PERSONAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER IN ALABAMA

IN-HOME SUPPORT WITH DAILY LIVING TASKS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Personal Assistance Services in Alabama help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities remain safely in their homes by providing support with activities of daily living (ADLs). These services are regulated by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) and funded through the state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)

Role: Certifies Personal Assistance providers under HCBS Waivers and monitors service delivery

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency

Role: Manages Medicaid reimbursement, provider enrollment, and claims processing

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and HCBS Waiver regulation

2. PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Personal Assistance Services are non-medical, in-home supports provided to individuals who need help with daily living tasks. These services are designed to promote independence and prevent institutionalization.

Approved providers must deliver assistance with:

• Bathing, grooming, and hygiene

• Dressing and toileting

• Meal preparation and feeding

• Mobility and transfer support

• Light housekeeping related to the individual’s care

• Medication reminders (non-clinical)

Services must be delivered in accordance with a person-centered plan and may not duplicate other waiver services.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Alabama Secretary of State

• Obtain an EIN from the IRS and a Type 2 NPI

• Maintain a physical office in Alabama

• Ensure policies align with ADMH standards for Personal Assistance

• Hire qualified staff with relevant experience and training

• Prepare to track service delivery hours and client progress

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request ADMH Provider Application Packet

• Submit completed application, business plan, and description of services

• Include staffing plan, policies and procedures, and financial viability documentation

Background & Credentialing:

• Fingerprint-based criminal background checks for all direct care staff

• Abuse registry and neglect clearance

• Drug screening policy and verification of employment eligibility

Program Readiness Review:

• Review of administrative structure, staff qualifications, and compliance plan

• Assessment of documentation procedures and quality controls

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon ADMH approval, register with Alabama Medicaid as an HCBS provider

• Add applicable billing codes for Personal Assistance services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate

• IRS EIN Letter

• NPI Confirmation

• Lease or deed for Alabama office site

• ADMH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Service planning and delivery

  • Emergency response and safety protocols

  • Abuse prevention and reporting

  • Client rights and grievance process

  • Staff supervision and performance evaluations

• Daily activity logs and time tracking forms

• Client intake forms and person-centered service plans

• Incident report forms and quality assurance tools

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Administrator

Requirements: Experience managing in-home or community-based services

Role: Personal Assistant / Direct Support Professional

Requirements: High school diploma or GED, CPR/First Aid certification, experience with ADLs and non-medical care

All staff must complete:

• ADMH orientation and HCBS-specific training

• Abuse prevention, confidentiality, and emergency procedures

• Annual in-service training and supervision reviews

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alabama Medicaid Waivers authorize Personal Assistance Services:

• ID Waiver (Intellectual Disabilities Waiver)

• LAH Waiver (Living at Home Waiver)

• State of Alabama Community Waiver Program

Approved providers may deliver:

• Scheduled in-home Personal Assistance

• On-call or intermittent support

• Companion care tasks (if outlined in plan of care)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: ADMH Application Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Program Readiness Review

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) – Division of Developmental Disabilities

Email: ddprovider@mh.alabama.gov

Phone: (334) 242-3702

Website: https://mh.alabama.gov

Alabama Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services

Website: https://medicaid.alabama.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ALABAMA PERSONAL ASSISTANCE PROVIDER

We provide full-service support to help you launch your Personal Assistance agency and get licensed under Alabama’s HCBS Waiver system.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Scope of Work:

• Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• ADMH Provider application assistance

• Custom Policy & Procedure Manual creation

• Staff recruitment support and training materials

• Medicaid enrollment and billing support

• Daily log templates, intake forms, and quality tools

• Program design and compliance checklist

• Ongoing operations, coaching, and technical assistance

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.