RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN MONTANA

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

Respite Care Services in Montana 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 Montana’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

• Agency: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)

  • Role: Administers Medicaid and HCBS Waiver programs, including funding for respite care services

• Agency: Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)

  • Role: Oversees licensing and compliance for respite care providers

• 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 your business with the Montana Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

• Enroll as a Medicaid provider with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services

• Obtain a Respite Care License from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry

• Maintain liability insurance and documentation of staff qualifications

4. MEDICAID PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Pre-Application Contact

• Contact the Montana Department of Public Health and Human 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

Training Requirements:

• Client safety, abuse prevention, and emergency response

• Confidentiality and cultural sensitivity

• Documentation and communication with families

• Annual refreshers on ethics, privacy, and client rights

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Respite Care Services in Montana are available through:

• Big Sky Waiver (BSW)

• Community First Choice/Personal Assistance Services (CFC/PAS)

• Medicaid Home Health Services

Approved providers may deliver:

• Scheduled or emergency respite care in the home or community

• Supervision and support consistent with the individual’s PCP or ISP

• Documentation and coordination with service coordinators

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

• Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

• Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Training

• Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Facility/Equipment Setup

• Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)

• Website: https://dphhs.mt.gov

Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)

• Website: https://dli.mt.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MONTANA RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

We support agencies and entrepreneurs in launching compliant Respite Care Services across Montana under the HCBS Waiver models.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration and licensing assistance

• Medicaid provider enrollment

• Policy & procedure manual for respite care operations

• Templates for service logs, emergency plans, and family communication

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs

• Client intake packet and consent forms

• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools

• Referral networking with healthcare professionals and community agencies

Continue To Our Client Portal To Get Started

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.