RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN COLORADO
- 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)
Website: https://hcpf.colorado.gov
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)
Phone: (303) 692-2800
Website: https://cdphe.colorado.gov
Colorado Medicaid Provider Enrollment (Gainwell Technologies)
Website: https://portal.co.gov

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.
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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