RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALASKA

Fatumata Kaba
4 days ago
4 min read

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED LIVING OPTIONS

Residential Care Services in Alaska provide structured living environments for individuals who need 24-hour support or supervision due to intellectual or developmental disabilities, chronic health conditions, or age-related limitations. These services are delivered through the Alaska Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs and are overseen by the Alaska Department of Health’s Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS). The focus is on promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life in a home-like setting.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)Role: Approves residential providers, monitors service delivery, and enforces quality standards

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)Role: Manages Medicaid enrollment, service billing, and reimbursement for residential services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Role: Ensures federal compliance with HCBS Medicaid waiver regulations

2. RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Residential Care Services provide housing and daily support for individuals who cannot live independently without assistance. Services vary depending on the level of care needed and are delivered in licensed or certified homes that are integrated into the community.

Approved providers may deliver:

24-hour supervision and support
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating
Medication administration or monitoring
Meal preparation and dietary support
Social, recreational, and community integration activities
Behavior support and skills development
Transportation to appointments or community outings

All services must be part of the individual’s person-centered service plan and tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Secure and license the residential home or facility under applicable state rules
Obtain Assisted Living Home License (if applicable) from the Division of Health Care Services
Ensure compliance with fire safety, sanitation, and zoning requirements
Employ trained residential staff and/or licensed professionals depending on level of care provided

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Pre-Application:

Contact SDS for the Residential Care Provider application packet
Attend an SDS informational session or technical assistance meeting

Application & Licensing:

Submit application including home details, floor plans, safety compliance, and staffing plan
Apply for the Assisted Living License through the Division of Health Care Services
Include policies on medication management, meal services, staff supervision, and emergency response

Readiness Review:

Site inspection for residential safety and accessibility
Background checks for all direct care staff
Review of client care documentation systems and staff training plans

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon SDS and licensure approval, enroll as a Medicaid provider through Alaska MMIS
Select residential care billing codes under appropriate waivers
Complete Medicaid provider agreement and begin submitting claims after receiving authorization

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Assisted Living Home License (if applicable)
Lease, deed, or proof of residence location
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Admission and discharge policies
- Medication administration and health monitoring protocols
- Emergency and disaster response plans
- Client rights and grievance procedures
- Incident reporting and staff supervision
- Staff-to-client ratio and overnight supervision protocols
- Nutrition, meal planning, and dietary accommodations
- Behavior support and safety procedures
- Transportation and community engagement policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Residential Administrator / Home Manager

Requirements: Experience managing residential care, knowledge of HCBS waivers and licensing standards

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver

Requirements: High school diploma or GED, training in personal care, background check, and CPR/First Aid

All staff must complete:

SDS orientation and residential services training
Medication administration training (if applicable)
Person-centered planning and behavior support training
Ethics, documentation, and confidentiality training
Annual continuing education and in-service training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alaska Medicaid Waivers authorize Residential Care Services:

Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) Waiver
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver
Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver
Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Waiver (in limited cases)

Approved providers may deliver:

24/7 residential supervision and support
Personal care assistance and daily living support
Behavioral health monitoring and skill development
Documentation of daily care and goal tracking

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Property Readiness

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Licensing and SDS Application Review

Timeline: 60–120 days

Phase: Staff Training and Program Preparation

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and MMIS Access

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Email: dsdsprovider@alaska.gov

Phone: (907) 269-3666

Website: https://dhss.alaska.gov/dsds

Assisted Living Licensing – Division of Health Care Services

Phone: (907) 334-2400

Website: https://health.alaska.gov/dhcs

Alaska Medicaid Provider Enrollment – Conduent MMIS

Website: https://medicaidalaska.com

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ALASKA RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

We guide new residential providers through every step of launching a licensed home or group living program under Alaska’s HCBS Medicaid waiver system.

Scope of Work: