RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN MICHIGAN

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 27
3 min read

PROVIDING SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Residential Care Services in Michigan are designed to support individuals with disabilities, mental health needs, or chronic conditions by offering supervised, supportive living environments. These services are authorized under the Michigan Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must follow protocols set by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)Role: Oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and Medicaid compliance.
Agency: Michigan Medicaid AgencyRole: Handles Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for Residential Care Services.
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver rules.

2. SERVICE OVERVIEW

Residential Care Services provide individuals with a safe, structured living environment that supports their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Services include assistance with daily living, health monitoring, and access to community resources.

Approved providers may deliver:

Supervised living arrangements (group homes or individual apartments)
Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and mobility
Meal preparation and nutrition management
Medication administration and health monitoring
Community integration and social skill development
Documentation of care and progress notes

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
Obtain an EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Maintain a physical residential care facility in Michigan.
Acquire proper licensure for residential care from MDHHS.
Hire staff trained in caregiving, health monitoring, and resident support.
Develop safety, emergency, and hygiene protocols for residential settings.

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Residential Care Provider Application Packet from MDHHS.
Submit a comprehensive business and residential care plan outlining supervision, care protocols, and resident safety.
Include policies for medication management, daily living support, and emergency response.

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks for all caregiving and administrative staff.
Verification of qualifications in healthcare, caregiving, or social services.
Proof of ongoing training in client care and residential support.

Program Readiness Review:

Demonstrate readiness for daily care provision and safety management.
Establish protocols for resident intake, care planning, and incident reporting.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate.
IRS EIN Letter.
NPI confirmation.
Lease or proof of a residential care facility in Michigan.
MDHHS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Resident care plans and supervision guidelines.
- Emergency and safety protocols.
- Health monitoring and medication administration procedures.
- Financial tracking and residential maintenance logs.

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Residential Program Director

Requirements: Experience in managing residential care, healthcare administration, or social services.

Role: Direct Care Worker

Requirements: Certification in caregiving, CPR, and first aid.

Role: Residential Care Coordinator

Requirements: Experience in community living support and care coordination.

All staff must complete:

MDHHS orientation and HCBS Waiver training.
Annual training on caregiving best practices and safety protocols.
Confidentiality, ethics, and client rights training.

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Michigan Medicaid Waivers that authorize Residential Care Services include:

MI Choice Waiver
Habilitation Supports Waiver
Children’s Waiver Program

Approved providers may deliver:

Supervised residential care
Daily living assistance
Health and medication management

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: MDHHS Application Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Facility Setup and Licensing

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) – Division of Long-Term Care Services
Email: ltcprovider@michigan.gov
Phone: (517) 335-1980
Website: MDHHS Website
Michigan Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services
Website: Michigan Medicaid