SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES PROVIDER IN ARKANSAS

PROVIDING CUSTOMIZED SUPPORT IN THE HOME TO PROMOTE INDEPENDENCE, DIGNITY, AND COMMUNITY INCLUSION

Supported Living Services in Arkansas are individualized, flexible services that help people with developmental disabilities live successfully in their own homes or apartments. These services are authorized under the Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver and are designed to offer as much or as little assistance as a person needs to achieve independence in a community-based setting.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) – Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Role: Approves and monitors Supported Living providers under the CES Waiver

Agency: Arkansas Medicaid / Division of Medical Services (DMS)

Role: Handles provider enrollment and Medicaid reimbursement for supported living services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight of HCBS waiver compliance, including residential and in-home support services

2. SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Living Services help individuals manage daily living in their own homes, either alone or with chosen roommates. Services are based on the person’s goals and needs, and may range from a few hours a week to 24/7 support.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as cooking, hygiene, cleaning, and money management

• Medication reminders and health monitoring (non-clinical)

• Community engagement and social skill-building

• Safety supervision and behavioral redirection

• Support with budgeting, grocery shopping, and transportation

• Documentation of service delivery and progress toward ISP goals

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State

• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)

• Submit CES Waiver Provider Application to DDS

• Complete Medicaid enrollment via the Arkansas Medicaid Portal

• Maintain liability insurance and secure documentation systems

• Hire trained staff and implement supervision and safety protocols

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

• Apply through the Arkansas Medicaid Provider Portal

• Submit W-9, EFT info, and business documentation

• Select Supported Living under CES Waiver services

Step 2: DDS CES Waiver Provider Application

• Submit policy manual, sample care plans, and documentation templates

• Include staff training protocols and emergency procedures

Step 3: Approval and Referral Activation

• Upon approval, begin receiving ISP-based referrals for supported living services

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License

• IRS EIN Letter

• NPI confirmation

• Medicaid and CES Waiver provider approval

• Policy & procedure manual including:

  • Daily service planning and care documentation

  • Staff supervision and check-in protocols

  • Medication and health observation documentation

  • Client rights and grievance policies

  • Emergency preparedness and incident reporting procedures

  • ISP goal tracking forms and communication logs

  • Confidentiality, safety, and visit verification tools

  • Staff credentialing and annual training logs

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Supported Living Program Supervisor

Requirements: Experience in home- and community-based disability services and staff supervision

Role: Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED

• CPR/First Aid certification

• Completion of DDS-required training

• Background check and Adult/Child Maltreatment Registry clearance

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Person-centered planning and ISP implementation

• ADL support, documentation, and ethics

• Safety and emergency response procedures

• Annual refreshers on confidentiality, rights, and waiver compliance

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

Supported Living Services are authorized under:

• Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• Scheduled and unscheduled assistance with in-home routines

• Community access and social engagement support

• Independent living skill development

• Supervision and safety in non-institutional housing

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Medicaid and CES Waiver Enrollment

Timeline: 45–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring and Onboarding

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Referral Coordination and Service Activation

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Arkansas Department of Human Services – Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

Email: ddsproviderinfo@dhs.arkansas.gov

Phone: (501) 683-5687

Website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/dms/dds

Arkansas Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal

Website: https://portal.mmis.arkansas.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ARKANSAS SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES PROVIDER

We help new agencies launch Medicaid-compliant Supported Living Services to help individuals thrive independently in their own homes.

Scope of Work:

• Business registration (LLC, EIN, NPI)

• CES Waiver and Medicaid enrollment support

• Policy & procedure manual for supported living supervision and care

• Templates for ISP tracking, care logs, and incident reports

• Website, domain, and email setup

• Staff credentialing trackers and supervision logs

• Client intake packet, consent forms, and service agreements

• Incident reporting systems and audit preparation tools

• Referral networking with DDS, case managers, and housing providers

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.