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:
ARChoices in Homecare Waiver
Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver (for individuals requiring more structured residential services)
Approved providers may deliver:
Supportive residential living services focused on ADLs and IADLs
24/7 supervision and safety monitoring
Structured socialization and recreational activities
Health monitoring and medication support
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Formation and Facility Licensing Preparation
Timeline: 2–4 weeks
Phase: OLTC Licensing Inspections and Approvals
Timeline: 60–90 days
Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Documentation Readiness
Timeline: 30–45 days
Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Claims Setup
Timeline: 45–60 days
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Arkansas Department of Human Services – Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS)
Arkansas Office of Long Term Care (OLTC)
Arkansas Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ARKANSAS RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER
WCG helps providers and entrepreneurs launch Medicaid-compliant Residential Care Services under Arkansas’s HCBS Waiver programs.
Scope of Work:
Business registration and EIN/NPI setup
OLTC licensing guidance and inspection preparation
DHS application and Medicaid documentation support
Development of Residential Care Policy & Procedure Manual
Staff credentialing and resident intake templates
Medicaid billing and claims system setup
Website, domain, and email setup
Resident admission and service planning packets
Emergency preparedness and quality assurance templates
Referral development and community partnership strategies
Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.
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