RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN OKLAHOMA

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 3
4 min read

CREATING SAFE, INCLUSIVE LIVING ENVIRONMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH STRUCTURED, PERSON-CENTERED SUPPORTS

Residential Support Services in Oklahoma offer individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), behavioral health needs, or long-term support needs a stable, home-like environment where they can receive supervision, personal care, and skill-building services. These services promote independence, ensure safety, and support community integration. They are covered under the Oklahoma Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA)

Role: Oversees SoonerCare (Medicaid), manages HCBS waivers, provider enrollment, and billing systems.

Agency: Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS), Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Role: Certifies residential providers, authorizes services, and monitors program quality for individuals with IDD.

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

Role: Ensures residential services meet federal HCBS waiver standards, including person-centered planning and community inclusion.

2. RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICES OVERVIEW

Residential Support Services are delivered in licensed or certified settings such as group homes, agency companion homes, or supported living arrangements.

Approved providers may deliver:

24-Hour Residential Habilitation: Continuous support in licensed or certified homes with overnight staff.
Agency Companion Homes: Individuals live with trained caregivers in a private residence.
Assisted Living / Supported Living Services: Scheduled assistance in the participant’s own home or apartment.
Skill Development: Training in cooking, personal hygiene, laundry, budgeting, and social interaction.
Health & Medication Oversight: Medication administration, scheduling medical appointments, and coordination with healthcare providers.
Behavioral Support Implementation: Integrating individual behavior plans into the home environment.
Community Engagement: Support to access work, school, volunteer, or recreational activities.
Documentation: Daily logs, behavior data, incident reports, ISP progress notes, and Medicaid billing records.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.
Obtain an EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a HCBS residential provider with OKDHS DDS and the Oklahoma Health Care Authority.
Obtain certification for specific residential models (e.g., group homes, agency companion homes).
Maintain general, professional, and property liability insurance.
Develop a Residential Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual per HCBS standards.
Ensure all staff complete required DDS training and background screenings.

4. OKLAHOMA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Legal Formation & Credentialing

Step 2: Apply to OKDHS DDS

Submit application, including policies, staff qualifications, site details, and program descriptions.

Step 3: Site Readiness Review (if applicable)

Group homes and agency companion residences must meet safety, fire, and zoning requirements.

Step 4: SoonerCare Enrollment via OHCA

Submit Medicaid enrollment application and link NPI to DDS certification.

Step 5: Approval & Service Launch

Begin serving participants based on their Individual Plan (IP) and start billing SoonerCare.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN and NPI confirmation
General and professional liability insurance
Residential Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Supervision and staffing plans
- Personal care, health monitoring, and medication protocols
- Behavior support implementation guidelines
- Daily routine, skill development, and community access plans
- HIPAA compliance and participant rights documentation
- Fire safety, emergency evacuation, and incident reporting procedures
- Medicaid documentation and billing standards
- Quality assurance and grievance resolution policies

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Program Administrator / House Manager

Requirements: Experience in residential care and program oversight; knowledge of HCBS and DDS requirements.

Role: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs)**

Requirements: High school diploma or GED; DDS-approved training; CPR/First Aid certification; background check clearance.

Role: Agency Companion (for live-in models)**

Requirements: Cleared background checks, home safety inspections, and training in person-centered care.

Role: Licensed Nursing Staff (if providing skilled care)**

Requirements: Oklahoma RN or LPN license; medication delegation and health monitoring.

All staff must complete:

Pre-service and annual DDS training
Participant rights, HIPAA, and documentation training
Crisis prevention/intervention (if required)
Emergency preparedness and fire drill procedures

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Residential Support Services are available through the following Oklahoma waivers:

Community Waiver – for individuals with IDD requiring intensive residential and habilitative supports
In-Home Supports Waiver (IHSW) – for adults or children, limited residential support if not full-time
Living Choice Program – helps transition from institutional to residential settings
Medically Fragile Waiver – may include home-based residential services with medical oversight

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Setup & Policy Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Site Readiness, Staff Training & Application Submission

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: DDS & OHCA Enrollment & Certification

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Participant Assignment & Billing Setup

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA)

Website: https://oklahoma.gov/ohca