PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH DAKOTA

SUPPORTING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH PERSONALIZED ASSISTANCE IN DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES

Personal Assistance Services in North Dakota help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related challenges maintain independence by providing support with daily living tasks. These services enhance the quality of life and promote safety within the home and community. Personal Assistance Services are authorized under North Dakota Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Personal Assistance Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: North Dakota Medical Services Division (MSD)

Role: Manages Medicaid waiver services and oversees Medicaid provider participation.

Agency: North Dakota Division of Aging Services

Role: Provides oversight for services targeting elderly individuals and adults with disabilities.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Personal Assistance Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.

2. PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Personal Assistance Services support individuals by assisting with everyday tasks that are necessary for maintaining independence and well-being.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Personal Care Assistance: Bathing, grooming, dressing, and hygiene maintenance.

• Mobility Support: Assistance with walking, transferring, and positioning.

• Meal Preparation: Cooking and meal planning to meet dietary needs.

• Housekeeping: Cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a safe living environment.

• Medication Reminders: Assisting with medication schedules and adherence.

• Health Monitoring: Observing changes in health status and reporting to healthcare providers.

• Transportation Assistance: Escorting to medical appointments, social engagements, and errands.

• Companionship and Social Engagement: Providing social interaction to reduce isolation.

• Emergency Support: Assisting during health crises or unexpected events.

• Documentation: Maintaining accurate logs of assistance provided and progress notes.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State.

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

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Personal Assistance provider via the North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for personal care, safety, and emergency response.

• Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and training in personal assistance.

4. NORTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the North Dakota MMIS for Personal Assistance Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, personal care policies, and staff training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

• NDDHS and MSD evaluate provider readiness, including care protocols, safety measures, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Personal Assistance Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (North Dakota Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Personal Assistance Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Personal care planning and client safety protocols

  • Medication assistance and health monitoring guidelines

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Documentation standards for service tracking and Medicaid billing

  • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

  • Safety, infection control, and hygiene practices

  • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Personal Assistance Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work, healthcare administration, or human services; experience in program management and personal care.

Role: Personal Care Aides (PCAs)

Requirements: Certification in personal care assistance or completion of a state-approved training program; background clearance.

Role: Home Health Aides (HHAs)

Requirements: Certification in home health care; experience in assisting individuals with daily living activities.

Role: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)

Requirements: Experience in caregiving, community integration, and personal assistance.

All staff must complete:

• Training in personal care techniques, client safety, and emergency response

• HIPAA compliance and participant rights education

• Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development

• Safety, infection control, and hygiene training

• Documentation and record-keeping best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Personal Assistance Services are available under the following North Dakota Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver

• Technology Dependent Waiver

• Developmental Disabilities Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: North Dakota Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/

North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

North Dakota Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

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

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Personal Assistance Services in North Dakota, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

• Policy manual development for personal care and client safety

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and compliance documentation

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and client outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for personal care and compliance monitoring

• Collaboration with healthcare providers and community organizations

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.