THERAPY SERVICES PROVIDER IN NEVADA

Fatumata Kaba
Sep 4, 2025
4 min read

ENHANCING WELL-BEING THROUGH INDIVIDUALIZED THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS

Therapy Services in Nevada provide professional support to individuals with disabilities, chronic conditions, or recovery needs. These services are aimed at improving physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being through specialized therapeutic techniques. Therapy Services are authorized under Nevada Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver programs.

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Role: Administers Medicaid waiver funding for Therapy Services and manages provider enrollment, service authorization, and reimbursement.

Agency: Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD)

Role: Ensures quality standards, service delivery, and compliance for Therapy Services under HCBS waiver programs.

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Provides federal oversight ensuring Medicaid-funded Therapy Services meet HCBS quality, person-centered planning, and participant protection standards.

2. THERAPY SERVICES OVERVIEW

Therapy Services offer individualized interventions to help individuals develop skills, manage symptoms, and improve their overall functioning.

Approved providers may deliver:

Physical Therapy (PT): Enhancing mobility, strength, and coordination through exercises and manual therapy.
Occupational Therapy (OT): Supporting daily living skills, fine motor coordination, and adaptive techniques.
Speech-Language Therapy (SLP): Improving communication, swallowing, and language processing.
Behavioral Therapy: Addressing maladaptive behaviors and promoting positive coping mechanisms.
Recreational Therapy: Engaging in structured activities to enhance social and physical well-being.
Music and Art Therapy: Utilizing creative methods to improve emotional health and cognitive function.
Aquatic Therapy: Water-based exercises to promote mobility and reduce pain.

All services are delivered according to the Individualized Service Plan (ISP) to meet the participant’s therapeutic goals.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

Register the business entity with the Nevada Secretary of State.
Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2).
Enroll as a Medicaid Waiver Therapy provider via the Nevada Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal.
Obtain licensure for therapy services from DHHS if applicable (e.g., PT, OT, SLP licenses).
Maintain general liability and professional liability insurance.
Develop policies for therapeutic interventions, safety, and care planning.
Ensure licensed therapists meet background checks, health screenings, and continuing education requirements.

4. NEVADA PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

Complete the Provider Enrollment Application through the Nevada Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal for Therapy Services under HCBS waivers.

Application and Documentation Submission:

Submit Articles of Incorporation, proof of EIN/NPI, professional licenses, insurance certificates, and policy manuals.

Program Readiness Review:

DHHS and ADSD evaluate provider readiness, including therapy protocols, safety measures, and staff qualifications.

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

Upon approval, providers receive authorization to bill Medicaid for Therapy Services using designated billing codes.

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Articles of Incorporation or Business License (Nevada Secretary of State)
IRS EIN confirmation
NPI confirmation
Professional licenses (e.g., PT, OT, SLP)
Proof of general and professional liability insurance
Therapy Services Policy & Procedure Manual, including:
- Assessment, therapy planning, and treatment protocols
- Documentation standards for therapy progress and Medicaid billing
- Staff credentialing, background checks, and continuing education records
- HIPAA compliance, participant rights, and grievance handling
- Safety protocols for therapeutic settings and patient interactions
- Emergency preparedness and infection control guidelines
- Quality assurance and compliance monitoring

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Therapy Program Director

Requirements: Master’s degree in a therapy-related field (e.g., physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology); state licensure; supervisory experience preferred.

Role: Licensed Therapists (PT, OT, SLP)

Requirements: Active state licensure; professional certifications in the respective therapy area; experience in home and community-based care.

Role: Therapy Assistants/Aides

Requirements: Certification as a PTA, OTA, or SLPA; supervised by a licensed therapist; and background clearance.

All staff must complete:

Training in therapeutic intervention and client safety
HIPAA compliance and participant rights education
Annual competency evaluations and continuing education
Ongoing training in best practices for therapeutic support and patient interaction

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS

Therapy Services are available under the following Nevada Medicaid Waivers:

Home and Community-Based Waiver for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (HCBS-IDD)
Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver
Physical Disabilities Waiver
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver
Aged and Disabled (AD) Waiver

Services may include: