MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH DAKOTA

SUPPORTING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING THROUGH NUTRITIOUS MEAL PREPARATION AND DIETARY PLANNING

Meal and Nutrition Services in North Dakota assist individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges by providing access to nutritious meals, dietary planning, and nutritional education. These services aim to maintain health, manage dietary restrictions, and promote independence. Meal and Nutrition Services are authorized under North Dakota Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

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

Agency: North Dakota Medical Services Division (MSD)

Role: Manages Medicaid waiver services and oversees Medicaid provider participation.

Agency: North Dakota Division of Aging Services

Role: Provides oversight for meal and nutrition services targeting elderly individuals and adults with disabilities.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Meal and Nutrition Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.

2. MEAL AND NUTRITION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Meal and Nutrition Services provide essential support to individuals who need assistance with meal preparation, dietary planning, and nutritional guidance to maintain their health and well-being.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Meal Preparation: Cooking and serving nutritionally balanced meals tailored to dietary needs.

• Meal Delivery: Bringing prepared meals to the individual's residence.

• Dietary Planning: Creating meal plans based on medical conditions, dietary restrictions, and nutritional goals.

• Nutritional Counseling: Educating individuals on healthy eating and dietary management.

• Special Diet Meals: Preparing meals for specific conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.

• Food Safety Education: Teaching safe food handling and proper storage practices.

• Shopping Assistance: Helping individuals purchase groceries and essential food items.

• Group Meal Programs: Providing meals in a social setting to encourage community involvement.

• Diet Monitoring: Tracking nutritional intake and ensuring adherence to dietary plans.

• Documentation: Keeping accurate records of meals served, dietary plans, and client feedback.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State.

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

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Meal and Nutrition Services provider via the North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for meal planning, safety protocols, and dietary management.

• Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and training in food safety and nutrition.

4. NORTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the North Dakota MMIS for Meal and Nutrition Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, nutrition policies, and staff training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

• NDDHS and MSD evaluate provider readiness, including dietary planning protocols, safety measures, and staff qualifications.

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 (North Dakota Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Meal and Nutrition Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Meal planning, preparation, and dietary management procedures

  • Nutritional counseling and food safety protocols

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Documentation standards for service tracking and Medicaid billing

  • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

  • Safety, infection control, and hygiene practices

  • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Nutrition Program Director

Requirements: Registered Dietitian (RD) license, Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nutrition or Dietetics; experience in meal planning and program management.

Role: Dietitians/Nutritionists

Requirements: State licensure and certification in dietetics or nutrition; experience in dietary planning and meal preparation.

Role: Meal Preparation Staff

Requirements: Experience in food service, meal preparation, and dietary compliance; food handler certification preferred.

Role: Delivery Drivers

Requirements: Valid driver’s license; experience in meal delivery and customer service; background clearance.

All staff must complete:

• Training in meal preparation, dietary planning, and food safety

• HIPAA compliance and participant rights education

• Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development

• Safety, hygiene, and emergency response training

• Documentation and record-keeping best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Meal and Nutrition Services are available under the following North Dakota Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver

• Technology Dependent Waiver

• Developmental Disabilities Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: North Dakota Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/

North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

North Dakota Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

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

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Meal and Nutrition Services in North Dakota, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

• Policy manual development for dietary planning and meal safety

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and compliance documentation

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and client outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for meal service and compliance monitoring

• Collaboration with dietitians, healthcare providers, and community organizations

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.