PERSONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SYSTEM (PERS) SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH DAKOTA

ENHANCING SAFETY AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE

Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) Services in North Dakota provide individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related challenges access to immediate emergency support. PERS devices are designed to enhance safety and peace of mind by offering quick access to assistance in the event of a fall, medical issue, or other emergencies. PERS Services are authorized under North Dakota Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for PERS Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: North Dakota Medical Services Division (MSD)

Role: Manages Medicaid waiver services and oversees Medicaid provider participation.

Agency: North Dakota Division of Aging Services

Role: Provides oversight for emergency response systems targeting elderly individuals and adults with disabilities.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded PERS Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.

2. PERS SERVICES OVERVIEW

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) allow individuals to maintain independence while having quick access to emergency support when needed.

Approved providers may deliver:

• PERS Device Installation: Setting up wearable or stationary emergency response units.

• 24/7 Monitoring Services: Real-time monitoring by trained staff for emergency alerts.

• Emergency Notification: Automatic alert transmission to designated contacts or emergency services.

• Fall Detection Technology: Automatic alerts in the event of a fall.

• Mobile PERS Units: GPS-enabled devices for tracking and emergency assistance outside the home.

• Device Maintenance: Regular testing, battery replacement, and troubleshooting.

• Training and Education: Teaching individuals how to use PERS devices effectively.

• Service Coordination: Integrating PERS with healthcare and support plans.

• Documentation: Maintaining records of device installations, maintenance, and emergency responses.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State.

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver PERS provider via the North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for device installation, emergency response, and monitoring.

• Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and training in PERS operation.

4. NORTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the North Dakota MMIS for PERS Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, PERS policies, and staff training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

• NDDHS and MSD evaluate provider readiness, including device safety protocols, response times, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for PERS Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (North Dakota Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• PERS Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Installation, maintenance, and emergency response protocols

  • Training for users and caregivers on device operation

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Documentation standards for emergency responses and device maintenance

  • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

  • Safety, quality assurance, and compliance monitoring

  • Risk management and emergency preparedness procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: PERS Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in healthcare administration, information technology, or human services; experience in assistive technology management.

Role: Installation Technicians

Requirements: Experience with electronic device setup and customer training; technical certification preferred.

Role: Monitoring Staff

Requirements: Training in emergency response procedures, communication skills, and PERS system management.

Role: Customer Support Representatives

Requirements: Experience in client support and technical troubleshooting.

All staff must complete:

• Training in PERS device operation, client interaction, and emergency response

• HIPAA compliance and participant rights education

• Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development

• Safety, emergency response, and device maintenance training

• Documentation and record-keeping best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

PERS Services are available under the following North Dakota Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver

• Technology Dependent Waiver

• Developmental Disabilities Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: North Dakota Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and PERS Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/

North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NORTH DAKOTA PERS SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant PERS Services in North Dakota, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

• Policy manual development for PERS installation, maintenance, and monitoring

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and compliance documentation

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and client outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for device safety and compliance monitoring

• Collaboration with healthcare providers, emergency services, and community organizations

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.