enrollment with Louisiana Medicaid MCOs (if applicable), or coordinate with waiver case managers

Step 4: Begin Services Upon Authorization

Review participant dietary needs
Deliver meals or initiate education sessions
Document all services and submit claims based on approved units

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Louisiana business license
IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
Proof of insurance (general liability, food service liability)
LDH Food Establishment permit and sanitation inspection report
Meal and Nutrition Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Intake and nutrition risk screening tools
- Sample menus with dietary labeling
- Delivery schedules and confirmation forms
- Participant dietary goals and tracking logs
- HIPAA-compliant nutrition consultation forms
- Staff credentials and continuing education logs
- Emergency meal delivery protocol and food safety procedures
- Billing logs and audit-ready service records

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) / Licensed Dietitian (LDN)

Requirements: Louisiana license; responsible for assessments, menu planning, participant education, and documentation

Role: Food Service Manager / Kitchen Coordinator

Requirements: Certified in food safety; experience with mass meal prep, storage, and delivery logistics

Role: Delivery Staff / Nutrition Aide

Requirements: Trained in food handling and participant confidentiality; background check clearance

All staff must complete:

HIPAA and participant rights training
Food safety and infection control protocols
Documentation and emergency response training
Annual continuing education in nutrition or food service management

7. MEDICAID PROGRAMS & HCBS WAIVERS

Meal and Nutrition Services are covered under:

Community Choices Waiver (CCW)
Residential Options Waiver (ROW)
New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
Supports Waiver
Children’s Choice Waiver (nutrition counseling and caregiver training)
May also support Money Follows the Person (MFP) transitions

Delivery settings include:

Participant’s home
Adult day health centers or community sites (as applicable)
Virtual education or tele-nutrition sessions (with prior approval)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Licensing

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Food Service Certification and Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Menu Development

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Participant Referrals and Program Launch

Timeline: Rolling, based on authorization and dietary assessments

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Louisiana Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.lamedicaid.com

Louisiana Department of Health – Food Safety Section

Website: https://ldh.la.gov/page/658

Louisiana Department of Health (LDH)

Website: https://ldh.la.gov

Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)

Website: https://ldh.la.gov/page/121

Office of Aging and Adult Services (OAAS)

Website: https://ldh.la.gov/page/119

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — LOUISIANA MEAL & NUTRITION PROVIDER

WCG helps nutritionists, home health agencies, and food service companies launch compliant and impactful Meal & Nutrition Services across Louisiana.

Scope of Work:

Medicaid enrollment and waiver-specific credentialing
Policy & Procedure Manual for meal services, nutrition education, and documentation
Menu planning templates, intake forms, and dietary tracking logs
HIPAA-compliant delivery documentation and consent forms
Food safety guidance and emergency meal protocols
Referral tools for waiver teams and chronic care partners