RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARIZONA

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 2
4 min read

PROVIDING SAFE, COMMUNITY-INTEGRATED HOUSING AND SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Residential Care Services in Arizona offer structured, 24/7 care and supervision for individuals with developmental disabilities who cannot safely live alone or with family. Delivered under Arizona’s Medicaid program through the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), Residential Care Services support individuals in licensed homes or group settings that foster independence, dignity, and personal growth.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Role: Oversees provider approval, licensing, and monitoring of residential service providers

Agency: Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

Role: Administers Medicaid enrollment and reimbursement under ALTCS/DDD

Agency: Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) – Office of Assisted Living Licensing

Role: Licenses residential care homes and ensures compliance with health and safety standards (when applicable)

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight of Medicaid waiver compliance and home- and community-based settings (HCBS) standards

2. RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Residential Care Services support individuals living in a provider-operated or licensed residential setting, such as group homes. Services are person-centered and aim to help individuals gain life skills, engage in their communities, and live as independently as possible in a structured, safe environment.

Approved providers may deliver:

24-hour supervision and care in a residential setting
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, and mobility
Medication management and health monitoring (non-nursing)
Meal planning, preparation, and nutrition support
Life skills training (e.g., personal hygiene, laundry, budgeting)
Behavioral support services
Social, recreational, and community integration activities
Documentation of daily activities, progress, and incidents

All services must align with the individual’s person-centered service plan and be documented accordingly.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Arizona Corporation Commission
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Apply as a Qualified Vendor through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – DDD
Obtain a Residential License through the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), if applicable (depending on home size and services)
Secure compliant housing that meets zoning, fire, and health codes
Maintain liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and staff supervision systems
Ensure homes meet Home and Community-Based Settings (HCBS) Final Rule requirements

4. DDD QUALIFIED VENDOR ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Pre-Application:

Register with the Qualified Vendor Application and Directory System (QVADS)
Attend the required DDD Qualified Vendor orientation

Application Submission:

Submit a Qualified Vendor Application through QVADS, including:
- Business and service delivery plan
- Facility information and floor plan
- Staff qualifications and training procedures
- Emergency response, health, and behavior support policies
- Financial and administrative capability

Home Licensing:

Apply for a residential license through ADHS (if required)
Complete fire inspections, safety checks, and occupancy approvals

Review and Approval:

DDD conducts reviews and site visits as necessary
Finalize Qualified Vendor Agreement upon approval

Medicaid Enrollment with AHCCCS:

Enroll with AHCCCS and obtain a Medicaid provider ID
Activate billing codes for Residential Habilitation and related services
Set up electronic claims through AHCCCS Online

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
QVADS registration and DDD approval
Residential license (if applicable)
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Admission and intake procedures
- Emergency preparedness and fire safety plans
- ADL and behavioral support documentation
- Medication administration and health support protocols
- Participant rights and informed consent forms
- Staff hiring, background check, and training documentation
- Incident reporting and resolution processes
- Shift logs, progress tracking, and service billing forms