RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN KANSAS
- Fatumata Kaba
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS IN SAFE, STRUCTURED, AND COMMUNITY-BASED LIVING ENVIRONMENTS
Residential Care Services in Kansas provide individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions access to 24-hour support in supervised home-like settings. These services focus on helping participants develop daily living skills, maintain safety, and engage in the community while receiving the care and oversight they need. Covered under Kansas Medicaid (KanCare), Residential Care is typically provided through specific Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for individuals who require ongoing assistance outside of their family home.
1. GOVERNING AGENCIES
Agency: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) — Division of Health Care Finance
Role: Administers Medicaid payments and enrollment processes for residential service providers
Agency: Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
Role: Regulates HCBS Residential Services, oversees licensing, and ensures provider compliance with care standards
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Ensures federal compliance for community-based residential services, focusing on person-centered planning and deinstitutionalization
Agency: Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) under KanCare
Role: Authorize service plans, credential residential providers, and monitor quality outcomes and documentation
2. SERVICE OVERVIEW
Residential Care Services provide 24/7 structured support for individuals living in provider-operated homes or group settings.
Authorized services may include:
Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and eating
Medication administration or supervision (per state regulation)
Meal preparation and nutritional oversight
Housekeeping and laundry services
Social skill-building and behavior management
Community integration and recreation
Health and safety monitoring
Transportation to medical and community appointments
Development of independent living skills, such as cooking, money management, and hygiene
These services are delivered in homes licensed or certified to provide HCBS residential supports and must be detailed in the participant’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS
Prerequisites:
Register your business with the Kansas Secretary of State
Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Enroll as a Medicaid provider through KMAP
Obtain residential care licensure through KDADS (or equivalent certification depending on waiver)
Maintain general liability, property, and workers’ compensation insurance
Ensure all residential sites meet health, safety, and accessibility requirements
Develop Residential Services Policies & Procedures Manual
Ensure HIPAA compliance, emergency preparedness, and incident reporting systems
Employ or contract with appropriately trained residential support staff and supervisory personnel
4. KANSAS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS
Step 1: Regulatory Licensing
Apply for KDADS licensure or certification based on waiver-specific requirements
Complete inspections and site readiness reviews
Step 2: Medicaid Enrollment
Register through KMAP and obtain MCO credentialing
Step 3: Documentation Submission
Submit policies, licensure, insurance, staffing structure, and training plans
Complete environmental and safety documentation
Step 4: Service Authorization & Delivery
Collaborate with case managers to develop ISP
Receive MCO service authorization
Begin service delivery and submit claims using HCPCS or T-codes assigned to residential services
5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
Articles of Incorporation or business license
IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI confirmation
Residential licensure/certification through KDADS
Insurance policies (liability, property, workers’ compensation)
Residential Services Policies & Procedures Manual, including:
Daily care routines and ADL documentation tools
Medication management protocols
Participant rights and grievance procedures
Staff training, supervision, and background screening
Incident response and emergency evacuation plans
Health and safety inspections and compliance logs
ISP coordination and progress reporting templates
Medicaid billing and audit documentation systems
6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS
Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Residential Aide
Requirements: Experience with disability services or aging care; background checks and ongoing training required
Role: Residential Manager or Supervisor
Requirements: Supervisory experience; responsible for staffing, documentation review, and care quality
Role (optional): RN or Medication Aide (as required)
Requirements: Licensed nurse or medication-trained staff depending on service level
All staff must complete:
HCBS orientation and ISP implementation training
CPR, First Aid, and behavioral de-escalation techniques
Medication administration (if applicable)
Emergency preparedness and abuse prevention training
Annual continuing education and re-certification
7. MEDICAID PROGRAMS & HCBS WAIVERS
Residential Care is authorized under:
HCBS Waivers (with ISP and MCO authorization):
Intellectual/Developmental Disability (IDD) Waiver
Brain Injury (BI) Waiver
Technology Assisted (TA) Waiver (case-specific residential supports)
Service Settings Must:
Be home-like, community-based, and not institutional
Pass KDADS and fire marshal inspections
Support community inclusion and individual choice
Allow participant control over daily routines and personal space
8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH
Phase: Business Registration and Facility Preparation
Timeline: 1–2 months
Phase: KDADS Licensure and Site Inspections
Timeline: 60–90 days
Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and MCO Credentialing
Timeline: 1–2 months
Phase: Staff Hiring, ISP Coordination, and Program Launch
Timeline: 30–45 days
9. CONTACT INFORMATION
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
Website: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov
Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)
Website: https://kdads.ks.gov
Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KMAP)
Website: https://www.kmap-state-ks.us
KanCare MCOs:
Sunflower Health Plan: https://www.sunflowerhealthplan.com
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: https://www.uhccommunityplan.com/ks
Aetna Better Health of Kansas: https://www.aetnabetterhealth.com/kansas

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — KANSAS RESIDENTIAL CARE PROVIDER
WCG supports agencies, behavioral health organizations, and community-based nonprofits in building high-quality, licensed Residential Care programs across Kansas.
Scope of Work:
Facility readiness checklists and KDADS licensure assistance
Policy & Procedure Manual for residential care and staffing
Staff hiring protocols, training trackers, and emergency procedures
ISP documentation templates and quality monitoring systems
Medicaid enrollment, billing setup, and audit support
Branding, website, and referral strategies with waiver support coordinators and hospitals
Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.
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