MEAL & NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

PROMOTING HEALTH, DIGNITY, AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND AGING POPULATIONS

Meal and Nutrition Services in South Dakota ensure that eligible individuals receive safe, nourishing meals that meet their dietary needs and support their ability to remain at home. These services are available under the CHOICES Waiver, Family Support 360 Waiver, Medically Fragile Waiver, and State-funded Nutrition Programs for Older Adults. Meals may be delivered to the home or provided in a congregate setting and are tailored to the individual's health conditions, preferences, and cultural needs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Role: Authorizes waiver-funded meals and nutrition services for participants under CHOICES and FS360.

Agency: South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) – Division of Adult Services and Aging

Role: Coordinates State-funded meals and nutrition programs for eligible older adults.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Oversees federal Medicaid standards for waiver-based nutrition and meal delivery services.

2. MEAL & NUTRITION SERVICES OVERVIEW

These services ensure participants maintain adequate nutrition and hydration, particularly when they are unable to prepare meals independently or require specific dietary management.

Services may include:

• Home-Delivered Meals (frozen or hot, per schedule)

• Congregate Meals at licensed adult day or community centers

• Nutrition Education and Meal Planning Support

• Special Diet Meals (diabetic, renal, pureed, allergen-free, etc.)

• Grocery Shopping Support (when allowed under the plan)

• Dietary Consultation with Licensed Dietitians (optional)

• Meal Logs, Delivery Documentation, and Care Coordination

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with the South Dakota Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI

• Apply through DHS or DSS depending on waiver or state nutrition program

• Comply with state and local food safety regulations

• Develop a Meal & Nutrition Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• If preparing meals, follow South Dakota Department of Health Food Service Licensing rules

4. SOUTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business and obtain EIN/NPI

Step 2: Apply to DHS-DDD (for CHOICES/FS360) or DSS (for State Aging Services) as a food service or meal provider

Step 3: Submit menus, nutrition protocols, and delivery plans

Step 4: Provide proof of food safety certification and inspection (if applicable)

Step 5: Receive participant referrals and begin meal service

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation, EIN, NPI

• Food safety certification/license (if preparing meals)

• Meal & Nutrition Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

  • Meal prep and delivery protocols

  • Nutritional standards and diet accommodations

  • Temperature monitoring and food safety logs

  • Documentation and verification of meals delivered

  • HIPAA-compliant participant logs and feedback forms

  • Billing forms tied to waiver service codes

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Meal Prep Staff / Delivery Driver

Requirements: Food handler certification, background check, CPR/First Aid (preferred)

Role: Nutrition Coordinator / Dietary Consultant (optional)

Requirements: Licensed Dietitian (if offering meal planning or education)

All staff must complete:

• HIPAA and participant privacy training

• Food safety and handling training

• Emergency protocols for missed deliveries or dietary errors

• Documentation and waiver billing orientation

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Meal and Nutrition Services are offered through:

• CHOICES Waiver – Home-delivered or day program meals for adults with IDD

• Family Support 360 Waiver – Meals for children/adults living with family

• Medically Fragile Waiver – Meals prescribed by physician or dietitian

• State Aging Services Nutrition Program – For seniors through DSS

• EPSDT (under 21) – Nutritional support when part of the care plan

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration & Food Safety Planning

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Provider Enrollment & Policy Manual Completion

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training & Menu Prep

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Begin Meal Delivery

Timeline: After service authorization or DSS referral

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Dakota Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Website: https://dhs.sd.gov

South Dakota Department of Social Services – Adult Services and Aging

Website: https://dss.sd.gov

South Dakota Department of Health – Food Licensing

Website: https://doh.sd.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

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

WCG helps meal providers, day centers, and home-delivery kitchens launch and scale compliant Medicaid-funded nutrition services throughout South Dakota.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and DHS/DSS provider enrollment

• Policy Manual for meal service and delivery operations

• Menu planning guides and nutrition compliance checklists

• Delivery logs, special diet forms, and billing tools

• Food safety protocols and inspection readiness

• HIPAA documentation and participant satisfaction templates

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.