PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN MARYLAND

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 3
4 min read

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE AND DAILY LIVING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS THROUGH IN-HOME PERSONAL CARE

Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in Maryland help individuals who need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) to live safely and independently in their homes and communities. These services are funded under Maryland Medicaid, specifically through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers such as the Community First Choice (CFC) Program, Community Options Waiver, and Increased Community Services (ICS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Maryland Department of Health (MDH)

Role: Oversees Medicaid-funded personal assistance and HCBS programs

Agency: Maryland Medicaid – Office of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS Maryland)

Role: Administers Community First Choice (CFC), Community Options, ICS, and Medicaid provider enrollment

Agency: Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Role: Oversees personal supports under DDA waiver programs (if serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities)

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Approves and ensures compliance with federal waiver requirements

2. PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Personal Assistance Services support individuals who require help with:

Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility (ADLs)
Meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, shopping, and medication reminders (IADLs)
Accompaniment to medical appointments and community activities
Safety monitoring and supervision when medically necessary
Support with adaptive equipment or specialized care routines

Services must align with an individual's Person-Centered Plan (PCP) and be authorized through their Medicaid service plan.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)
Obtain an EIN from the IRS and a Type 2 NPI
Enroll as a Personal Assistance Provider through ePREP, Maryland’s Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Employ or contract qualified Personal Care Aides (PCAs) or Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), depending on the waiver requirements
Maintain general liability insurance, workers’ comp (if applicable), and HIPAA-compliant systems

Note: Agencies do not need to be licensed as a Residential Service Agency (RSA) unless providing skilled nursing or delegating certain tasks.

4. MARYLAND MEDICAID ENROLLMENT & PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

Step 1: Business Formation and Credential Preparation

Establish entity, obtain NPI and tax documentation
Draft service descriptions and staff roles

Step 2: Apply via ePREP Portal

Select provider type: "Personal Assistance"
Choose applicable program: Community First Choice (CFC), Community Options, ICS, or DDA Personal Supports (if applicable)

Step 3: Submit Documentation

Staff qualifications, policies, insurance, and confidentiality protocols
Criminal background checks and staff training logs

Step 4: Service Authorization and Delivery

Receive referrals from Service Coordinators
Deliver supports per the participant’s plan and log service delivery electronically via LTSS Maryland

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC registration (from SDAT)
IRS EIN confirmation and NPI registration
Proof of Medicaid provider enrollment
Staff credentials (CNA license if applicable)
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Intake assessments and service plan forms
- ADL/IADL support logs and timesheets
- Emergency preparedness and infection control protocols
- Grievance policies and HIPAA compliance documentation
- Staff training records and supervisory plans
- Incident report forms and safety checklists

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Personal Care Aide (PCA) / Direct Support Worker

Requirements: High school diploma (recommended), First Aid/CPR certification, criminal background check, PCA training per waiver guidelines

Role: CNA (for delegated tasks under nursing oversight)

Requirements: Active Maryland CNA license, if required under individual care plans

Role: Supervisor / Service Coordinator

Requirements: Experience in managing personal care services, responsible for quality assurance and documentation review

Training Requirements for All Staff:

Person-centered service delivery
ADL/IADL support techniques and infection control
HIPAA and privacy practices
Abuse, neglect, and exploitation prevention
Annual refreshers and ongoing competency checks

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Covered under the following Maryland Medicaid programs:

Community First Choice (CFC): PAS, supports planning, nurse monitoring
Community Options Waiver: Personal assistance as part of long-term supports
Increased Community Services (ICS): For individuals transitioning from institutions
DDA Waivers (e.g., Community Pathways, Family Supports): Personal supports for individuals with developmental disabilities

Authorized services include:

Hands-on assistance with daily routines
Supervision to prevent harm or neglect
Community engagement support and access to appointments
Monitoring and documentation of progress toward goals

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Policy Development and Staff Hiring

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment via ePREP

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staff Training, Referrals, and Onboarding

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Maryland Department of Health – Medicaid Provider Enrollment (ePREP)

Website: https://eprep.health.maryland.gov

Maryland Medicaid Office of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS Maryland)

Website: https://health.maryland.gov/ltss

Maryland Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA)

Website: https://dda.health.maryland.gov

Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)

Website: https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress

Maryland Board of Nursing (for CNA Verification)

Website: https://mbon.maryland.gov

Personal Assistance Services (PAS) in Maryland

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

We help compassionate entrepreneurs and healthcare professionals launch Medicaid-approved Personal Assistance agencies in Maryland with compliance-focused tools and waiver alignment.

Scope of Work: