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RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN COLORADO

  • Writer: Fatumata Kaba
    Fatumata Kaba
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

OFFERING SAFE, STABLE HOUSING WITH PERSONALIZED SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Residential Services in Colorado provide 24-hour or part-time support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in licensed or certified community-based living settings. These services are delivered under the Home and Community-Based Services for Persons with Developmental Disabilities (HCBS-DD) Waiver, administered by the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) and coordinated through Case Management Agencies (CMAs) and Community-Centered Boards (CCBs).

 

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF)

Role: Manages HCBS-DD waiver and sets reimbursement and compliance standards for residential services

Agency: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

Role: Licenses facilities operating as Group Homes, Host Homes, and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs)

Agency: Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) (for child residential programs)

Role: Oversees care for individuals under 21 (when applicable)

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures federal compliance with Medicaid and HCBS residential service requirements

 

2. RESIDENTIAL SERVICE OVERVIEW

Residential Services support individuals in a supervised living environment that fosters independence, choice, and community integration. Services vary in intensity from intermittent supervision to 24/7 care and are based on individualized plans.

Approved providers may deliver:

  • Daily living assistance (ADLs/IADLs)

  • Medication administration and health oversight

  • Meals, hygiene support, and transportation

  • Life skills development and safety monitoring

  • Community participation and recreational activities

  • Support with financial, social, and emotional well-being

  • Coordination with behavioral, medical, and therapy services

Common models include:

  • Group Homes (3–8 residents, 24/7 care)

  • Host Homes (individuals live with contracted caregivers)

  • Independent Living with drop-in support

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

  • Register business with the Colorado Secretary of State

  • Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

  • Obtain residential facility licensure from CDPHE (e.g., Group Home license)

  • Enroll as an HCBS-DD Waiver Residential Services Provider via the Gainwell Technologies Provider Portal

  • Comply with HCBS Settings Rule for community integration and resident rights

  • Maintain fire, health, and safety standards for all residential settings

  • Ensure staff meet training and background check requirements

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Apply for residential program licensure through CDPHE

  • Submit site plans, policies, and staffing model

  • Undergo facility inspection and environmental health review

Step 2: Enroll in Medicaid via Gainwell Technologies

  • Select HCBS-DD Waiver and indicate Residential Habilitation/Support Services

Step 3: Coordinate with Community-Centered Boards (CCBs) and Case Management Agencies (CMAs) for referrals and service authorizations

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration

  • IRS EIN Letter

  • NPI confirmation

  • CDPHE residential license (Group Home, Host Home, etc.)

  • Colorado Medicaid provider ID

  • Policy & procedure manual including:

    • Admissions and discharges

    • Resident rights and grievance process

    • Health services coordination and medication administration

    • Daily routine schedules and goal tracking

    • Emergency preparedness and evacuation plans

    • Staff training and supervision records

    • Incident reporting and abuse prevention protocols

    • Fire and safety inspection logs

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent

  • Background check, CPR/First Aid certification

  • Training in IDD, ADLs, safety, and emergency response

Role: Residential Supervisor / House ManagerRequirements:

  • Oversight of daily operations, scheduling, and compliance

  • Experience in IDD services or human services field

Training Requirements for All Staff:

  • Person-centered care and community inclusion

  • Medication administration (QMAP certified, if applicable)

  • Crisis prevention and de-escalation

  • Abuse prevention and HIPAA compliance

  • Annual refreshers and CEU tracking

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Residential Services are reimbursed under:

  • HCBS-DD (Developmental Disabilities) Waiver

  • May be supplemented by behavioral, nursing, and day services

Approved providers may deliver:

  • 24/7 or intermittent supervision

  • Assistance with daily living, health, and safety

  • Community access and inclusion activities

  • Support aligned with the Individualized Service Plan (ISP)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: CDPHE Licensing

Timeline: 60–90 days (includes site inspection)

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Staffing and Referral Readiness

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF)

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

Phone: (303) 692-2800

Colorado Medicaid Provider Enrollment (Gainwell Technologies)

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN COLORADO

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — COLORADO RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDER

We help organizations and care professionals launch licensed Residential Services that meet all Medicaid and HCBS-DD requirements in Colorado.

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Scope of Work:

  • Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

  • CDPHE residential license application support

  • Medicaid enrollment and HCBS waiver onboarding

  • Policy & procedure manual for housing operations, supervision, and documentation

  • Templates for daily logs, care plans, and medication records

  • Website, domain, and email setup

  • Staff credentialing trackers and emergency response tools

  • Client intake packet, consent forms, and roommate agreements

  • Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools

  • Referral networking with CCBs, CMAs, and family advocacy groups


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

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