24/7 MONITORING AND EMERGENCY ALERT SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) in Alabama are electronic monitoring systems that allow individuals with disabilities to access emergency help at the push of a button. These services are designed to promote safety and independence for individuals living in the community and are regulated under Alabama’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid Waivers.

​1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)
Role: Approves and monitors HCBS waiver providers, including PERS vendors

Agency: Alabama Medicaid Agency
Role: Administers Medicaid enrollment, billing, and oversight for waiver services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight for Medicaid HCBS programs

2. PERS SERVICE OVERVIEW

PERS is a non-invasive, 24/7 monitoring system that provides individuals with a direct line to emergency assistance through wearable or stationary devices. These systems are often used by individuals who live alone or without immediate caregiver supervision.

Approved PERS providers must deliver:

• Installation of a monitoring unit with a wearable device
• 24/7 live monitoring by a staffed emergency response center
• Notification to emergency responders, caregivers, or family members when an alert is triggered
• Battery backup and maintenance of functional devices
• Documentation of alerts, service calls, and technical support
• PERS must be authorized through the individual’s person-centered service plan.

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register your business with the Alabama Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN and NPI (Type 2)
• Establish a physical office in Alabama or secure a service base in the region
• Demonstrate operational capacity to install and monitor systems 24/7
• Have access to trained staff or subcontractors for installation and repairs
• Have data backup, emergency protocols, and monitoring systems that meet ADMH criteria

4. ADMH PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request the PERS Provider Application Packet from ADMH
• Submit detailed business plan outlining monitoring protocols and installation process
• Include technology standards, customer support plan, and escalation procedures

Background & Credentialing:

• Criminal background checks for all installation or support personnel
• Registry clearance for abuse and neglect
• Drug screening and staff credential validation

System Demonstration & Review:

• Provide evidence of HIPAA-compliant monitoring platform
• Demonstrate capacity to respond to emergency signals 24/7
• Submit sample call logs, system maintenance logs, and response documentation

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Once approved by ADMH, enroll with Alabama Medicaid as a PERS provider
• Add applicable PERS service code under HCBS waiver

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or LLC Certificate
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Lease or deed for office or service base

ADMH-compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• System installation protocol
• Emergency response workflow
• Call center standards and procedures
• Client confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
• Incident reporting
• Equipment replacement and maintenance logs
• Staff training and monitoring
• Client intake and consent forms
• Service documentation logs
• Backup and disaster recovery procedures

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: PERS Program Administrator
Requirements: Technical and administrative experience in managing emergency response systems and call centers

Role: Installation Technician / Field Staff
Requirements: Training in PERS equipment installation, customer service, and safety protocols

Role: Monitoring Center Operators (in-house or subcontracted)
Requirements: 24/7 availability, emergency call-handling training, and HIPAA-compliance training

All staff must complete:

• ADMH orientation and security/privacy training
• Technical training for device installation and response
• Annual system updates and quality assurance refreshers

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alabama Medicaid Waivers authorize PERS:

• ID Waiver (Intellectual Disabilities Waiver)
• LAH Waiver (Living at Home Waiver)
• State of Alabama Community Waiver Program

Approved PERS providers may deliver:

• Installation and configuration of devices
• 24/7 emergency monitoring
• Monthly device maintenance and support
• Response documentation and alert resolution tracking

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation
Timeline: 0–1 week

Phase: ADMH Application Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: System Demonstration and Program Approval
Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment
Timeline: 60–90 days

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) – Division of Developmental Disabilities
Email: ddprovider@mh.alabama.gov
Phone: (334) 242-3702
Website: https://mh.alabama.gov

Alabama Medicaid Agency – Waiver Services
Website: https://medicaid.alabama.gov

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business formation (LLC, EIN, NPI)
• ADMH application and provider approval assistance
• Development of a complete PERS Policy & Procedure Manual
• Support with HIPAA-compliant monitoring protocols
• Medicaid enrollment and service line setup
• Documentation templates and installation checklists
• Staff training materials and system operations guidance
• Ongoing technical support and compliance oversight

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ALABAMA PERS PROVIDER

We support new providers seeking to deliver Personal Emergency Response System services under Alabama’s Medicaid HCBS Waiver program.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​To get started, click the link to request portal access.