RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARKANSAS

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 4
3 min read

Updated: Jul 6

GIVING FAMILY CAREGIVERS A BREAK WHILE ENSURING CONTINUITY OF SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OR CHRONIC CONDITIONS

Respite Care Services in Arkansas provide temporary relief to primary caregivers by offering short-term care for individuals with developmental disabilities, aging needs, or complex medical conditions. These services are authorized under the Arkansas Medicaid Waiver Programs and allow individuals to remain safely in their homes or community while their caregivers take time off.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Role: Approves and monitors service providers and ensures compliance with HCBS waiver program requirements

Agency: Arkansas Medicaid / Division of Medical Services (DMS)

Role: Administers Medicaid funding and reimbursement for respite care

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures adherence to Medicaid waiver guidelines

2. RESPITE CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Respite services provide temporary supervision and support for individuals who normally receive ongoing care from family or unpaid caregivers. Services can be provided in the individual’s home or a community setting and may occur during the day, evenings, weekends, or overnight.

Approved providers may deliver:

In-home care during planned or emergency caregiver absences
Supervision and assistance with daily living activities
Personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, or mobility support
Social and recreational engagement during respite hours
Coordination with family members and support staff
Documentation of services delivered and any changes in condition

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Complete provider enrollment through Arkansas Medicaid
Submit an application to become a provider with the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)
Maintain liability insurance and secure service documentation systems
Ensure all staff meet required background checks and training

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

Apply through the Arkansas Provider Enrollment Portal
Submit organizational documents, ownership disclosure, and electronic funds transfer (EFT) info
Select appropriate provider type and service specialties (Respite Care under HCBS)

Step 2: DDS Waiver Service Approval

Complete and submit the HCBS Waiver Provider Packet
Include policy manual, staffing plan, and training documentation
Participate in a readiness review if requested

Step 3: Approval and Billing Setup

Receive provider number and begin claims setup through Medicaid billing system
Coordinate with support coordinators for client referrals

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Medicaid provider enrollment approval
DDS waiver provider application and agreement
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Intake and referral process
- Daily documentation and client care logs
- Staff credentialing, supervision, and emergency contacts
- Participant rights, informed consent, and HIPAA compliance
- Incident reporting and grievance procedures
- Caregiver relief coordination and scheduling
- Service tracking and billing templates

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Respite Care Coordinator / Program Supervisor

Requirements: Experience in human services or disability care; supervisory background preferred

Role: Direct Care Staff / Respite Aide

Requirements:

High school diploma or GED
CPR/First Aid certification
Background check and Adult/Child Maltreatment Registry clearance
Knowledge of supporting individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions

Training Requirements for All Staff: