SPECIALIZED THERAPIES SERVICES PROVIDER IN FLORIDA

Fatumata Kaba
4 days ago
3 min read

DELIVERING INDIVIDUALIZED THERAPEUTIC SUPPORTS TO ENHANCE FUNCTION, COMMUNICATION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR MEDICAID RECIPIENTS

Specialized Therapies Services in Florida include occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), speech-language pathology (SLP), and other clinically necessary supports designed to improve or maintain functional capabilities. These services are covered under Florida Medicaid, including the iBudget Waiver for individuals with developmental disabilities, and are regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Role: Manages the iBudget Waiver and approves providers of specialized therapies for individuals with developmental disabilities

Agency: Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)

Role: Administers Medicaid and licenses healthcare professionals delivering therapy services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures federal oversight and HCBS compliance under Medicaid waiver programs

2. SPECIALIZED THERAPIES SERVICE OVERVIEW

Specialized Therapies address physical, developmental, and communication-related challenges. These services are prescribed by a physician and provided in-home, clinic-based, or community settings based on each recipient’s Support Plan and documented needs.

Approved providers may deliver:

Occupational therapy (OT): Daily living skill development, motor planning, sensory integration
Physical therapy (PT): Strength, balance, range of motion, mobility support
Speech-language pathology (SLP): Communication skills, articulation, swallowing therapy, AAC support
Assessments, treatment planning, and progress monitoring
Caregiver training and therapeutic support planning
Documentation for Medicaid billing and service coordination

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register your business with the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz)
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Ensure therapists hold active Florida licensure in their respective disciplines
Enroll as a Medicaid Therapy Provider through the Florida Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal
Apply as an APD-approved provider under the iBudget Waiver (service category: Specialized Therapies)
Maintain professional liability insurance
Implement HIPAA-compliant documentation systems

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Register your business and obtain NPI

Step 2: Enroll in Florida Medicaid as a provider of PT, OT, and/or SLP

Step 3: Complete APD iBudget Provider Enrollment for Specialized Therapies

Submit required documentation including licenses, resume, service plan templates, and references

Step 4: Coordinate with Waiver Support Coordinators and APD regions for referrals and service authorizations

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Sunbiz business registration and IRS EIN letter
NPI confirmation
Florida licensure for each therapist (PT, OT, SLP)
Professional liability insurance
Medicaid provider ID and APD provider number
Policy & procedure manual including:
- Intake and assessment forms
- Treatment planning and documentation templates
- HIPAA and confidentiality policy
- Incident reporting and emergency protocols
- Progress note and billing documentation
- Staff training logs and CEU verification
- Participant rights and grievance policy

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Licensed Therapist (OT, PT, SLP)

Requirements:

Active Florida license in respective discipline
Background screening through AHCA Level 2
CPR certification and HIPAA training

Role: Therapy Aide (optional)

Requirements:

Supervised by licensed clinician
Background screening and service documentation training

Training Requirements for All Staff:

Medicaid documentation and billing standards
HIPAA compliance and participant confidentiality
Abuse prevention and incident reporting
Cultural competence and person-centered care
Emergency procedures and infection control

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Specialized Therapies are reimbursed under:

Florida Medicaid State Plan (for children and adults)
iBudget Waiver (administered by APD for individuals with developmental disabilities)

Approved providers may deliver:

Physician-ordered therapy services in accordance with the recipient’s Support Plan
In-home, clinic, or community-based sessions
Ongoing assessments and progress evaluations
Documentation aligned with APD standards and Medicaid requirements

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment

Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase: APD iBudget Waiver Enrollment

Timeline: 30–90 days

Phase: Staff Onboarding and Referral Activation

Timeline: Ongoing

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD)

Phone: (850) 488-4257