top of page
Search

RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN RHODE ISLAND

  • Writer: Fatumata Kaba
    Fatumata Kaba
  • Oct 9
  • 4 min read

PROVIDING TEMPORARY RELIEF FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS WHILE SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH COMPASSIONATE, DEPENDABLE CARE AT HOME OR IN THE COMMUNITY

​

Respite Care Services in Rhode Island are short-term, Medicaid-funded supports designed to provide relief to primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or age-related conditions. These services can be delivered in-home or in community-based settings to ensure the individual’s health and safety while the caregiver takes a break. Respite is authorized under Rhode Island’s Medicaid 1115 Waiver and various Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) programs, and can be arranged through managed care entities or self-direction.

 

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid programs, including HCBS waivers that cover respite care services.

Agency: Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)

Role: Oversees developmental disability programs and funds respite under DD Waivers.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)**

Role: Provides federal oversight of Medicaid-funded respite services.

Agency: Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)

Role: Licenses home care agencies providing in-home respite services, when required.

 

2. RESPITE CARE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Respite services provide temporary support to individuals with disabilities or significant care needs, allowing unpaid caregivers (e.g., family) to rest or attend to personal matters.

Approved providers may deliver:

  • In-Home Respite: Supervision, companionship, and assistance with ADLs in the individual's home.

  • Community-Based Respite: Care provided in a licensed respite facility, day program, or other approved setting.

  • Overnight Respite (optional): Extended relief care for several hours or days, often arranged in specialized settings.

  • Behavioral and Medical Support (as authorized): Assistance tailored to individuals with high support needs.

  • Documentation: Visit records, caregiver reports, and Medicaid-compliant billing forms.

 

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

  • Register your business with the Rhode Island Secretary of State.

  • Obtain an EIN and Type 2 NPI.

  • If providing in-home services: Apply for licensure as a Home Care Provider through RIDOH.

  • Enroll in Rhode Island Medicaid via the EOHHS provider portal.

  • Contract with BHDDH (for DD respite) or Medicaid managed care entities (e.g., Neighborhood Health Plan).

  • Maintain general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

  • Develop a Respite Care Policy & Procedure Manual aligned with Medicaid and waiver requirements.

 

4. RHODE ISLAND PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Establish your business entity and secure your EIN, NPI, and business insurance.

Step 2: If delivering home-based services, apply for RIDOH licensure as a home care agency.

Step 3: Enroll in the Medicaid system through the EOHHS provider portal.

Step 4: Contract with BHDDH or Medicaid MCOs, depending on the population served.

Step 5: Submit staff credentials, service protocols, and your policy manual for approval.

Step 6: Begin receiving respite service authorizations and caregiver referrals.

 

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Articles of Incorporation and business registration

  • EIN and NPI confirmations

  • RIDOH Home Care License (if applicable)

  • Insurance certificates (general, workers’ comp)

  • Respite Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

    • Caregiver intake and scheduling procedures

    • ADL task documentation and daily shift notes

    • Emergency and critical incident protocols

    • Participant rights and safety policies

    • HIPAA compliance and abuse prevention guidelines

    • Respite authorization tracking and Medicaid billing forms

 

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Respite Aide / Direct Support Professional (DSP)Requirements: CPR/First Aid certified; background check; relevant training in personal care and safety.

Role: Program Supervisor (RN or Human Services Professional)Requirements: Oversees care planning and staff compliance; licensed professionals may be required for medically fragile participants.

All staff must complete:

  • HIPAA and participant rights training

  • Abuse and neglect prevention education

  • ADL assistance and documentation training

  • Emergency procedures and incident response

  • Annual skills assessments and competency checks

 

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Respite care is authorized through:

  • Global Consumer Choice Compact 1115 Waiver (RI Medicaid): Covers in-home and community-based respite as part of HCBS.

  • BHDDH DD Waivers: Includes respite for individuals with developmental disabilities living at home with family caregivers.

  • Katie Beckett Program: For medically eligible children with complex needs.

  • Self-Directed Services (through fiscal intermediaries): Allows families to hire qualified respite workers directly.

 

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Policy Manual Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: RIDOH Licensure & Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training & Credentialing

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Readiness Review & Referral Activation

Timeline: Begins after contracting and Medicaid authorization

 

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Rhode Island Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS)

Rhode Island Medicaid Provider Portal

Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH)

Rhode Island Department of Health – Home Care Licensure

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

​

RHODE ISLAND RESPITE CARE PROVIDER

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — RHODE ISLAND RESPITE CARE PROVIDER

WCG supports Rhode Island agencies in launching licensed, waiver-approved respite care programs that meet Medicaid standards and family caregiver needs.

​

Scope of Work:

  • Business registration, RIDOH licensure, and Medicaid enrollment

  • Respite Care Policy & Procedure Manual tailored to in-home and facility-based care

  • Staff onboarding, documentation, and emergency response protocols

  • ADL task logs, caregiver intake forms, and shift notes

  • Contracts with BHDDH, Medicaid MCOs, and self-direction support

  • Audit-readiness templates and compliance checklists



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

Comments

bottom of page