RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALASKA

Fatumata Kaba
3 days ago
4 min read

SUPPORTING FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH TEMPORARY RELIEF SERVICES

Respite Care Services in Alaska are designed to provide short-term relief for primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related needs. These services allow caregivers to take essential breaks while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive safe, supportive care. Respite Care is available through Alaska’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers and governed by the Alaska Department of Health and its Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)

Role: Oversees HCBS waiver programs, approves respite care providers, and ensures quality standards

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)

Role: Administers Medicaid provider enrollment and claims reimbursement for respite services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver regulations

2. RESPITE CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Respite care provides temporary support to individuals who normally receive care from a family member or primary caregiver. The goal is to provide relief to caregivers while ensuring continuity of care for the individual.

Approved providers may deliver:

In-home respite care
Out-of-home or facility-based respite (as permitted by plan of care)
Hourly or daily supervision and support
Activities promoting safety, comfort, and well-being
Basic personal care and assistance with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living)

Services must be documented in the individual’s person-centered service plan and meet all health and safety requirements.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Maintain a physical office or service address in Alaska
Hold applicable business or healthcare licenses as required (e.g., agency-based care license)
Demonstrate ability to hire, train, and manage staff for in-home or community-based care
Establish documentation and time-tracking systems for all care delivered

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Pre-Application:

Contact SDS to express interest in becoming a Respite Care provider
Attend orientation or informational meetings as offered by SDS

Application & Policy Submission:

Submit a complete provider application to SDS
Include organizational structure, financial stability documentation, and program service description
Submit policies on consumer rights, safety, staff training, and emergency procedures

Background & Operational Readiness:

Criminal background checks for all staff and contractors
Proof of insurance (liability, worker’s comp, auto if applicable)
System for timesheet management, consumer feedback, and incident reporting

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon SDS approval, enroll as a Medicaid provider through Alaska’s Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)
Select appropriate waiver service lines and billing codes for respite care
Complete Medicaid provider agreement and system access setup

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License Certificate
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Lease or proof of office location in Alaska
SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Eligibility verification and intake procedures
- Service documentation and daily activity logs
- Client rights and confidentiality protections
- Incident, grievance, and complaint resolution procedures
- Emergency preparedness and care continuity plans
- Staff hiring, training, and supervision policies
- Timekeeping and Medicaid billing logs
- Signed caregiver consent and care recipient intake forms