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
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Residential Program Manager / House Manager
Requirements: Experience supervising residential programs and coordinating HCBS services
Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)Requirements: Minimum age 18, high school diploma or GED, background check, CPR/First Aid, Article 9 training
All staff must complete:
CPR/First Aid and Article 9 Training (required by DDD)
Prevention and Support (if supporting individuals with behavioral needs)
DDD orientation and HCBS standards
Medication administration and documentation training
Annual refresher training and continuing education
7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES
The following Arizona Medicaid Waivers authorize Residential Care Services:
ALTCS – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Waiver
ALTCS – Elderly and Physically Disabled (EPD) Waiver (under specific licensing models)
Approved providers may deliver:
24-hour residential habilitation in group home settings
Individualized support for community participation
Life skills coaching and behavior support
Documentation and communication with care teams and support coordinators
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation and Home Setup
Timeline: 2–3 weeks
Phase: QVADS Application and Licensing Review
Timeline: 60–120 days
Phase: Staff Onboarding and Home Readiness
Timeline: 30–60 days
Phase: AHCCCS Medicaid Enrollment and Billing Setup
Timeline: 45–60 days
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
Phone: (602) 542-6874
Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) – Licensing Services
Phone: (602) 364-3030
Website: https://www.azdhs.gov
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)
Website: https://www.azahcccs.gov
QVADS Vendor Portal: https://vendorhub.azdes.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ARIZONA RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER
We guide providers through the full launch of licensed, Medicaid-approved Residential Care Services under Arizona’s HCBS and ALTCS waiver systems.
Scope of Work:
Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)
QVADS and DDD Qualified Vendor Application Support
ADHS residential licensing guidance and inspection prep
Policy & Procedure Manual tailored to Arizona residential care regulations
Templates for shift notes, behavior tracking, incident reports, and care logs
Medicaid enrollment and AHCCCS billing setup
WEBSITE, DOMAIN, AND EMAIL SETUP
CLIENT ADMISSION PACKET AND INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICE PLAN TEMPLATES
STAFF RECRUITMENT, ORIENTATION, AND TRAINING MATERIALS
HOME SAFETY CHECKLISTS AND LICENSING READINESS TOOLS
QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS AND REFERRAL NETWORKING STRATEGIES
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