NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER IN CONNECTICUT

IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES THROUGH PERSONALIZED MEAL PLANNING, ASSESSMENTS, AND DIETARY SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS AT HOME

Nutrition Services in Connecticut supports individuals who require professional dietary guidance due to chronic illness, developmental disabilities, aging-related needs, or post-acute conditions. These services are available under the Connecticut Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, including the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver, and Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waivers, and are overseen by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver programs and authorizes nutrition-related services and supports

Agency: Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH)

Role: Licenses and registers dietitians and monitors compliance with public health standards

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures waiver-funded services meet federal HCBS and medical necessity standards

2. NUTRITION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Nutrition Services provides individualized assessments, care plans, education, and follow-up support to help individuals maintain or improve their health status through proper diet and nutrition.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Comprehensive nutritional assessments

• Development of personalized meal plans

• Counseling for chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, malnutrition)

• Feeding support and caregiver education

• Collaboration with care teams and primary care providers

• Documentation of progress and outcomes

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Connecticut Secretary of the State

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

• Hold a valid Connecticut dietitian-nutritionist license (LDN) from DPH

• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Connecticut DSS Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

• Maintain liability insurance and HIPAA-compliant documentation systems

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Obtain or Verify LDN Credential

• Apply through the Connecticut Department of Public Health with documentation of RD credential and education

Step 2: Medicaid Enrollment via DSS

• Apply through the Connecticut Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

• Submit license, NPI, business registration, and scope of services

Step 3: Coordinate with Care Managers

• Receive referrals and authorizations for services as part of CHCPE or other waiver plans

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration

• IRS EIN Letter

• NPI confirmation

• Connecticut dietitian-nutritionist license (LDN)

• DSS Medicaid provider approval

• Policy & procedure manual including:

  • Assessment templates and nutrition care plans

  • Documentation of visits, notes, and meal plans

  • Client rights, HIPAA compliance, and informed consent

  • Follow-up scheduling, education materials, and outcome tracking

  • Emergency protocols and referral guidelines

  • Credentialing and continuing education logs

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

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

• Active Connecticut LDN license and RD credential

• Experience in clinical nutrition, home-based care, or long-term services

• CPR/First Aid certification (recommended)

Training Requirements:

• HIPAA and confidentiality

• Cultural competence in dietary counseling

• Waiver documentation and person-centered planning

• Annual CEUs for license renewal and Medicaid compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Nutrition Services are reimbursed under:

• Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE)

• Personal Care Assistance (PCA) Waiver

• Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waivers I & II

• Medically Complex Children’s Waiver (for pediatric nutrition support)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Home-based assessments and nutrition planning

• Dietary interventions aligned with waiver care plans

• Nutritional counseling and caregiver education

• Documentation that meets DSS and CMS audit requirements

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: LDN Licensing (if not already licensed)Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: DSS Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Referral Networking and Readiness

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) – Dietitian Licensing

Phone: (860) 509-7603

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DPH

Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

Email: dss.ctmedical@ct.gov

Website: https://portal.ct.gov/DSS

Connecticut Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.ctdssmap.com

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — CONNECTICUT NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER

We help registered dietitians and licensed nutritionists establish Medicaid-compliant Nutrition Services for waiver-eligible participants in Connecticut.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• DPH LDN licensing and DSS Medicaid enrollment support

• Policy & procedure manual for assessments, documentation, and follow-up

• Templates for care plans, visit logs, and nutrition assessments

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs

• Client intake packet, consent forms, and education materials

• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools

• Referral networking with primary care physicians, care managers, and support teams

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.