ENSURING SAFETY AND RAPID RESPONSE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND CHRONIC CONDITIONS

1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)
Role: Approves PERS providers, monitors service delivery, and ensures compliance with waiver guidelines

Agency: Alaska Medicaid (under the Department of Health)
Role: Manages Medicaid provider enrollment and reimbursement for PERS services

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Role: Provides federal oversight and ensures compliance with HCBS standards and participant-centered care principles

​

2. PERS SERVICE OVERVIEW

PERS Services include the provision, installation, maintenance, and monitoring of electronic devices that enable individuals to summon help quickly in the event of an emergency.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Installation of emergency response systems in homes
• 24/7 monitoring services linked to call centers
• Mobile PERS devices for use outside the home (if authorized)
• Routine device checks, maintenance, and battery replacements
• Training for individuals and caregivers on device usage
• Coordination with emergency responders and caregivers when alerts are triggered

All services must be authorized in the participant’s person-centered service plan and cannot duplicate other emergency alert services provided simultaneously.

​

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites:

• Register business with Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Establish a physical business presence or service office in Alaska
• Ensure monitoring center is UL-listed or meet SDS-approved standards for emergency monitoring
• Maintain a 24/7 response center or contract with an approved emergency monitoring vendor
• Ensure secure installation, troubleshooting, and repair services
• Develop training materials for participants and caregivers

4. SDS PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Initial Interest and Application:

• Request the PERS Provider application packet from SDS
• (Recommended) Attend HCBS waiver orientation for providers
• Application and Documentation Submission:
• Submit business structure, emergency response protocols, and monitoring center information
• Provide staff qualifications, monitoring agreements, and participant training protocols
• Include system testing and maintenance policies

Program Readiness Review:

• SDS evaluates emergency call protocols, staff credentials, and documentation systems
• May request demonstration of device installation and emergency response procedures
• Verifies readiness for participant intake and emergency communication handling

Approval & Medicaid Enrollment:

• Upon SDS approval, enroll with Alaska Medicaid through MMIS as a PERS provider
• Select appropriate billing codes under applicable HCBS waivers
• Complete Medicaid provider agreements and configure billing and claims systems

​

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License
• IRS EIN confirmation
• NPI confirmation
• Proof of office or service base in Alaska

SDS-Compliant Policy & Procedure Manual including:

• Participant intake and emergency contact documentation
• Installation, maintenance, and replacement procedures
• Monitoring center staffing, response times, and communication logs
• Incident response and reporting protocols
• Participant rights, privacy, and informed consent forms
• Staff background checks, training logs, and supervisory protocols
• Device inventory management and system testing logs
• Medicaid billing, authorization tracking, and service logging procedures

​

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: PERS Coordinator / Supervisor
Requirements: Experience in emergency response operations, technical installation, Medicaid documentation

Role: PERS Technician / Installer
Requirements: Technical installation training, background check clearance, customer service training

All staff must complete:

• SDS waiver-specific emergency response training
• Installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance training
• Confidentiality and client rights education
• Emergency communication and documentation procedures

​

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

The following Alaska Medicaid Waivers authorize PERS Services:

• Alaskans Living Independently (ALI) Waiver
• Adults with Physical and Developmental Disabilities (APDD) Waiver
• Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver
• Children with Complex Medical Conditions (CCMC) Waiver

Approved providers may deliver:

• In-home installation and activation of emergency devices
• Continuous 24/7 monitoring and alert management
• Mobile PERS device services (if included in the service plan)
• Maintenance, troubleshooting, and participant education

​

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation and Vendor Setup
Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: SDS Application and Readiness Review
Timeline: 60–90 days

Phase: Staff Hiring, Training, and System Testing
Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase: Medicaid Enrollment and MMIS Configuration
Timeline: 45–60 days

​

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

Alaska Department of Health – Division of Senior and Disabilities Services (SDS)
Email: dsdsprovider@alaska.gov
Phone: (907) 269-3666
Website: https://dhss.alaska.gov/dsds

Alaska Medicaid Provider Enrollment – Conduent MMIS
Website: https://medicaidalaska.com

​

10. SCOPE OF WORK

• Business registration and EIN/NPI setup
• SDS application and documentation support
• Development of PERS-specific Policy & Procedure Manual
• Staff training templates and monitoring protocols
• Medicaid enrollment and MMIS billing system setup
• Website, domain, and email setup
• Client intake and emergency contact packet
• PERS training materials and response procedure templates
• Incident tracking systems and quality assurance protocols
• Referral and community partnership development strategies