RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDER IN OHIO

CREATING SUPPORTIVE HOMES FOR INDIVIDUALS TO LIVE SAFELY, INDEPENDENTLY, AND WITH DIGNITY 

Residential Services in Ohio provide individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions a structured, supportive, and safe living environment in the community. These services include supervision, personal care, skill development, and community inclusion activities. Residential Services are authorized under Ohio Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs. 

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES 

Agency: Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) 

Role: Oversees Medicaid funding and billing for residential services under approved waiver programs. 

Agency: Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) 

Role: Certifies and monitors residential service providers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). 

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

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure waiver-funded residential care services meet HCBS quality standards and person-centered planning requirements. 

2. RESIDENTIAL SERVICES OVERVIEW 

Residential Services offer daily living support in licensed or certified settings such as shared living homes, group homes, or supported living apartments. The goal is to promote autonomy, safety, and community integration for residents. 

Approved providers may deliver: 

• 24/7 Supervision: Continuous monitoring to ensure health, safety, and well-being. 

• Personal Care Assistance: Support with bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, and mobility. 

• Medication Administration: Assistance with reminders, dispensing, or delegation. 

• Skill Building: Training in meal prep, budgeting, self-care, and household responsibilities. 

• Behavioral Support (if applicable): Implementing and monitoring behavior support strategies. 

• Social and Community Participation: Encouraging involvement in local events, recreation, and volunteer opportunities. 

• Meal Preparation and Nutrition Support: Assisting with menu planning and dietary compliance. 

• Crisis Intervention: Immediate assistance and de-escalation during behavioral or medical incidents. 

• Transportation Coordination: Helping individuals access day programs, medical appointments, or work. 

• Documentation: Logging daily activities, progress, incidents, and health observations. 

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS 

Prerequisites: 

• Register the business entity with the Ohio Secretary of State. 

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

• Enroll through the DODD Provider Certification Portal (for IDD-focused residential services). 

• Obtain facility inspections and approval (fire, zoning, and safety). 

• Maintain general and professional liability insurance, plus housing-specific coverage. 

• Develop a detailed policy manual outlining care procedures, rights protections, and emergency planning. 

• Ensure staff are background-checked, CPR/First Aid certified, and trained in waiver-compliant residential support. 

4. OHIO PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS 

Initial Application: 

• Apply for DODD provider certification for residential services (e.g., HPC, Supported Living, ICF/IDD) or via ODM for other populations. 

Document Submission: 

• Submit policies, staff training logs, home inspection reports, insurance proof, and safety plans. 

Readiness Review: 

• DODD conducts pre-certification review, including interviews, home visits, and documentation checks. 

Approval and Medicaid Billing: 

• Once approved, providers receive a Medicaid billing number and begin service provision under assigned waiver(s). 

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION 

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Ohio Secretary of State) 

• IRS EIN confirmation 

• NPI registration 

• General and professional liability insurance certificates 

• Residential Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including: 

• Supervision plans and emergency response protocols 

• Personal care and medication support procedures 

• Staff credentialing and training documentation 

• Incident reporting, safety protocols, and sanitation standards 

• Service documentation, shift logs, and Medicaid billing records 

• Participant rights, HIPAA compliance, and grievance procedures 

• Fire evacuation plans and community integration strategies 

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS 

Role: Residential Program Administrator 

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human services or equivalent experience in residential program management; knowledge of HCBS regulations. 

Role: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) 

Requirements: High school diploma or GED; CPR/First Aid certification; background clearance; DODD training modules. 

Role: House Managers / Shift Supervisors 

Requirements: Experience in residential care coordination, staff supervision, and emergency response planning. 

All staff must complete: 

• DODD-mandated training (e.g., MUI, rights, person-centered planning) 

• Annual refresher training and performance evaluations 

• Infection control, documentation, and emergency preparedness 

• Behavioral support and communication training (if applicable) 

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS 

Residential Services are available under the following Ohio Medicaid Waivers: 

• Individual Options (IO) Waiver – via DODD 

• SELF Waiver – via DODD 

• Level One Waiver – via DODD (limited residential supports) 

• Ohio Home Care Waiver – for non-DD populations 

• MyCare Ohio (MLTSS) – through managed care for dual-eligible adults 

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH 

Phase: Business Formation & Credentialing 

Timeline: 1–2 months 

Phase: Facility Setup, Staff Hiring & Policy Finalization 

Timeline: 2–3 months 

Phase: DODD Certification & Medicaid Enrollment 

Timeline: 60–90 days 

Phase: Billing Setup & Service Implementation 

Timeline: 30–45 days 

9. CONTACT INFORMATION 

Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM)

Website: https://medicaid.ohio.gov 

Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) 

Website: https://dodd.ohio.gov 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov 

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — OHIO RESIDENTIAL SERVICES PROVIDER 

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Residential Services in Ohio, offering: 

Scope of Work: 

• Business registration, facility setup, and Medicaid/DODD enrollment 

• Home inspection readiness and residential safety plan development 

• Policy manual creation tailored to 24/7 and intermittent support homes 

• Staff credentialing systems and training program templates 

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared documentation 

• Branding, marketing, and referral outreach to County Boards and case managers 

• Quality assurance systems for supervision, care delivery, and compliance 

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

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