PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM (PERS) PROVIDER IN ALABAMA

Fatumata Kaba
2 days ago
3 min read

24/7 MONITORING AND EMERGENCY ALERT SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) in Alabama are electronic monitoring systems that allow individuals with disabilities to access emergency help at the push of a button. These services are designed to promote safety and independence for individuals living in the community and are regulated under Alabama’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)Role: Approves and monitors HCBS waiver providers, including PERS vendors

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency

Role: Administers Medicaid enrollment, billing, and oversight for waiver services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Role: Provides federal oversight for Medicaid HCBS programs

2. PERS SERVICE OVERVIEW

PERS is a non-invasive, 24/7 monitoring system that provides individuals with a direct line to emergency assistance through wearable or stationary devices. These systems are often used by individuals who live alone or without immediate caregiver supervision.

Approved PERS providers must deliver:

Installation of a monitoring unit with a wearable device
24/7 live monitoring by a staffed emergency response center
Notification to emergency responders, caregivers, or family members when an alert is triggered
Battery backup and maintenance of functional devices
Documentation of alerts, service calls, and technical support

PERS must be authorized through the individual’s person-centered service plan.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Alabama Secretary of State
Obtain EIN and NPI (Type 2)
Establish a physical office in Alabama or secure a service base in the region
Demonstrate operational capacity to install and monitor systems 24/7
Have access to trained staff or subcontractors for installation and repairs
Have data backup, emergency protocols, and monitoring systems that meet ADMH criteria

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the PERS Provider Application Packet from ADMH
Submit detailed business plan outlining monitoring protocols and installation process
Include technology standards, customer support plan, and escalation procedures

Background & Credentialing:

Criminal background checks for all installation or support personnel
Registry clearance for abuse and neglect
Drug screening and staff credential validation

System Demonstration & Review:

Provide evidence of HIPAA-compliant monitoring platform
Demonstrate capacity to respond to emergency signals 24/7
Submit sample call logs, system maintenance logs, and response documentation

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once approved by ADMH, enroll with Alabama Medicaid as a PERS provider
Add applicable PERS service code under HCBS waiver

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Lease or deed for office or service-based
ADMH-compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- System installation protocol
- Emergency response workflow
- Call center standards and procedures
- Client confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
- Incident reporting
- Equipment replacement and maintenance logs
- Staff training and monitoring
Client intake and consent forms
Service documentation logs
Backup and disaster recovery procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: PERS Program Administrator

Requirements: Technical and administrative experience in managing emergency response systems and call centers

Role: Installation Technician / Field Staff

Requirements: Training in PERS equipment installation, customer service, and safety protocols

Role: Monitoring Center Operators (in-house or subcontracted)Requirements: 24/7 availability, emergency call-handling training, and HIPAA-compliance training

All staff must complete: