PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SERVICES (PERS) PROVIDER IN TEXAS

ENHANCING SAFETY, INDEPENDENCE, AND IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE FOR INDIVIDUALS AT RISK IN HOME AND COMMUNITY SETTINGS

Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) are Medicaid-funded systems that allow waiver participants—particularly those who are elderly, medically fragile, or living alone—to summon help during emergencies. These services are available under various 1915(c) HCBS Waiver Programs, including MDCP, CLASS, and STAR+PLUS, and are overseen by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

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1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Role: Authorizes, approves, and reimburses PERS services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures federal Medicaid compliance for PERS within the scope of HCBS programs.

2. PERS SERVICES OVERVIEW

PERS is a 24/7 electronic monitoring system that enables individuals to secure help at the press of a button. It includes equipment installation, participant instruction, ongoing monitoring, and response coordination with emergency personnel or caregivers.

Covered services include:

• Provision and installation of the PERS unit (landline, cellular, or wearable device)

• 24-hour monitoring by a live response center

• Emergency call management and alerting caregivers or 911

• Backup battery, testing, and troubleshooting

• Optional add-ons: fall detection, GPS tracking, medication reminders (if authorized)

PERS is intended only for individuals who live alone or are alone for significant portions of the day, with medical or functional needs that place them at risk.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Texas Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI

• Enroll as a Medicaid provider through TMHP (Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership)

• Apply for provider approval through HHSC for relevant waivers (e.g., MDCP, CLASS)

• Maintain liability and equipment insurance

• Partner with or operate a 24/7 response center

• Develop a PERS Policy & Procedure Manual outlining service protocols

4. TEXAS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Form legal entity and secure EIN/NPI

Step 2: Enroll with TMHP as a Medicaid provider

Step 3: Apply to HHSC for waiver-specific PERS service approval

Step 4: Submit documentation for monitoring system, installer background checks, and emergency response process

Step 5: Complete HHSC readiness review and begin receiving referrals

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation, EIN, NPI confirmation

• TMHP enrollment confirmation and HHSC contract

• Certificate of insurance (liability, equipment coverage)

• PERS Policy Manual including:

  • Installation protocol and user training checklist

  • Monitoring system configuration and emergency alert process

  • Monthly testing, maintenance, and troubleshooting logs

  • Staff response timelines and call documentation

  • Participant rights, privacy protections, and escalation procedures

  • Service discontinuation, loss, or replacement policies

  • Billing and authorization tracking forms

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Installer / Field Technician

Requirements: Background check, CPR/First Aid, training in device use, and participant instruction

Role: Response Center Operator

Requirements: Experience in emergency communication, HIPAA compliance, real-time documentation

All staff must complete:

• PERS device training and troubleshooting

• Participant instruction and communication protocols

• HIPAA, abuse prevention, and emergency escalation procedures

• 24/7 coverage staffing schedules

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

PERS is a covered service under:

• MDCP (Medically Dependent Children Program)

• CLASS (Community Living Assistance & Support Services)

• STAR+PLUS HCBS Waiver – For eligible adults with chronic or disabling conditions

• PACE Programs – May include PERS-like functionality through care coordination

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Setup & Monitoring Partnership Establishment

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: TMHP Enrollment & HHSC Waiver Application

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Device Inventory, Installer Training, and Readiness

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Service Activation & Referral Intake

Timeline: Following contract execution and participant authorization

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

Website: https://www.hhs.texas.gov

Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP)

Website: https://www.tmhp.com

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — TX PERS PROVIDER

WCG supports technology vendors, response centers, and DME providers in launching Medicaid-compliant PERS services across Texas.

Scope of Work:

• TMHP and HHSC enrollment assistance

• Partnership templates for monitoring centers

• PERS Policy & Procedure Manual

• Installation logs, participant training forms, and emergency escalation templates

• Monthly testing and service tracking logs

• Medicaid billing, service authorization, and inventory tools

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.