MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER IN MONTANA

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 6
4 min read

SUPPORTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING THROUGH NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE AND MEAL PREPARATION

Meal and Nutrition Services in Montana ensure that individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions receive nutritious meals that meet their dietary needs. These services promote health, prevent malnutrition, and enhance quality of life by delivering balanced meals and providing nutritional education. Meal and Nutrition Services are authorized under the Montana Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Meal and Nutrition Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Developmental Disabilities Program (DDP) within DPHHS

Role: Ensures quality standards, dietary compliance, and safe meal delivery for Meal and Nutrition Services within HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Meal and Nutrition Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Meal and Nutrition Services support individuals in maintaining adequate nutrition and dietary management, tailored to their health and functional needs.

Approved providers may deliver:

Meal Preparation: Daily or weekly meal preparation services to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences.
Meal Delivery: Providing prepared meals directly to the individual’s residence.
Dietary Planning: Creating customized meal plans that align with medical or nutritional requirements.
Nutritional Counseling: Educating individuals and caregivers on maintaining a balanced diet.
Specialized Diets: Preparing meals for individuals with diabetes, hypertension, celiac disease, or other dietary conditions.
Group Meals: Community-based meal programs that encourage social interaction and nutritional support.

All services are delivered in accordance with the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet dietary and nutritional needs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the Montana Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Meal and Nutrition Services provider via the Montana Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Obtain any required food service licenses from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
Develop policies for meal preparation, dietary compliance, food safety, and delivery protocols.
Ensure staff meet background checks, health screenings, and relevant food safety training.

4. MONTANA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Montana Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Meal and Nutrition Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, food safety licenses, insurance certificates, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

DPHHS reviews provider readiness, including dietary planning, food safety protocols, and meal delivery procedures.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Meal and Nutrition Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Montana Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Food Service License (if applicable)
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Meal and Nutrition Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Meal planning, preparation, and dietary compliance protocols
- Food safety and hygiene standards
- Meal delivery procedures and client intake protocols
- Staff training, background checks, and health screenings
- HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
- Billing, meal tracking, and audit readiness procedures
- Emergency food safety and incident reporting protocols

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Meal Services Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field; food safety certification (e.g., ServSafe); supervisory experience preferred.

Role: Registered Dietitians (RD)

Requirements: State licensure, nutrition planning expertise, training in specialized diets, and background clearance.

Role: Cooks and Meal Preparation Staff

Requirements: Food handling certification; experience in preparing meals for individuals with dietary restrictions; background clearance.

Role: Delivery Personnel

Requirements: Valid driver’s license, training in meal safety and handling, and background clearance.

All staff must complete: