SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES PROVIDER IN GEORGIA

Fatumata Kaba
3 days ago
4 min read

ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS IN ACHIEVING INDEPENDENCE WHILE LIVING IN HOMES OF THEIR CHOICE WITH PERSONALIZED SUPPORT

Supported Living Services in Georgia help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities live independently in their own homes or apartments, while receiving the necessary support to ensure their health, safety, and successful community integration. These services are authorized under Georgia’s Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs, promoting dignity, choice, and person-centered living.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

Role: Administers Supported Living Services for individuals enrolled in the NOW and COMP waivers

Agency: Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Role: Oversees Medicaid provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Supported Living Services meet HCBS community-based and person-centered requirements.

2. SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICE OVERVIEW

Supported Living Services provide direct, individualized assistance to help participants maintain their own homes and be active members of their communities.

Approved providers may deliver:

Personal assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, and mobility
Support with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) such as cooking, housekeeping, laundry, and shopping
Health maintenance activities (non-nursing supports such as medication reminders and monitoring)
Assistance with budgeting, bill paying, and household management
Community access and transportation assistance
Emergency preparedness and crisis intervention support
Advocacy support to promote autonomy and self-determination

Services are tailored based on the participant’s needs and goals documented in their Individual Service Plan (ISP).

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register business with the Georgia Secretary of State
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
Enroll as a Medicaid provider through the Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)
Complete DBHDD Provider Enrollment for Supported Living Services
Maintain general liability insurance
Develop policies that prioritize person-centered planning, participant choice, health and safety, and dignity

4. DBHDD/DCH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Submit a Letter of Intent to DBHDD for Supported Living Services
Complete pre-qualification checklist, including business registration, staff structure, and insurance verification

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, operational policies, and participant intake forms
Provide sample support plans, daily documentation templates, and emergency protocols

Program Readiness Review:

DBHDD reviews providers’ readiness to deliver person-centered Supported Living Services, including staffing ratios, documentation systems, and participant protection protocols

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon DBHDD approval, complete Medicaid enrollment through GAMMIS
Configure billing codes for Supported Living Services under NOW and COMP waivers

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Georgia Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Proof of general liability insurance
DBHDD-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:
- Participant intake, housing support assessment, and service planning procedures
- ADL/IADL support protocols and daily support logs
- Emergency preparedness and incident management plans
- Client rights, HIPAA compliance, and grievance procedures
- Staff background checks, credentialing, and training documentation
- Medicaid billing, service authorization tracking, and quality assurance systems

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Supported Living Services Manager / Supervisor

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or related field preferred; experience with developmental disabilities support services; background screening clearance

Role: Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) / Supported Living Aides

Requirements: High school diploma or GED required; CPR/First Aid certification recommended; background screening clearance

All staff must complete:

Person-centered planning and participant rights training
HIPAA confidentiality and abuse prevention training
Emergency response and incident management training
Annual refresher training on service documentation, health and safety standards, and community integration strategies

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Georgia Medicaid Waivers authorize Supported Living Services:

Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP)
New Options Waiver Program (NOW)

Approved providers may deliver:

Direct support with activities of daily living and independent living skills
Health-related assistance and monitoring (within non-nursing scope)
Crisis intervention, support, and advocacy
Coordination of community resources and housing stability efforts

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Initial Credentialing Setup

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: DBHDD Provider Application and Readiness Review

Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Credentialing, and Participant System Setup

Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and Billing System Setup

Timeline: 45–60 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD)

Website: https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/

Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)

Website: https://dch.georgia.gov/

Georgia Medicaid Management Information System (GAMMIS)

Website: https://www.mmis.georgia.gov/

SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES PROVIDER IN GEORGIA

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP’S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — GEORGIA SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES PROVIDER

WCG supports residential and community living providers in launching Medicaid-compliant Supported Living Services under Georgia’s HCBS waiver programs.

Scope of Work: