RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARKANSAS

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 4
4 min read

OFFERING SUPPORTIVE, COMMUNITY-BASED LIVING OPTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Residential Care Services in Arkansas provide individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related needs with a structured, supportive living environment. These services are authorized under Arkansas’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waiver programs and are designed to promote independence, dignity, and community integration while ensuring safety and quality of life.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS)Role: Approves and monitors Residential Care Facilities (RCFs) and ensures compliance with HCBS standards

Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Office of Long Term Care (OLTC)Role: Licenses Residential Care Facilities and monitors health and safety standards

Agency: Arkansas Medicaid (under DHS)Role: Oversees Medicaid enrollment, reimbursement, and service delivery for Residential Care Services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded services meet HCBS rules and person-centered requirements

2. RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Residential Care Services support individuals who need assistance with daily living activities but do not require the intensive medical care provided in nursing facilities. Services are delivered in licensed community settings that promote a home-like environment.

Approved providers may deliver:

Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, toileting, and mobility
Support with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as meal preparation, housekeeping, and laundry
Medication assistance and health monitoring (as permitted by regulations)
24-hour supervision and safety monitoring
Structured recreational and social activities
Nutritional support with daily meals and snacks
Transportation assistance to appointments and community activities

All services must be individualized through person-centered service plans and support the individual’s goals for autonomy and inclusion.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Arkansas Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Obtain a Residential Care Facility license from the Arkansas Office of Long Term Care (OLTC)
Secure liability insurance and meet fire safety, sanitation, and building code requirements
Maintain policies and procedures compliant with Arkansas residential care regulations
Ensure appropriate staff-to-resident ratios and staff training on personal care and resident rights

4. DHS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request Residential Care Services provider application packet from DHS or OLTC
Attend recommended provider orientation sessions

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Residential Care Facility license, staffing plans, emergency procedures, and sample service agreements
Provide documentation of staff qualifications, background checks, and training programs
Include resident intake forms, person-centered planning templates, and safety protocols

Program Readiness Review:

DHS/OLTC review the facility’s compliance with safety and service standards
May conduct on-site inspections prior to Medicaid approval
Evaluation of staffing models, client documentation, and emergency preparedness plans

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

After state approval, enroll with Arkansas Medicaid as a Residential Care Services provider
Complete billing and claims configuration through the Medicaid portal
Set up service authorization tracking and documentation systems

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Residential Care Facility license
Proof of compliance with building codes, fire safety inspections, and health regulations
Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Resident intake and person-centered service planning
- ADL/IADL support protocols
- Medication assistance and health monitoring procedures
- Resident rights, privacy protections, and grievance policies
- Emergency evacuation and disaster preparedness plans
- Staff background checks, credentialing records, and training logs
- Incident reporting, infection control, and quality assurance tracking
- Medicaid billing and service logging procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Facility Administrator

Requirements: Experience managing residential care or health service facilities, background check clearance, and required administrator training

Role: Direct Care Staff / Personal Care Aides

Requirements: High school diploma or GED recommended; CPR/First Aid certification; background check clearance

Role: Medication Assistant (optional if providing medication administration)

Requirements: Completion of a Medication Assistant Program and state certification

All staff must complete:

Orientation on resident rights, elder abuse prevention, and person-centered practices
Emergency response and safety training
Confidentiality and HIPAA compliance training
Ongoing annual in-service training and competency reviews

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Arkansas Medicaid Waivers authorize Residential Care Services: