RESIDENTIAL HABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN LOUISIANA

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 12
4 min read

PROVIDING ROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT IN COMMUNITY SETTINGS TO BUILD INDEPENDENCE, SKILLS, AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Residential Habilitation Services in Louisiana offer individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) structured, 24-hour care and supervision in licensed residential homes. These services help participants develop daily living skills, maintain health and safety, and engage in meaningful community life while living outside of institutional settings.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) — Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)

Role: Oversees residential habilitation services under HCBS waivers, including provider approval, licensing, and quality monitoring

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure compliance with 1915(c) HCBS waiver standards and the HCBS Settings Rule

Agency: Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) / Molina Medicaid Solutions

Role: Manages provider enrollment and reimbursement for residential services

2. RESIDENTIAL HABILITATION SERVICE OVERVIEW

Residential Habilitation provides 24-hour support in a supervised home for individuals with I/DD who need assistance with:

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
Medication administration and health monitoring
Meal preparation, grooming, bathing, and toileting
Social and communication skills development
Community integration and recreation
Behavioral support and supervision

Services are delivered in OCDD-licensed residential settings such as group homes, supervised apartments, or family-based care settings. The services are person-centered and tailored to each individual’s Individualized Service Plan (ISP).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Louisiana Secretary of State
Obtain IRS EIN and Type 2 NPI
Apply for OCDD Residential Habilitation Program Licensure
Enroll with Louisiana Medicaid via the Provider Enrollment Portal
Maintain liability, workers’ compensation, and property insurance
Ensure homes meet OCDD licensure standards (space, fire safety, ADA access, etc.)
Employ qualified Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and supervisory staff
Develop a Residential Habilitation Policy & Procedure Manual
Ensure HIPAA-compliant documentation and incident reporting systems

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Business and Medicaid Enrollment

Apply at https://www.lamedicaid.com as a Residential Habilitation provider

Step 2: OCDD Licensure Process

Submit a residential facility application and participate in inspections
Provide staff training plans, health and safety policies, and program outlines

Step 3: Medicaid Waiver Approval

Credential under the appropriate waiver program(s)
Align services with ISP goals and billing requirements

Step 4: Service Launch and Participant Placement

Receive participant referrals from case managers
Begin service delivery with daily documentation and oversight

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or sole proprietorship filing
IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
OCDD Residential Licensure approval
Proof of insurance (liability, workers’ comp, property)
Residential Habilitation Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- ISP-aligned daily log sheets and progress notes
- Medication administration records (MARs)
- Participant rights and consent forms
- Emergency evacuation plans and health protocols
- Staff orientation, training logs, and supervision checklists
- Critical incident reporting and abuse prevention policies
- Facility maintenance logs and home safety checklists
- Medicaid billing forms and audit-ready documentation

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements: High school diploma or GED; background check; CPR/First Aid certified; trained in ADL support, documentation, and behavioral management

Role: House Manager / Residential Supervisor

Requirements: Supervisory experience in disability services; responsible for scheduling, compliance, and incident reporting

Role: Program Director / Clinical Oversight (for larger agencies)

Requirements: Licensed social worker, nurse, or administrator with HCBS experience

Training Requirements for All Staff:

HIPAA and confidentiality
Abuse and neglect prevention (mandated reporter training)
Medication administration and health documentation
Behavior management and de-escalation techniques
Infection control and fire safety procedures
Person-centered service planning and ISP documentation

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Residential Habilitation is reimbursed under:

Residential Options Waiver (ROW)
New Opportunities Waiver (NOW)
Supports Waiver (for limited residential transition support)
Children’s Choice Waiver (limited overnight support in some cases)
Money Follows the Person (MFP) for transitions from nursing facilities

Services include:

24-hour supervision and personal care
Skill-building activities aligned with the ISP
Coordination with healthcare providers and behavioral support teams
Community integration outings and social participation
Crisis and emergency support

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Facility Prep

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: OCDD Licensing and Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 90–120 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and Policy Development

Timeline: 4–6 weeks

Phase: Participant Placement and Program Launch

Timeline: Rolling, based on referrals and capacity

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Louisiana Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://www.lamedicaid.com

Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD)Website: https://ldh.la.gov/page/121

LDH Health Standards Section (Licensing)

Website: https://ldh.la.gov/page/282

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.medicaid.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — LOUISIANA RESIDENTIAL HABILITATION PROVIDER

WCG supports care agencies, group home operators, and DSP-led organizations in launching fully compliant Residential Habilitation programs across Louisiana.

Scope of Work: