NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER IN IDAHO
- Fatumata Kaba
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
SUPPORTING HEALTH, INDEPENDENCE, AND WELL-BEING THROUGH MEDICAID HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED NUTRITION SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Nutrition Services in Idaho help individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, and age-related needs maintain optimal health through personalized meal planning, nutrition counseling, and specialized meal preparation. These services are available through Idaho Medicaid's Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Programs, including the Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver, the Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver, and the Children's Developmental Disabilities Waiver.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW)
Role: Administers Medicaid waiver programs and oversees nutrition services providers.
Agency: Division of Medicaid — Idaho Medicaid
Role: Reimburses authorized providers delivering nutrition counseling and support under HCBS waivers.
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring compliance with Medicaid HCBS rules.
2. NUTRITION SERVICES OVERVIEW
Nutrition services are designed to meet participants' dietary needs, prevent health complications, and promote better health outcomes. Services may include:
Nutrition assessment and individualized care planning
Meal planning and education tailored to medical and cultural needs
Dietary counseling for chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
Specialized meal preparation guidance (as outlined in the care plan)
Training for caregivers on nutritional care
Ongoing monitoring and documentation of nutrition outcomes
Services must be included in the participant’s approved service plan and delivered according to waiver-specific guidelines.
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
Register your business with the Idaho Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Agency-based providers: Enroll as a Medicaid provider through Idaho’s Medicaid Provider Enrollment portal
Nutritionists or dietitians must hold an active state license through the Idaho Board of Medicine (Licensed Dietitian, LD credential)
Maintain liability insurance
Complete required background checks for staff and contractors
4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Option A: Agency-Based Provider
Apply via the Idaho Medicaid Provider Enrollment portal
Submit business documents, NPI, staff credentials, and service descriptions
Select relevant HCBS waiver program categories
Option B: Individual Licensed Dietitian
Apply directly through Idaho Medicaid's individual enrollment
Attach licensure documentation and background checks
Coordinate services with waiver case managers
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Articles of Incorporation or business registration
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Idaho Dietitian license (if applicable)
Medicaid enrollment approval
Policy & procedure manual including:
Nutrition assessment and documentation procedures
Participant intake and education forms
Confidentiality, HIPAA, and participant rights protocols
Emergency and incident reporting policies
Quality assurance and service evaluation templates
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Licensed Dietitian / Nutrition Specialist
Requirements:
Active Idaho Licensed Dietitian (LD) credential
Background check and CPR certification (recommended)
Continuing education per Idaho licensure requirements
Role: Program Manager (for agencies)
Requirements:
Background in healthcare management or nutrition services
Supervision and quality assurance experience
Training Requirements for All Staff:
Medicaid program rules and participant rights
HIPAA and confidentiality compliance
Person-centered care planning
Emergency and critical incident response
7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES
Nutrition Services are covered under:
Aged and Disabled (A&D) Waiver
Adult Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver
Children’s Developmental Disabilities Waiver
Approved providers may deliver:
Initial nutrition assessment and care plan development
Ongoing nutritional monitoring and follow-up
Training for caregivers and direct service providers
Documentation supporting care plan outcomes and Medicaid billing
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 1–2 weeks
Phase: Licensure and Medicaid Enrollment
Timeline: 45–90 days
Phase: Staff Hiring (for agencies)Timeline: 2–4 weeks
Phase: Care Plan Referrals and Service Authorizations
Timeline: Ongoing
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW)
Website: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov
Idaho Medicaid Provider Enrollment
Website: https://www.idmedicaid.com
Idaho Board of Medicine (Dietitian Licensure)
Website: https://bom.idaho.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — IDAHO NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDER
We help agencies, licensed dietitians, and entrepreneurs establish compliant nutrition services under Idaho’s Medicaid HCBS waiver programs.
Scope of Work:
Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)
Idaho Dietitian licensure guidance
Idaho Medicaid provider enrollment support
Policy & procedure manual tailored for nutrition services
Templates for client assessments, care plans, and monitoring forms
Website, domain, and email setup
Staff hiring trackers and credentialing logs
Client intake and education materials
Audit preparation tools for nutrition service documentation
Referral networking with waiver case managers, primary care providers, and hospitals
Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.
Comments