RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN MISSOURI

Fatumata Kaba
Aug 7
3 min read

PROVIDING TEMPORARY RELIEF TO CAREGIVERS WHILE ENSURING SAFE, COMPASSIONATE SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OR COMPLEX NEEDS

Respite Care Services in Missouri offer short-term, temporary relief to unpaid primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related needs. These services help maintain caregiver well-being while ensuring that the individual continues to receive quality care. Respite care can be provided in-home, in the community, or at licensed out-of-home facilities through Missouri’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)
- Role: Administers Medicaid and HCBS Waiver programs, including funding for respite care services
Agency: Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS)
- Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment and service authorization
Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures waiver compliance

2. RESPITE CARE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Respite Care Services offer caregivers a temporary break while ensuring that individuals continue to receive appropriate care and supervision. Respite may be planned or offered during emergencies and is based on the needs defined in the Individual Service Plan (ISP) or Person-Centered Plan (PCP). Approved providers may deliver:

In-home respite (care provided in the individual’s home)
Out-of-home respite (licensed facility or community setting)
Supervision, personal care, and basic support during the caregiver’s absence
Short-term behavioral support or companionship
Documentation of service dates, hours, and individual well-being

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Missouri Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Missouri Department of Social Services
Obtain a Respite Care License from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Maintain liability insurance and documentation of staff qualifications

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

Contact the Missouri Department of Social Services for respite care provider requirements

Step 2: Application Submission

Submit business registration, liability insurance, and service descriptions

Step 3: License Verification

Obtain and verify the Respite Care License

Step 4: Approval and Medicaid Number Assignment

Once approved, receive a Medicaid provider number and authorization to provide services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Registration
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Respite Care License
Liability insurance certificate
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Client intake and caregiver communication protocols
- Daily service logs and emergency contact procedures
- Medication reminder documentation (no medication administration unless licensed)
- Client rights, grievance policy, and confidentiality protections
- Staff qualifications, supervision logs, and training documentation
- Service authorization and billing procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Respite Care Supervisor / Program Manager

Requirements: Background in caregiving, social services, or human development; experience in supervision preferred

Role: Respite Care Worker / In-Home Aide

Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- TB clearance, background check, and fingerprinting
- CPR/First Aid certification
- Home Care Aide registration (if required)

Training Requirements: