PERSONAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN OKLAHOMA
- Fatumata Kaba
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
DELIVERING DAILY LIVING SUPPORT TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE, DIGNITY, AND COMMUNITY LIVING
Personal Care Services in Oklahoma provide non-medical assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) to individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or aging-related limitations. These services help individuals maintain independence in their homes and prevent unnecessary institutionalization. Personal Care Services are authorized under Oklahoma Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs and State Plan Personal Care.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA)
Role: Administers Medicaid, oversees personal care provider enrollment, service authorization, and billing.
Agency: Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), Aging Services Division
Role: Coordinates personal care services for older adults and adults with disabilities.
Agency: Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS)**
Role: May provide vocational and independent living supports that complement personal care services.
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures that personal care services meet HCBS and state plan Medicaid standards.
2. PERSONAL CARE SERVICES OVERVIEW
Personal Care Services help eligible individuals with routine daily activities needed to live safely in their homes and communities. Services must be based on assessed need and documented in a person-centered care plan.
Approved providers may deliver:
ADL Assistance: Bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, eating, and mobility.
IADL Support: Meal preparation, light housekeeping, laundry, and shopping.
Medication Assistance (Non-Skilled): Reminders or observing self-administration.
Escort Services: Assistance with transportation to medical appointments or errands.
Health Observation: Noting changes in behavior or health status and reporting to supervisors.
Respite Care (when authorized): Temporary relief for family caregivers providing similar support.
Documentation: Logging time, services delivered, and observations.
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
Register the business with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Personal Care provider with OHCA through the SoonerCare Provider Portal.
Maintain general and professional liability insurance.
Comply with state guidelines for home care agency licensure (if applicable).
Develop policies for ADL support, supervision, HIPAA, safety, and documentation.
Ensure aides and staff pass background checks, complete training, and meet certification requirements.
4. OKLAHOMA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Initial Application:
Complete provider enrollment via the OHCA Sooner
Care Provider Portal under "Personal Care Services."
Documentation Submission:
Submit business registration, insurance certificates, service policies, and staff credentials.
Program Readiness Review:
OHCA and OKDHS review operational capacity, care protocols, and quality assurance measures.
Approval & Medicaid Billing Authorization:
Once approved, providers are issued a Sooner
Care billing number and may begin service delivery.
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Liability insurance
Personal Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
ADL and IADL task protocols
Staff credentialing, supervision, and in-service training
Documentation logs, shift notes, and Medicaid billing procedures
Participant rights and grievance resolution
HIPAA compliance and confidentiality safeguards
Emergency response procedures and incident reporting
Quality assurance and satisfaction monitoring
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Personal Care Administrator
Requirements: Experience in home care program administration; knowledge of Medicaid compliance.
Role: Personal Care Aides (PCAs) / Home Health Aides
Requirements: Completion of state-approved personal care aide training (or CNA certification); CPR/First Aid preferred; background check clearance.
Role: Supervising Nurse (if required by plan of care)**
Requirements: Oklahoma RN license; oversees assessments, care plan implementation, and aide performance.
All staff must complete:
HIPAA and participant rights training
In-service training in ADLs, infection control, and communication
Annual performance reviews and continuing education
Documentation procedures and emergency protocols
7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS
Personal Care Services are available under the following Oklahoma Medicaid programs:
State Plan Personal Care (SoonerCare)
ADvantage Waiver Program – for frail elders and adults with disabilities
Medically Fragile Waiver – for individuals requiring high levels of care
DDS Waivers – for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities
Living Choice Program – for transitioning individuals from institutional to home settings
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation & Compliance Setup
Timeline: 1–2 months
Phase: Staff Hiring, Policy Development & Training
Timeline: 2–3 months
Phase: OHCA Enrollment & Program Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days
Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup & Service Delivery
Timeline: 30–45 days
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA)
Website: https://oklahoma.gov/ohca
Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) – Aging Services
Oklahoma Secretary of State
Website: https://www.sos.ok.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Website: https://www.cms.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — OKLAHOMA PERSONAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER
WCG supports new agencies in launching compliant Personal Care Services across Oklahoma by providing:
Scope of Work:
Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and OHCA credentialing
Policy and procedure manual development for ADL/IADL assistance
Staff hiring tools, credentialing templates, and compliance tracking
Medicaid billing setup and audit-ready documentation systems
Branding, website development, and caregiver outreach materials
Quality assurance programs for service delivery monitoring and client satisfaction
Coordination support with OKDHS case managers and Sooner
Care authorizations
Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.
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