PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES PROVIDER IN OHIO

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 17
3 min read

SUPPORTING DAILY INDEPENDENCE THROUGH HANDS-ON ASSISTANCE AND PERSON-CENTERED CARE

Personal Assistance Services in Ohio help individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related limitations maintain their independence by providing support with daily tasks. These services ensure individuals can live safely and comfortably in their own homes and communities. Personal Assistance Services are authorized under Ohio Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)

Role: Administers waiver funding and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and billing.

Agency: Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD)

Role: Provides oversight for personal assistance services delivered to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Agency: Ohio Department of Aging (ODA)

Role: Oversees personal assistance services for older adults under specific waivers like PASSPORT.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded services meet HCBS standards for quality, safety, and person-centered care.

2. PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Personal Assistance Services support individuals with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), enabling them to remain in their homes rather than institutional settings.

Approved providers may deliver:

ADL Support: Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and mobility assistance.
IADL Support: Meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and shopping.
Medication Reminders: Assisting with timing and adherence to medication regimens.
Escort Services: Assisting with getting to appointments and social activities.
Health Observation: Noting and reporting changes in health or behavior.
Safety Monitoring: Ensuring the individual’s environment is safe and accessible.
Companionship: Providing social interaction to reduce isolation and promote mental well-being.
Reinforcement of Therapies: Supporting individuals in practicing exercises or routines prescribed by therapists.
Documentation: Logging tasks completed, time spent, and any observations or incidents.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business with the Ohio Secretary of State.
Obtain an EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll via Ohio Medicaid’s Provider Enrollment system or DODD’s Provider Portal (for DD services).
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for ADL/IADL assistance, health and safety, documentation, and emergencies.
Ensure staff meet all training, health, and background check requirements.

4. OHIO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Application:

Apply through the Ohio Medicaid Provider Enrollment portal or DODD if supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, EIN, NPI, insurance certificates, policies, and staff training records.

Compliance Review:

ODM, DODD, or ODA will evaluate policy standards, staffing readiness, and compliance protocols.

Approval & Service Delivery:

Upon approval, providers receive Medicaid billing credentials and may begin service provision.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business Registration (Ohio Secretary of State)
IRS EIN Confirmation
NPI Confirmation
General and Professional Liability Insurance
Personal Assistance Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- ADL/IADL task protocols and safety guidelines
- Staff credentialing and background check documentation
- Incident reporting and emergency response procedures
- Service tracking logs and billing compliance documentation
- Participant rights, grievance procedures, and HIPAA protocols
- Infection control and hygiene standards
- Quality assurance tracking systems