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RESIDENTIAL HABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDER IN TENNESSEE

  • Writer: Fatumata Kaba
    Fatumata Kaba
  • Oct 22
  • 3 min read

DELIVERING 24-HOUR SUPPORT AND LIFE SKILLS TRAINING TO EMPOWER INDEPENDENT LIVING FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

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Residential Habilitation Services in Tennessee are part of the Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES and 1915(c) Waiver Programs, designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). These services provide round-the-clock assistance in licensed homes or supported apartments and help participants acquire daily living skills, achieve personal goals, and fully engage in their communities.

 

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Tennessee Division of TennCare

Role: Administers the Medicaid program and oversees waiver services, including Residential Habilitation under ECF CHOICES and 1915(c) waivers.

Agency: Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)

Role: Licenses, certifies, and monitors providers delivering services to individuals with I/DD.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Sets federal HCBS waiver requirements for Residential Habilitation.

 

2. RESIDENTIAL HABILITATION SERVICES OVERVIEW

Residential Habilitation provides 24/7 supervised care in small group homes or individual living settings. The goal is to maximize independence through consistent support and hands-on skill development.

Services include:

  • Daily Living Support: Bathing, grooming, cooking, toileting, dressing

  • Household Management: Budgeting, cleaning, laundry, safety

  • Community Integration: Attending events, volunteer work, and shopping

  • Medication Administration and Health Monitoring

  • ISP Implementation: Direct support aligned with the person-centered plan

  • Behavior Support Implementation (if applicable)

  • Skill Development in Communication, Socialization, and Self-Advocacy

 

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

  • Register your business with the Tennessee Secretary of State

  • Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI

  • Apply through DIDD Provider Enrollment and TennCare CHOICES

  • Secure DIDD Residential License for each home

  • Ensure compliance with the HCBS Final Settings Rule

  • Maintain liability insurance and workers’ compensation

  • Develop a Residential Habilitation Policy & Procedure Manual

 

4. TENNESSEE PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Form a business entity and acquire EIN/NPI

Step 2: Apply to DIDD and TennCare as a Residential Habilitation provider

Step 3: Undergo DIDD site inspection and staffing review

Step 4: Submit policy manuals, emergency plans, and staff training records

Step 5: Obtain license for each home and receive participant referrals

 

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Articles of Incorporation, EIN, NPI

  • DIDD Residential Home Licenses

  • Staff background checks, CPR/First Aid, and training certifications

  • Policy & Procedure Manual including:

    • ISP implementation protocols

    • Medication and health documentation logs

    • Emergency response and fire safety plans

    • Participant rights, privacy, and behavioral safeguards

    • HCBS settings compliance measures

    • Progress tracking and documentation forms

 

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements: High school diploma or GED, clean background, CPR/First Aid, HCBS training

Role: Residential House Manager

Requirements: Supervisory experience, knowledge of HCBS regulations

Role: Nurse (if required)

Requirements: Licensed RN or LPN for delegated medical tasks or high-needs clients

All staff must complete:

  • DIDD Core Training Modules

  • Person-Centered Planning and ISP Implementation

  • Behavior Support and Incident Reporting

  • Infection Control and Emergency Procedures

  • HCBS Settings Rule Training

 

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Residential Habilitation Services are offered through:

  • Employment and Community First (ECF) CHOICES

  • 1915(c) Waivers (Statewide and Legacy programs)

  • State Plan Medicaid (for select nursing services within the home)

 

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & NPI Registration

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Provider Enrollment & Site Licensure (DIDD)Timeline: 3–4 months

Phase: Staff Recruitment & Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Participant Admission & Service Delivery

Timeline: Begins after license approval and ISP authorization

 

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

TennCare (Tennessee Medicaid Program)

Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD)

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

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RESIDENTIAL HABILITATION PROVIDER IN TENNESSEE

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

WCG partners with providers across Tennessee to develop fully licensed, person-centered residential support programs that meet HCBS standards and serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Scope of Work:

  • Business formation and DIDD licensing

  • Residential Habilitation Policy Manual development

  • Staffing plan templates and onboarding guides

  • Participant daily routines, emergency drills, and shift documentation

  • ISP implementation tracking and billing documentation

  • HCBS settings compliance and site readiness walkthroughs



Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements. 

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