PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM (PERS) PROVIDER IN ALASKA

Fatumata Kaba
4 days ago
4 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

ENSURING SAFETY AND RAPID RESPONSE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) Services in Alaska provide individuals with a direct line to emergency assistance, helping them maintain independence and safety in their homes and communities. These services are authorized under Alaska’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs and are designed to offer peace of mind for participants, family members, and caregivers by ensuring timely support during emergencies.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)

Role: Approves PERS providers, monitors service delivery, and ensures compliance with waiver guidelines

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)

Role: Manages Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for PERS services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS standards and participant-centered care principles

2. PERS SERVICE OVERVIEW

PERS Services include the provision, installation, maintenance, and monitoring of electronic devices that enable individuals to summon help quickly in the event of an emergency.

Approved providers may deliver:

Installation of emergency response systems in homes
24/7 monitoring services linked to call centers
Mobile PERS devices for use outside the home (if authorized)
Routine device checks, maintenance, and battery replacements
Training for individuals and caregivers on device usage
Coordination with emergency responders and caregivers when alerts are triggered

All services must be authorized in the participant’s person-centered service plan and cannot duplicate other emergency alert services provided simultaneously.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Establish a physical business presence or service office in Alaska
Ensure monitoring center is UL-listed or meet SDS-approved standards for emergency monitoring
Maintain a 24/7 response center or contract with an approved emergency monitoring vendor
Ensure secure installation, troubleshooting, and repair services
Develop training materials for participants and caregivers

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the PERS Provider application packet from SDS
(Recommended) Attend HCBS waiver orientation for providers

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit business structure, emergency response protocols, and monitoring center information
Provide staff qualifications, monitoring agreements, and participant training protocols
Include system testing and maintenance policies

Program Readiness Review:

SDS evaluates emergency call protocols, staff credentials, and documentation systems
May request demonstration of device installation and emergency response procedures
Verifies readiness for participant intake and emergency communication handling

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon SDS approval, enroll with Alaska Medicaid through MMIS as a PERS provider
Select appropriate billing codes under applicable HCBS waivers
Complete Medicaid provider agreements and configure billing and claims systems

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of office or service base in Alaska
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant intake and emergency contact documentation
- Installation, maintenance, and replacement procedures
- Monitoring center staffing, response times, and communication logs
- Incident response and reporting protocols
- Participant rights, privacy, and informed consent forms
- Staff background checks, training logs, and supervisory protocols
- Device inventory management and system testing logs
- Medicaid billing, authorization tracking, and service logging procedures