RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH CAROLINA

OFFERING SHORT-TERM RELIEF TO FAMILIES WHILE ENSURING CONTINUITY OF CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC NEEDS

Respite Care Services in South Carolina provide temporary, supportive care to individuals with disabilities or health conditions, giving their regular caregivers a break. These services are available under several Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, including the ID/RD Waiver, Community Supports Waiver, HASCI Waiver, and CLTC (Community Long Term Care). Respite may be provided in-home, in licensed facilities, or at adult day care sites, and must align with the participant’s Individual Support Plan (ISP).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Role: Oversees Medicaid funding, service authorizations, and provider reimbursements.

Agency: South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

Role: Coordinates respite services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including training and provider oversight.

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

Role: Ensures state waiver compliance with federal guidelines for respite and family support services.

2. RESPITE CARE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Respite care provides temporary, substitute support to a person with disabilities or chronic illness when the usual caregiver is unavailable. It helps prevent caregiver burnout and ensures that care remains consistent and person-centered.

Approved providers may offer:

• In-Home Respite: Short-term care within the participant’s residence

• Out-of-Home Respite: Delivered in a licensed group home, facility, or community site

• Hourly or Daily Care: Flexible based on waiver guidelines and caregiver availability

• Skilled or Non-Skilled Supervision: Depending on the participant’s care needs

• Documentation: Shift notes, care logs, incident reports, and Medicaid billing records

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI

• Enroll as a Medicaid provider under Respite Services through DDSN or SCDHHS

• Hire trained Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) or respite workers

• If offering out-of-home respite, comply with DHEC facility licensure requirements

• Develop a Respite Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual

4. SOUTH CAROLINA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Establish your business, secure EIN and NPI

Step 2: Apply for provider enrollment with DDSN (for ID/RD and related waivers) or SCDHHS (for CLTC services)

Step 3: Submit staff training, supervision protocols, and documentation samples

Step 4: Complete provider approval and facility licensing (if applicable)

Step 5: Begin accepting participant referrals from case managers or waiver coordinators

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• EIN, NPI, and Articles of Incorporation

• Medicaid enrollment approval

• Staff training records and background checks

• Liability and worker’s compensation insurance

• Respite Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual including:

  • Participant intake and caregiver contact forms

  • Emergency protocols and medication handling (if applicable)

  • Daily shift documentation and service logs

  • Participant rights and HIPAA compliance

  • Critical incident response procedures

  • Billing records and audit trail tools

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Respite Worker / Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED

• Background check, CPR/First Aid, and training in ADLs and behavior support

• Familiarity with individual support plans and safety protocols

Role: Clinical Supervisor (if skilled services provided)

Requirements: RN or licensed professional to oversee care where required

All staff must complete:

• HIPAA and abuse prevention training

• Participant dignity and rights training

• Documentation and Medicaid billing protocols

• Emergency preparedness procedures

• Annual in-service training and skills evaluations

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Respite Care Services are reimbursable through:

• ID/RD Waiver – For individuals with intellectual disabilities

• Community Supports Waiver – For part-time support to individuals with fewer service needs

• HASCI Waiver – For those with head or spinal cord injuries

• CLTC (Community Long Term Care) – For adults with chronic illness or aging-related needs

• TEFRA / EPSDT (under age 21) – May provide skilled pediatric respite when medically necessary

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Manual Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & Staff Onboarding

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Facility Licensure (if applicable)

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Start Accepting Referrals

Timeline: Upon provider approval and participant matching

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

Website: https://www.scdhhs.gov

South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)

Website: https://ddsn.sc.gov

South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)

Website: https://scdhec.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

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

WCG helps providers establish Medicaid-approved respite care programs that reduce caregiver stress and promote consistent care for South Carolina’s most vulnerable populations.

Scope of Work:

• Medicaid enrollment and credentialing

• Respite Care Policy & Procedure Manual

• Participant intake and caregiver communication tools

• Daily documentation logs and emergency forms

• Staff onboarding, training, and supervision plans

• Compliance checklists and billing guidance

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.