1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

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

Role: Approves providers of Homemaker Services under the CES Waiver and monitors service delivery

Arkansas Medicaid / Division of Medical Services (DMS)

Role: Manages provider enrollment and reimbursement for Homemaker Services

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Ensures federal compliance with HCBS Waiver requirements

2. HOMEMAKER SERVICE OVERVIEW

Homemaker Services include routine household tasks that the individual is unable to perform due to their disability. These services help maintain a clean, safe, and organized home environment, reducing the risk of institutional placement and enhancing quality of life.

Approved providers may deliver:

• Light housekeeping (sweeping, dusting, laundry, dishwashing)
• Meal preparation (non-medical, including cleanup)
• Assistance with shopping and errands
• Bed-making and linen changes
• Trash removal and home organization
• Documentation of services and participant satisfaction

3. LICENSING & PROVIDER APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS

Prerequisites: 

• Register business with the Arkansas Secretary of State
• Obtain EIN from the IRS and NPI (Type 2)
• Submit CES Waiver Provider Application to DDS
• Complete Medicaid provider enrollment via the Arkansas Medicaid Portal
• Hire staff trained in household support and participant safety
• Maintain general liability insurance and secure documentation systems

4. PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS

Step 1: Medicaid Provider Enrollment

• Apply through the Arkansas Medicaid Provider Portal
• Submit W-9, NPI confirmation, EFT, and business documentation
• Select Homemaker Services under CES Waiver provider types

Step 2: DDS CES Waiver Application

• Submit staffing plans, training protocols, and sample service documentation
• Include policies for participant rights, scheduling, and home safety

Step 3: Approval and Referral Coordination

• Once approved, begin receiving referrals through DDS Support Coordinators

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• Articles of Incorporation or Business License
• IRS EIN Letter
• NPI confirmation
• Medicaid and CES Waiver approval
• Policy & procedure manual including: Participant intake and home assessment procedures
• Scheduling and task documentation templates
• Staff hiring, supervision, and training logs
• Participant rights and informed consent
• Emergency protocols and incident reporting forms
• Confidentiality and HIPAA compliance
• Billing and timesheet verification systems

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Homemaker / Direct Support Staff Requirements

High school diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid certification

Background check and Adult/Child Maltreatment Registry clearance

Experience in housekeeping or in-home support preferred

Training Requirements for All Staff: 

• Safety and cleanliness standards
• Infection control and proper use of cleaning agents
• Client confidentiality and respectful communication
• Annual training in documentation and incident response

7. MEDICAID WAIVER SERVICES

• Homemaker Services are authorized under
• Community and Employment Supports (CES) Waiver
• ARChoices in Homecare Waiver (under separate guidelines)

Approved providers may deliver: 

• Non-medical household support and meal preparation
• Shopping and home maintenance assistance
• Daily documentation and reporting
• Support aligned with goals in the Individualized Service Plan (ISP)

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH 

Phase 1: Business Formation Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase 2: Medicaid and CES Waiver Enrollment Timeline: 45–90 days

Phase 3: Staff Hiring and Training Timeline: 30–45 days

Phase 4:  Service Launch and Referral Coordination Timeline: 2–4 weeks

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 Medicaid Provider Enrollment Portal Website: https://portal.mmis.arkansas.gov

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

We support agencies and entrepreneurs in launching Medicaid-compliant Homemaker Services under Arkansas's CES Waiver program.