SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SERVICES PROVIDER IN ALABAMA

Fatumata Kaba
Jun 27
3 min read

Updated: Jun 30

SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES IN DEVELOPING COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE, AND SWALLOWING SKILLS

Speech and Language Services in Alabama are designed to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who have challenges with communication, speech, language processing, or swallowing. These services aim to improve functional communication, enhance social interaction, and support safety and independence. Speech and Language Services are authorized under Alabama’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers and must meet the standards established by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH).

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)

Role: Approves providers and monitors service delivery to ensure alignment with HCBS waiver guidelines and therapeutic outcomes

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency

Role: Manages provider enrollment, billing, and reimbursement for Speech and Language Therapy services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight to ensure therapy services meet Medicaid compliance and are evidence-based

2. SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Speech and Language Services provide therapeutic interventions to individuals with IDD who have communication impairments, language delays, or swallowing disorders. These services must be medically necessary and outlined in the individual’s person-centered service plan. Approved providers may deliver:

Speech and language evaluations and diagnostics
Individualized therapy plans
Treatment for speech production, language comprehension, and expression
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) support
Swallowing assessments and feeding therapy
Caregiver training and home program development

All services must be delivered by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and supported with proper documentation and outcome tracking.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Alabama Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Employ or contract with licensed Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs)
Maintain HIPAA-compliant therapy documentation and client records
Demonstrate the ability to deliver therapy in-home, in-clinic, or via teletherapy

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Request the Speech and Language Services Provider Application Packet from ADMH
Submit a service plan that includes therapy protocols, staff qualifications, and documentation practices
Include templates for evaluation reports, therapy notes, and progress updates

Background & Credentialing:

Background checks and drug screenings for all clinical staff
Verification of current Alabama licensure for SLPs and support personnel
Proof of liability insurance and continuing education compliance

Program Readiness Review:

Review of therapy plans, progress tracking forms, and care coordination procedures
Policies for referral intake, service authorizations, and family involvement
Emergency protocols, confidentiality measures, and discharge planning

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Once approved by ADMH, enroll with Alabama Medicaid as a provider of Speech and Language Services
Add appropriate CPT/HCPCS billing codes to the Medicaid profile

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
IRS EIN Letter
NPI confirmation
SLP license verification
Office lease or proof of mobile/telehealth readiness
ADMH-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Evaluation and treatment planning protocols
- Therapy documentation and goal-setting standards
- HIPAA compliance and confidentiality policies
- Emergency response and incident reporting procedures
- Staff training, supervision, and performance review processes
- Signed treatment plans, parental consent forms, and outcome tracking sheets

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)Requirements: Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology; current Alabama license; experience with IDD populations preferred

Role: Speech Therapy Assistant (optional)Requirements: Alabama license; must work under the supervision of a licensed SLP

All staff must complete: