SPECIALIZED THERAPIES PROVIDER IN DELAWARE

Fatumata Kaba
Jul 7
3 min read

DELIVERING INDIVIDUALIZED CLINICAL SUPPORTS TO PROMOTE FUNCTIONAL SKILLS, HEALTH, AND INDEPENDENCE

Specialized Therapies in Delaware include services such as physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech-language pathology (SLP), and other clinician-directed supports for individuals with developmental disabilities or complex medical needs. These services are covered under Delaware Medicaid, the Lifespan Waiver, and other Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs administered by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS) and the Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Delaware Division of Medicaid & Medical Assistance (DMMA)

Role: Oversees Medicaid funding and provider reimbursement for therapy services

Agency: Delaware Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDDS)

Role: Authorizes Specialized Therapies through person-centered planning under the Lifespan Waiver

Agency: Delaware Division of Professional Regulation (DPR)

Role: Licenses PTs, OTs, SLPs, and other therapy professionals

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure therapy services meet HCBS and medical necessity standards

2. SPECIALIZED THERAPY SERVICE OVERVIEW

Specialized Therapies help individuals improve or maintain physical, communicative, or daily living skills necessary for functioning in home or community settings. Services must be included in the participant’s Individual Service Plan (ISP) and prescribed when medically necessary.

Approved providers may deliver:

Physical therapy: Mobility training, strength-building, fall prevention
Occupational therapy: Daily living skill development, sensory integration, adaptive strategies
Speech-language pathology: Communication skills, swallowing evaluations, AAC device support
Behavioral feeding therapies, sensory-motor integration, or other habilitative therapies
Evaluation, progress monitoring, and documentation for each authorized service

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Delaware Division of Corporations
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Maintain Delaware professional licenses for each clinician through DPR
Enroll as a Delaware Medicaid therapy provider through the DMAP portal
If serving waiver participants, become an approved DDDS Lifespan Waiver provider
Carry malpractice and liability insurance
Use HIPAA-compliant documentation systems

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register business and obtain NPIStep 2: Apply for therapist licensure (PT, OT, SLP, etc.) through the Delaware Division of Professional RegulationStep 3: Enroll as a Medicaid therapy provider through the Delaware Medical Assistance Portal (DMAP)Step 4: Apply with DDDS to provide Specialized Therapies under the Lifespan WaiverStep 5: Connect with CMAs and DDDS service coordinators for referrals

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or proof of business registration
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
Active therapist licenses (PT, OT, SLP, etc.)
Medicaid provider enrollment confirmation
DDDS provider agreement (if applicable)
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Intake and assessment procedures
- Treatment plan templates and progress notes
- Documentation of frequency, duration, and goals
- HIPAA compliance and client confidentiality protocols
- Consent forms and participant rights
- Emergency response and incident reporting procedures
- Therapist supervision and CEU tracking

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Licensed Therapist (PT, OT, SLP, etc.)

Requirements:

Active Delaware license through DPR
Background check and CPR certification
Experience with developmental disabilities and community-based therapy preferred

Role: Therapy Aide / Assistant (if applicable)

Requirements: