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

Role: Approves and monitors CES Waiver providers delivering behavioral health and support services

Arkansas Department of Human Services – Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services (DAABHS)

Role: Regulates mental health facilities and providers delivering outpatient behavioral health services

Arkansas Medicaid / Division of Medical Services (DMS)

Role: Handles Medicaid enrollment and payment for behavioral health services

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures services meet federal Medicaid and HCBS waiver guidelines

2. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICE OVERVIEW

Behavioral Health Services under the CES Waiver support individuals in developing skills to manage their emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Services are customized to meet the goals outlined in each individual's person-centered plan and may include therapy, coaching, and positive behavior interventions.

Approved providers may deliver: 

• Functional behavior assessments (FBAs)
• Behavior support planning and implementation
• Individual and group therapy (if licensed)
• Crisis intervention and safety planning
• Caregiver training in behavior strategies
• Monitoring and documentation of progress and behavior outcomes

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS 

Prerequisites: 

• Register your business with the Arkansas Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Apply through the DDS CES Waiver Provider Application
• Complete Medicaid provider enrollment
• If providing therapy, obtain licensure from the Arkansas Psychology Board, Social Work Licensing Board, or Counseling Board
• Hire qualified behavior analysts, therapists, or mental health professionals
• Maintain general and professional liability insurance

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1

• Medicaid Enrollment
• Apply via the Arkansas Medicaid Provider Portal
• Choose appropriate provider type (e.g., Behavioral Health Services, CES Waiver Provider)
• Submit license, W-9, EFT info, and required documentation

Step 2

• DDS CES Waiver Provider Application
• Submit sample behavior plans, training outlines, and crisis protocols
• Include staff licensure or credentials and documentation policies

Step 3

• Approval and Service Coordination
• Begin receiving referrals from DDS support coordinators once approved
• Coordinate with families, schools, and interdisciplinary teams as needed

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Licensure or credentialing (e.g., BCBA, LPC, LCSW, Psychologist)
• Medicaid and CES Waiver provider approval
• Policy & procedure manual including: Behavior assessment tools and planning templates
• Behavior support implementation and training guides
• Client rights, consent forms, and privacy policies
• Crisis prevention and de-escalation protocols
• Daily documentation, incident reports, and session notes
• Staff supervision, CEUs, and credential tracking
• Billing documentation and service tracking logs

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Behavior Analyst / Clinical Supervisor Requirements: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Psychologist, LCSW, LPC, or LMFT with experience in developmental disability services

Role: Behavior Technician / Direct Support Staff Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of behavior support training
• CPR/First Aid and crisis management training
• Background check and registry clearance

Training Requirements for All Staff:

• Positive behavior support techniques
• Person-centered planning and communication strategies
• Documentation, HIPAA, and ethics
• Annual safety and emergency response updates

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES 

• Behavioral Health Services are available under
• Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver
• Regular Medicaid Behavioral Health Programs
• Children's Behavioral Health and Early Intervention Programs

Approved providers may deliver:

• Behavior intervention and caregiver support
• Skills training in emotion regulation and social interaction
• Community-based or in-home behavior support
• Crisis response and therapeutic coaching
• Therapy services (if licensed and authorized)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH 

Phase 1: Business Formation Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase 2:  Medicaid Enrollment & CES Waiver Provider Application Timeline: 45–90 days

Phase 3:  Licensing (if applicable) Timeline: 30–60 days

Phase 4:  Staff Hiring and Credentialing Timeline: 30–45 days

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 Department of Human Services – Division of Aging, Adult, and Behavioral Health Services Phone: (501) 686-9164 Website: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/about-dhs/daabhs
• Arkansas Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal Website: https://portal.mmis.arkansas.gov

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — ARKANSAS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDER

We help mental health professionals and support organizations launch Medicaid-compliant Behavioral Health Services under Arkansas's CES Waiver and outpatient behavioral health system.

SCOPE OF WORK (i.e. What Waiver Consulting Group (WCG) Does)

Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements.