PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES (PAS) PROVIDER IN ARIZONA

Fatumata Kaba
6 days ago
4 min read

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE BY ASSISTING WITH DAILY ACTIVITIES IN HOME AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS

Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in Arizona provide individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or aging-related needs with hands-on support to complete essential daily activities. These services are authorized under Arizona’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs and are designed to help individuals maintain independence, avoid institutional care, and participate fully in their communities.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Role: Oversees provider enrollment, authorization, and reimbursement for Personal Assistance Services under Medicaid HCBS programs

Agency: Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Role: Manages PAS delivery for DDD members under HCBS service models

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure PAS services comply with HCBS standards and person-centered care principles

2. PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Personal Assistance Services provide direct support with daily living activities that individuals would normally perform themselves if they were physically able.

Approved providers may deliver:

Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility
Support with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and shopping
Medication reminders (non-nursing)
Assistance with health-related tasks as allowed under Arizona regulations
Supervision and protective oversight to ensure participant safety
Accompaniment to medical appointments and community activities

All services must be based on the participant’s person-centered service plan and focus on maintaining or improving independence.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Arizona Corporation Commission
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Meet AHCCCS and/or DDD Qualified Vendor Application (QVA) requirements
Maintain liability insurance
Develop clear policies and procedures for personal care, health-related tasks, and participant rights
Ensure staff meet competency and training requirements set by Arizona administrative codes

4. AHCCCS/DDD PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request PAS Provider application materials from DDD or AHCCCS
(Recommended) Attend HCBS or DDD provider orientation sessions

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit business license, staffing structure, and service delivery model
Provide participant intake forms, care plans, and daily documentation templates
Submit staff background check policies, CPR/First Aid certification verification, and training plans

Program Readiness Review:

AHCCCS and/or DDD review provider readiness for service delivery
Evaluation of staff training, documentation systems, and participant safety protocols

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, complete registration with AHCCCS as a Medicaid provider
Contract with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) or DDD if applicable
Configure billing and service authorization tracking systems

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Liability insurance coverage
Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant intake and person-centered planning
- ADL/IADL assistance procedures
- Health-related task protocols (non-nursing)
- Emergency response and safety procedures
- Client rights, privacy policies, and grievance resolution
- Staff background checks, credentialing, and ongoing training records
- Incident reporting, infection control, and quality assurance protocols
- Medicaid billing, service tracking, and authorization management

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Personal Assistance Supervisor (optional, depending on program size)

Requirements: Experience in personal care services, Medicaid documentation, and background check clearance

Role: Personal Care Assistant / Direct Support Worker

Requirements: High school diploma or GED recommended; CPR/First Aid certification; background check clearance

All staff must complete:

Orientation on Medicaid HCBS services and documentation requirements
Training in ADL/IADL support, participant rights, and confidentiality
Abuse prevention, emergency response, and infection control training
Annual continuing education and competency evaluations

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Arizona Medicaid Waivers authorize Personal Assistance Services:

Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) – Elderly and Physically Disabled (EPD) Program
ALTCS – Developmental Disabilities (DD) Program
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) HCBS Programs

Approved providers may deliver: