RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN SOUTH DAKOTA

OFFERING RELIEF FOR PRIMARY CAREGIVERS WHILE PROMOTING CONTINUITY, SAFETY, AND COMFORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OR COMPLEX NEEDS

Respite Care Services in South Dakota provide temporary relief to families or primary caregivers of individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or age-related limitations. These services ensure that individuals continue receiving appropriate supervision and support during caregiver absences. Respite is available through the state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers, including the Family Support 360 Waiver, CHOICES Waiver, Shared Living, and Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) programs. Both in-home and out-of-home models are supported.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)

Role: Administers the CHOICES and Family Support 360 Waivers; oversees service authorizations, quality assurance, and provider approvals.

Agency: South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) – Division of Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS)

Role: Manages respite services for older adults under Medicaid HCBS programs.

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

Role: Ensures federal compliance with HCBS rules governing respite and caregiver support.

2. RESPITE CARE SERVICES OVERVIEW

Respite provides temporary, substitute care to waiver participants when their regular caregiver is unavailable due to planned or emergency reasons.

Approved providers may deliver:

• In-Home Respite: Supervision and support in the individual’s home

• Out-of-Home Respite: Care in a licensed setting (e.g., residential facility or group home)

• Hourly or Daily Support: Based on the participant’s ISP and caregiver needs

• Emergency Respite Options (with pre-approval or crisis plan)

• Monitoring and Documentation: Daily logs, service verification, and communication with case managers

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the South Dakota Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI

• Enroll as a provider with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) or LTSS

• If offering out-of-home respite, meet facility licensure requirements through DSS

• Develop a Respite Care Services Policy & Procedure Manual

• Maintain insurance coverage (liability, workers’ comp, etc.)

4. SOUTH DAKOTA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Form your business, obtain EIN/NPI

Step 2: Submit provider application to DHS-DDD (for ID/DD waivers) or DSS-LTSS (for aging waivers)

Step 3: Provide staff credentials, documentation samples, and safety protocols

Step 4: Undergo provider readiness verification

Step 5: Begin accepting service authorizations and referrals from case managers

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• EIN, NPI, and business registration

• Provider approval from DDD or DSS

• Facility license (if out-of-home services are offered)

• Insurance certificates

• Respite Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:

  • Participant intake and care instructions

  • Emergency and contact protocols

  • Service delivery documentation templates

  • Participant rights and HIPAA compliance

  • Incident reporting and backup caregiver plans

  • Billing forms and verification processes

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Respite Worker / Direct Support Staff

Requirements:

• Background check, CPR/First Aid, basic caregiving or disability services training

• Familiarity with participant needs, behavior plans, and emergency protocols

Role: Clinical Supervisor (for skilled respite services)

Requirements: RN or licensed provider as required by participant’s ISP

All staff must complete:

• Orientation on participant dignity, abuse prevention, and rights

• HIPAA and confidentiality training

• Documentation and Medicaid compliance education

• Annual performance and safety reviews

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Respite care is authorized under:

• CHOICES Waiver – For adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

• Family Support 360 Waiver – For children and adults with disabilities in family homes

• Shared Living Program – May allow respite through alternate family care

• LTSS HCBS Waiver – For older adults needing relief services for caregivers

• State Plan Medicaid or EPSDT (under 21) – May cover pediatric respite with medical necessity

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Setup & Policy Development

Timeline: 1–2 months

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment & Provider Approval

Timeline: 2–3 months

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training & Background Checks

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: Service Launch

Timeline: Upon referral and plan authorization

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

South Dakota Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities

Website: https://dhs.sd.gov

South Dakota Department of Social Services – LTSS

Website: https://dss.sd.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Website: https://www.cms.gov

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

WCG supports providers in launching safe, flexible, and person-centered respite care programs that promote continuity for individuals and peace of mind for families.

Scope of Work:

• Medicaid enrollment assistance (DDD or LTSS)

• Respite Care Policy & Procedure Manual development

• Staff credentialing trackers and orientation tools

• Participant care planning templates

• Daily documentation logs and communication forms

• Medicaid billing templates and incident tracking

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.