PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES (PERS) PROVIDER IN MICHIGAN

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 27
3 min read

ENHANCING SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH EMERGENCY RESPONSE TECHNOLOGY

Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) in Michigan are designed to support individuals with disabilities, older adults, and those with chronic conditions by providing immediate access to assistance during emergencies. These services are authorized under the Michigan Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must follow protocols set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
Role: Oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and Medicaid compliance.
Agency: Michigan Medicaid Agency
Role: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for PERS.
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver rules.

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) provide individuals with devices that can be activated to call for help in emergencies, promoting safety and independence in community living settings.

Approved providers may deliver:

Installation and maintenance of PERS devices (e.g., wearable devices, in-home units)
User training on device operation and emergency protocols
Monitoring and response services are available 24/7
Regular testing and maintenance of equipment
Documentation of emergency activations and responses

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Obtain an EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Maintain a physical office or service center in Michigan.
Demonstrate technical expertise in the installation and maintenance of PERS equipment.
Hire staff trained in device installation, client safety, and emergency response protocols.
Develop protocols for device monitoring and client support.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the PERS Provider Application Packet from MDHHS.
Submit a business plan detailing installation, monitoring, and response protocols.
Include policies for device maintenance, client training, and emergency response documentation.

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks for staff involved in equipment installation or client interaction.
Verification of technical skills related to PERS device setup and emergency monitoring.
Proof of ongoing training in safety and emergency response.

Program Readiness Review:

Demonstrate readiness to install, maintain, and monitor PERS devices.
Establish protocols for rapid response and customer support during emergencies.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate.
IRS EIN Letter.
NPI confirmation.
Lease or proof of office location in Michigan.
MDHHS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Installation and maintenance protocols for PERS devices.
- Emergency monitoring and response procedures.
- Training protocols for device users and caregivers.
- Financial tracking and client service logs.

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: PERS Program Manager

Requirements: Experience in medical alert systems, customer service, and program management.

Role: PERS Technician

Requirements: Technical skills in device installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Role: Monitoring Specialist

Requirements: Experience in emergency response and customer communication.

All staff must complete:

MDHHS orientation and HCBS Waiver training.
Annual training on device maintenance, safety, and customer support.
Confidentiality, ethics, and client rights training.

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Michigan Medicaid Waivers that authorize PERS include:

MI Choice Waiver
Habilitation Supports Waiver
Children’s Waiver Program

Approved providers may deliver:

Installation of PERS devices
User training and ongoing support
24/7 emergency monitoring and response

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: MDHHS Application Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Device Procurement and Technician Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Division of Long-Term Care Services
Email: ltcprovider@michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 335-1980
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs
Michigan Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs (shared portal with MDHHS)