RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN NORTH DAKOTA

PROVIDING TEMPORARY RELIEF FOR CAREGIVERS THROUGH COMPASSIONATE AND SAFE SUPPORT

Respite Care Services in North Dakota provide temporary relief for primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions. These services ensure the well-being of the care recipient while giving caregivers a break from their duties. Respite Care Services are authorized under North Dakota Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Respite Care Services and oversees provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: North Dakota Medical Services Division (MSD)

Role: Manages Medicaid waiver services and oversees Medicaid provider participation.

Agency: North Dakota Division of Aging Services

Role: Provides oversight for respite care services targeting elderly individuals and adults with disabilities.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure Medicaid-funded Respite Care Services meet quality, safety, and person-centered care standards.

2. RESPITE CARE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Respite Care Services provide temporary relief to primary caregivers by offering short-term care for individuals with physical, developmental, or mental health needs.

Approved providers may deliver:

• In-Home Respite Care: Care provided within the individual’s home environment.

• Out-of-Home Respite Care: Temporary care in a licensed facility or community setting.

• Emergency Respite: Immediate care during unexpected caregiver absences.

• Planned Respite: Scheduled care for routine caregiver breaks or planned absences.

• Overnight Respite: Providing care during nighttime hours.

• Personal Care Assistance: Helping with bathing, grooming, meal preparation, and mobility.

• Social and Recreational Activities: Engaging individuals in safe, enjoyable interactions.

• Health Monitoring: Administering medication and tracking vital signs when needed.

• Behavioral Support: Managing challenging behaviors with positive intervention techniques.

• Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of care provided and individual progress.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register the business entity with the North Dakota Secretary of State.

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

• Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Respite Care provider via the North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS).

• Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.

• Develop policies for respite care planning, safety management, and caregiver support.

• Ensure staff complete required background checks, health screenings, and respite care training.

4. NORTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Complete the Provider Enrollment Application via the North Dakota MMIS for Respite Care Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

• Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, insurance certificates, respite care policies, and staff training documentation.

Program Readiness Review:

• NDDHS and MSD evaluate provider readiness, including care protocols, safety standards, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon approval, providers are authorized to bill Medicaid for Respite Care Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License (North Dakota Secretary of State)

• IRS EIN confirmation

• NPI confirmation

• Proof of general and professional liability insurance

• Respite Care Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Care planning, emergency respite, and caregiver relief protocols

  • Personal care and safety management procedures

  • Staff credentialing, background checks, and ongoing training records

  • Documentation standards for care tracking and Medicaid billing

  • HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling

  • Safety, infection control, and hygiene practices

  • Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Respite Care Program Director

Requirements: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work, human services, or healthcare administration; experience in respite care program management.

Role: Respite Care Workers

Requirements: Certification in direct care or caregiving; experience with individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions; background clearance.

Role: Personal Care Aides (PCAs)

Requirements: Completion of an approved PCA training program; experience in personal care and direct support.

All staff must complete:

• Training in respite care techniques, client safety, and caregiver interaction

• HIPAA compliance and participant rights education

• Annual competency evaluations and ongoing professional development

• Safety, emergency response, and infection control training

• Documentation and record-keeping best practices

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Respite Care Services are available under the following North Dakota Medicaid Waivers:

• Aged and Disabled Waiver

• Technology Dependent Waiver

• Developmental Disabilities Waiver

• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Compliance Preparation

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Program Development

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: North Dakota Medicaid Provider Enrollment and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Medicaid Billing Setup and Respite Care Service Launch

Timeline: 30–45 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

North Dakota Department of Human Services (NDDHS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/

North Dakota Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

North Dakota Division of Health Benefits (NC Medicaid)

Website: https://www.nd.gov/dhs/services/medicalserv/medicaid/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov/

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — NORTH DAKOTA RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports agencies in launching Medicaid-compliant Respite Care Services in North Dakota, offering:

Scope of Work:

• Business registration, Medicaid enrollment, and licensing assistance

• Policy manual development for respite care and caregiver support

• Staff credentialing, training program templates, and compliance documentation

• Medicaid billing setup and audit-prepared financial management

• Branding, website development, and client outreach strategies

• Quality assurance systems for care coordination and compliance monitoring

• Collaboration with healthcare providers, family caregivers, and community organizations

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.