PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN GEORGIA

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH HANDS-ON ASSISTANCE WITH DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES IN HOME AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS

Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in Georgia help individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions, or aging-related needs perform essential daily activities in their homes and communities. These services are authorized under Georgia’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, promoting independence, dignity, and person-centered living.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

Role: Administers Personal Assistance Services for individuals under the NOW and COMP waivers

Agency: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Role: Oversees Medicaid enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement for Personal Assistance Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight, ensuring Personal Assistance Services meet Medicaid HCBS standards

2. PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Personal Assistance Services offer hands-on support with daily activities to help participants maintain independence and full participation in community life.

Approved providers may deliver assistance with:

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and mobility

• Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as shopping, meal preparation, laundry, light housekeeping, and medication reminders

• Assistance with community outings and transportation coordination (non-medical)

• Monitoring health and well-being and reporting changes to care teams

• Support with communication, social interaction, and basic safety monitoring

• Emergency response support

All services must align with the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and promote self-direction, independence, and dignity.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Georgia Secretary of State

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

• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)

• Complete DBHDD Provider Enrollment for Personal Assistance Services

• Maintain general liability insurance

• Develop policies for participant intake, service delivery, emergency response, and participant rights protection

4. DBHDD/DCH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Submit a Letter of Intent to DBHDD to provide Personal Assistance Services

• Complete a pre-qualification checklist, including business registration, insurance, and staffing plans

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, operational policies, and participant intake forms

• Provide staff training documentation and sample daily service logs

Program Readiness Review:

• DBHDD reviews provider readiness, including participant protection protocols, staffing plans, and service delivery systems

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon DBHDD approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through GAMMIS

• Configure billing codes specific to Personal Assistance Services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Georgia Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general liability insurance

• DBHDD-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Participant intake, needs assessment, and service planning procedures

  • ADL and IADL assistance protocols

  • Health monitoring and emergency response procedures

  • Daily documentation and incident tracking systems

  • Client rights, HIPAA confidentiality, and grievance handling procedures

  • Staff credentialing, background screening, and training records

  • Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and audit readiness documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Personal Assistance Services Program Manager / Supervisor

Requirements: Experience in personal care, disability services, or community support management preferred; background screening clearance

Role: Personal Care Aides / Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

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

All staff must complete:

• Person-centered service delivery and participant rights training

• HIPAA confidentiality and abuse prevention training

• Emergency preparedness, CPR/First Aid, and incident response training

• Annual continuing education on direct support best practices and Medicaid service documentation

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Georgia Medicaid Waivers authorize Personal Assistance Services:

• Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)

• New Options Waiver Program (NOW)

• Elderly and Disabled Waiver Program (EDWP)

Approved providers may deliver:

• Direct assistance with ADLs and IADLs in home and community settings

• Community access support services

• Health and safety monitoring to maintain participant well-being

• Emergency backup assistance when needed

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Initial Setup

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DBHDD Provider Application and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Service System Setup

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing System Configuration

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

Website: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Website: https://dch.georgia.gov/

Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)

Website: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — GEORGIA PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports direct support agencies, caregiving organizations, and personal care providers in launching Medicaid-compliant Personal Assistance Services under Georgia’s HCBS waiver programs.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup

• DBHDD and Medicaid provider enrollment support

• Development of Personal Assistance Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Staff credentialing templates and participant intake documentation

• Medicaid billing system setup and claims management

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Participant intake, daily service documentation, and incident tracking templates

• Emergency preparedness and health monitoring procedures

• Quality assurance programs for service delivery monitoring

• Community networking and referral partnership strategies

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