NON-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

CONNECTING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO COMMUNITY LIFE THROUGH SAFE AND DEPENDABLE TRANSPORTATION

Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) Services in South Dakota support individuals with disabilities by providing rides to and from waiver-authorized programs, employment, and community activities that promote inclusion and independence. These services are available under the CHOICES Waiver, Family Support 360 Waiver, and Medically Fragile Waiver, and are authorized by the South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

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

Role: Oversees waiver-funded transportation services and authorizes provider enrollment.

Agency: South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) – Driver Licensing and Vehicle Regulations

Role: Enforces driver background checks, insurance, and vehicle safety compliance.

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

Role: Establishes federal standards for transportation services within Medicaid waiver programs.

2. NON-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) enables participants to access day programs, community events, supported employment, and other services in their Individual Service Plan (ISP).

Approved providers may offer:

• One-way or round-trip rides to and from authorized waiver services

• Transportation to community activities or job sites

• Vehicle assistance for wheelchair users or mobility-impaired riders

• Escort support during transit (if needed)

• Tracking logs and service documentation

• Coordination with case managers and direct service staff

Note: NMT must be tied to a specific service goal in the participant’s approved plan and does not include emergency or medical transportation (which is billed separately).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the South Dakota Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI

• Apply to DHS-DDD as a CHOICES or FS360 Waiver transportation provider

• Maintain commercial vehicle insurance, liability, and workers’ compensation coverage

• Ensure all drivers have clean driving records and background checks

• Develop a Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual

4. SOUTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business and secure EIN/NPI

Step 2: Apply through DHS-DDD as a transportation service provider

Step 3: Submit vehicle safety plan, staff credentials, and policy manual

Step 4: Complete site or readiness review (if required)

Step 5: Start services for authorized participants once approved

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Business license, EIN, and NPI

• Vehicle insurance and inspection records

• Commercial driver licenses (if applicable)

• Transportation Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Trip documentation and daily mileage logs

  • Emergency protocols and accident response procedures

  • Participant safety and accessibility standards

  • Escort policy (if applicable)

  • HIPAA compliance and confidentiality policy

  • Medicaid billing and verification forms

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Transportation Driver

Requirements: Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, background check, CPR/First Aid preferred

Role: Transportation Coordinator (optional)

Requirements: Oversees routing, scheduling, safety compliance, and service documentation

All staff must complete:

• HIPAA and passenger rights training

• Defensive driving and disability awareness training

• Emergency preparedness and accident reporting protocols

• Annual driving record reviews and in-service refreshers

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Non-Medical Transportation is covered through:

• CHOICES Waiver – For adults with IDD accessing day programs or supported employment

• Family Support 360 Waiver – For children and adults in family home settings

• Medically Fragile Waiver – For individuals who need safe access to community-based supports

• Not covered by Medicaid State Plan – Separate from emergency/medical transport benefits

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Vehicle Readiness

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring & Safety Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Begin Transportation Services

Timeline: Upon approval and participant referral

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Website: https://dhs.sd.gov

South Dakota Department of Public Safety – Driver Licensing and Inspection

Website: https://dps.sd.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — SD NON-MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION PROVIDER

WCG supports transportation providers in launching safe, compliant, and efficient non-medical transit services that help Medicaid waiver participants thrive in the community.

Scope of Work:

• DHS waiver provider enrollment and business setup

• Transportation Policy & Procedure Manual development

• Vehicle checklists and daily trip log templates

• Staff onboarding, safety training tools, and incident forms

• HIPAA-compliant scheduling and billing support systems

• Participant ride authorization and documentation trackers

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.