RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDER IN OREGON

Fatumata Kaba
Oct 7
4 min read

CREATING SAFE, STABLE, AND PERSON-CENTERED LIVING ENVIRONMENTS FOR OREGONIANS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Residential Support Services in Oregon are Medicaid-funded programs that provide 24/7 or intermittent care and supervision to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in community-based residential settings. These services are designed to support individuals in achieving independence, building life skills, and participating in their communities, while ensuring health and safety in a home-like environment. Residential support is authorized through Oregon’s HCBS Waivers and K Plan under the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) – Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS)

Role: Oversees certification, funding, and oversight of residential service providers in coordination with Community Developmental Disabilities Programs (CDDPs).

Agency: Oregon Health Authority (OHA)

Role: Administers Oregon Health Plan, processes Medicaid enrollment, and ensures compliance with Medicaid service rules.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures state Medicaid residential services meet federal waiver standards.

Agency: Oregon Secretary of State (SOS)

Role: Handles business registration and legal formation of provider agencies.

2. RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT SERVICES OVERVIEW

These services support individuals in licensed or certified residential settings such as group homes, foster homes, supported living apartments, or individualized community settings.

Approved providers may deliver:

24-Hour Residential Services: Full-time supervision, skill development, and ADL support in group homes or staffed residences.
Supported Living Services: Assistance for individuals living independently or with roommates in community apartments or homes.
Host Homes/Adult Foster Care (AFH): Care provided in a family-like setting by certified providers.
Daily Living Support: Help with bathing, cooking, dressing, shopping, and household management.
Community Integration: Outings, recreational activities, and participation in public life.
Medication Assistance & Health Monitoring: Medication administration, monitoring, and documentation.
Behavior Support Implementation: Plan implementation and data collection (if BSP is in place).
Documentation & Medicaid Billing: Progress notes, ISP tracking, incident reports, and shift logs.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Oregon Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and a Type 2 NPI.
Enroll as a Medicaid provider via the Oregon Health Plan Provider Portal.
Apply for certification through ODDS and your local CDDP (required for group homes, supported living, and foster care).
Complete required inspections (for licensed homes) and health/safety compliance.
Maintain general liability, workers’ comp, and property insurance.
Develop a Residential Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual based on Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs).

4. OREGON PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain EIN, NPI, and insurance.

Step 2: Complete ODDS certification process through your local CDDP.

Step 3: Enroll as a Medicaid provider through OHA’s portal.

Step 4: Prepare your home/facility for walkthrough inspection (if applicable).

Step 5: Submit documentation, pass background checks, and receive service authorization.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Business registration and Articles of Incorporation
EIN and NPI confirmations
Certification and licensing (group home, supported living, or AFH)
Insurance coverage documents
Residential Support Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Resident rights and grievance protocols
- ADL support routines and personal care standards
- Medication assistance and health monitoring
- Emergency procedures and evacuation plans
- Staffing requirements and training guidelines
- ISP implementation and documentation templates
- Incident reporting and quality improvement systems
- Medicaid billing forms and daily shift logs

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Residential Caregiver

Requirements: Background check, CPR/First Aid, ODDS core training, and understanding of ISP/BSP implementation.

Role: Program Coordinator / House Manager

Requirements: Supervises daily operations, oversees ISP delivery, and ensures compliance.

Role: RN / Medical Consultant (optional)

Requirements: Licensed; may assist with medication delegation, training, or complex care oversight.

All staff must complete:

Abuse reporting and safety training
HIPAA and confidentiality modules
Individual Support Plan (ISP) implementation
Documentation and incident tracking
Annual competency reviews and in-service training

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Residential Support Services in Oregon are provided under:

Comprehensive Waiver (IDD): Covers 24-hour residential, supported living, and behavioral supports.
Support Services Waiver (IDD): Includes flexible residential supports for individuals in non-licensed housing.
K Plan (1915(k)): Supports ADL/IADL assistance in community living arrangements.
Children’s DD Waiver: Includes family and foster care-based residential services.
Adult Foster Homes (AFH) & Host Homes: May be covered under HCBS Waiver if certified by ODDS.

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Registration & Manual Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: ODDS Certification & Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Background Checks & Training

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Facility Readiness & Client Referral Coordination

Timeline: Begins once certification and approval are complete

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Oregon Department of Human Services – ODDS Residential Services

Website: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/DD

Oregon Health Authority – Medicaid Enrollment

Website: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Pages/Providers.aspx

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — OREGON RESIDENTIAL SUPPORT PROVIDER

WCG helps providers in Oregon open high-quality, person-centered residential programs for individuals with IDD, from group homes to supported living models.

Scope of Work: